Environment. Because only one acre in ten of Newton County’s 10,584 acres is cultivated and vast tracts are left undisturbed by man, Newton County furnishes a splendid field for study of the flora and fauna of the Ozark region. It is one of the most mountainous counties of the state and has a diversity of soils, so that vegetation of many different species is found.

Factories. Newton County is a timbered district and many of the factories are associated with the timber industry. Sawmills and cooperage plants are numerous, and the owners move these mills from time to time to be nearer the areas from which they are receiving timber.

Industries. The most important industries of Newton County are: mining, agriculture, and lumbering. Fruits, small grains, poultry, and livestock are the most valuable agricultural products. Zinc, lead, and marble are found in Newton County, but most mines there are inactive at the present time.

Racial Divisions. Newton County has a population of 10,534 native white people, 62 persons of foreign birth or parentage, and no negroes. The people are predominately of Anglo-Saxon blood. There are no bilingual groups, and practically no foreign influence.

Architecture. There is no particular type of architecture represented in Newton County. The old log houses with “lean-to” kitchens are common throughout the rural sections, and some very attractive log cottages have been built on farm homes.

Public Schools. The consolidation school program has made favorable progress in Newton County and there are a dozen of these modern, graded plants to which pupils are transported by bus. There are also many rural one-room schools, however the better schools movement is making much progress in this county.

Public Welfare. Agencies Newton County has a part-time health officer, and has a registered nurse at Jasper available for private calls. . . . The County Welfare Board takes care of unemployables, relief cases, and emergency cases of need. As Newton County has mostly a rural population with no urban centers there has been little effort to carry on organized social work. Home Demonstration Program The home demonstration program in Newton County is quite young, but already the work in home improvement and home beautification shows pleasing results. Women in 17 communities in the county are enrolled in this program, and seven communities have 4-H Clubs which are working on similar programs.

Folk Dances. Through the rural section of this county square dances are the popular amusement. Every neighborhood has its “fiddler” and groups of musicians are often used at these dances. Old and young attend and dance. The smaller square dance in the private home is the most popular. Throughout the county singing schools are held and are always well attended.

National Parks. Approximately one-fourth of Newton County is occupied by the Ozark National Forest Reserve and this acreage is being increased.