Addie Lee Hunnicutt Lister at Devil's Den State Park

This morning I met Addie Lee Hunnicutt Lister, and my life is richer for it.

Addie Lee was another guest at the Sky-Vue Lodge in Winslow, Arkansas. This morning at breakfast there were two tables of guests. Everyone at one table left except her, so, I said, “Come join us.” She came over, limping slightly, saying she had broken her pelvis a couple of years ago and was still using a walker when on rougher ground.

Kris and I started talking to her and learned that she spends every June in Winslow, volunteering at Devil’s Den State Park, talking about when it was built as a CCC project. That is the Civilian Conservation Corp, which was the equivelant of the WPA for 18-21 year olds.

Addie Lee met her husband when he was working at Devil’s Den Park as a young man. Devil’s Den is known for the extraordinary rock work, which Addie Lee says was built on the strong backs of young men.

She and her husband had quite a life together, until he died in 2002. He eventually became a pharmacist and they had a son together.

Devil’s Den State Park wanted to add a statue to commemorate the CCC, and Addie Lee and her son made the final necessary contribution to make it possible.

Addie Lee was asked to write the plaque that is below that statue.

In the visitor’s center – our first stop after arriving in the park – we found Addie Lee is mentioned in the information there.

If you’re lucky, and you come in June, you’ll get the chance to visit with Addie Lee at the park. Or at Sky-Vue Lodge over a delcious breakfast. But, you might want to visit soon. Addie Lee says she will turn 92 on July 4 and she’s just not sure she’ll be able to come next year.