Forgotten Passages

Crittenden County 170 years old January 26, 2012

2012-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Crittenden County turns 170 on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. The northeastern section of Livingston County was divided and Crittenden County was formed. It was named for John J. Crittenden, Kentucky politician who served in Congress.

The first county and circuit courts were to be held at the home of Samuel Ashley, which was the former tavern and voting place of Cross Keys, at about the territorial center of the newly formed Crittenden County. At this time Cross Keys was the one and only administrative outpost of this area. This site was either at or near the Fred Gilbert's residence located on the Crooked Creek Church Road. It is located about 1.5 miles North.

Barry Gilbert, the Grandson of Fred Gilbert now owns this land. Through the effort of the Gilberts a Monument has been erected on this historic site and marks the location of this first meeting to form the government of the new county.

The Monument reads" By an Act of the Kentucky General Assembly Jan. 26, 1842 a portion of land in Livingston county was set apart and organized with a court of its own. The new county, the 91st, was named in honor of John J. Crittenden. This site was selected because if was located in the center of the new county. The Inn owned by Samuel Ashley was a popular overnight stopping pace for hundreds of migrating folks en-route west via Fords Ferry during the 1820s-1840s.

Happy 170th Birthday to Our Home - Crittenden County.

Happenings from January 1982

2012-01-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

Some interesting tidbits of happenings fro m 30 years ago. Seems like only yesterday to me. These items are from the files of the Crittenden Press.

January 7, 1982

It's probably un-American to say anything good about parking meters, but that's exactly what we intend to do. They have a place and a purpose, and they're needed in Marion. The Marion City Council was right on target Monday evening when it directed the it's police department to begin rigid enforcement of the meters and collection of tickets.

In the early 70's when the city's old parking meters were worn out and not patrolled. You could hardly find a place to park downtown because of people leaving their vehicles unattended for hours at a time. Such a condition is a disservice to both the people looking for parking places downtown and to the merchants thee who need the parking for their customers.

As the Mayor noted, parking meters are a traffic control device just the same as a stop light. Their purpose is to keep traffic moving in an orderly manner.

(The parking meters have been removed now for several years. Once Marion Main Streets were busy with many stores for people to visit and purchase needed items. Most of these stores have closed and only a few remain. The need for cars to move on swiftly for others to have a parking place is gone now.)

January 14, 1982 -

Area residents suffer effect of cold and snow. Western Kentuckians have been buffeted over the past few days by the one-two blows of extreme cold and snow. Pushed by howling winds, a blast of arctic air plummeted temperatures well below zero throughout the area Sunday morning and as temperatures warmed this week, snow began falling mid-day on Tuesday. By afternoon the storm had left about two and a half inches of dry powdery snow and up to eight inches in some western portions of the state. Sunday may well go down in the record books as the coldest day of the Twentieth Century. Temperatures dropped well below zero. Marion recorded 4 degrees below zero on Sunday. The high temperature for the day was 6 degrees above zero. Home thermometer readings of 12 and 14 below were reported throughout the county. Strong winds made it fell much colder. Wind chill factors of about minus 50 were recorded Sunday morning.

January 21, 1982

Ice conditions in the Ohio River are breaking up and traffic is moving as usual. There's been ice up to six inches thick over seven to nine tenth of the river, but it's moving again now. Because of the warmer weather it's breaking up he ice into a mushy state which boats can move through, reported the Dam Lockmaster at the Smithland Lock and Dam.

Easley Blacksmith Shop

2012-01-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

The old pictures of long ago tell a story all their own. Here is great old picture made in March 1911.

The announcement in The Crittenden Press reads: New Shop New Man. Al Easley has taken charge of the Adams shop on north College Street, and will be ready for all kinds of repair work, blacksmithing and horse shoeing.

He is a good workman and guarantees satisfaction in all departments. Give him a trial.

People in picture: Elbert Guess shoeing horse on left, Hugh Driver holding horse, Al Easley shoeing horse on right. Others not identified.

Weston Cemetery Cleanup

2012-01-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

The old historic Weston cemetery located on the bluff above the tiny town of Weston was the site of another clean up day this past Saturday Jan. 7th, 2012. Over the past several years it had once again gotten overgrown with weeds and broken tree limbs from the 2009 ice storm.

Boy Scout Group #30 from Marion, for some of their community service hours worked hard for about 4-5 hours to get the cemetery once again in a very respectable condition. The picture at the right is the group of boys that worked so hard.

As the work first began. The whole area was covered in these grass like weeds.

Near the end of the work day - What a difference. Fires were built to help get rid of the leaves, weeds and tree limbs.

Some interesting facts about the old cemetery. The stone in the picture at the left is for Sylvester Sturgeon. He was a river boat captain that plied the old boats and barges up and down the river. He requested to be buried on the edge of the bluff so he would be near the river he loved. What a view he has.

The earliest burial there is for J. Finch, a small child. Born Oct. 7, 1832. Died Aug 1834, 8 years before Crittenden County was formed.

There is a Civil War Marker for Jas. M. Lamb, he fought in Co. B. Ist Ill. Cav.

A small stone near the point of the bluff is for J. C. Crowell. Josiah C. Crowell, although he had a family stone, he was a Civil War Veteran serving for the Union Army, Co. C. 1st Regiment, Capital Guard, Frankfort Battalion.

There are many more unknown and unmarked burials here that lie beneath the sod of a freshly cleaned cemetery. Many it stay clean for many more years.

The Chautauqua

2012-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

A big event in Marion was the coming of the Redpath Chautauqua each summer. They would set up their tents for seven days. The entertainment must have been on a grand scale. It consisted of plays, band concerts, magicians,speakers and all kinds of entertainment.

Here is an announcement about it coming to Marion from the June 22, 1923 Crittenden Press. It is the great Redpath Chautauqua, seven big days of the most instructive and delightful entertainment.

A splendid program has been arranged. It was the desire of the Woman's Club to provide the people of Marion and Crittenden County with the very best entertainment procurable and they have made possible to have in our midst a week, seven big days, of delightful entertainment.

The group contains the best preachers, orators, entertainers, and musicians that can be had. It will give a week of wholesome treats that leaves no bad taste in the mouth. Such lectureres as Gov. Folk and Adam Bede, such music as Knight's famous band and such entertainers as Lamant are on the program.

Crowds of over 2,000 were estimated to have visited the Chautauqua during this week.

New Year Happenings 2012

2012-01-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the new Fire Station that is being built on the corner of South Main and West Bellville Street.

This lot used to house the old Western Auto Store for many years. The other buildings that were located next to it, that were razed this past year, had housed many businesses during their time. They had all set empty for several years and had deteriorated without the upkeep that it takes to saves old buildings.

The old fire station had been located a couple of blocks away on East Bellville street for many years. The new station is being built on the busiest block in town. Hopefully it won't cause any conflict when a fire call comes in. For sure it is going to be a very beautiful building and the clock tower will add much to the down town scenery. This photo was made Dec. 26, 2011.

New Year Greetings

2011-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

How about some Happy New Year Greetings from yesteryear

The postmark on the card says Ottawa, Ill, Dec. 30, 1919.

Addressed to Charlie L. Lindsey, Sheridan, Ky.

Postmark reads Marion, Ky. Dec. 31, 1910

Addressed to Miss Stella Brasher, R.F.D.2, Fredonia, Ky.

Resolutions of Respect for J. H . Hampton

2011-12-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Crittenden Press, June 25, 1908 - Zion Hill Lodge, No. 371 F. & A.M.

June 10, 1908. Whereas it has pleased the Great Archetect of the universe in his wisdom to remove from our midst, our beloved Brother. J. H. Hampton, therefore be it:

RESOLVED: That in the death of Bro. J. H. Hampton, Zion Hill Lodge, looses a worthy and true member, the community, an honest, upright citizen, and his bereaved family a kind and generous husband.

Resolved that a page of the records of our Lodge be set apart to his memory, and a copy of these resolutions be spread thereon, a copy be sent to his bereaved family.

Resolved that the Brethern wear the usual badge of mouring for 30 days.

J. H. Hampton is buried in the Dunn Springs Cemetery, located on S. R. 387 a short distance off of HWY 91 North. He has a Civil War Military Stone, So. K, 6th Ill. Cav.

His obituary reads: June 11, 1908 - J. H. Hampton died Tuesday at his home at Fords Ferry, age 74. He was buried at Dunn Springs with Masonic honors.

Ole' Time Christmas Cards

2011-12-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Time once again to share some beautiful old Christmas Cards. I never get tired of looking at these.

These two were actually Post Cards. The post mark date on the back was 1914.

This is a small card. The verse inside reads
"Wishing You The Season's Greatest Joys and All Kind Thoughts For The New Year."

These was no envelope to get the date, but I wonder if maybe during WWII since it looks like a patriotic style card.

Winter time 1952

2011-12-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Although the picture looks more vintage, the date on it says Jan. 3, 1952. It was made on West Bellville Street looking toward downtown Marion.

Behind the ice covered tree limbs and branches, on the left, you can see the beautiful old Steamboat style home of Mr. and Mrs. John Flanary. At this time the Flanary's owned the home and is was in beautiful condition.

This one of a kind house was razed several years ago due to it being un-lived in and taken care of and it was in a very deteriorated state. A new brick home now sets on the location of the old home.

The man on the right looking toward the street is Mr. David H. Postlethweight.

Christmas Parade 1954

2011-12-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

Remembering the Christmas Parades of years past. One of Marion's largest crowds ever attended the parade of 1954.

The old Crittenden Press stated that the crowd was estimated at over 5,000 that swarmed into Marion to watch the hour-long gala Christmas Parade.

Before the parade, hundreds of cars were parked for blocks along side streets, requiring extra efforts by the Police Department and Boy Scouts to handle the traffic.

There were 18 festive floats entered in the parade, plus many other entries. All the Marion merchants had worked hard on their colorful floats, many pertaining to what the store sold, the Rose Cleaners float showed a group of dancing youngsters dressed appropriately in suit bags to reflect the dry cleaning theme.

The Cumberland Presbyterian float expressed a true religious scene depicting a kneeling choir at the base of a cross.

The picture above was taken on West Bellville Street. The cars in the street were from some of the dealerships that Marion had during that time.

Forgotten Passage Volume III Book

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Forgotten Passage Volume III has now been published. It is a collection of articles and photos about History and Genealogy of Marion and Crittenden County that I have used in my column in our local paper The Crittenden Press.

The articles in the book are similiar to the ones I use on my Blog, but in more detail. The articles cover businesses, schools, churches, communities, people, plus historic happenings that took place in our past history and many more items of interest to folks that love Crittenden County.

In case you would like one, it is $40.00 plus $4.00 shipping/handling.
Brenda Underdown, 139 Oak Hill Drive, Marion, KY 42064
270-965-2082 or email: bunderdown@apex.net

Volume I and Volume II are also available at $35.00 + $4.00 for shipping/handling.

Historic Home

2011-12-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

A little history from the year 1904. Several new impressive homes were being built in Marion. A new addition to Marion was being laid out and getting ready for lots to be sold. It was located North of town.

Al Pickens, a local business man, had purchased a lot and was building himself a handsome brick residence. The time was July 1904.

The two story brick home was to have a splendid cellar, which was a luxury, a large reception hall, double parlors, with folding doors between with family and kitchen and dining room on first floor, Several sleeping apartments will be on the second floor.

The house was the home of the Slyche Frazer family for many years. After they sold the home, two different couples have purchased the home and started renovation work on it, and both times something has happened and they had not finished the work on it. As you can see it is still a grand site to see.

The home sits empty today, and looks as it does in the photo. Hopefully it can be lived in once again and the work finished. It would be such a shame to lose this impressive old home as so many has been lost in Marion.

Copperas Spring School Students 1885-86

2011-11-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

This old picture at one time belonged to Braxton McDonald. He numbered and identified all the students in the picture. Which makes it a treasure. When the picture was made the school house was made of logs.

1. Marshall Hill, 2. Mack Hill, 3. Henry Wilson, 4. Ed Custard, 5. Euen Travis, 6. Sallie Travis, 7. Ida Wheeler, 8. Ellen Custard, 9. Susie Travis, 10. R. F. Wheeler, Teacher, 11. Maggie Hill, 12. Edna Travis, 13. Linnie Brantley, 14. Rose Travis, 15. Susie Brantley, 16. Susie Custard, 17. Sarah Travis, 18. Mattie Custard, 19. Rose Brantley, 20. Fannie Travis, 21. Aggie Travis, 22. Bertie Travis, 23. Ellen Travis. 24. Ida Custard, 25. Effie Brantley, 26. Bell Little, 27. Mon Travis, 28. Elbert Hill, 29. Bob Travis, 31. Joe Travis, 32. Jim Travis.

Later a 2nd building was built, and the school house used to be located on the Copperas Spring Road. At one time it was one, of only two, old one-room school houses left standing in the county. It was razed in 2010 by the owners of the land, but not before they offered what was left of the old building to anyone that would take it and try to restore it. There were no offers so the building is now gone.

Small Business Day

2011-11-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Friday Nov. 25th, 2011 is being promoted by the media as Small Business Day. Encouraging everyone to shop local and shop at the small independently owned stores. It really hit home this morning as I was downtown Marion going to the Bank. All of Marion's once busy stores down town are gone, I'm not saying there aren't any stores left open, but none that were originally there many years ago. No Drug stores, no department stores, no grocery stores or Five and Dime Stores.

There were only a couple of vehicles parked at the parking places on Main Street or down the side streets. Many years ago this would have been a busy day for the town of Marion. In the picture above, which was made in the mid 1940's gives us the memory of what a busy place it was, full of all kinds of businesses and shopping opportunities. Not just one department store, but 4, 2 drug stores, barber shops, grocery stores were also on main street and around the court house square, eating places and even a theater.

The picture at the left is West Bellville St. The Red Front store was popular, and next to it was a hardware store, grocery store, furniture store and a few others. Just look at tall the people on the street and all the cars parked along the curb.

I know this has happened to most all small towns, just a shadow of their former glory. But it's fun to remember the busy times of yesteryear.

Happy Thanksgiving from Yesteryear

2011-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

In Nov. 1928 a Thanksgiving Proclamation was given by Mayor J. V. Threlkeld. In the document the mayor requests all businesses in the city of Marion to be suspended during the Thanksgiving service scheduled for 10:30 at the Main Street Presbyterian Church. "Marion has passed thru another year of progress. We have, as a community and as individual citizens, been blessed in many ways. Therefore we should not forget the gratitude we owe our heavenly father for the prosperity and happiness we have enjoyed.

An old fashion "Happy Thanksgiving" to everyone that reads my Blog.

Resolution of Respect for W. L. Travis

2011-11-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

Crittenden Press, April 27, 1906

Liberty Lodge, No. 580 F. & A.M. Whereas, on December 30, 1905, it was the divine will and pleasure of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, to whom we must all bow in humble submission, to call from labor to refreshment our dearly beloved brother, Wm. L. Travis, and Whereas, Liberty Lodge, No. 580 F. & A.M. was caused to give up, by sad death, a faithful member and a professed Christian, whose loss is felt to the fullest extent by this Lodge and the bereaved widow and orphan children.

Signed: W. O. Wicker, F. M. Matthews, L. E. Hard, Committee.

William Lander Travis, son of William Blake Travis, Jr. and Emily Brown Travis. Was married to Mary Francis "Fannie" Redd. Buried in the Owen Cemetery, located on S. R. 855 North, a few miles from Frances, Ky.

Traveling Difficult in Earlier Times

2011-11-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

From the files of The Crittenden Press are found many interesting articles that tell us of hardships many years ago. One of them was the inconvenience of the condition of our roads.

This article was written in Feb. of 1927 and the picture at the right shows how bad the mud had become. The car in the back in mired down to its axles and the poor team of mules are having the hard time of trying to pull the car out of the mire.

Poems have been written and pictures painted of the snow-bound communities, whole books have been published about the flood-bound, but little attention has been paid to the mud-bound sections. It is literally true that many parts of this county are really mud-bound; work has been hindered and trading halted while activities of all kinds have been slowed down almost to a standstill.

Few of the roads in this county have been in a condition that would make wagon traffic fairly easy and none, aside from the graveled highway, will permit the use of automobiles. The problem of obtaining household supplies has gotten to be a serious matter for families in several sections and trips to the market have been made with expenditures of great effort and loss of time.

A few days ago a man from Shady Grove was in Marion, after having made an eight hour tirp from his home in a wagon without a load, drawn by four big mules.

The Salem mail carrier, who is due to leave the Marion post office at 2:30 p.m. was so delayed by the mud on the Salem highway ( now Highway 60) that it was ten o'clock the next morning before he reached his destination in Salem.

It took many years for the county to be able to acquire a county tax that could be applied toward the maintenance of the roads.

Veteran's Day, Friday Nov. 11, 2011

2011-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Let us join in Salute with those, who in years gone by, have given of their best, freely, that all which Our Flag represents might be kept true and secure.

These three stones stand proudly in the Dycusburg Cemetery. Three young men of the Dycusburg community that gave their lives for the freedom we have today. Their stones tell their story.

At the base of Pvt. Hall's stone reads:

Killed in Europe. He Gave His Life For Freedom's Cause

Weston Bluff - Civil War Site

2011-11-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Weston Bluff Skirmish

This Civil War Marker was placed near the foot of the Weston Bluff in the year 2005. It was one of three markers set in Crittenden County to mark Civil War actions sites. It was suppose to be part of the Ohio River Civil War Heritage driving tour. Although I don't believe this project created much activity in our county.

There is no documented evidence that Federal garrison occupied any point in our county, but guerrilla activity was sustained within the county, the largest being an attack on a Federal transport troop at Weston in June 1864.

Confederate forces, positioned on the bluff at Weston fired upon the steamboat Mercury as it passed northward. The Mercury was carrying the 7th Ohio Infantry, which returned fire from the boat. The captain refused to land the boat, citing orders not to do so in Kentucky, so there was no pursuit of the Confederate forces or a larger engagement. The skirmish is noted on the National Register of Historic Places.

View of the Ohio River from atop the Weston Bluff.

Seven Springs Missionary Baptist Church

2011-11-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

Another one of Crittenden County's Rural Churches is Seven Springs Baptist Church. It is interesting how this church got it name.

The church is located in the south end of Crittenden County off of Hwy 70 between Frances and Dycusburg. Today a modern sign marks the location and the road it is located on was also named for the church.

The first location was on Claylick Creek, near the Cumberland River, and close to seven large springs, from which it got its name. The church was organized in the early 1800's so it is one of our earliest churches.

Later the church was moved up the valley from the river, where services were held in a log building. In the early 1900s, the church was moved out near the main road.

This is the fourth building to house the church and was built in 1967. It is still an active church today.

Pictures made in October 2011.

Knights of Phthyas Hall

2011-10-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

In the year 1890, a young Marion Kentucky was growing and new organizations were being formed. One of these was the Knight of Phthyas.

When the membership started in 1887 there was a total of twelve, by 1890 there was a total of forty. With this large a membership, a idea of a new building was being planned.

The picture at the right is the new KP Hall built in 1890. This is how it appeared in The Crittenden Press in 1894. The new hall was built of substantial brick handsomely finished without and within and is a credit to the popular and rapidly growing order and also an honor to the town of Marion.

Many years later the building was owned by Lottie Terry, a department store, that carried fashionable clothing and hats of the time, sewing materials, and exquisite crystal and china. The Terry family lived in the upstairs section of the building.

After Mrs. Lottie died, her son, James Terry owned the store and ran it for many years. The store was sold in 1981 and the Terry home and store were torn down.

Even today, many people, have memories of this unique and different store that set on the corner, where today the Gilbert Funeral Home parking lot is located. Whether it be a child's new winter of spring coat to a lady's fine tailored made hat or garment designed and stitched by Mrs. Lottie, this store and the Terry family are a part o Marion's colorful history.

Marion Roller Mills

2011-10-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting article that appeared in the Dec. 21, 1899 edition of our local paper, The Crittenden Press. I love these old articles and hand sketched pictures. I wish more of the old business had been able to do this. We would have a lot more history of Marion in the early days if they did.

This is some of the article that went with the photo. Very informative.

This is a splendid picture of one of the county's leading industries - Marion Roller Mills. In front on the left is the office, cozy and convenient without an within; the high builidng on the left is the elavator; the three story building on the right is the mill proper and its big smokestack looms up in the rear, and just behind all these is a side track of the I. C. railroad.

The capacity of the mill is seventy-five barrels of flour per day, and there are no idle days - a full complement of hands are all kept busy by the extensive merchant and custom business of Clark & Kevil.

Two famous brands manufactured here are their patent flour, "Little Beauty," and the straight-grade "Dew Drop,".

Mr. D. B. Kevil, is the manager, and is an expert miller as well as a fine business man.

This mill was located on East Bellville Street, where the popular Marion Feed Mill is located today.

October Beauty

2011-10-18T04:47:00.000-07:00

Just some colorful pictures today to share the beauty of Crittenden County's countryside. These pictures were made Oct. 8th, 2011 in the Amish Community on Mt. Zion Road in the middle area of our county.

The lines from the poem "When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock" fit these pictures perfectly.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,

And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;

They's something kindo harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall in here

But the air's so appetizin; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny moring of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock

When the frost is on the punkin and fodder's in the shock.

Forgotton Churches

2011-10-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Crittenden County has always been plentiful in country churches. Some have been able to carry on through many years and others have been disbanded. Reasons not noted, but perhaps lack of membership and interest or members started to going to churches closer to where they lived. Also fire was a common hazard for these early wooden buildings, once burnt, some were not rebuilt.

Although these churches are no longer active they played an important part in the growth and settlement of our county. Their spiritual heritage and guidance has been passed on to present generations. These churches were of the Methodist Faith.

Meadow Creek: In 1869 there was a good congregation of Methodists at Meadow Creek which was located at the west-side of Highway 60 at the foot of Rosebud Hill. A cyclone passed through that community March 27, 1890 and destroyed the log building, and it was never rebuilt. Otho Nunn and W. R. Thurman served as stewards of this church at that time.
Union: There was a church known as Union Methodist Church, but it's location is not known. The Quarterly Conference held in Marion April 9, 1870 reports the Pastor was R. C. Love, and presiding Elder was L. B. Davidson.
Providence: The Providence church was located about 1.5 miles West of Crayne on the, then, farm of Tilford Bigham. There is a deed recorded in Deed Book B, page 193, dated June 11, 1848, for 1.5 acres where this church was built.
Dry Fork: This church was located off the road on the Irma-Salem Highway, on Dry Fork Creek. It was called the Little Brown Church.
Bethel: Bethel Methodist Church was located near the intersection of Mary Belle Mine Road and Crittenden Springs Road. The Superintendent of the Sunday School at one time was James A. Moore
Mount Pleasant: At one time there was a good congregation of Methodists at Mount Pleasant which was located on the hill back of Crittenden Springs Hotel. The year it was organized is unknown but it was a thriving church in the 1850's. In June 19, 1875, John McKerley was elected Sunday School Superintendent of the church. There is also a small cemetery located on the slope of the hill that was associated with the church, for it was known as Mount Pleasant Cemetery. No evidence of the old church was found, but it is thought to have been not far from this cemetery.

Remains of Clementsburg on the Ohio River

2011-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

The ruins of the John Rudd Clement home. When I first visited this site several years ago, both chimney's were still standing all the huge sandstones till in-tack. These pictures were made Sat. Oct. 8th, 2011 and you can see the ice storms of 2008 and 2009 have taken their toll on these majestic stone chimneys. Both show the damage done by ice and snow, and fallen limbs.

*****
John R. Clement had a dream, a dream of a town names Clementsburg located on the banks of the Ohio River, near were the old Dam 50 site used to be.
Around 1834, John R. Clement built a home, a large home with beautiful stone chimney's on each end of the house.

On Dec. 4, 1850, Clement, a surveyor, submitted plans involving a 137 acre lot, which included the site of this home, to the Crittenden County Clerk, and five days later it was duly filed. The Kentucky settler continued developing plans for the city that was to bear his name. He established a ferry, helped survey roads for himself and others and ran a mill.

Then around June 4, 1858, John Rudd Clement died as a result of an accident at his mill, and with him died his dream. He was laid to rest in a family cemetery, located not too farm from his home, where six others of his family were also buried.

The family stayed on for a while in the large, two -story home. But the elements also took their toll of the city's dream. The Clement house became weather-beaten and the family moved out. In 1937, the history making flood, flooded the surrounding area and the final decay of the Clement homestead began.

All that remains of what once was to be a city are ruins of the Clement's arm, chimneys, and garden plots now overgrown with honeysuckle vines, and some remnants of fences.

The remains of the chimney on the opposite end of the home.

The little family cemetery is located within site of the foundation of the old home.
Buried here are: John Rudd Clement,
Isham Clement, son of John and Sarah Hughes Clement,
Coseusco Clement, son of John R. and Sarah Clement,
Virginia Clement, daughter of John and Sarah Clement,
2 stones now missing were for Joe and Dickie Clement.

Tribute to Roger Morris

2011-10-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

Roger Morris of Carrsville, Ky, in Livingston County, passed away recently. Although a Livingston Co. native he was well known and liked here in Crittenden County. He worked at the Peoples Bank in Marion for 33 years, making many friends and acquaintances. Roger will be remembered in Marion by his many drawings of historical homes and buildings here and in the county. I once told Roger that without him even knowing it he had played a large part in preserving Crittenden County History.

In 1975 he did a series of drawings that included the County Court House that was built in 1871 and was torn down in 1961, the old Crittenden County Jail, the Flanary Home, that was located on Bellville Street, that has since been torn down, and the First U. S. Presbyterian Church located on East Bellville Street. These are just a few of the historical drawings that Roger did.

This is the drawing of the old Court House. Roger was generous in letting this picture be used for several different book covers, stationary and other printed items for the genealogy and historical society.

The first U. S. Presbyterian Church that is located at 124 East Bellville Street, built in 1881. It is now the location of the Crittenden County Historical Museum, operated by the Crittenden County Historical Society.

The Crittenden County Historical Society log cabin. A picture of their log cabin located on College Street.

A few of the other historical buildings that Roger drew included Piney Fork School House, Piney Fork Meeting Shed, Marion Jr. High School, the Ollie M. James home on East Depot Street and many, many family homes all over the county.

A thank you to this very talented person who shared that talent with us and through him many places of our past will always be remembered.

Unknown School Group

2011-10-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

A good thing to remember, and I always encourage everyone, to date and identify all the pictures that you make today. At the time it may not seem important, but years later it will be.

The picture may travel down through time, well-kept and preserved, but the little faces of a different time will have no names, nor no history to go with them.

Case in point, this wonderful school group of many years ago. What school were they attending and who were all these students.? We might even know their families if we only knew who they were.

Traveling along State Route 506

2011-09-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

If one was going to the Piney Fork area you would take S. R. 506 from Marion. Many of us locals still call this the Piney Fork Road, for if you travel on for about 7 miles you will come to the Piney Fork community. The Piney Fork Presbyterian Church is still active today, and many of the families that live in the area had family living here many years ago. The grocery store, blacksmith shop, tannery and gristmill have been gone for many, many years.

Before you get to the Piney Fork community you will pass a lone cemetery marker standing along side the highway. It belongs to John A. Andrews, 1815-1891. It's such an unusual sight to see it standing there and it makes you wonder about its history.

Rev. James Boone, now 100 years old, told me the story. He said years ago, the only road to get to Piney Fork, was actually the creek bed that ran along the foot of this hill. When it rained and the creek was full, it cut off the only way to get to Piney Fork. At this time the spot where the Andrews stone is was a field.

It was decided that a road should be built up on the hill and away from the creek so that it wouldn't be flooded every time it rained. The land chosen for this road cut through the Andrews farm and was made very near the monument.

Perhaps the Andrews family at one time had intended for this to be the start of their family cemetery, as many family cemeteries were made on the family's land, but after the road was built and was located so close to the monument, they later buried family members in the near-by Piney Fork Cemetery. So the monument was there before the road was.

These little store buildings are still standing at the junction of S.R. 506 and Copperas Spring/Flynns Ferry Rd. Although empty for many years they are still a reminder of the once active little community of Piney Fork.

The small store on the left was the first store that was there. It was a wooden frame building. As the needs of the community grew, so did the need for a larger store, so the block building on the right was built. All the needs of the community were available at these country stores.

Crittenden Springs Resort

2011-09-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

I've written about the once famous Crittenden Springs Hotel before, but it is a part of Crittenden County's past history that holds a fascination for me, just to think about a place so wonderful and grand once actually graced the hillside in rural Crittenden County.

Here is an article that appeared in the Crittenden Press in Sept. 7, 1893 about this wonderful place.

A Guest Writes Pleasantly of the Famous Watering Place.

As I sit in the handsome parlos of this famous health and pleasure resort this delightful cool morning, and allow my eyes to wonder forth upon the beautiful panorama of natural scenery composed of hill and dale, forest and field, rock and meadow, that greets me from my eyrie upon the crest of the hotel hill and my ears drink in the delightful music of the Italian band, my mind reverts to the happy days I have spent amid all their splendor of natural scenery, human joy and refinement, and it is with a pang of keen regret that I am reminded that in one more reolution of the sun in its orbit I will have left it all behind me possibly forever.

Not only has Crittenden Springs been nicely endowed by nature, but for above and beyond all natural beauty is the exceedleness great kindliness, courtliness and hospitableness that has marked the conduct of the present management. As for the culinary department, never has a summer resort been blessed with such good food, or more enjoyable entertainments that the Crittenden Springs. What with mother hubbard balls, phantom balls, private theatricals, progressive cinque parties, vocal and instrumental music and other entertainments galore, the week as been one continual round of pleasure.

How exciting to go back in time for a spell and visit this wonderful place in Crittenden County

Shady Grove Cemetery

2011-09-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Shady Grove Cemetery located in Shady Grove, Ky. about 15 miles East of Marion is a large well-maintained county cemetery. Shady Grove is located close to the Caldwell County line and also the Webster County line, so there are people that have close connects to all three counties.

There are many interesting and unique stones in the cemetery, as in most old cemeteries there are some stones that have become unreadable with time, but our local cemetery books help with identifying these unreadable stones.

One of the unusual stone memorials are a set of concrete stone-like steps. It is a memorial for the F. L. Atwood family. Each stone has a small white marker embedded in it, they say: Blanch Atwood, Alpha Atwood, Elizabeth Atwood, Clara Atwood and F. L. Atwood.

Rev. Frank L. Atwood's obituary tells us who this family was and how they came to be in Shady Grove.

Crittenden Press, May 10, 1940. Rev. Frank L. Atwood, 89, was buried at Shady Grove Cemetery last Sunday. A former resident of Crittenden, born at Canton, Ky, Rev. Atwood came here as a young minister and pastored the Shady Grove Baptist Church about a half century ago. At the time of death he resided with his daughter Mrs. R. H. Keeton, Little Rock, Ark. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. I. W. Talley, Providence, assisted by Dennie Hubbard.

One of the names, Clara Atwood, married R. L Wood. She was born March 31, 1880 and died April 16, 1905. She died of consumption at the age of 25.

The tombstone in the picture at the left is for Clara. It is placed by her 'step' with the rest of the family.

Many stones like these that only have a name and no date, without family members present to help with the history it sometimes hard to find any information about the family and who the people are. Sometimes we are fortunate and can find an obituary that will shed light on who the people are and when they died. Such was the case with the Atwood family, with whom these stones were for.

Visit to the Historical Museum

2011-09-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Crittenden County Genealogy Society took a trip to the Historical Museum at 124 East Bellville St. for their program this past Saturday.

Left to right: Steve Eskew, Doyle Polk, Brenda Underdown, Dot Kunnecke, Fay Carol Crider and Don Foster.

The Museum is full of interesting items and displays all pertaining to our local history. Behind the group is a small section of our Military Display, with uniforms, pictures, and other military items donated by family members of the veterans.

The old Lamb Loom is to the right of the group. It was donated to the Museum by the Dean family. The Loom used to be located at Deanwood and the Dean family used it to weave many items.

In another room of the Museum, Fay Carol Crider, Doyle Polk and Dot Kunnecke checked out the many items located there.

Dot is checking out the old hair permament machine that looks somewhat like an item of torture for the person getting their hair curled.

One will always find something of interest at the Museum. It is open from Wed.-Sat. 10:00 -3:00.

Marion's Old Water Tower

2011-09-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

A familiar Marion landmark of years ago was the Marion Water Tower. It could be seen for miles around and really was a nice familiar sight to see. It identified our small town for miles around. It was taken down in February 1981.

The 150-ft. steel tower, located on property the city owned off South Walker Street, had dominated the town's skyline since its construction in 1925.

The standtank had not been used since the early 1970's when a new tank was constructed on Wilson Hill off the Piney Road. The old tank made of quarter-inch riveted steel sheets, had rusted over the years.

It was first thought that the old tank could be dismantled and erected elsewhere, but after closer inspection it was found to be deteriorated too much for further use.

So in February 1981, the old familiar Marion landmark came crashing to the ground as workmen from Henderson cut away two of the towers six legs and notched other to direct its fall.

Using a winch, they buckled a key leg, and it dropped exactly on target, causing no damage to water lines or power lines near by.

Marion Business of Yesteryear

2011-09-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

SKETCHES OF OUR LEADING CITIZENS IN 1954

Rose's Cleaners. In picture. Left to right Wilson Andrews, Ewell Hunt, and Guy Rose.

Guy C. Rose – Civic Leader

Mr. Rose was born in Elizabethtown, Ill., and came to Marion soon after his discharge from the Army in 1933. At this time he purchased Marion Dry Cleaners, a business which has since born his name.

Mr. Rose was well known and respected in Marion for his service in civic affairs.

He was a member of the City Council, a member of the Crittenden County Library Board since the library started.

He had served previously as an officer of the Marion Kiwanis Club and had always taken a large part in the group's civic and promotional activities. He was a member of Bigham Lodge 256 of the Masonic Order. He was a member of the Marion Baptist Church and a member of its Board of Deacons.

Mr. Rose, died Nov. 24, 1956, at the age of 49, and is buried in the Mapleview Cemetery. Mr. Rose was married to Clessie Agee Rose.

Rose Cleaners closed it's doors several years ago and the location is now the home of Louise's Flowers at 121 N. Main St.

Morris and Hina Grocery

2011-08-30T04:08:00.000-07:00

Down town Marion was a busy place in the early 1900's. Grocery stores were scattered all up and down main street.

They often moved and changed hands several times and it is hard to track all the locations of them. A new grocery store was being opened in 1910.

The new store was to be known as Morris and Hina Grocery. Advertising their new store and its workers were: Left to right: Frank Morris, Charlie Hina, Audrey "Fatty" Clark, Fred Moore and Herbert Morris, son of Frank. The location of this store was in the City Drug Store building on Main Street.

Here is an item from The Crittenden Press, March 17, 1910

Morris and Hina are worthy of patronage and their new store contains a full line of everything fresh and clean and is a marvel of beauty. Opening day the entire day being devoted to the demonstration of Meyers Bros. coffee. Many gallons of the enticing beverage were dispensed during the day and every one partaking prophesied success for the firm.

Forest Grove

2011-08-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our county road signs help preserve our past history. It might be the name of a family that once lived on the road, a cemetery, a church and several are named for the little one room schools that were located on or nearby the present roads.

One of these is the Forest Grove Rd. It has one entrance on Hwy. 91 North, and the other end comes out on Fords Ferry Road. The entrance from Hwy 91 North would be where the name originated from, for the one room school of Forest Grove sat here.

The building was build about 1893 and was built on an acre lot that Rufus Terry donated.

Not only a school house, it was also used for school activities, community gatherings, and on Sunday the building was used for church services. Revivals were also held here when a place was needed for the community services.

After the small school districts were consolidated in the 1950's the school was used for family reunions and church gatherings. The old school building was torn down in the 1980's, and only an empty lot is visible now. Many good memories were made at the little community school house.

Levi Cook Jeweler

2011-08-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Henry Levi Cook, Marion's well-know jeweler came after Mr. Freeman. Cook's jewelry was located in the Orme Drug Store that was located on Main Street in what would later be the Marion Cafe. His business was on the left side of the building.

Born on a farm near Fords Ferry, Mr. Cook removed to Marion with his parents when a youth of twelve. He was the son of the late Henry M. and Mary Carter Cook, pioneer families of the county.

A graduate of the Marion High School and then a three year course at the Lebaon, Ohio Normal school, began his training for his strong liking for anything pertaining to machinery, which finally led him into the production of fine timekeepers. Entering as an apprentice in the works at Morganfield, Mr. Cook, in due course of time became an expert jeweler and watchmaker.

He started his business in 1898 and remained in the business until his death in 1940.

His well-known advertisement piece was a large time-piece which hung near the street located in front the the Drug Store where his business was.

In this picture made in the early 1900's you can see Levi's clock sticking out from under the awning on the right of the picture. It says Levi Cook. (If you click on the picture is should enlarge it enough for you to see the clock better, perhaps Levi is one of the men standing close by.)

Antique Clock on Display

2011-08-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

W. M. Freeman was a jeweler in Marion in 1894. From an article in the Crittenden Press dated August 8, 1894 it tells a little about Mr. Freeman. "His stock, which is varied and comprehensive, includes clocks and watches from the most celebrated makers, native and foreign. He claims special expertness in repairing watches and jewelry and in engraving which claim, from general opinion, he has substantiated."

I am not familiar with the location of Mr. Freeman shop at that time, and sometimes jewelers didn't have a shop of their own and would have a section in a popular drug store where they displayed their wares and did their repairs.

This antique pendulum clock from Mr. Freeman's Jewerly Shop was located at the Crittenden County Board of Education for many years, the earliest remembrance was in the 1970's when the Board office was located at the Court House. The clock followed the Board when they moved to their present location on West Elm St. Who owned it or where it was previously located is not known.

The clock's new residence in at the Historical Museum at 124 East Bellville St. It is a handsome clock, standing over 4 feet tall with beautiful carved features on it. You can see at the bottom of the clock, the name of W. M. Freeman, Marion, Ky. This clock is about 117 years old.

The Museum is very proud to be the new home of this beautiful and unique piece of Marion's past history.

Tolu Post Office

2011-08-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Another piece of Crittenden County history will be lost come August 31, 2011. The familiar little post office at Tolu will close. It has been in operation for 154 years, at different locations and different buildings. It is now forced out of use in a downsizing by the U. S. Postal service. It has been one of the smallest post offices still in operation for several years. Tolu only has a population of about 90 or so residents, but losing their post office is still part of their town's history that will be no more.

It is sad to hear the Post Office has to close, for it was the last public building that was still being used, after their general store closed several years ago. They still have their active Methodist Church and also their Community Center, which was once the Tolu Elementary School. They are a hardy lot of Crittenden County citizens and they love and support their town.

Crittenden County will still have Post Offices at Crayne and Dycusburg, hopefully, for many more years to come.

In order to preserve for myself a piece of Tolu's last history, I had a friend mail me a letter mailed from the Tolu post office so I would have a post mark of the little historical post office.

Tobin Tourotel

2011-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

Remember the old post cards that were available for tourists to buy to send back home to let everyone know what a great time they were having, or maybe to let them know what state they were in.

Marion's own little Tourotel had their own post cards back in the 50's. It's fortunate that some people saved these old cards and you can find them at antiques shops and on e-bay on the internet.

Mr. and Mrs. William Tobin opened the Tobin Tourotel in November 1951. It was located just a short distance from downtown on Hwy. 60 North. When it was built it was completely modern and an outstanding and up-to-date Tourotels in this section of the state.

The Tobin's built it to fill a void in town. In the 1950's there was hardly any place for a traveler to spend the night. The fluorspar industry was fading, but there were still lots of businessmen in and out of town. At the time Shell Oil Co., was drilling around the county, looking for oil. With geologists and drillers in and out of town for a lengthy period of time, they needed a nice place to stay. So the Tobin's built the tourotel so that Marion would have a local place for visitors to stay.

Mail Pouch Barns

2011-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

This old historic barn is located on Highway 60 East about 12 miles from Marion.

Pictured at the right is Christopher Maher, from Carmel, NY. He is Vice President of the Historical Society known as the Mail Pouch Barnstormers.

They travel the country side looking for old relics of the past and will try to document and restore as many of them as possible. He and his son were on a RV trip traveling through this part of Kentucky last year and happen to spot this barn along the way. He was excited to find this unlisted barn on their travels.

Chris is now in the process of trying to make arrangements to possibly have this old barn, that was painted sometimes in the 1940's, repainted by their society's painter, who specializes in this kind of work.

I also told him of the barn on Hwy. 60 West that belongs to Alex and Stacy Summers. I don't know if he went by to look at it on this trip or not. It is very unusual to find two Mail Pouch Tobacco Sign barns in one County after all these years.

This picture was taken July 18, 2011, as Chris was back in the county finding out more information about the barns.

This is the Summer's barn on Highway 60 West about 10 miles from Marion.

Crittenden County Jail History

2011-08-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

The jail in the picture at the right was Crittenden's 4th jail. The first jail was built in 1844 soon after Crittenden became a county. Since they were made of logs and the only heating was wood fires, they were very prone to being destroyed by fires.

This fourth jail was built in 1901 from bricks from the Herrod Travis kiln here in Marion. This old jail was used until 1973, when the county court decided that the repairs for it were going to be too costly, so they set forth with plans for a new more modern building. Some local people interested in preserving the old building tried to save it, but as usual no funds were available for this and seemingly no way to raise enough to save the old jail.

The old jail was torn down in 1975 and all it's history with it. The lot were it sat was made available for a new Library and the new jail would be built in the next joining lot.

The picture at the left is the next jail that was finished in 1975 and it was first used in March of that year. This jail served the county until 2007.

A new multi-million dentition center was completed in December of 2007 and it's open house was held on Dec. 16, 2007. Listed as one of a kind, with a unique design, and all the modern and up to date facilities and safety features.

This facility should last the county for many, many years.

Resolution of Respect for Jestene Cartwright Brown

2011-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

A little cemetery/people history for today's post. Love our cemeteries and all the history that they hold. Our pioneers that came to this county and put down roots here and raised their families were special folks. Today we are in the Repton Cemetery at the stones of J. C. Brown and his wife Eliza. Here's a little history about them.

Crittenden Press, Feb. 13, 1908 - Resolution of Respect.

Whereas, God in his wisdom has removed from our midst Deacon Jestene Cartwright Brown, who was a very efficient deacon and the oldest member of Baker Church. One who used the office of deacon well and purchased to himself a good degree and great boldness of the faith.

Deacon J. C. Brown was born in Hopkins County, Ky, on the 25th of November 1826, and died the 23 of December 1907, being 81 years and 28 days old at the time of his death.

He was married to Eliza O'Neal July 27, 1848. Eliza was the daughter of Timothy O'Neal and Drusilla Minerva Moore. At the time of her death she was 80 years, 11 months and 17 days old.

They had one son living A. L. "Doc" Brown.

Old Post Marks

2011-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

We lovers of old history like anything that has to do with the past. Even though most of our once busy communities are now only a name with memories of how it used to be, it is fun to see reminders from those by-gone days. Here are some of those past reminders from the old post-offices that were scattered around the county.

Hardesty, Ky. Once just a small little community not too far from Tolu. But for a while it had it's own Post Office, which was located on one side of a general store, owned and ran by Dick and brother, Frank, Hardesty. The post office was closed Jan. 31, 1913 and the mail was sent to Tolu.

Here's an interesting one post marked at Weston, Ky. Jan 9, 1899, a hundred and 12 years ago, and still in good condition. Post Office was first established in 1859 as Westonburg with Richard Ford as postmaster.

It was discontinued in 1916, Rose Sturgeon was Postmistress, and the mail was then sent to Repton.

Repton Post Office was also located in the local community store. It was established in 1887 with Joel D. Sullivan as Postmaster.

I don't have the date on when this post office was closed. But think it was in later years.

This one was post marked at the Post Office at Tribune. It was first established in 1895 and James E. Travis was postmaster. Also do not have it's discontinued date.

Going Springs School

2011-07-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

One of the numerous one room school that dotted the country side many years ago was the Going Springs School. Going Springs was located in a wooded area in the vicinity of Winlow Park near U. S. 60 North. At one time in the early 1800's a family by the name of Going owned the land. That was how the school became known as Going Springs School.

One of the most unique aspects of old one-room schools was the feeling of closeness and community pride. The schools developed around farming communities in the area. The schoolhouse was the centerpiece of the community.

Picture of Going Spring students in 1926. W. K. Powell was the teacher. He is in the back of the picture. This group of students Mr. Powell was preparing them for taking the state teacher's examination.

The young woman are: front, left to right: Clara Stone and Hazel Farley.

Second row: Maymie Murray, Mattie Lee Conger, Pauline Clark and Grace Lemon.

Clara Stone Howerton was a well-known Crittenden County school teacher and taught in the county until she retired in 1980.

About 1929 the Going Springs School closed and consolidated with the Mattoon school district.

I've written about Winslow Park before. It was always a well-known and popular park. Many family and church events were held there. Winslow Park was a name and place that everyone used to know and could identify with going there. As I wrote the little article for the Blog, it dawned on me that I guess my generation is the last ones that will even remember the old park. It is all gone now and the younger generation does not even recognize the name of Winslow Park much less where it was located.

Tradewater Bridge

2011-07-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

The old one- lane iron bridges that were once scattered across the county are all gone now, all replaced with modern concrete bridges. And I'll admit, they do feel safer crossing them. I remember as a child crossing the old iron framed bridges with the board flooring, how they would rattle and the boards would seem to pop up and down as the car went over them. I was always afraid we would never make it across to the other side.

One of these old bridges was the Tradewater Bridge that was located on S.R. 132 just down from the Enon Church. Here's some history of that first bridge, from the files of The Crittenden Press, Sept. 5, 1915.

Crittenden County Fiscal Court met Sept. 2, 1915. County Judge, R. L. Moore, reported his efforts in trying to secure the issue of road bonds. A bridge was ordered built across Tradewater River at Fishtrap, not to cost more than $7,000 to be paid jointly by this and Webster County, and it is estimated that Crittenden County's part will be 38 percent and that of Webster,'s will be 62 per cent.

County Attorney, John A. Moore and Esq. W. D. Drennan were appointed a purchasing committee to work with the Webster Fiscal Court to purchase and have erected the bridge as soon as possible.

January 6, 1922. The iron bridge over Tradewater River at Fishtrap connecting Crittenden and Webster counties were completed without an accident and opened for traffic Saturday morning December 31. We wish to express our t hanks to Judge Moore, Esquire Drennan, and the officials of Webster County and all other who did anything to promote this important work.

On December 31 a celebration was held at Enon Church and C. T. Boucher preached. After the service a bountiful dinner was served by the good ladies of this community.

In the picture at the left,( I have it circled) was a cast iron plaque that was placed there when the bridge was built.

This sign now is at the Crittenden County Historical Museum located at 124 East Bellville St. in Marion. The plaque was donated some years ago.

It says: Crittenden Co.
R. L. Moore Judge
F. Davidson, J. P.
W. D. Drennan, J. P.

Webster Co.
A. R. Wall, Judge
O. C. Vaughn, J. P.
R. W. Hoket, J. P.

This old bridge was torn down in 1982 and a new two-lane concrete bridge was constructed in it's place.

James Clinton, Revolutionary War Soldier

2011-07-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

America.

James Clinton, buried in the Piney Fork Cemetery served in our nation's fight for independence. James Clinton was born in Pennsylvania in 1761. He and his father moved to South Carolina and in 1780 he was drafted into duty for a three month tenure. Fighting the Tories and Creek Indians on the Georgia frontier, he got his first taste of combat.

When he returned home, about the time of the patriots' defeat at Charleston, Clinton immediately volunteered as a private in South Carolina's York District. He served as a Sergeant in Captain Joseph Howe's Company; he was appointed a Lt. in July 1780 and served in Col. Brattons's SC Regiment. He was commissioned Captain and served primarily as a spy under Col. Sumter. He served in the battles of Mobley's Meeting House; Stallions on Fishing Creek; Fish Dam Ford; Black Stocks on the Tiger River,Bratten's Plantation and Biggen's Church.

After the death of his wife, Ann Armstrong, in 1839, Clinton moved to Crittenden County and resided here until his death in 1847.

June 1, 2002, Capt. James Clinton was honored with a plaque from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution commemorating his service. The ceremony was organized by a descendant of Clinton's, Ann Walker Herzer.

In the picture at left, Ann is speaking with one of the Color guards that came from Frankfort to participate in the impressive service.

Crooked Creek Church

2011-07-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Crooked Creek Church is another one of Crittenden County's old historic churches. It is located about 2 miles north of Marion on the old Ford's Ferry Road. It is practically in the center, geographically, of Crittenden Count and the third missionary Baptist Church organized in the county.

In 1835 a group of believers were inspired to organize a New Testament Church which was to be known as the Crooked Creek United Baptist Church of Christ. The location was purchased from the Southern Presbyterians. Originally it consisted of a primitive log house and a few acres of ground. This house was destroyed during the Civil War.

The building which now stands replaces the log hut. Peter E. Shewmaker, supervised the construction of the present building in 1869 at a cost of $999.75. Peter Shewmaker and Alexander Grissom did the logging and prepared the lumber for the building. Together they completed it. The church was dedicated June 17, 1870.

On July 21, 1892, the church organized Sunday School.

The church got electricity in 1949 and in 1985 a new addition was added to the back of the building. A basement, Sunday School rooms, water and plumbing were also added. The church is still active today, although the congregation is much smaller than it was some years ago.

This is a view of the cemetery and church as you enter the lane to the church.

Pictures made Feb. 2011.

Press Scrib Visits Communities

2011-06-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

This article was written in August 8th, 1912 by the agent for the Crittenden Press. They would go out traveling over the county side gathering subscriptions for the paper. This is Mr. John B. McNeely's report of one of his trips. These articles make for interesting reading as they tell of the little communities in our county that were then - a busy place.

Our first business call was in Crayne. This railroad town is just a few miles south of Marion and consists of two dry good stores and one drug store.

W. N. Weldon carries a complete stock of merchandise. Brown & Carlos have dry goods and groceries.

Pogue and Fox are dealers in drugs and cold drinks. Their clerk, young R. F. Pogue makes you feel pleasant and at home while you are in his place of business.

Charlie Deboe and Brown are the blacksmiths and they are doing a good business. Crayne is one of the coming cities - just watch her grow.

James Brasher of Marion is the general manager of the Hoosier mines. The mines are running on full time, doing a good business in solid zinc. This company has just erected a large and commodious hotel for the benefit of their working men as well as the traveling public.

The Ohio Valley Mining Cmpany out of R. R. 2 is running of full time. Their new machinery will be ready in a few days. The neew plant was built by Ramage Bros. of Salem and is said to be the finest plant in the mining district. J. M. Persons is the cheif manager.

As this closes our work for the present time, we want to thank all for favors.

Hurricane Camp Meeting Over

2011-06-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

The historic Hurricane Camp Meeting is over for another year. This was their 123rd. Quite an accomplishment to still be having this spiritual revival in the oldest open air tabernacle in Crittenden County.

As you drive up to the Church the sign in the picture at right will greet you and welcome you to the Church and Camp Grounds

The present open air shed or tabernacle was built in 1920. The supports are made from trees that were cut from the nearby forests. They are an impressive sight.

The picture at the left gives you a view of part of the inside of this large barn like building. The seats aren't made for comfort either as you can see. Some of the visiting folks can be seen bringing chair cushions for comfort while sitting.

Another old sight that caught my eye as I was looking around is a very large tree located behind the shed, on it are many carvings of initials. Not readable now, for the tree has grown in height and width since they were carved in the bark, and they are distorted in shape. I wondered who had carved these initials, probably a girl and boy friend that had attended camp meeting many years ago. In an early time this was a popular past time, carving names and dates on trees. It was a fun thing to do and was a special thing for a couple to have their names carved on a tree.

Monument Ridge

2011-06-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love to read the maps of the area that are called Topographic Maps. They are done in sections called Quadrangles. Each quadrangle has a different area of the county and on these maps are wonderful names of places in that area. It names the old creeks,springs, the hills,hollows, knobs, bluffs, even has many of the church and schools and cemeteries names on it. I want to see them all and walk over the area and identify the names with the places, but this is impossible, I know. But I have been fortunate to see many of the areas on the different maps. The one this article is written from is the Blackford Quadrangle, athough Blackford is in Webster County there is many Crittenden County places on the map.

When I first started looking at this map about 15 years ago,I recognized some of the names, such as Crowell Hill and Crowell Cemetery, Pat Duffy Hollow, Cave Spring Hollow and Cave Spring Church, the Blowing Spring ad Pigeon Roost Creek. What wonderful names and what wonderful stories goes with these places. But there was one area on the map that I wasn't familiar with and it intrigued me for a long time, it was named Monument Ridge, and near by was Historical Grave. Located on the Cave Spring Church Road, what could this possibly mean this far out in the county and off the main highway. Monument Ridge, that sounded very important. I finally got to talk to a local person that owned the land and found out it's story.

Monument Ridge was located on a ridge just off the Cave Spring Road on the side of a hill. It has only one large monument on it and it was for the Wilson family that lived a short ways from the hill. But it was this monument that created the name Monument Ridge for the Topographic Map. And the Historical Grave was for the Wilson family that was buried there.

The cemetery contained four graves and the information for the graves are all on this one large monument.

James W. Wilson, an early pioneer of Crittenden County had a large plantation located here and also owned several slaves. He owned a impressive large two story brick home, and the bricks were made on the grounds by the slaves. Just until in the past several years you could see the intentions where the clay was dug from the ground to help in the making of these bricks. Besides being a large land owner, he was also a prominent business man in the town of Marion, located about 10 miles away.

The names on the stone reads: James W. Wilson, born June 17, 1798, died April 23, 1865.

Rebecca (Bridges) Wilson, born July 9, 1803, died Aug. 6, 1856.

John B. Wilson, born Aug. 24, 1828, died Sept. 1, 1846.

Son of James W. and Rebecca

James J. Wilson, born Aug. 23, 1832, died Nov. 21, 1837.

Son of James W. and Rebecca

The names of the two young sons are on the opposite side of the monument.

Pictures were made in April 1997.

Mule Days In Marion

2011-06-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

In the early 1900's when Crittenden County had County Court day on the first Monday of each month, people came from all over the county plus from surrounding counties. Some came to attend the fiscal court meeting, but most came to attend Jockey Lot and what they called "Mule Days."

The ad at the right appeared Mon. 14, 1904. I will be in Marion on Monday, Nov. 12th, County Court Day, to buy mules for Southern Cotton trade, and for European war purposes. Bring in your mules and get the cash for them. Signed: F. W. Huddleston, Hickman, Tenn.

The press reports on the day. Monday was mule day again in Marion. A party who was interested took advantage of the occasion to count the mules and horses in town and to his astonishment found that there were over one thousand head here. The mule buyers were here from Illinois and from Union and Christian Counties. Layne and Leavell Bros. bought 23 head of horses. R. M. Young bought seven head of young mules. Dave Woods bought three head of mules and others whose names we did not learn bought several head, making in all over 40 head that changed hands and at prices varying from $75.00 to about $200. per head. R. W. VanHoosier sold to Lawson Bros. one pair of mules for $400. J. R. Marvel sold one mule for $140.00, J. J. Hunt two mules for $265.00, one mule colt for $75. These are just a few of the good sales that were made.

Gypsies in Marion

2011-06-11T04:14:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting little article that appeared in The Crittenden Press on Feb. 5, 1937. Things we don't think of much anymore. Just like the hobos that used to travel the train tracks and go through the little towns along the way asking for food.

Sunday, Chief of Police C. B. Hina arrested members of a gypsies party passing through Marion. These gypsies were wanted in Livingston County on several pickpocket charges, alleged to have been made at Salem.

One group of the rovers took $10 from the picket of C. E. Butler, Salem grocer, as he was waiting on them. At the same time members of the same party took $5.00 from a cash register in the Butler store.

Across the street others of the gypsie band after gathering around Jap Riley, removed Mr. Riley's purse from his pocket, and before he realized that anything was amiss had extracted $11.50 which it contained and had returned the wallet to his pocket. Mr. Riley was unaware of his loss until a bystander, on the opposite side of the street, informed him of what had taken place.

By the time the losses had been discovered the wanderers had loaded in their cars and were speeding toward Marion. Their five automobiles, though old, were of expensive makes.

While in Marion members of the band entered several local stores and several suspected attempts at picking pockets of local citizens were foiled. All but $3.50 of the money taken at Salem was recovered.

Central Baptist Church

2011-06-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

Central Baptist Church located at 721 South Main Street. This church was organized Nov. 5, 1969 with J. C. Lilly as the Pastor.

Their new church building was finished in 1972 and the dedication services were held on Friday night, May 12, 1972.

Members of the building committee were: B. F. Lilly, chairman; Minus Cox, Gilbert Cloyd, Eugene Hughes and Edwin Story.

This is still an active church today.

Winlow Park

2011-06-02T04:40:00.000-07:00

Many years ago about 5 miles north of Marion on Highway 60 East there was a place that was known as Winlow Park.

Virgil Stone, and family, who lived there created this park for people to use and enjoy. Where the name Winlow originated is not known. This picture was made in 1939.

Here is some history about the local park written in 1931. Not so many years ago it was a rather bare, uninviting tract of land with a few trees, a small house in the center of it, and unuusally high train trestle at the rear and a sluggish creek that meandered through the ground. Today there are many benches, tables, and even electric lights that make it possible for a picnic to be given there with ease and convenience as a meal at the dining room table.

Mr. Virgil Stone, who is resonsible for the many changes and imporvments which have taken place at Winlow, has spared neither time nor money to make the park an attractive and inviting pace for picnickers and tourists.

A tourist camp containing three bedrooms and there garages has been built, a self-generating electric light plant has been installed, benches and tables have been constructed, swings have been hung from the limbs of the large trees and a 9-hole miniature golf course has recently been completed.

Mr. Stone makes no charges for the use of the park, but leaves the matter of whether they will pay or not entirely up to his guests. He says that the park was improved for their use and enjoyment and it is his pleasure.

***

Although the park is no more, I'm sure many Crittenden Countians remember having picnics at Winlow Park, it was well-known for family reunions, church picnics and just good old-fashioned family outings, when going on a picnic was considered family fun. The swings and miniature golf course were not there in the 1950's as Mr. Stone wasn't there to see to the care of them.

Within the past several years the old home and grocery store combination of the Stone family has been removed as it finally gave up and callopsed from being empty and unused. Although the appearance has changed a little, you can still see two of the tourist cabins that Mr. Stone built many years ago.

Winlow Park a part of our past history, now only a memory for some of us.

Memorial Services at Mapleview

2011-05-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Service at Mapleview Cemetery, always a great way to start Memorial Day. A day for remembering and honoring our Veterans and the sacrifice they gave for the freedom we have to day.

People gathered around the Memorial Tribute at Marion's Mapleview Cemetery once again this morning to pay tribute to our loved ones that have given their lives for our county.

Commander J. T. Travis of American Legion Post III gave the call to order before a nice size crowd of approximately 100 people.

National Anthem was lead by Peggy Howton

Rita Travis, President of the American Legion Auxiliary and Jim Estes, American Legion Post III made the presentation of the Memorial Wreaths.

Underdown Family Cemetery

2011-05-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

With Memorial Day fast approaching it is time one again for the placing of flowers on the graves of our loved ones. Whether it be at a large cemetery or a small country family cemetery, it is a proud feeling for us when the cemeteries are preserved and cared for. We have many, many, family cemeteries in the county that were once loved and cared for by family members that owned the land where the cemetery was located.

Today many of the family cemeteries are left abandoned and overgrown as the original family members are dead and gone and their lands have been sold to people that care nothing for the family graves.

The cemetery in these photos is the Underdown Cemetery located on the Aunt Jane Tabernacle Road in Western Crittenden County.

The oldest stone there is for Abraham McElroy Underdown, the starting of the Underdown family in Crittenden County.

Although not a large cemetery, but the resting place for the first Underdown's that came from Sevier County, Tenn. in the 1860's, to find a new home in Crittenden County.

The family cemetery is well taken care of by Stephen Glenn Underdown, a GGG-Grandson of the first Underdown, Abraham McElroy. It will be ready and waiting for family members to visit this coming week-end. Pictures made May 2011.

Pickering Hill Road

2011-05-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Our county road signs help preserve some of our long ago history by holding on to the old pioneer family names that lived here, but many times there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Close to the center of Crittenden County leading off of the old Fords Ferry Road there is a road named Pickering Hill. Just another country road you may think as you drive by, but it also has history and mystery connected to its name. It may seem like just an ordinary county road winding its way through the woods and over a steep hill to continue its journey to the Ohio River. In the 1830's this was the main trail that was traveled to get to Fords Ferry in order to cross the river to the Illinois side. Located at Fords Ferry was the ferry boat owned by James Ford, it was then known as Ferry Ohio.

Legend tells us that this is the route that many of the early pioneer lost their lives and never made to the Ferry to cross the Ohio. Many pioneer families traveled this way headed for new land in Illinois and Missouri and points North. A favoriate location for the local outlaws to stop the travelers would be at the foot of Pickering Hill. The outlaws would seem friendly and helpful and get the strangers trust then they would rob them and sometimes murder them and steal their goods and possesions.

Pickering Hill was once the home place of an early pioneer family by the name of William Pickering.

Mr. Pickering was supposedly murdered by one of James Ford's sons. It was thought that Pickering may have been witness to some of the wrong doing that was happening on the road close to his home place. The person or persons that killed him was never proven.

The road still carries the name today, but the murder was never solved and the Pickering family that lived here still remain a mystery today.

The picture above is the view from atop Pickering Hill looking toward the Illinois side. What an absolute beautiful sight, it just takes your breath it is so beautiful. It is one of the many unexpected scenes that we are blessed to have in Crittenden County.

Marion's First Garage

2011-05-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Most of Crittenden County natives have known and visited the familiar store of Cochran & Co. that was located on Main Street. Here is some early history of the company and their new Garage and Salesroom. Although these historic building are still standing today they have a different look. But at least we still have them.

August 26, 1915 - The contract has been let for the new brick building for T. H. Cochran & Co., to be used as a garage and salesroom. The building will be a one story brick with concrete floor.

The building will be located on Main Street, just three doors south of the firm's main store. Cochran & Co. expects in the future as in the past, to look to the best interests of their customers. Not only do they carry the premier line of buggies but also the largest assortment of surreys and carriages in this end of the state, and in addition this week they are expecting a car-load each of Studebaker and Maxwell automobiles all 1916 models.

The picture above was made in the 1930s. Note the old gas pumps located right in front of the garage on Main street.

This picture made in the 1950's. You can see the large door on the left where vehicles could be driven into the garage and into the show room. Two gas pumps still remain on the side walk next to Main Street. I am not sure when these pumps were removed.

This is how the buildings looks today. They still look the same structural wise and are still in good shape. The garage part on the far left is not being used today. A few years ago this garage part was used as a small antique mall. It was a wonderful place to showcase larger antique items. The show rooms next door are now the home of home health equipment, and attire for the medical profession.

The brick building next on the right is the home of the Hamilton's Superior Trophies, they made all kinds of trophies and plaques and also sell items that have the Marion name on them and also Crittenden County's Rocket name and emblem.

It's great to have these historic old buildings still being taken care and in use today. They sure add a touch of class toMarion's Main Street.

Marion Band

2011-05-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

During Marion's past history, there have been many community bands. They were a popular group all through the ages. Everyone loves a good band concert. In May 1932 this article was written about the start of a new community band.

People make the business and business makes the town. Right now, what everyone is crying the blues, Marion has an opportunity to take a step forward to bring people to town and at the same time help a good cause.

The Ellis B. Ordway Post of the American Legion is sponsoring a Community Band. Twice a week for more than a month some of Marion's most select musicians have been holding rehearsals, under the direction of Ben H. Price. Attendance at these rehearsals have been splendid, everyone is keenly interested in making this the best band Marion ever had.

A popular place for these community bands to gather and make their music and share it with the community would be the old gazebo that used to be on the Court House Square next to the old Court House.

The great old picture above is wonderful to have, but none of the people in the photo are named. But it shows us one of the old bands of yesteryear.

Resolutions Of Respect for Samuel A. Marks

2011-05-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Crittenden Press, Jan. 26, 1911 - On Saturday, January 14th, 1911, The Grand Architect of the Universe, in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call from labor on earth to eternal refreshment in the Grand Lodge on high where all is peace and joy, our brother Samuel A. Marks.

Bro. Marks has for years been afflicted with Asthma and recently suffered a paralytic stoke from which he never recovered.

Bro. Marks was born in Wilson County, Tenn., March 16, 1848, and was therefore 62 years, 9 months and 28 days of age. He moved to Crittenden Couty, about the year 1875, and has since resided in and near Tolu.

He was made a Master Mason in Hurricane Lodge No. 571, F. & A. M. October 12, 1889 and was a devoted member at his death.

Samuel A. Marks is buried at the Hurricane Cemetery. There is an infant child, Joseph F. Marks, buried next to him. The stone says, son of S. A. and Ida Marks. If Ida is buried here she doesn't have a marker, since they were from Tennessee, she may have moved back to where her family was.

Marks isn't a familiar Crittenden County name, and it isn't in the county today.

Water Sinks

2011-05-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

If you have seen the National news anytime lately you probably have seen the historical flooding that is occurring in Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois. The worst flood that was in this area was the Flood of 1937, it was the flood to top all floods. This flood of 2011 is predicted to match the 1937 one.

All major highways but one are closed as of today, the Tradewater has Hwy. 60 East closed, the Ohio and Cumberland has Hwy. 60 West closed, and the Ohio has Hwy. 91 north closed. The only exit is Hwy. 641South/91 that goes to Fredonia and Princeton. We will have another weather disaster to document in our journals for Crittenden County history.

A couple of days last week we actually had sunshine and warm temperatures. But all the rain causes new sights to the area that are normally not visible.

These two pictures show what looks like to be just ordinary ponds located in the pasture fields for livestock uses. But this is deciving for these areas are usually just dry pasture land.

These two ponds were formed from all the rain that we had during the month of April. They are known as sinks to the local farmers.

These sinks are known as "solution sinkholes," and they form as the limestone dissolves underneath the land creating sunken areas in the land surface. The outer edges of sinkholes are normally round or oval and their bottoms are bowl shaped. When water drains into these, it works like a funnel to feed the water into caves and underground streams below.

Years ago with the area was filled with flourspar mines, many times after flooding rains like we have had lately, the water would run from these sinks into the underground streams and flood the mines. The water filled sinks usually disappear fairly quickly after the rains stop and the undergrounds steams carry the water to other places.

Heirloom Quilts In Marion

2011-04-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is the annual Backroads Tour in Marion and Crittenden County. It coincides with the Quilt Show at Paducah, as visitors there like to visit sites in the surrounding area. The historic flood of 2011 will cause some problems, as many of the county roads in the Amish county are impassable due to the flooding of the Ohio River.

But if your big interest is Quilts, Marion has many displays for you to see starting today and tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful 2 days, so maybe you can come see all the many, many quilts that have come out of storage for these two days.

Here are just a few that are on display at the Crittenden County Historical Museum at 124 East Bellville Street.

This heirloom quilt is the oldest quilt that the Museum has. The information with this quilt says that it was made by Elizabeth Kirk Hodge in 1856-57. She was the wife of Robert Washington Hodge.

The Tumbling Block Quilt was made by Nancy Jane Farmer Hamilton, and it was handed down to her daughter, Elizabeth Hamilton Moore and then to granddaughter, Helen Moore. You see more than one patten design when you first look at the quilt, but at a closer view they are all boxes.

This colorful quilt is just one of our many "Friendship Quilts". This one was made by Annabel Alexander, a favorite county school teacher of many years ago. She had her family and friends in the Piney Fork and Fredonia areas embrodiery their name and a design on their block. It was started in the 1930's, but just recently finished by her daughter, Sarah Alexander Ford.

All of our quilts are from local families and each quilt or hand-made blanket we have has a little history to go with it.

Marion - Kentucky's Hidden Treasurer

2011-04-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Marion was lucky enough several years ago to be able hire a person as the Tourisum developer for Marion and Crittenden County.

She started at once to find items of interest related to our town and county. She came up with the slogan of Kentucky's Hidden treasurer, Marion and Crittenden County.

This mural that was painted by Crittenden County students in 2005 tells of some of our hidden treasurers that most people do not realize we have. This mural is displayed on Larry Orr CPA office building (used to be our old Kentucky Theater building).

Shown in the mural are: left to right an Amish barn and buggy, showing our Amish community, which tourists love to visit and purchase their items for sale, some include hand crafted furniture, all kind of homemade food, just to name a few; an old Fluorspar mines that reflects our rich history when Crittenden County was the number one producer of this mineral at one time. Many items of this era are on display at the world famous Clements Mineral Museums; a field of wild turkey and deer, although I don't care for hunting, they say a hunters paradise for these; and the Cave-In-Rock Ferry, only two of these ferries are used in Kentucky today and this is one of them, it is a beautiful ride across the waters of the mighty Ohio. So we do have things that we take for granted each day, but to people from other States, we do have hidden treasures for them to enjoy.

If you might be interested in more about Marion and Crittenden County visit their website at:
http://www.marionkentucky.org/

Bell's Mines Travis Family

2011-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

I can never write anything about Bell's Mines unless it reminds me of my Travis family that lived in this old community. A very handsome family of five brothers and 3 sisters. Actually there were 4 sisters, but little Sarah Julia died at only 5 years old, lacking only three days of dying on her birthday, Dec. 6th.

The sons were: front sitting down, L. to R.
Ewell Jeffrey (my grandfather), Gutherie Wynn,
Back: William Charles Harvey, Sumner, and John Monroe.

William Charles "Charlie" was killed in a boiler explosion at the Bell Coke & Coke Mining Company Nov. 13, 1910. He was 43 years old. It was a horrible accident. Charlie is buried in the Bells Mines Cemetery. But he or his wife, Nannie Sarrls Travis, have a stone to mark their graves.

These Travis brothers were blessed with numerous musicals talents, a great singing voice plus were able to play different musical instruments without any professional training.

The Travis sisters were: L to R.
Verna Travis, she married Charlie Yates and lived in the Bowling Green, Ky area.
Cora Travis, married Richard Sarlls and they lived at Louisville, Ky in their later years. Cora had beautiful auburn hair when she was young.
Alvatine Travis, married Cam "Doc" Truitt of the Bells Mines community. They are buried in the Bells Mines Cemetery.

Civil War Marker at Bells Mines

2011-04-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Crittenden County wasn't very active in the Civil War, as not many battles were fought on the soil of our county. But the county was over run by the troops of both armies, who often plundered and terrorized the county for their won reasons.

One documented site was at Bell's Mines. The skirmish was between Company C, 52nd Kentucky Mounted Infantry (USA) under Lt. Thomas W. Metcalfe and a band of 300 guerrillas on July 13, 1864. Metcalfe, with 46 men, had left Cloverort, Kentucky on July 5, 1864, to patrol the Green River country. The patrol was attacked at Bell's Mines by approximately 300 guerrillas. The company's records recounted its losses as 22 horses and "rigging," one man killed, and 11 men captured. The Evansville Daily Journal stated that six of the men had escaped and reached Shawneetown where they reported the action.

This Civil War Marker was placed near the Bell's Mines Cemetery in April of 2005.

Bell's Coal Mines were first owned by John Bell from Tennessee. Bell ran for President in 1860 as the candidate of the Constitutional Union Party. Kentucky was one of three states he carried. The picture on the right of the marker is of John Bell. The flag in the center was a Campaign Flyer from Bell's run for the Presidency as Constitutional Union Party.

Marion Christian Church

2011-04-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Seeing the Dogwood trees blooming this week and the weather going through a very unsettling and very cold uncomfortable few days, made me think that this is surely Dogwood winter. Today in our fair town it got to 48 degrees with a wind chill of 38. Very uncomfortable.

The Dogwood trees next to the Marion Christian Church on West Bellville tried to brave the rain and wind today and even if it was cold and miserable the trees are a beautiful sight. The wind has damaged some of their petals after today.

This church has a long and varied history. The church was built in 1890 as a Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Methodists worshipped there until April 12, 1912 when they moved into their present church on College Street.

After they moved various organizations used the building and it was once used for storage from a near by hardware store while they were working on their store.

In Sept. 2009 the church was awarded an official status as a Kentucky landmark. The award identifies the Marion Christian Church as an "architectural, archaeological and historic property."

Fohs Hall History

2011-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Fohs Hall located at 143 N. Walker Street is certainly not the oldest building in Marion, but it is the most historic.

F. Julius Fohs planned and had the building built in 1926 and presented the magnificent building to the Marion Board of Education. It was built for the high school grades. The picture at the right was made soon after it was finished in 1926.

The Fohs family moved to Marion from the state of New York in the year 1890. Julius attended school at the Marion schools, and as a boy, through the exploring of the surrounding hills, caves and mines, he got the inspiration of the rocks as a basis for his life work. He went on to be an internationally known geologist.

Even though he became very wealthy and was well known all over the work, he always remembered his roots and wanted to do something for the community where he grew up and learned to love the rocks and minerals of the earth. His dream was a wonderful school and auditorium for these people.

On Oct. 22, 1926 Julius Fohs said in his Fohs Hall dedication speech "In providing for you, in this building, a better basis for a better education and a better cultural background, this gift is a fulfillment of that dream I have for your community. I present this building, Fohs Hall, the only building of its kind in America, to the Marion School Board as a gift of love to the the community of my childhood, to be used for the furthering of those worth-while things which really make life worth living.

Fohs Hall today is looked after by Fohs Hall, Inc., a group of interested citizens interested in the preservation of the building. Fohs Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1982, and in June of 2001, a Kentucky Historical Marker was placed at the entrance of the building.

Today Fohs Hall is used as as a community center and civic auditorium.

April Genealogy Meeting

2011-04-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Crittenden County Genealogy Society met this past Saturday with another interesting and informative meeting.

Present at the meeting in the picture at right are:

LtoR: Betty Croft, Brenda Underdown, Connie Gould, Dot Kunnecke, Doyle Polk

Backrow: Steve Eskew, Fay Carol Crider and Don Foster.

The program was about Genealogy and History gifts that one can make for Christmas gifts or just as a special gift to members of your family. Some of the ideas discussed were:

Family Reunion Cookbooks, at your family reunion make family group photos and gather family members recipes; Not only family photos but also favorite family recipes to pass down through future generations
Family recipe cookbooks, included with the recipes, some family history
Family photo albums with some history for each photo; Don't leave those special pictures just laying around, place them in an album or on a CD to share with family members, have dates and the occasions listed with the photo
Calendars with family members birth dates, anniversaries, special occasions, or other information about the family, also photos can be used with the calendars.

We as the family historians are responsible for collecting and saving our family history and photos. Always remember to write the date, and the names of the people on the back of the photos. A little time in doing this will be appreciated many years later.

Historical Museum Opening Today

2011-04-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

The Historical Museum will be opening for the season today, Wed. April 6th. Schedule is Wed.-Sat. 10:00-3:00.

Roberta Shewmaker is our curator again this year.

If your in the area stop by and visit the Museum. We have lots of local history items for you to see. And Roberta is familiar with the area and can help with questions you might have.

'One new item we received is an old permanent wave machine. Used many years ago. It has the cords with clamps on the end to put on one's hair to make it curl or wave. It looks like some kind of torture machine. A must see item.

Also in a few days we will have our quilts out for you to see, several different kinds from different periods in our history.

I'll also be at the Museum several days a week, so maybe I'll see you there.

Victorian Calling Cards

2011-04-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

In the day of genteel manners and formal introductions, the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships.

The custom of carrying calling or visiting cards began in the early 1800's. Calling cards were left at each persons home the individual went to visit, whether they were home or not. The person visiting would typically either leave their card in a "card receiver" which was set on an entry table in the foyer or on a parlor table.

There were many different styles of calling cards. Early calling cards were created one at a time by a skilled penman. Each card displayed the bearer's name written in calligraphy with a bit of flourishing. Doves, wheat, and flowers were commonly added as ornamentation on these early cards. On each of these cards, the pen was held perfectly still while the card itself was rotated. This cherished and highly skilled craft of calligraphy and embellishment of that era is unsurpassed today.

The two cards above were from families in the Sullivan, Ky area. The top one is James F. Seely, and the bottom one Herman E. Nesbitt.

This calling card was known as an Envelope Card. The tiny envelope attached to the card has the word Affection on it, and when you lift it up it says "From John to Alice. Jan. 3, 1882," It must have been a special little card for someone those many years ago.

Here are some more examples of the early calling cards with Doves and Flowers added as ornamentation.

The two belong offer "Good Luck" wishes from Virgil O. Nesbitt and perhaps some wishful thinking as "You Have The Key To My Heart" imprinted on the other.

With the development of early penny post cards around the turn-of-the-twentieth century, visiting became less common and the postcard era began.

Dycusburg United Methodist Church

2011-03-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice informative article that first appeared in The Crittenden Press on June 13, 1996. These interesting articles are a good way to learn history about different things in the county.

On June 30, 1996, members of the Dycusburg United Methodist church celebrated a homecoming at the present church site, which traces its roots back to Oct. 21, 1855.

On page 876 of Deed Book B at the Lyon County Courthouse, it is recorded that on Oct. 21, 1855, Issac Shelby of Livingston County deeded to the church south lot 17 for the sun of $200.00. R. M. Collum, G. B. Dycus and George M. Marshall were named as trustees. The lot 17 mentioned was located at the corner of Commerce and Spring Streets in Dycusburg. This was the same Isaac Shelby who became governor of Kentucky.

In 1904, the old church was torn down and during this time services were held in a near-by school. V. P. Thomas and Robert Johnson served as pastors for the next two years.

Mrs. F. B. Dycus Sr., owned the lot which the present church now stands on and traded it for the original lot 17. Construction was started on a new building in the spring of 1906. The builders were Robert "Bob" Cooksey and Bud Vosier. Dedication ceremonies were held in the fall of that year. This building was used until the fall of 1945.

'The present building was under construction for three years and dedication services were held on June 27, 1948. According to Geneva Dycus, "It was a beautiful day and the church was crowded to overfowing."

Some of the people who were active at this time in the church were: Bennett Ramage, Supt. of Sunday School: Stewards: Ray Owen, Guy Patton, Mollie Lee Graves, Bonnie Ramage and Mrs. Fred Joyce; Teachers: Geneva Dycus, Reba Henry, Shellie Decker, Mable Dycus and Neoval Decker. The pastor was C. G. Oliver.

The picture of the church above was made Nov. 3, 2010

Trail of Tears Leads to Mantle Rock

2011-03-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Took a scenic hike this past week. Although the location wasn't in Crittenden County, it has history ties to here because part of the Trail of Tears went through Crittenden County. To me this period in our country's history is a dark and sad one.

The day I made the hike around the area where the Mantle Rock is located, it was a beautiful, warm, spring day, hard to imagine what it was like for the Indians in the harsh winter of 1838-39 as they made their way across the area, and camped in the area waiting for the Ohio River to thaw enough for them to cross and continue their journey to present-day Oklahoma.

This is a picture of the Mantle Rock. Some of the Indian's were said to have camped for shelter under the rock.

The creek still running swiftly from the recent rains we've had was a beautiful sight in the deeper areas where it was a clear green color.

Although a sad place to visit for the circumstances that has made it a Native American Historical Landmark, Mantle Rock serves as an emblem of resistance, survival and spirituality.

Perhaps you can visit it one day, walk the trail that the Cherokee's walked and feel the sadness in the shade of the Mantle Rock.

Ohio River Overflow

2011-03-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

A normal occasion every spring is the flooding of the Ohio River. You can usually always count on it happening about this time every year as the winter snows from up North melt and join the streams and rivers and gather more water from spring rains as it flows on down to Kentucky.

The Ferry has been closed for a week now as the Ohio is too swollen for the ferryboat to run. People from Illinois and also the Kentucky side miss this means of transportation across the river. Many people from Cave-In-Rock are regular visitors to Marion for groceries, hardware, and the variety of restaurants they have to chose from to eat. They are also regular visitors to the Amish stores.

The picture above is in some of the low lying fields that flood water from Hurricane Creek overflow into. Several county roads are impassable now because they are covered with flood water.

This picture is made from the Hebron Church Road. The river is flooded into the bottoms lands of the local farms. The tree line in the middle of the water is where the edge of river usual is.

If you have never seen this event, it's hard to visualize how the river can overflow and cover the surrounding areas as it does. It's quite a sight to see.

If things go as normal, the river will soon recede back into it's banks, the land will return to normal and it will once again be a memory of the spring flood for this year.

Pilot Knob Cemetery

2011-03-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

One of our more well known rural cemeteries is Pilot's Knob. This cemetery has been the result of numerous acts of vandalism over many years. It seemed to be one of the favorite places for teenagers to meet for a while and stones would be turned over and some of the markers would be broken or moved from their location. More adult surveillance and a watch group has seemed to help with this, and hopefully the cemetery will not be damaged again.

The cemetery, in the early days was referred to as the Stephen Fowler Cemetery. The land the cemetery was located on was owned by pioneer settler, Stephenson Fowler. Sometime during the time it was used, the name of Pilot Knob's was given to it and it's been called that every since.

In 1918 a new monument was being erected at the cemetery. Here's what the Crittenden Press noted about the new stone.

A large monument has just been erected at the burying ground of Wm. Hughes and family. The monument is made from the famous Belaching Stone, nicely carved and is beautiful. The individual graves on the lot are marked with a nice grave marker.

W. U. Hughes, of this county, and his brothers purchased this work from Henry & Henry.

This stone is one of the larger ones in the cemetery. If you visit the cemetery in the early spring before the leaves are on the trees, you can see for miles around at the beautiful countryside, as is visible in the background of the picture above.

Pictures made March 12, 2011.

Crittenden County Genealogy Society

2011-03-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Times sure flies by, even when you think the weather is cold, wet and miserable,and spring will never get here, the days still hurry by. It was time for our March Genealogy Society meeting this past Saturday the 12th. We had a good meeting with a interesting program, and lots of sharing of stories and experiences with our early genealogy research days.

Sitting at the table in front are Doyle Polk and Betty Croft.
Standing. Lto R: Rita Oldham, Fay Carol Crider, Martha Bynum, Anna Rae Porter, Steve Eskew, Rita Travis, Brenda Underdown and Connie Gould.

Rita Rogers Oldham is holding the newly published " The History Of The Fredonia Valley." She and her sister Nita Rogers Thompson donated this copy to our Genealogy Society. We really appreciated them doing this for the society. Martha Bynum and Rita live at Fredonia, but both have many family ancestors that lived in Crittenden County.

Steve Eskew also has his second obituary book ready for sale. It is "Crittenden County, Kentucky Obituaries and Death notices Volume II 1900-1905." A great addition for your genealogy research besides just being entertaining and interesting to read. To find out more about this book visit Steve's website at http://www.steveeskew.com/books

Marion's CCC Camp

2011-03-10T03:39:00.000-08:00

An important part of Marion and Crittenden' County past history is that of the Civilian Conservation Corps that was located here in Marion. The camp was built, the men did their work, the camp dismantled and the area went back to it's owner. There is nothing left to show where the large work site was located and few people even remember anything about it.

The Civilian Conservation Corps or CCCs was started by then Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was an effort to help the nation find an end to the rampant unemployment and economic crisis that gripped the county. He planned a fight again soil erosion and declining timber resources utilizing the employment of our young men.

The camp located at Marion, was here for 2 years in 1933-1935. While here they planted 120,000 black locusts tress and 63 bushels of black walnut seedlings.

They did projects in the county to help the farmers with field erosion, planting trees and building rock walls to help hold the soil in place. Built small dams along gullies to help stop the drifting of the soil. Gullies were leveled by shovel, plowing or scraping and seedlings were planted to farther help with the shifting of the soil.

On the little lane leading to the Crooked Creek Church is a rock wall that is to believed to have been built by these workers. It's still in good shape today. The owners of the farm that this is located on is Barry and Patty Gilbert. They are proud to have this rock wall still on their land.

Perhaps one of the workers left a mystery message for future generations to find and wonder about, for on one the end rocks engraved in the stone are the words Crows Foot.

I wonder if there are other such marking scattered about the county and we are yet to find them.

Sugar Grove Chruch

2011-03-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

A drive out S. R. Highway 120 always calls for a scenic side trip to the Sugar Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The present Sugar Grove church building is the 4th building. The first was a log structure about 3/4 from the present location.

The second church was build on higher ground and in the location of the the present church. In 1954 this building was done away with to make room for the third building, a larger brick one, but still on the same location.. This third building was destroyed by fire in 1980.

The fourth building was built in 1981 and the picture above is the present Sugar Grove Church. The picture at the left is the engraved stone placed on the front of the building. Such plaques as these are a wonderful way to help preserve the history of the church for future generations. At a quick look the history of the buildings are there to see.

Located in front of the church is the Sugar Grove Cemetery. A large well-cared for cemetery that is the resting place of many of the families that lived in this area.

Lookout Towers Stand Vigil

2011-03-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

A thing of the past, the old fire lookout towers that were strategically placed around our county side.

From these towers, the person on duty could be on the alert for suspicious-looking clouds of smoke. Reaching skyward on the highest hill in the vicinity, the glass enclosed lookout tower provided a place to observe the surrounding country side. Wisps of smoke seen rising in the distance could easily be seen from this height.

The towers had telephones installed in each of them, when the first sign of a suspicious looking smoke starting to rise you could call for the additional help if needed to extinguish the fire.

In 1955 Crittenden had two of these towers, the Tribune Tower, set 5 miles east of Marion on what is appropriately named today, the Tribune Tower Road. Mrs. Mina Walker was the supervisor. The second was located near Oak Hall School, on the Forest Grove School Road, J. W. Duvall was the supervisor.

I believe they were taken down in the 1980's. With the aid of helicopters for spotting smoke and better communication available they were thought to not be needed any more.

The picture above was made right before they were taken down.

Hebron Church - Then and Now

2011-02-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

Hebron Methodist Church, one of our many rural churchs that has disbanded over the years due to lack of support and membership.

This church was established in the mid 1890's. It was well attended in the earlier days, as people were not as mobile as they are today, and they attended the churches close to where they lived.

There was also many more families that lived in the rural areas than there are today. People moved away and no new families filled the vacant farms. Also, used to be that everyone just expected to attended Sunday School and Church come Sunday morning. My family attended this church in the 1970's and my children went to Bible School here. We also had social activities such as hay rides, hot dog roasts, and Sunday School picnics at Dam 50 park. Other local families that attended were the Tom Carter families, the Virgil Cook families, and the Frank Belt families . The picture above is the way the church looked when we attended it.

Hebron Church was closed in the early 1980's and the building was eventually sold.

Today is it a family dwelling and has a somewhat different appearance than it did several years ago, with it's brightly colored trim of red, yellow and green.

Hubbard's History at Shady Grove

2011-02-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

This is the old J. D. Hubbard General Store building that has been greeting passers by at the entrance to Shady Grove for over a 100 years. It is now being torn down.

There is a couple in the county that buy old barns and buildings, take them down and resell them. Sometimes new floors and other home items are rebuild with the old wood. Many times the wood and logs are sold to people out of state.

Many people had hoped that one day someone would buy the old store and restore it to be used again and be a part of the community. But times are hard and money for these projects are hard to come by. So we keep loosing are old history, piece by piece.

With the removal of this building, even though worn looking, it will leave an empty spot in the community. My article in the Crittenden Press this week is about this store and several more old rural general stores that was in the area.

This is the Hubbard home right across the highway from the store. A lovely old home and well cared for. It has been lived in all the time. Mrs. Mary Hubbard died in April of 2009 and it has only been empty since that time. A local Shady Grove family has bought it and hopefully will be it's new caretaker.

One never thought of Shady Grove history unless the Hubbard name was also thought of.

Crittenden's Quilt Trail

2011-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

Crittenden County's latest quilt block. The Mariner's Compass design.

This colorful painted quilt panel is located on the outbuilding of Virginia McDowell who lives at Mattoon about 5 miles from Marion. Virginia is responsibly for sponsoring this panel.

It is Crittenden's third such painted quilt panel. The panel was placed just this past month. It is very colorful to see as you drive by. It was placed by Neil Decker, a representative of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. They are the ones that first sponsored the idea of this colorful and historical project throughout Kentucky.

I had the other two on a Blog in March of 2010 under the title "Marion on Quilter's Trail."

February Genealogy Meeting

2011-02-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

The Crittenden County Genealogy Society meet Sat. Feb. 12. Once again the group braved the cold and spotty snow covered areas to come to the meeting.

Standing: Anna Rae Porter, Fay Carol Crider, Steve Eskew, Rita Travis, Dot Kunnecke, Connie Gould.

Seated: Doyle Polk and Betty Croft. (Yours truly made the picture)

This month's progarm was "Reading Old Handwriting." Reading the old handwriting is always a challenge, even for the most experienced genealogist. So many of the letters of the alphabet resembled each other as the old scribes wrote the old documents. Many times when you read an original document and get the person's name, which a lot of times was only initials, and then find out later, you had misread the initials and the name would be incorrect. Especially on the middle initials.

We had some sample copies of original documents from our Court House, which included, marriage license and county court records, and the group was able to see if they could read what it said, and decipher the letters. Some members told of their experiences with first learning to read the old handwriting and how they got some of the lettering confused. We had a good time and a good meeting.

Our next meeting will be March 12th and the program will be the importance of using a family group sheet.

Old Pictures of Marion

2011-02-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

This great old picture is of the old Marion Coal and Transfer Co. located near the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in 1916.

In the picture from left to right. Seldon Driver in the wagon, Hayse and Reid Easley on the porch and Otis Burr in the wagon on the right.

Crittenden Press, March 11, 1911.

Al Easley had taken charge of the black shop on North College Street.

He will be ready for all kinds of repair work, blacksmithing and horse shoeing. He is a good workman and guarantees satisfaction in all departments.

Elbert Guess, shoeing horse on left, Hugh Driver holding horse, Al Easley on right shoeing the horse.

February Snow

2011-02-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Although we were only suppose to get 1-2 inches of snow today, we got caught in the middle of some kind of weather pattern along the Ohio River and we have received 4-5 inches of snow, and it's still snowing hard. With colder temperatures coming, this will probably be around for a few days. I'm sure the road departments are having a really hard time of trying to keep the roads clear of this heavy wet stuff.

One of my bird feeders covered in the stuff.

Mike Wheelers house during one of the heaviest periods of snow this morning.

The snow on our deck railing showing almost 5 inches.

Puckett Spring

2011-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

PUCKETT SPRING

Crittenden County has many natural springs located all through the county. Some are more well- known than others. Many years ago these springs seems to be a favorite place for gatherings and picnics. There is something special and mysterious about the springs. Many of these springs are hidden from the normal passers-by and if you don't know they are there you will drive right by them and never know their hidden beauty. Puckett Spring is one of these. It is located close to the inter-section of Claylick Creek Road and Emmaus Road in a field behind an old barn. Passing by it just looks like a normal flat farm field. So when you walk up to the spring it is a beautiful sight.

From an article in an old Crittenden Press, dated Sept. 2, 1932 we read of plans being made for a special picnic at the Puckett Spring.

4-H Clubs plan to meet Sept. 10th. Plans are being developed by Crittenden and Livingston County 4-H Clubs for a picnic and gathering to be held at Puckett Spring located near the old Salem Road. Puckett Spring is one of the loveliest areas in this section of the county. Parents and friends of members of the clubs are urged to attend and enjoy the basket dinner which will be served. There will be seven clubs from Livingston County and clubs from Crittenden will include Mattoon, Piney and Union.

Witherspoon Cabin

2011-01-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

The Witherspoon log cabin is located about 5 miles from Marion on Hwy. 91 N. and then on the Forest Grove School Rd. There is a sign by the road that says Wheeler's Log Cabin.

The originial house was a large log room. Later another log room was added, just as it stands today.

The log house was built in about 1835 by Uri Witherspoon and his wife, Susan Johnson. Uri met his wife in Mount Vernon, Illinois and brought her back to Kentucky where their made their home.

When you visit the home it is truly like a step back in time. Everything is authentic to the time period of the log home.

Today the log house and it's surrounding buildings are owned and cared for by Barbara Wheeler of Marion. In the summer months Barbara raises all kinds of herbs and flowers that she dries and uses to make her one of a kind wreaths.

The picture above is one of the small storage buildings that sets close to the house.

Amish Children Snow people

2011-01-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

I guess for playtime at the little Amish School on Hwy. 91 North this week, the students build a yard full of snow people. It was an amusing site as you drove by to see the snow people scattered about their play area and even one was built on the fence post to wave to the passersby.

This is a picture of the Amish School. Pictures made Thursday, Jan. 27th. Most of the snowfall from Monday night was gone by this time.

Below you can see the snow people scattered about the area. You can't see in the pictures, but most had on hats, or scarfs or other items of attire.

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery

2011-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

Crittenden County has two cemeteries that were named Mt. Pleasant. One is a Black cemetery located in the Bells Mines community.

This article is about the old cemetery that is located on the Crittenden Springs Hotel land on S. R. 1668.

At one time there was a good congregation of Methodists at Mount Pleasant Church, which was located back of the Crittenden Springs Hotel. It is not known what year it was organized but it was a thriving church in the 1850's. From an item in the Crittenden Press August 22, 1912, The regular annual graveyard cleaning will take place, Saturday, August 31, at the old Mt. Pleasant Graveyard on the Crittenden Springs land. Those interested will please come and bring tools. signed: W. M. Clark, Committee.

The old cemetery has been abandoned for many many years. Without the help of someone that knows where it is located, it's almost impossible to find. Located on a hill side, most all the stones are down and most are broken.

In the picture at the right you can see a few on the stones, a few standing and some leaning against trees. It seems such an unlikely area for a cemetery. It is thought the old church might have been located close by in the same area.

This is the stone of Nancy Brown Moore. Born Dec. 27, 1802 and Died April 6, 1859. She and her husband, Robert Moore, came to this area in 1834 from Orange County, North Carolina, and settled on what is now called Moore Hill (on Hwy. 60 west). Her stone was broken but we were able to locate the two pieces.

Nancy's husband's, Robert Moore,was born Feb. 11, 1780 and died Feb. 27, 1858. The top half of Robert's stone is broken off and we were unable to locate it in the thick covering of leaves.

This interesting little stone with the Angel playing the harp is for Marietta Franklin, daughter of Angereau and Lucinda Stephens Franklin.

The stone was very ornate and still in good condition to have been there since 1857. She died at the young age of 21. Wonder why she died so young.

A younger brother, Wm. A. Franklin, was also buried close by.

Memories of Bells Mines

2011-01-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

The old coal mining town of Bells Mines always will be a mystery to most of us. Oh yes, we've heard a few stories and read some interesting tidbits about it in the old papers, but there is so much that is just lost to the world about the old town and it's coal mines.

My father, Billie Travis spent many years of his young life there, but he never talked about it very much. Not good memories I guess, things he's rather not recall. He kept telling me that he would tell me about it, and also he was going to sketch out a picture of how he remembered the old mining town. Dad was a good sketcher and could draw most anything he wanted. I looked forward to these items of history that only he could provide for me. But he put it off too long and when he passed away in 1993, the history and stories went with him.

The picture is of my dad, Billie Travis, on the right and his cousin Kermit Sarlls, on the left. The picture was made about 1928. They are standing at the base of the coal tipple or coal loading dock that was at Bells Mines. They looked happy and carefree in this picture of long ago.

Kermit was the the son of Richard and Cora Travis Sarlls. They also lived at Bells Mines. The Sarlls name is gone from Crittenden County now. Gone like most all the people that remembered the old community of Bells Mines.

Marion's Early Car Wash

2011-01-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

In the year 1925 Marion was busy and buzzing with many new automobiles. In order to keep up with the times a new business was added to Marion' directory. How about an Auto Laundry?

From the files of The Crittenden Press, August 1925 comes this interesting article about Marion's new business.

How about a new place where you may get your autos and 4ds washed.?

When Mr. Levi Cook built his auto laundry it was the finest thing of it's kind in America in a town any where near the size of Marion. Equipped for speed and this together with a desire to render service at a moderate price this establishment is always busy.

The demand for this service grew to such an extent that Mr. Cook has added to the equipment by installing a deep well electric pump for supplying water for the radiators of such motor cars as need a drink as they go by. All you have to do now to water your radiator is to drive up and reach over and grab the hose and press the handle of the faucet while holding the nozzle in the proper place. A quick service gasoline station is also maintained.

Mr. Pid Threlkeld is in charge of the establishment and he will see that if you drive up, either for an automobile bath, or to have a tank filled with gas, that you are made welcome and waited on with a smile.

Hood'sCreek School

2011-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hood's Creek School - early 1930's.

1st row - 2 boys sitting down: L -R: Sam Robertson and Loyce Ford

2nd row: E. L. Phillips, James C. Brantley, Frankie Robertson, J. D. Orr, Glenn Brantley, Edna Ford, Norma Phillips, Margaret Phillips.

3rd row: Naomi Ford, Nenna Orr, Ersie Ford, Glenn Tosh, Bill Ford, Hershel Brantley, Mary Edna Dome, Guthrie Ford.

Lady on left in the back is their teacher - Susie Orr.

To reach the site of the old Hood's Creek School you would travel on Highway 60 E to the top of Rosebud Hill. Turn right onto the Nunn's Switch Road. The school was located about three-fourths mile from Nunn's Station, a railroad switching station on the Illinois Central Railroad between Repton and Blackford. The school was so named because of Hoods Creek which flowed by it.

The old school ended as many of the old wooden frame school houses, it burnt one cold winter day in the 1940's. The first fire in the old pot bellied stove somehow set the roof on fire. After that the 18 students were transported to Mattoon.

Early Telephone Office

2011-01-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

This is another one of the wonderful old vintage photos from years ago, it has no names, dates or information written on it, so we have to guess it's history.

Mr. T. J. Alexander brought the first telephone service to Marion in Jan. 1899 and it was in operation by Feb. 23, 1899. There were eighty telephone instruments in the town of Marion. By June 1900 there were 159 paid subscribers.

General information to use the phone was to give the bell crank one sharp turn, then take the receiver from the hook, place it firmly to your ear and listen for the operator to answer, give the operator the number of name of the party with whom you wish to communicate and the operator will at once make the call for you. Subscribers are requested not to enter into conversation with the operator.

I would guess the picture was made during this time as someone would think this historical event was worthy of a photograph.

Crittenden County Genealogy Society Meets

2011-01-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Crittenden County Genealogy Society had it's first meeting of the new year today, Jan. 8th. Some of us braved the cold and snow to meet at the Library to get the show on the road for 2011.

Our meetings are very informal but very informative. Not always just about genealogy but other interesting topics that have to do with our families and also history of the county.

Today's program was titled: The 1930's Depression - How it affected the county and do you have family stories handed down about that time in our past history. Everyone had some information or a family story they shared and it made for a very interesting program.

Members and visitors present today were: Back row: Fay Carol Crider, Brenda Underdown, Don Foster, Anna Rhea Porter, and Steve Eskew.

Front row: Doyle Polk, Betty Croft, and Ed Shewcraft.

Steve has a new Crittenden County research book out which is titled "Crittenden County, Kentucky Obituaries ad Death Notices, Vol. I. 1886-1899. It is a great addition for the genealogist researching their families in Crittenden County. If you might be interested in one you can Contact: him at: books@steveeskew.com or order directly from the printer. The web page address is: steveeskew.com/books

Col. Ephraim Washington Hill

2011-01-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

This interesting and informative article and photo appeared in the April 3, 1893 edition of The Crittenden Press. Articles such as these are a great help to Genealogists for they tell of things that otherwise would have been lost through the years.

Of the men who first looked upon what is now Crittenden County, before but little of its virgin forest had faced before the woodman's ax, but few are living today. Among the thinned ranks of those pioneers is Col. E. W. Hill, born August 7, 1805, at the old Hill farm about one mile south of Marion. For 88 years he has been a citizen of this section and his home during most of that period has been the old homestead, where he was born and where he now resides.

His father, Col. David Hill, came from North Carolina one hundred years ago this fall. He was a young man and accompanied James Richey, a well-to-do man, who settled here and opened a farm, building a cabin on what is known as the Wm. Clement farm.

The next year of about 1784, Mr. Hill returned to North Carolina for a short visit, and then returned to Kentucky, accompanied by a number of settlers. He began life by building his cabin and opening up the farm now known as the old Hill place. Col. E. W. Hill remembers well when his father left home and joined the ranks of the soldiers who fought in the War of 1812-15.

Col. Hill has always been a hard working citizen, and in his day and time has earned many a dollar. I used to make lots of money, he said, raising pork and tobacco. I always shipped my produce to New Orleans by flat boat and got good prices. Had I saved my money I would have lots of it now, but I loaned it out, not to make money, but to accommodate my friends, and lots of it never came home.

Col. Hill's word was always as good as his bond, and he has been an important factor in the settlement of the county. Col. Hill was married to Mary B. Porter, daughter of E. P. Porter. Three children were born to them, two of them are still living - Mr. Ephraim Porter Hill and Mary Dowell, wife of Judge R. E. Dowell who moved to Kansas.

Col. E. W. Hill died Feb. 23, 1899 and is buried in the Old Marion Cemetery, where many of Crittenden County's early pioneesr and founding fathers are buried. His stone has weathered so that it is almost unreadable.

Pleasant Grove Church

2010-12-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Another one of our pretty rural churches, Pleasant Grove General Baptist, lies in the Western part of the county on S. R. 723. The Livingston County line is not far from the church.

The first Pleasant Grove Church was a log building built in 1892. Not much history is known about this first building, as the church records were burned when fire destroyed the home of the church clerk.

The second church was a frame building built in 1892. In 1916 the third building was begun and was completed in 1918. It served the community until 1956, when the fourth building was begun and completed in 1957. In 1968, an addition was built, including a classroom, a dining room, and restroom facilities. Pleasant Grove is still an active church today. Brother Herbert Alexander is the Pastor.

To the right of the church is the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

This is one of the interesting stones found here. A nice informative stone of John W. Corn and his two wives.

His first wife, Martha Wright Corn, who died June 4, 1894. There is an infant, Beulah Wright, buried close by that was born May 11, 1894 and died July 14, 1894. The Crittenden County Vital Statistics Death Records stated they both died of fever. Which was probably what was known as Child bed fever, an infection following the birth of a child. How terrible to lose your young wife and infant child.

John married second to Sarah Ellen Capes, Nov. 20, 1895 in Crittenden County. Sarah lived several years after John died.
Pictures made in October 2010.

White Christmas of 2010

2010-12-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Marion and Crittenden woke up to a White Christmas this morning, Dec. 25, 2010.

We have about two inches on the ground. It is a heavy wet snow the kind that makes wonderful snowmen and snow cream. Either of which I don't do anymore. But it is a good memory of times past.

The scene also reminded me of an old saying that my grandmother used to say when it was snowing large white flakes.

That Mother Goose was picking her geese. As the snow flakes must look like the white feathers of a goose being picked of it's feathers. Remember the poem of long ago

The Old woman on high,

Way up in the sky,

Is picking her geese, they say.

White feathers come down,

All over the town from the geese,

She is picking today.

And I'm wondering, oh, my,

How her fingers must fly.

Pick-picking, pick-picking all day,

And I'm wondering, too,

about her geese, wouldn't you?

How many does she have anyway.

Chritsmas Past in Marion

2010-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas years ago in the small town of Marion was very different from today. Today all of the old familiar shopping stores are gone. But it's nice to be able to remember the hustle and bustle that was here. Store windows from East Bellville Street to East Depot street would be decorated with Christmas scenes and merchandise. There was no need to travel miles to Paducah, Princeton or Evanville to do your shopping, there was plenty to choose from at Marion and with reasonable prices.

From an article in the Dec. 1938 Crittenden Press, it tell us the holiday season is in "Full swing" in Marion with stores stocked to capacity for Christmas shoppers. All are beautifully decorated and clerks in readiness to meet the last minute rush of shoppers.

The business section, Marion Street, is a veritable canopy of multicolored lights strung across the thoroughfare. Show windows are outlined in colored lights and a Santa Claus banner hangs across the street. Even the gas stations have festooned gas pump with cedars and lights.

To end this week before Christmas, I'll share another antique Yule card with you. Few if any of these early cards used Nativity scenes, most just had brief Christmas sentiments on them.

This card was postmarked Dec. 23, 1929.

Antique Yule Cards

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Antique Christmas Cards of many years ago are very different from the ones we are familiar with today.
Although the verses are familiar the pictures and colors are quite different.

This colorful, yet somehow dreary card and envelope lining with the turquoise and black design was from 1923.

It's says "The Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for Christmas and the Coming Year."

This card send in 1930 is a 4 x 5 card. Still with unusual colors for a Christmas card.

It reminds me of Christmas carolers, perhaps in London.

Postage for mailing these holiday cards was .2 cents.

When I was a child growing up, we received many, many Christmas cards from family, friends and businesses where my parents had done business over the year. It was always my job, which I loved, to find a way to display the beautiful cards through the house. Many times it would be to attached the cards to the doorway frames throughout the house with thumbtacks. Also on the front of the doors and even in the windows sills.

Just another good memory of Christmas past.

Crittenden Springs Hotel

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During these cold wintery days, it is pleasant to think of the warm summertime days. Back in the spring of 1902, the grand Crittenden Springs Hotel was getting prepared for one of it's memorable meals. The Crittenden Springs Hotel is differently one, if not the most, lost treasurers of Crittenden County's history.

I can imagine the great ball room being decorated for Christmas in these early days when many decorations would come from the beauty around us, such as Cedar and Pine tree boughs and holly and wild berries that grew in the area. I'm sure the smell of these freshly cut trees was wonderful.

But back to the summertime. This article was found in the May 30, 1902 Crittenden Press and it was titled "A Toothsome Menu"

The folowing menu of the dinner given by Mr. John Wilson at Crittenden Springs Hotel is somewaht remarkable on account of every article served being produced on the hotel estate with the exception of the tea, coffee and sugar.

Puree of Green Peas, Radishes, Lettuce.
Ohio River Bass, Tartare Sauce
Water Cress, Duchess Potatoes
Roasted Sirloin of Beef au naturel, Barbarcued Lamb with Mint Sauce, Broiled Spring Checkens with Giblet Gravy, Youong Squirrels on toast, Frogs Legs Breaded
Green Peas, Butter Beans, Irish Potatoes, Green Onions Sweet Potatoes, Lettuce Salad
Strawberry Ice, Cabinet Pudding, washington Pie, Sweet sauce, Blackberry Tarts, Strawberries
American Cheese
Tea, Coffee, Milk, Waters

Mr. Wilson's extensive gardens produce all the vegetables desired, the stream that meanders through the hotel grounds supplies the fish, while the pools adjacent furnish the frogs. The beeves and muttons are fattened on the rich grasses of the bottom lands, while the chickens, ducks and turkeys are brought to a high degree of perfection in their separate houses.

Milk and cream, not the milkman's product, but the old fashioned, golden tinged article is served. The hotel woods are full of squirrels, quail and pigeons.

Two hundred guests can be very comfortably accommodated in the spacious hotel.