THE QUARTZ KING: AN ARCHIVAL SUMMARY

Originally Published by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (December 12, 2004)

THE OVERVIEW
In 2004, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette chronicled the legacy of Ocus Stanley (1903–1989), widely recognized as the “undisputed grand old man of quartz.” The technical survey, authored by Corbet Deary, details the pivotal 1930s era when Stanley launched the modern Arkansas quartz industry from his base in Ola.

KEY HISTORICAL PILLARS

• The Blocker Lead No. 4 Mine: Stanley’s work here during the WWII era provided the foundational “Grit” for the region’s mining reputation.
• The Federal Handshake: The documentation notes how 1940s-era quartz was prioritized for the Federal Strategic Reserve to support Allied communications.
• Scientific Legacy: Ocus and his son, Ola “Sonny” Stanley, established the Stanley Mineral Museum, preserving thousands of specimens that bridge the gap between commercial mining and scientific excellence.

CURATOR’S NOTE
The “Article Piece” featured in our current archive represents the physical provenance documented in this 2004 survey. By preserving the paper trail alongside the mineral, we maintain the institutional integrity of the Stanley Collection for future stewards.

Reference: ‘Arkansas’s Quartz King’ by Corbet Deary, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2004).