"We arrived home safely but a shade tired. The only bad thing I have ever found about fishing is coming back to work. You folks will never know how much we enjoyed your hospitality. You all were very nice and we hope than someday in some way we can return the courtesy. We plan to come back soon and that's for sure!! Let me know how you come out on the turkey hunt. (Tell Chick that if he will tie a turkey to a bush somewhere close, I might bring Bonnie down for a turkey hunt)."
Harold and Bonnie - KIMO Radio - Independence, MO - April 3, 1951

"I want to tell you that Mrs. Silver and I appreciate the hospitality shown us while we were guests of Blackberry Hill Lodge. Our day there with the fishing and excellent food was the high spot of our trip to the Ozarks. We think that you have a top-notch set-up for hunting and fishing. We arrived home after a day's drive and I can report the fish came through fine. We had some for supper last night, also some today at noon. They taste better each time. Tell Bobby hello for us. Best wishes for all of you."
H.M. Silver - The 400 Club - Shreveport, LA - September 13, 1951

"With apologies to Kipling":

Catfish
The Catfish
Hats off to the catfish
The goggle-eyed, white-bellied catfish
The elusive, unobstrusive,
Non-existant catfish
The you-know-the-kind-I-mean Catfish
The Simon-pure, White River Catfish
The hard-to-get one,
The have-you-ever-met-one catfish
Oh, pish, tosh, tish!
The gol-darned catfish!

Ethel Jones - Arkansas State Department Public Health - Harrison, AR - September 4, 1951

"Bob, I want to tell you that both Katie and I have told each other many a time since we left your place that we never enjoyed a vacation as well as we did the time we spent with you. We are still marveling at the talent, patience, and hard work that your Ann has invested into the place and the splendid results that you both get. Believe me, it is a privilege to stay at Blackberry Hill."
Bill Gregory - President, Easton-Taylor Trust Company - Saint Louis, MO - September 10, 1951

"We have stayed at a good many places within the boundaries of these United States, and have never found one so near like home. Whether you Ketchum or not, the Ketchum's are okay"
Alice Chambers - Duquoin, Il. - October 16, 1951

"Doc and I arrived home about 11AM Saturday morning. We had a very pleasant trip home and here I am back at work at the same old grind thinking of what good times we had while we were your guests at Blackberry Hill. Really, it was one of the most pleasant and wonderful vacations that I have ever had. I have never had so much fun in all my life and such wonderful hospitality as you all had for Doc and myself. The food and cabins were so nice and I want to take this opportunity of thanking the both of you very much for everything and the wonderful time which you showed us while we were there."
Carl Wilson - Manager, Zales Jewelers - Waco, TX - June 29, 1953

"May I spend a few words in thanks for one of the most delightful two days I have spent in my lifetime. Your hospitality was unexcelled and your friendship will never be forgotten. My wife, son and myself plan to spend another weekend there before he enters college next month and will call you for a reservation."
Craig "Jerry" Campbell - Director, Arkansas Publicity and Information Commission - Little Rock, AR - August 10, 1953

"This is to tell you how much we enjoyed fishing with you at beautiful Norfork Lake recently. We certainly had a lot of fun and your guiding was really interesting. Please be advised that we are planning to be at Blackberry Hill on September 8th, and will bring about a 10-12 international friends with us. Please reserve for us the cabins close to the main lodge. I'd like to suggest, ahead of time, that you make a special effort in locating and holding some big lunkers for our mutual friend "Paradise" from San Juan, P.R.; and if you can add to these, some special "hard refreshments", I know that all this will add to the enjoyment of our friend Frank who, as you know, is a real sport and a regular guy, and believe it or not, a damn good fisherman since he comes from a beautiful fishing town in northern Spain."
Francis Doll - Saint Louis Trading Company - August 12, 1953

"We sure had a great time at the lodge. The girls want to come back soon. High spot of the trip for me was the night we spent fishing. The Eaton family thanks you both for a very good time at Blackberry Hill. Nancy and Frances send best regards to Bobby."
John and Mary Eaton - Tulsa, OK - August 25, 1953

"Just to drop you a line and let you know what a wonderful time we had while a guest at Blackberry Hill. To us this is not a resort in its full meaning but rather a place where everyone is treated just as if he or she were a dear friend whom had been away for years, and you were endeavoring to show him the many pleasures in life he had been missing. Thanks again."
Holmes and Thelma Thurmond - Evinrude Motors - Shreveport, LA - September 11, 1953

"I certainly did enjoy getting acquainted with you both and I not only would love to try my luck fishing on Norfork, but I'd like to hear some more of Bob's stories."
Clyde Davis - Salisbury, CT - May 17, 1954

"Both Anne and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and having the opportunity to visit your home. You both were perfect hosts, and we are happy to have people like you catering to the tourist trade in Arkansas. We both hope that we can see a great deal more of you, and now that we know the way, we will be back to visit you. Thanks again for your splendid hospitality."
Sid McMath - Governor, State of Arkansas - Little Rock - April 29, 1957

"Just wanted to tell you how very much Marjorie and I enjoyed our visit with you this past weekend. It really was the first time I've had an opportunity to relax since becoming a member of this court, and we had a wonderful time. I realize that both of you went to a lot of trouble for our benefit, and this is all the more appreciated since you never "laid eyes" on us before. As I told you, we valued your friendship even before personally making your acquaintance, but having met you, we value it even more; actually, I feel that I have known both of you for a long time. Ann, we enjoyed your playing and singing, and look forward to hearing you again. Convey our kindest regards to little Bob. He is certainly a fine youngster, and we know you are proud of him. We are still laughing about his remark, "When are the Big Shots coming?"
Carlton Harris - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas - Little Rock, AR - April 30, 1957

"Both Ellen and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making our stay at Blackberry Hill Lodge so pleasant. I think possibly we could boast of the fact that we saw Arkansas in the winter, spring, and summertime, all within a period of two weeks. We hope the Lodge is now filled to capacity, and that you both had a very enjoyable time over the last week-end as you had planned so long for the entertainment of your distinguished guests. Please remember us to Bobby, Jane, Mrs. Murphey, Dotty, Raymond, and last but not least, little Fritz."
Adrian Holmberg - Vice President, Goss Printing Press Company - Chicago, Il - May 1, 1957

"This is just to say that Aline and I enjoyed very much the nice dinner and party at your home last weekend. Your new home is really very nice and you are unexcelled as a host and hostess. Sometime when you are over Harrison way please drop by and see us."
Ernie E. Wright - Judge, 11th Chancery Circuit Court - Harrison, AR - May 2, 1957

"Grace was impressed with your lodge and hospitality and we both hope we can come back soon. Grace was surprised with Ann's fine playing and singing altho I had told her about this before. Thanks again."
Dr. Robert Hamm - Dentist - Mt. Pulaski, Il - May 30, 1957

"We want to say how much we enjoyed our short stay at Blackberry Lodge. You two certainly have that touch that says- "Enjoy yourself - this is home". And we did."
Dot and Don Taylor - Ozark, Ala - November 20, 1959

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