Was there a place and time in your life where you grew as a person, where you became a young adult? A place where you went to have fun, to relax, and feel safe from the turmoil of everyday life? For our mother, Loreen Ratzloff, that place was Coon Creek near Cedar Point in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Mom was born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and World War II. She passed away in November 2022 at the age of 91. She said her most favorite time in life was between 1939 to 1946 playing on Coon Creek with her siblings and close friends. It was where she grew as a person, to find her voice, and become a young woman. She even wrote a poem about it called, “Ole Coon Creek.” Here are the words.
  
Don’t tell me (old friend), of your parties at Coon Creek.
There's a gnawing pain, and it makes me feel sick.
That’s okay, how could you know? Well, you got to stay.
And we had to go like some lost souls astray.

Then all was forgotten, as we traveled on our journey.
Trying to find ourselves, we were in a hurry!
Now it’s time to slow down. I put down my pick.
What do I think of? Well, it’s Ole Coon Creek.
 
There’s a lump in my throat, and tears are in my eyes.
As I write this note, like an old friend that dies.
Oh! Please bring it back! Turn back the tick!
Of the clock in the shack, bring back Ole Coon Creek!
  
I’ve met my challenge in life. I did it all, I think.
I couldn’t have handled the strife, without Ole Coon Creek!
As I reflect on life, I can’t help but think.
In every child there is a place, called Coon Creek.

Not long after she wrote the poem, her son, Gary Roberts, put a tune to it. As mom laid in hospice care during her final hours, mom’s four children sang the song to her. She could not speak, but her lips moved to the words. It was a tearful moment! Mom passed away that night. Her children performed the song a few days later at her funeral.

Mom’s grandson, Bryce Roberts, said he wanted to record the song as a tribute to his grandmother. He is a recording engineer in Nashville. We made the trip in 2023 to Nashville and recorded the song at Soultrain Sound Studios. Performing are her children - Gary Roberts on vocals and 6 and 12 string guitars, Charney Roberts Price on vocals and piano, Galen Roberts on vocals, and Wanda Roberts Lambert on vocals. The song was recorded, mixed and produced by Bryce Roberts. He also added slide guitar.

Many of us have a favorite place where we grew up, found our voice, and became young adults. Did you have a special place? That’s what this song is about. We hope you enjoy listening! 

The song, “Ole Coon Creek,” and its recording is Copyrighted 2023 by Roberts (family members). All rights reserved.

Ole Coon Creek from a poem by Loreen Ratzloff, Performed by Roberts (her children)

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, AR for about 17 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed a UCA Unplugged series at the University of Central Arkansas around this same time, and co-managed the Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Most performers were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe, UCA Unplugged, and Arkansas Acoustic Festival performances on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. Most of these songs are originals written by Central Arkansas Musicians. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in Central Arkansas. I especially want to thank Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Brooks Walthall, Allan Roisen, and Chuck Gilbert who ran sound and recorded this music. If you wish to contact me my email is robertsgary1952@gmail.com.  Please enjoy!

Ole Coon Creek from a poem by Loreen Ratzloff, Performed by Roberts (her children)

Gary Alan Roberts