The Thurl Dillard Chronicles: Roots, Roads, and Legacy

In the Final episode of The Dillard Files, we dive into the grittiest part of Thurl’s time in the military. From sleeping in a barn and marching for days in the freezing cold to surviving with mumps in Paris, this chapter paints a raw portrait of World War II life. He recounts sleeping in caves, building foot bridges over the Isar and Rhine Rivers, and guarding 35 prisoners while journeying throug...

In this episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl walks us through the whirlwind of his entry into military life. From registering and physicals to deciding between the Army, Navy, or Marines, it’s a story full of mishaps and memories. He shares about the bus breakdown, getting his first military haircut, and wrestling with oversized uniforms at Camp Robinson. The journey continues with basic training a...

On this episode of The Dillard Files stitches together a tapestry of family voices, each offering a vivid memory from a different era. Vinos remembers Grandpa and the Model T; Argie recounts early electric lights on Pilot Knob and sawing adventures with Uncle Delmer. Thurl reflects on cross-country mishaps, shooting a rooster, and the legendary Jack Dempsey (the rooster, not the boxer). From horse...

In this action-packed and slightly chaotic episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl revisits a day when calm turned to calamity. The house catches fire, sparking a frantic run to Violet Hill and Oxford. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—Uncle Delmer’s mean dog, Old Mikey, makes an appearance, and a gobbler attack tops off the day’s surprises. It’s a fast-paced ride through childhood misadventures,...

Join us for a heartfelt journey into the "Moss Sisters' Memories," as we delve into the rich tapestry of their family's past. In this episode, we'll hear Aunt Ann's vivid recollections of staying with Papa and Mama Cliff, including playful mouse sounds, getting into trouble over cornbread, and the passing of Mama Cliff. Sue shares her own sweet memories of Mama Cliff, sweet gum bushes, and the poi...

Join us as we venture through this episode, a treasure trove of family lore! In this episode, we unpack some truly unforgettable moments: from Eddie's wild ride getting bucked off a mule and his mischievous chewing tobacco escapades, to the hilarious tale of hiding under the bed from Eddie and Vinos. We'll also hear about Eddie's talking cat, and delve into the early days of Thurl and Rhetta's rel...

In this episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl and family recount vivid memories rooted in the rhythms of rural life. From canning pears and selling pies to using old cistern pumps for water, this episode brings the Watkins place to life through stories of frog legs, learning to ride bikes, and childhood curiosity that sometimes led to a tumble or two. Thurl recalls a wreck in Missouri, starting over...

In this episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl shares stories from a life shaped by hard work, small-town mischief, and a whole lot of heart. From discovering a snake in the bed and catching the whooping cough to sweeping the yard and waiting for trains at Calico Rock, every memory is soaked in the spirit of rural resilience. Hear tales of 4th of July festivities, raising peanuts, getting whippings,...

In this nostalgic episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl takes us back to a life shaped by chalkboards, chores, and cherished family traditions. He reflects on starting school in 1930—sharing stories about school wardrobes, trading lunches, strict teachers, and the rhythm of a school schedule. Outside the classroom, he brings to life moments like fishing, swimming, listening to the Grand Ole Opry, sq...

In this episode of The Dillard Files, the stories keep coming with unforgettable tales of family chaos, childhood drama, and small-town survival. Thurl recounts the story of Rheta’s birth and the wild arguments over baby Fisher. You’ll hear about Aunt Jo’s diphtheria, donuts for the first time, and the time Jo got shoved off the barn ladder by Fisher. From paper dolls and fire at Thanksgiving to s...

In this fun and feisty episode of The Dillard Files, we hear tales straight from the Moss sisters—stories full of surprises, laughter, and a little danger. Jo shares the time she got bit by a snake and the chaos that followed, while Jetta jumps in to finish the tale. Then there’s the unforgettable moment a rat showed up inside the house (also told by Jo), and a look back at days spent playing bask...

In this powerful and personal episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl reflects on life in Oxford during the early 1940s. From cotton picking and Saturdays bustling with traveling merchants to the local businesses that kept the town moving, each memory paints a picture of a community rich with grit and resilience. Thurl shares hunting tales—some successful, some a bit off-track—and recounts the story o...

Step back into the past with Thurl as he shares legendary tales from the Dillard family archives. This episode brings Uncle Delmer to life—from his yellow raincoat and summer woodcutting skills to his battle with illness in 1949. You’ll hear stories of mad dogs, the 1917 Model T, and a turkey gun showdown involving Grandad . Plus, there’s plenty of mischief: from turning over an outhouse to fallin...

In this episode of The Dillard Files, Thurl opens up the family vault with stories that span births, bruises, and barnyard adventures. He recalls the unforgettable day Michael was born—paired with a wreck in 1957—and the arrival of Donna and Wendell. Listeners will hear about baby Michael’s surgery, life on the Watkins place in Oxford, and what it was like working up north in St. Louis. But it wou...

In this heartwarming episode, Thurl takes us back to some of the most vivid and defining moments of his early life. From the first time he tasted soda pop to the chaos of a Christmas rooster scratching up gifts, each memory paints a picture of a time that was simpler, but full of character. He shares five personal favorites, including barefoot boyhood mischief, making crops for his grandpa, and th...