Interviews

Debbie Dye ~ Administrative Coordinator

How did you discover Eureka Springs?

Funny you should ask. I married at 17 (much too young) and my husband brought me to Beaver Lake to fish and camp for our honeymoon in 1974. We often came back for weekend vacations but at this time I never knew the Historic District existed. My husband was handicapped and negotiating the sidewalks and hills were not his idea of fun. We stayed at Tall Pines (62 & Pivot Rock Road) and Roadrunner Inn (on the lake) also Swiss Village Resort on 62.

After separating I dated a fellow whose family owned a cabin by the damn on Beaver not far from Starkey's Marina. We traveled in from 62 w coming from Tulsa and again I never saw downtown Eureka due to spending all our time at the lake.

Finally in 1980 I met and eventually married a fellow who loved the area and I was in shock to see all that I had been missing. We came to Eureka on average twice a month to enjoy the art galleries, restaurants and fine Hotels. Frank has since passed away but most of my fondest memories were of our time spent here.

After I returned from a move to Florida I found 2 new friends in Tulsa who were from Eureka Springs. Being single again and working I was not able to accompany them on their many trips back for concerts, parties and visits. It wasn't until 1990, when I became manager of an upscale gift shop in Tulsa that the opportunity arose again to visit this wonderful place. The owner of the gift shop was also a musician and his band had booked a Valentines gig at the Crescent Hotel. I was invited and enchanted when I arrived. While in town we learned of a vacant theater and within in a few months had closed the Tulsa store and moved to a log cabin in Holiday Island. We leased a store space downtown and opened Eureka Mercantile while revamping the theater to host the Beyond Elvis show. When the theater closed a few years later and my partner wanted to move back to Tulsa there was no question in my mind. I was staying.

What brought you here and what convinced you to relocate?

The town, the hills, the peaceful serenity of the Ozarks where embedded in my soul. Even the thought of moving back to Tulsa was depressing. My mothers comment was What a strange little town, no wonder you fit in, and she was right, I found a place where I fit in, where I belonged.

Can you give us a little background on your company? What do you do and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am working now at the Writers Colony a very proud accomplishment besides the birth of my son 25 years ago and meeting the love of my life after moving here.

As a business person what are the benefits you find being located in Eureka Springs? Are there any drawbacks?

Richard has been in the junk/antique business here for about 10 years. Winter can be a bit tough when the tourists aren't around & buying, but it's still worth the struggle.

If you were coming here on vacation what would your list of "must see or do" agenda include?

Walking the art galleries, listening to the musicians in the park, enjoying the wide rang of wonderful eateries and just hanging out watching the local color.

What would your ideal "night on the town" in Eureka Springs consist of?

Dinner at Ermillos, the Cate Brothers at Center Street then a night cap at Shaws' to watch the crowd at karaoke.

What do you think of the people that live here? How vital is the diversity of the residents to your idea "perfect community"?

We have a wide group of people for such a small community and even though it is quite diverse everyone gets along and accepts each others differences. (For the most part) There is the normal small town politics but to live here you have to get along with people who may be or think differently than you. It s part of Eureka's charm. If you can't accept the difference in the people around you, you don't need to be here.

I understand you are quite an avid angler. What does this area offer to the fisherman?

I do like to fish. We often just hang out at a cove with a line in the water, have a picnic and enjoy the surroundings with friend and family. Now for those who are serious fishermen there is a wonderful variety of places to fish for trout, bass, catfish (we have white albino catfish in our pond. First I'd ever seen them)

What other outdoor activities do you enjoy pursuing in the area?

It's great to hike around. Not just through town but the hills and back woods are a mecca of wildlife. From the Eagles that pass through to the hawks, blue jays, cardinals, finches of all kinds and several verities of woodpeckers just bird watching can keep you busy all year.

Eureka Springs has quite a fascinating history. How important do you feel this is in today's fast paced world?

If we lose our past we ll never improve our future. I love the history that is Eureka Springs. It has always drawn a diverse crowd of people. From the Indians who should the white man the healing waters to the settlers. From the early tourist who came for the cure to the soldiers who hid in our caves.

If we don t take the time to slow down and remember yesterday, we are likely to trip over tomorrow. Our history is not only a teaching tool for humanity but food for the human spirit. We ll die without it, if for no other reason than repeating our mistakes.

What does Eureka Springs mean to you?

Serenity. My day to day personal life has a lot of crazy swings. Living in Eureka takes the edge off my soul. I have found love here. A family of friend that is irreplaceable. And learned more about myself in the 10 years of living here than in the 35 years prior to moving.