September 2023 | Kentucky Monthly Magazine

36 Cheers to Bourbon Pay tribute to National Bourbon Heritage Month with these refreshing cocktails

38 It’s Showtime! If you’re interested in seeing more live musicals on stage this upcoming performing arts season, look no further than Kentucky’s venues

Anniversary lllustration by Devon Stivers*

*Devon Stivers , a Bagdad (Shelby County) native with a bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown College in art history and history, works as a webmaster for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. She has a passionate love of literature, nature and anything in the fine arts.

kentucky kwiz

Test your knowledge of our beloved

Commonwealth. To find out how you fared, see the bottom of Vested Interest.

1. The first issue of Kentucky Monthly was what is called a split-run. Actor George Clooney graced the cover of 40,000 copies, and Papa John’s founder John Schnatter was on 10,000 copies that went to the opening football game in the stadium that bore the company’s name. Who won the game, which was between the University of Louisville Cardinals and the University of Kentucky Wildcats?

2. When Kentucky Monthly debuted during the 1998 Kentucky State Fair, the major musical acts there were Journey, Quiet Riot and which group?

A. The Statler Brothers

B. The Oak Ridge Boys

C. Alabama

3. Which Kentucky icon did not open in 1998?

A. The World Peace Bell in Newport

B. Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (now L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium) in Louisville

C. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

4. Which now-famous Kentuckian was born the same year Kentucky Monthly began?

A. Rapper Jack Harlow

B. Actress Jennifer Lawrence

C. Record-holding sprinter Abby Steiner

5. Who has appeared on the cover of Kentucky Monthly more than anyone?

A. George Clooney

B. Abraham Lincoln

C. Heather French Henry

6. Who turned down being on the first Kentucky Monthly cover, preferring to appear on an upcoming “basketball issue?”

A. Rick Pitino

B. Joe B. Hall

C. Ashley Judd

7. The first issue of Kentucky Monthly was printed in which Kentucky city?

A. Shepherdsville

B. Lebanon Junction

C. Covington

8. True or False: Jeff Sheppard, the father of incoming UK freshman men’s basketball player Reed Sheppard, was named the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament months before Kentucky Monthly began.

9. According to national photographer Rob Carr, a member of the Eastern Kentucky University Alumni Hall of Fame, Kentucky Monthly ’s photo of which noted sportsman was the first digital image to grace an American magazine cover?

A. Tim Couch, the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft

B. Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day

C. Baseball Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese

10. Yes or no: Has anyone born after 1998 graced the cover of Kentucky Monthly?

Celebrating the best of our Commonwealth

© 2023, Vested Interest Publications

Volume Twenty-Six, Issue 7, September 2023

Stephen M. Vest

Publisher + Editor-in-Chief

Editorial

Patricia Ranft Associate Editor

Rebecca Redding Creative Director

Deborah Kohl Kremer Assistant Editor

Brooke Raby Special Projects Coordinator

Ted Sloan Contributing Editor

Cait A. Smith Copy Editor

Lucy Saunderson Intern

Senior Kentributors

Jackie Hollenkamp Bentley, Jack Brammer, Bill Ellis, Steve Flairty, Gary Garth, Jessie Hendrix-Inman, Mick Jeffries, Kim Kobersmith, Brigitte Prather, Walt Reichert, Tracey Teo, Janine Washle and Gary P. West

Business and Circulation

Barbara Kay Vest Business Manager

Jocelyn Roper Circulation Specialist

Advertising

Lindsey Collins Senior Account Executive and Coordinator

Kelley Burchell Account Executive

Teresa Revlett Account Executive

For advertising information, call 888.329.0053 or 502.227.0053

KENTUCKY MONTHLY (ISSN 1542-0507) is published 10 times per year (monthly with combined December/ January and June/July issues) for $25 per year by Vested Interest Publications, Inc., 100 Consumer Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. Periodicals Postage Paid at Frankfort, KY and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to KENTUCKY

MONTHLY, P.O. Box 559, Frankfort, KY 40602-0559.

Vested Interest Publications: Stephen M. Vest, president; Patricia Ranft, vice president; Barbara Kay Vest, secretary/treasurer. Board of directors: James W. Adams Jr., Dr. Gene Burch, Gregory N. Carnes, Barbara and Pete Chiericozzi, Kellee Dicks, Maj. Jack E. Dixon, Bruce and Peggy Dungan, Mary and Michael Embry, Judy M. Harris, Greg and Carrie Hawkins, Jan and John Higginbotham, Frank Martin, Bill Noel, Michelle Jenson McDonnell, Walter B. Norris, Kasia Pater, Dr. Mary Jo Ratliff, Barry A. Royalty, Randy and Rebecca Sandell, Kendall Carr Shelton and Ted M. Sloan.

Kentucky Monthly invites queries but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material;

Readers Write

Steve Scores

I really enjoyed Steve Vest’s column in the May issue (page 64). I didn’t know the details of the the retrieval of Daniel and Rebecca Boone’s remains from Missouri, and he told the story very compellingly.

I also enjoyed Steve’s June/ July column (about AI, page 64)—timely and well done. I have been playing with the AI app Genie— funny and scary at the same time.

Mike Norris, Lexington

Peevishness

I read Bill Ellis’ May article with great interest and enjoyment (page 58). I share his pet peeves, which brought many of my own to mind.

I recently had a meal out with my wife, where the waiter asked, “Are we ready to order?” Is he going to join us? Later, he asked, “Are we still working on that?” A new level of involvement.

The next time (wife permitting), I will ask the waiter, “Are we ready for the check?”

Another peeve is the use of nouns as verbs, e.g., to showcase, to dialog, to impact, to loan, etc. I notice most of these on news stations.

While I am at it, when did, “reticent,” a word rarely used, start to be used quite often but to mean “reluctant?”

Bill’s reference to “have a good one” gave me a chuckle. When said to me, I would ask my wife if I look like I need to use the bathroom. I have an arcane sense of humor, which my wife has chosen to ignore.

“Which begs the question” is used on the news to mean “which leads one to ask the question …”

Do you remember the word “whom?” Or the phrase “if I were?” I think they are long gone. Oh, dear …

Al Vekovius (81 years old), Nashville

Bill Ellis’ concern about the overuse of the word “meta” is legit. He should plan a virtual internet visit to Eastern Kentucky’s unincorporated community of Meta (locals call it Meeta), located seven miles northeast of Pikeville. The community of Meta had its own post office from 1896 to 1959 and is not home to a giant corporation.

Roger Ratliff, Mayflower, Pike County • •

I enjoyed Bill Ellis’ pet peeve article. It’s funny that as we advanced in school, the question: “Will this be on the test?” seemed to be asked by students more and more.

Mike Young, Midlothian, Virginia

Homestate Nostalgia

Kentucky Monthly and, even more, Bill Ellis’ writing cause me to miss my [Kentucky] home.

Bill Miller, Richmond, Virginia

The Kentucky Gift Guide

MAG ON THE MOVE

Even when you’re far away, you can take the spirit of your Kentucky home with you. And when you do, we want to see it!

Randy Lane of St. Matthews couldn’t help but hold up his Kentucky Monthy magazine during a grave-marking ceremony for Rebecca and Daniel Boone at the Frankfort Cemetery on June 4. Hosted by the Colonel Daniel Boone Chapter of the Kentucky Society National Society Sons of the American Revolution and Frankfort’s two Daughters of the American Revolution chapters, the event drew members from across Kentucky and at least eight other states among the more than 400 people who were in attendance. (Photo

Army veteran Lubrina Burton and her husband, Mike Schliesman, of Lexington visited the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany. As a young soldier stationed in Germany, Lubrina never had the opportunity to visit the resort and made up for it by stopping there while on vacation.

Frankfort

by Marika Wesolosky)

The Greene Settles Collection

In 2013, First Southern National Bank purchased the Greene Settles collection of Lexington artist Henry Lawrence Faulkner, that included over 233 pieces in oil on panel, watercolor, and sketch, and display many of those paintings in their holding company offices and in the Bluebird cafe in Stanford for the community to enjoy.

ART

in Stanford, Kentucky

The Gift of Color

First Southern National Bank joins with John Stephen Hockensmith, a friend of Faulkner’s in the art world and owner of Fine Art Editions Gallery, in presenting The Gift of Color, the definitive collector’s anthology of Henry’s life stories, poems, sketches, and paintings.

Books are available for purchase at Kentucky Soaps & Such, in Stanford, Kentucky. A selection of giclées featuring Faulkner’s work are also available.

celebrate our 25th anniversary with us

Cruise to Alaska

kentucky monthly invites you on a cruise to alaska!

May 2024

CRUISE INCLUSIONS

7-NIGHT CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS

MEALS

ENTERTAINMENT

EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

DRINK PACKAGE

PRE-PAID GRATUITIES

WIFI PACKAGE

PRIVATE EVENTS FOR KENTUCKY

MONTHLY GROUP

CALL TO BOOK

CRUISE EVERYTHING

239.275.1717

A group of friends and colleagues from the Ft. Thomas Independent School District explored the treasures of the Bluegrass State on an annual girls’ trip. One of the highlights of the expedition—which included shopping, dining and museums—was the Kentucky Dinner Train. From left are Judy Manning, Angela Cochran, Melissa Trimbach, Mary Adams, Janice Daniel, Peggie Hughes and Patty Kelly

Alaska

Richmond residents Philip and Deborah Ingber spent 16 days in Alaska and traveled up to the Arctic Ocean with their Kentucky Monthly They are pictured in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), the farthest point north in the United States, standing under gray whale jawbones, with the Arctic Ocean at their backs.

Italy

During a cruise to Alaska, Ken and Joanne Pawsat of Maysville toured Juneau’s State Museum and the Mount Roberts Tramway.

Frankfort residents Anita Moore and Debra Ison enjoyed a day at Pompeii while traveling through Italy.

THE AMAZING APPLE

Photos by Jessie Hendrix-Inman

Most of us think of apples as an American fruit, but apples as we know them originated in an area between Europe and Asia called the Caucasus region. Romans brought the fruit to Europe, where the apple’s popularity grew when cooks discovered sugar. Immigrating European settlers brought apples to North America. They were well received, probably because their natural sweetness was so different from the tart native crab apple.

Apples became so popular that they even impacted our language, with sayings such as “apple of my eye,” “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “one bad apple spoils the whole bunch.” Interestingly, the term “upper crust” derives from early America and the apple pie. Because of the scarcity of cooking ingredients, poor folks made only the bottom crust when baking an apple pie. Rich households could afford both a top and bottom crust, and those families became known as the upper crust. Whether you’re snacking on your preferred variety of apple or cooking up one of the following recipes, you will appreciate the flavor and texture of America’s favorite fruit.

JANINE WASHLE

Autumn Apple Butter Cake

SERVES 8

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

¾ cup sugar

4 eggs

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups whole-wheat pastry flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1½ cups buttermilk

1 cup apple butter

Zest of ½ fresh orange

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut parchment paper circles to fit in the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans. Spray pans with a nonstick baking spray, then place parchment in pan bottoms.

2. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add all four eggs and beat until incorporated (mixture will look grainy), about three minutes. Scrape sides and bottom.

3. Sift together dry ingredients. To the butter and sugar mixture, add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in apple butter and zest.

4. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 40 minutes or until pale brown and top springs back when touched. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, peel parchment from bottoms, and cool completely on cake racks.

5. Place one cake top side down on a cake plate. Spread with a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost sides and top, swirling decoratively with remaining frosting. Refrigerate leftovers.

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ teaspoon salt

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

4-5 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

1. Combine brown sugar, butter and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until well mixed. Beat in cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar cup by cup until frosting is of a spreadable consistency. Stir in orange zest.

Recipes provided by Janine Washle of Kay’s Cafe in Clarkson and prepared at Sullivan University by Ann Currie.

Jezebel Sauce

YIELDS ABOUT 5 CUPS

Jezebel sauce complements chicken, turkey and pork, especially hams of every kind.

4 cups chopped fresh pineapple

3 cups chopped, peeled and cored tart apples

1 cup chopped dried apricots

1½ cups granulated sugar

2 cups water

1 3-inch cinnamon stick

1½ cups freshly grated horseradish (use fine holes of box grater) or prepared horseradish

3 tablespoons Colman’s Dry Mustard

5 tablespoons white vinegar or bottled lemon juice

1. Combine pineapple, apples, apricots, sugar, water and cinnamon stick in a large stainless saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 30 minutes until substantially thickened. Remove from heat and discard cinnamon stick.

2. Purée mixture but leave some small chunks and bits. Stir in horseradish and dry mustard.

3. Return mixture to saucepan and bring to a boil in order to can the sauce in five half-pint jars.

4. While mixture is cooking, prepare a water-bath canner. Fill the canner or a large stock pot that easily will hold five half-pint canning jars with water to cover the tops of the jars with at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil.

5. Carefully place the jars in the boiling water to sterilize them. Leave five minutes, then remove. Drop in canning lids and screw bands to boil for a couple minutes. Carefully remove them.

6. Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar or bottled lemon juice to each jar (this will add the acidity needed to store at room temperature once canned).

7. Using a canning funnel, fill jars within ½ inch of rim with sauce. Once jars are filled, wipe the rims with a paper towel or dry cloth. Top jars with canning lids, screw on bands, and place jars in the canner. Cover with the lid. Bring the water back up to a boil. Adjust heat so it is not a rolling boil, which will cause jars to bump each other, possibly damaging them. Start timer for 10 minutes when water begins to boil. Again, jars should be in a gently boiling water bath.

8. After 10 minutes, remove lid, turn off heat, and leave jars in hot water to stabilize for five minutes. Remove jars to a towellined surface to completely cool.

9. If canning isn’t your thing, ladle sauce into a large bowl or smaller bowls fitted with lids. Refrigerate up to two weeks. Freeze sauce if it will be longer before you need it. This recipe doesn’t have enough acid for long-term refrigerated storage.

Double Decker Apple Cream Pie

A lighter apple pie perfect after a filling meal.

SERVES 8-10

3 tablespoons water

3 cups thinly sliced tart apples

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 9-inch prepared graham-cracker crust

2 packs unflavored gelatin

2 large eggs, beaten

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups no-sugar-added applesauce

1. Add water and apples to a large skillet over medium heat and stir. Sweat apples until they have softened, about four minutes. Turn heat to high and cook an additional four minutes until excess liquid evaporates and apples are nearly dry. Remove from heat.

2. Gently stir in lemon zest. Arrange apples in prepared crust and set aside.

3. Sprinkle gelatin over beaten eggs in a medium bowl. Set aside for five minutes to allow gelatin to bloom.

4. Stir together sweetened condensed milk and applesauce in a medium saucepan. Set saucepan over medium heat and cook until mixture is steaming. Ladle ¼ cup of mixture from saucepan into the bloomed gelatin mixture and whisk. Add another ¼ cup of mixture to the gelatin mixture and whisk. Pour the warmed gelatin mixture into the saucepan. Whisk to combine, then cook for three minutes to ensure gelatin has completely melted. Do not boil.

5. Pour cream mixture over apple layer. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers.

Apple Cheddar Waffles

YIELDS 12 WAFFLES

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

2 cups good-quality buttermilk, shaken

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

¾ cup peeled, coarsely grated tart apple, squeezed dry

2½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Vegetable oil, for greasing waffle maker if necessary

Pure maple syrup

Apple slices for garnish

1. Heat waffle maker to desired temperature (check manufacturer’s instructions).

2. Stir together flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

3. Separate eggs, placing the whites in a clean, grease-free medium-size bowl. Place the yolks in another medium-size bowl along with buttermilk, melted butter, cheddar cheese, grated apple and thyme. Stir mixture to combine.

4. Using a mixer, beat the whites until stiff peaks form. Add wet mixture to dry, stirring just until moistened. Gently fold in egg whites. It’s OK if a little of the egg whites is visible.

5. Using a four-square electric waffle maker, pour about ½ cup of batter onto each square. Close and bake to the desired doneness. Remove waffles and continue with remaining batter until all the waffles are baked.

6. To serve, place two waffles on a plate. Drizzle pure maple syrup around the waffles. Garnish the top of the waffle with 2-3 apple slices. Serve immediately.

Apple

YIELDS ABOUT 3 DOZEN

½ cup water

½ stick unsalted butter

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup peeled, grated tart apple, patted dry

4 large eggs

High-heat oil, such as peanut oil

Granulated sugar

Prepared caramel sauce

Aerosol whipped cream

Pie

Fries with Caramel and Whipped Cream

1. Combine water, butter and salt in a medium pan over high heat. Bring to a boil.

2. Once butter has melted, remove pan from heat and add all but one tablespoon of flour. Stir mixture vigorously.

3. Place pan back on heat set at medium high. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture becomes smooth, about 45 seconds. Remove pan from heat again and allow to cool 7-10 minutes. The interior temperature should be less than 125 degrees.

4. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in cinnamon. Toss grated apple with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Stir into mixture.

5. Add eggs one at a time. The mixture will break up into curd-like pieces. By the time the last egg is incorporated, it will smooth out again. Beat two minutes after the last egg is added.

6. Using a pastry bag with a large round tip, pipe 4-inch lengths of dough spaced 1 inch apart onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Once the sheet is full, freeze for 30 minutes until stiff.

7. To fry, add ½ to ¾ inch oil to a deep pan. Heat oil to 375 degrees and add 5-6 fries to the pan. Fry about two minutes per side, until they are a light golden brown. Break a test fry in half to check for doneness. Adjust frying time accordingly.

8. Transfer apple pie fries to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Keep warm in a preheated oven. Continue to fry until all the batter is used.

9. To serve, pile some fries on a plate or stand them up in a cup. Drizzle with caramel sauce, then add whipped cream to garnish.

TAKE YOUR SENSES ON UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES

Renowned for authentic bourbon and fascinating distrillery tours, a getaway to Kentucky heightens all of your senses.

Number of recipes we’ve featured with turkey: 17

Total number of issues published: 270

Number of letters to the editor we’ve published: 935

Celebrating Silver

In 1998, a record-breaking winter storm dropped more than 20 inches of snow on parts of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team captured the national championship, a slim aerodynamic colt named Real Quiet won the Kentucky Derby, and Kentucky Monthly was born. It was a banner year.

Twenty-five years is an important milestone for any publication but particularly impressive with the changes that have taken place in the publishing world since 1998. Many traditional print magazines have fallen by the wayside with the growth of the internet. Luckily for us, Kentucky Monthly readers continue to enjoy receiving physical copies of the magazine.

Over the coming year, we plan to celebrate our silver anniversary with events across the state and invite our readers to join us in these gettogethers. See page 21 for our first anniversary event, which takes place in Frankfort.

...it all started in 1998...

Number of subscribers first year: 40 While the first issue went to 40 paid subscribers, 49,960 copies were delivered by hand, a process that put more than 3,200 miles on the staff members’ automobiles.

Number of books we’ve published: 7

Number of books we’ve reviewed: 1,018

Number of phone numbers we’ve had: 1 But... we’ve had three offices.

Number of times we’ve raised our subscription prices: 1

DATA ACCUMULATED + ANALYZED BY LUCY SAUNDERSON AND PATRICIA RANFT

Number of times animals have appeared on the cover

Steve Cauthen and an Affirmed filly he owned April 2000

Nick Clooney holding Nate in a photo with his wife, Nina December 2000

Thoroughbreds grazing in a field June 2021

A Jack Russell named Dot sitting on the lap of Booker Noe in a photo of bourbon industry legends Noe, Jimmy Russell and Elmer T. Lee September 2003

Whitey the pooch in a photo of the Kentucky Headhunters March 2004

An unnamed dog on the cover of the short-lived Pet Issue March 2009

The Carloftis family’s lovely black dog, Ella, at Rockcastle River Trading Co. June/July 2021

A political illustration with an upright donkey walking a blue dog October 2010

A camel in a photo of Egyptian pyramids February 2013

An unidentified Thoroughbred racehorse with groom Roberto Gonzalez April 2013

Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner American Pharoah October 2015

The hounds of the Iroquois Hunt Club November 2015

We print an average of 32,300 magazines monthly, with an estimated readership of 137,275. Kentucky Monthly has subscriptions extending until June 2030.

262

Number of Vested Interest columns Steve has written

Visit page 64 for number 263...

50

50 59

Number of states in which our subscribers live. We reach all 50 states and Puerto Rico. We do not have subscribers in the United States Virgin Islands (since Sharon Amburg moved from St. Thomas to The Villages, Florida), Guam or American Samoa.

NUMBER OF SCHOOL MASCOTS THAT HAVE BEEN ON THE COVER

Western Kentucky University’s Big Red

Number of pie recipes we’ve published...including a recipe for George Clooney ’s fave, Transparent Pie, in April 2016. Please see page 11 for our 60th pie recipe, Double Decker Apple Cream Pie. It was provided by Janine Washle , who was a Kentucky Monthly Reader Recipe Contest winner in 2012 prior to becoming a regular Cooking column contributor.

SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY

Number of Mag on the Move photos we’ve published to date...and we have many more in the hopper! TOP

Submitters to Kentucky Monthly’s Mag on the Move have visited all seven continents!!

TOP 5 STATES VISITED:

Florida

The average issue of Kentucky Monthly contains 23,618 words. But remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, and we publish plenty of images.

From Our Editors…

Past and present editors reflect on their experiences working with Kentucky Monthly

MICHAEL EMBRY 1998-2006

My memories of Kentucky Monthly go back to the very beginning, when Steve Vest and I met every few weeks at a Pizza Hut on Versailles Road in Lexington and discussed what would become the foundation for the magazine.

It is difficult to highlight any one specific happening during my eight years as editor. I can say there were long hours, especially the few days before taking the product on tape to Publisher’s Press in Lebanon Junction. It was certainly a labor of love.

Another remembrance was waiting for Vince Staten to finish writing his cover story for the debut issue about George Clooney. It was finally in the eleventh hour that George returned Vince’s call for an interview. Vince was on I-64 heading back to his home in La Grange when he got the call from George and had to pull off on the side of the road. When that issue came off the presses and was delivered to our office, we loaded our cars and drove across the state, giving the magazines to bookstores, libraries, supermarkets and other places to spread the word about this new and exciting magazine—all about Kentucky!

The Clooney cover on that first issue set the standard for several years as the magazine’s signature element. We featured celebrities such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Ashley Judd, Barbara Kingsolver, Patty Loveless, Sue Grafton, John Michael Montgomery, the Kentucky Headhunters and many others. The magazine has grown and evolved to reflect the diverse interests of Kentuckians.

It goes without saying that Kentucky Monthly has been blessed by the talents of many wonderful people who have been involved through the years: writers, editors, photographers, advertising reps and artists—plus the advertisers and subscribers who provided financial support.

Here’s to another 25 years!

JACKIE HOLLENKAMP BENTLEY 2000-Present

I can’t say I’ve been with Kentucky Monthly magazine from the beginning, but it’s pretty close. I’ve known Steve Vest since I was a child pestering my older siblings (he and my siblings went to Doss High School at the same time). Years later, in 1999, we ran into each other, and he recognized me—rather, he recognized the family resemblance.

“Which Hollenkamp are you?” he asked.

The rest is history. My first cover story, on Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton, was published in February 2000, and I have written for the magazine basically every single month since.

For one crazy, whirlwind year (July 2006-August 2007), I had the honor of being the magazine’s associate editor. I tried my hand at writing columns, posted assignments, proofread, all while letting my three small children bug the heck out of everyone in the Frankfort office.

Do I have a favorite story? Well, you never forget your first—especially when the subject (Hamilton) personally calls you after reading your work and admits that it brought them to tears.

While I was associate editor, I agonized over my monthly column highlighting each issue’s theme with a personal connection. Relating the October 2006 Breast Cancer Awareness Issue to my mother-in-law’s battle with the stupid disease will always be special for me. Then there’s the November 2007 column featuring my Hollenkamp family’s “normal” Thanksgiving antics. I don’t think they appreciated it, but it sure was fun to giggle as I was writing.

It’s difficult to accept that I’m a “veteran,” but, looking back on the last 23 years, I have had an amazing experience that has taken me to every corner of the Commonwealth and allowed me to write about the fascinating people, places and things Kentucky has to offer.

Here’s to continuing on to the 50th anniversary!

DEBORAH KOHL KREMER August 2001-Present

I was a freelance writer from Kenton County and an early subscriber to and fan of Kentucky Monthly. My first story for the magazine appeared in the August 2001 issue. It was a historical piece explaining why the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport— originally named the Greater Cincinnati Airport—is in Kentucky. After that, whenever there was a story pertaining to my part of the state, I usually got the assignment. Eventually, the staff jokingly called my home office Kentucky Monthly’s Northern Kentucky Bureau.

One memorable early assignment was to write about a Cincinnati Reds player who was from Lexington. I’ve never been a sports reporter, but there I was, the only woman in the Reds locker room interviewing the young rookie as the other players were in various stages of undress. My face was probably beet red, and I was extremely uncomfortable. But I knew women reporters had been fighting for the opportunity to be in the locker rooms of major men’s sports teams for ages, and I wasn’t going to be the one to say, “Can we do this interview outside?” Over the next several years, I picked up a few assignments per year and stayed in touch.

In 2015, Steve Vest asked if I wanted to take on some regular duties at the magazine, and I could still work from home. It sounded perfect to me. I thought I was going to help temporarily through a busy time, but eight years later, I’m still here.

Over the years, I have enjoyed writing feature stories about people, places and events in a state that I love as much as I love my family! I’ve had the opportunity to write regular columns such as “24 Hours In …” and “Oddities at the Museum.” Since 2021, I have had the huge honor of writing and editing Kentucky Explorer, the history magazine inside Kentucky Monthly.

Cheers to 25 years! I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

AMANDA STILTNER 2006-2011

Nearly 20 years ago, I arrived an hour early at the original Kentucky Monthly office on St. Clair Street in Frankfort for my first day as an intern. This was the first and last time I was very early for anything.

I spent that first summer editing the Dining Guide, sweating over new ways to describe a Hot Brown, and tagging along with the staff to their favorite downtown lunch spots. We’d linger around the table, joking and telling stories over steaming plates of pad thai.

Steve Vest always made time for one more story—a trait I’ve carried through my career. He taught me many things but, first and foremost, that work should be playful, joyful and storied.

I started working on the Kentucky A to Z series the day after my 24th birthday. I think back on that season often, in awe of how—without knowing at the time—I was getting the pleasure of traveling and writing in the spirit of the great American road trip before everything changed. I didn’t have a smartphone, I didn’t stop to “Google” anything, and the moments shared at the dining tables of strangers were captured only by memory and what I wrote and published in these pages. There have been times I’ve looked back and cringed re-reading those stories—I was so young and had so few miles on my own heart—but my goodness, the gift that series was to me. I’ll be forever grateful for the freedom and the two pages the staff trusted me with every month.

My daughter, little “Ada-Z” as Steve nicknamed her, is a vibrant, soulful 12-year-old now. I traveled during that pregnancy right up until the week before she was born and decorated her nursery with treasures gifted to us along the way.

I have a 9-year-old son, Elijah Finn, who walked me down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” when I married Mickey Stiltner in 2019 in the courtyard of our favorite pub, Slàinte in Georgetown. We live just off Main Street and own Colorspell Creative Studio, where I paint, write and teach workshops.

It’s a love and a life I came to a little late, but like I said: There’s always time for another story.

PATRICIA RANFT 2009-Present

“Why aren’t you at work today?” Steve Vest asked in his typical deadpan manner when I answered my phone. It was August 2009, and I was working a temporary gig at the University of Kentucky. A few weeks earlier, I had called Steve, a co-worker of mine at another publication in the mid-1990s, about possibly working for Kentucky Monthly. During that second call, he hired me as a parttime contributing editor, a position I held until becoming associate editor in April 2010.

Over the years, I’ve learned more about our fascinating Commonwealth than I could have imagined. Researching feature stories, including many pitched by writers, is one of the best parts of my job. It seems I learn something new weekly.

I don’t write many feature stories, but among those that I remember fondly are a nostalgic article about my grandmother’s house and other houses in my hometown of Stanford that are now beautifully renovated guesthouses and a story on Georgetown-based milliner extraordinaire Polly Singer and her line of artisan teas.

We have a talented pool of contributors, who are great to work with, and my co-workers are awesome. In fact, some have become good friends. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my dear, departed four-legged co-worker Toby Vest. Steve and Kay’s beloved pooch was a staff member here for years. (He was security chief, a job he took seriously, especially when the delivery guys came calling.) Since his passing in October 2022, I’ve missed him. He always greeted me with a cheerful bark, a “smiling” doggie face and a happily swaying plumed tail. Toby’s memory holds a special place in my heart.

I probably could fill a book with the great memories I have of working here. One in particular stands out. On a press day a few years ago, we lost electricity at the office. To finish the issue, Creative Director Rebecca Redding, Editor-in-Chief Steve and I relocated to the local Starbucks. There, we were able to finish making corrections and upload the pages to the printer. It was a tad inconvenient to lug my 27-inch iMac to a coffee shop, but with it and Rebecca’s more-portable laptop and ultraefficient skills, we were able to get the issue out the door—and enjoy some lattes and Frappuccinos.

Happy anniversary to Kentucky Monthly! And to our treasured readers, a sincere thank you. We wouldn’t still be here without you.

KIM BUTTERWECK 2011-2015

I reflect on my tenure as executive editor for Kentucky Monthly with rosy retrospection for a time that seems much longer past. The role afforded me a lifetime’s worth of unique opportunities.

I trekked through the lush flora of old-growth forests in Letcher County’s Lilley Cornett Woods (“Conserving Beauty,” March 2012). I researched odd occurrences, from the 1876 Bath County meat shower to the 1955 Christian County alien invasion, for our “Curiosities” column. While working on our December 2011/January 2012 cover shoot, I enjoyed a delightful sugar-and-butter overload of Morehead’s Root A Bakers cookies. I stretched with yogis from Paducah to Louisville (“Yoga in the Bluegrass,” February 2012). And year after year, I was wowed by my fellow Kentuckians’ passion and artistry while compiling the magazine’s annual reader recipe contests, literary issues and holiday gift guides.

One of my favorite projects was the 2013 collaboration between Kentucky Monthly, the Owensboro Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, the ROMP music festival and internationally recognized Owensboro artist Aaron Kizer The June/July issue featured stories about the museum and Kizer, who created a portrait of Bill Monroe for the cover, and we gave away limited-edition, signed and numbered prints of the cover artwork to attendees of the three-day ROMP festival. This experience was a true coming together to commemorate a culture and community unlike any other on the planet.

My perspective was shaped by my interactions with people like the hospitable innkeeper Barbara Napier (“Simple Gifts from Snug Hollow Farm,” December 2014/ January 2015), the infinitely energetic Bob Schneider from Sweet Tooth Candies (“Candy Men,” February 2014), and the dozens of contributors who showcased their talents to bring our fellow Kentuckians’ stories to life.

It was a privilege to celebrate the people who infuse life and meaning into this place we collectively call home.

first things first

The first Mag on the Move appeared in the February 2013 issue with two entries: a photo of artist Niva van de Geer, whose illustration graced the cover of the October 2012 issue, pictured in Yucatan, Mexico; and a snap of then-Executive Editor Kim Butterweck, above, on Edisto Beach in South Carolina.

FIRST OF MANY...

Walt Reichert’s Gardening column first appeared in the March 2001 issue. Walt holds the distinction of being the only writer we’re aware of who contributed to both the original incarnation of Kentucky Monthly, published in the mid-1970s, and this magazine. In Walt’s gardening columns from the ’70s, he wrote under the pen name Stewart Gaea

Bill Ellis’ column first appeared in the November 2001 issue. Titled “Another Voice,” it became “Past Tense/Present Tense” with the next issue. We made the dreadful error of cutting Bill’s column from the October 2022 edition due to lack of space The ensuing shock and sorrow of Bill’s fans ensured this will never happen again.

A literary section first appeared in November 2008. The following year, we added our literary contest, Penned, with the winners and their work appearing in the November 2009 issue. The contest and Literary Issue moved to February in 2016 to include the Kentucky Writers Hall Fame inductees.

Field Notes by outdoors writer Gary Garth debuted in February 2011.

After 34 years, beloved magazine Kentucky Explorer, based in Jackson and published by Charles Hayes Jr., ceased publication in December 2020. Starting with our February 2021 issue, Explorer got a new life with 10-12 pages of content appearing in each issue of Kentucky Monthly. This new iteration of Explorer is edited by Deborah Kohl Kremer

our first cover

FIRST EMPLOYEE: Drew Arnold Advertising Sales Rep

FIRST ADVERTISER: Kentucky National Guard

FIRST COOKING COLUMN: January 2001

FIRST BOOK WE PUBLISHED: That Kind of Journalist (2008) By Stephen M. Vest

FIRST PET ISSUE: March 2009

It also was the last Pet Issue.

FIRST KENTUCKY KWIZ: March 2009

FIRST RECIPE CONTEST: The Recipe Contest began in 2010, with the contest results appearing in May 2010, the first Food Issue.

people have graced the cover of Kentucky Monthly .

Let’s cover the facts... Some famed Kentuckians appeared on the cover twice, including George Clooney , who graced our first cover in September 1998 and made a second and no-less-dapper appearance in January 2007, the 100th cover.

Heather French (later French Henry) lit up the cover with her dazzling smile a record four times—as Miss Kentucky in September 1999, as Miss America in January 2000, in a wedding snapshot in November 2000 and with festive Christmas décor in December 2017/ January 2018.

Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs made

two cover appearances—July 2004 and November 2019.

The country du o Montgomery Gentry appeared on the May 2003 and June 2004 covers.

A couple of covers featured a group of people, including the Little League World Champions, Valley Sports of Louisville, in October 2002 and th e Kentucky Headhunters (along with Whitey the dog) in March 2004.

Other covers featured illustrations of Kentuckians: Duncan Hines in August 2007 by artist Mark Cable; Abraham Lincoln’s final portrait in February 2008, photographed by Alexander Gardner

in February 1865 and colorized by James J. Nance in 2006; caricatures of National Public Radio personalities Bob Edwards, Noah Adams and Steve Inskeep in February 2004 and the Everly Brothers in March 2005, both works by illustrator Ed Steckley; an illustration of bluegrass legend Bill Monroe by Owensboro’s Aaron Kizer in June/July 2013; the graveside bust of Col. Harland Sanders, sculpted by his daughter, Margaret Sanders, on the October 2013 cover; a photo illustration of writer bell hooks in February 2018; and an illustration of “Santa Art” Hoffman by Fort Thomas artist Gary Cieradkowski in December 2022/January 2023.

Let’s Celebrate!

We’re taking this party on the road! We will host gatherings in different cities all around our great state during the next year. Frankfort is our first stop, but we’ll check out as many parts of Kentucky as we can. We hope to see you there!

Save the date: We’ll be in Stanford on October 20.

explore frankfort

Enjoy Elkhorn Creek

This 13-mile creek is perfect for paddlers of all kinds, and anglers will love it, too. Bring your own gear and put in at multiple spots on the creek, or check out rental options.

Visit Daniel Boone’s Grave

Daniel and Rebecca Boone were reinterred here in 1845, making them the first of many prominent Kentuckians to be laid to rest at this picturesque memorial park, established in 1840, that provides stunning views of Frankfort and the Kentucky River.

Frankfort Cemetery, 215 East Main Street, Frankfort 502.227.2403 • frankfortcemetery.org

See

the Floral Clock

While you’re downtown, stop by the State Capitol to admire the 34-footdiameter floral clock. Throw a coin in the fountain next to the clock, and you’ll contribute to college scholarships for young Kentuckians.

Kentucky Capitol, 700 Capital Avenue, Frankfort 502.564.3449 • visitfrankfort.com/listing/floral-clock

Experience Art Outdoors

The state’s only sculpture park is set on 30 acres of restored forests and meadows and features 70 works by artists from Kentucky and around the world!

Josephine Sculpture Park, 3355 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort

502.352.7082 • josephinesculpturepark.org

Taste a Famous Bourbon Ball

The originators of the famous bourbon ball, Rebecca Ruth Candy was founded in 1919 and sells millions of chocolate treats each year. You can tour this candy lover’s dream right here in Frankfort.

Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum, 116 East 2nd Street, Frankfort 502.223.7475 • rebeccaruthonline.com

explore with us.

The Foundry on Broadway

317 West Broadway

Frankfort, KY 40601

September 24, 2–6 PM

Kentucky Monthly kicks off our 25th Anniversary festivities in Frankfort. This open-house event features music, food sampling from The Evergreen Southern Kitchen and Shuckman’s Fish Co. & Smokery, bourbon tastings with Wilderness Trail Distillery and Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace Distillery, wine slushies from Chuckleberry Farm & Winery, wine from Equus Run, and agave spirits from Saddlestone Distillery. Meet Kentucky Monthly editors and contributors, past and present, and fellow fans of the magazine.

did you know?

Frankfort was chosen for the site of our initial anniversary celebration because it’s where it all began. Kentucky Monthly started in the capital city in June 1998.

We’re celebrating all year! Stay tuned for more 25th Anniversary news, including meetups and suggestions for activities in all our host cities. We will feature them in every issue of the magazine and online at www.kentuckymonthly.com

Out of the Wilderness

Two Kentucky pals and entrepreneurs blazed a trail to a successful distilling business

BY DEBORAH KOHL KREMER

The average bourbon lover may not consider the science involved in producing their drink of choice, but for the distiller, there is nothing more important. Perfecting the mash bill—bourbon industry-speak for the combination of grains cooked and fermented to create the spirit—is of utmost importance. The slightest variation in ingredients, temperature or timing can change the taste of the product.

Kentucky distillers have been perfecting the flavor of bourbon for generations, handing down recipes and techniques. Two Kentucky entrepreneurs challenged those traditions, incorporated biology and engineering processes, and produced the award-winning Wilderness Trail Bourbon.

Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist certainly didn’t think bourbon-

making was their future when they played in a rock band after graduating from college in the 1990s. The two University of Kentucky alums were busy starting families and building their careers. Baker was an engineer, and Heist was pursuing his doctorate in plant pathology.

Eventually, they came to the conclusion that they probably were not going to be able to earn a living with the band.

“We realized we needed another game plan,” Baker said. “We talked about strategy and looked at our backgrounds. We’re both from Kentucky; we know a lot about whiskey. And we drink a lot of it. It just seemed like something very natural for us to get into.”

But, as Heist puts it, “We didn’t go to school to open a distillery.”

They didn’t jump right into making bourbon; rather, they became authorities in distilling.

“A distillery takes a lot of capital, which we didn’t have,” Baker said.

“We knew we had to use our brains versus our bank accounts.”

In 2006, Baker and Heist created Ferm Solutions, a Danville company that offers lab services focusing on the fermentation of alcohol for the spirits and fuel industries. The company creates and sells yeast, enzymes, antibacterial products and nutrient supplements, and trains and provides consultation for distillers all over the world. When master distillers have a problem, they call Baker and Heist.

Heist said that, with their years of experience, they can identify troubles such as starch conversion, bacterial contamination or poor grain quality.

“I’ve personally been in a thousand or more distilleries helping identify problems,” he said. “We never get invited over when everything is going fine.”

As Ferm Solutions prospered, the partners realized they had become known in the industry as the science guys of bourbon.

“We’re not technically allowed to name the distilleries we have worked with, but I can say, when you walk into a liquor store, you don’t have to walk very far to see who we have worked with,” Heist said. • • •

Baker and Heist started thinking about opening a small distillery as part of Ferm Solutions. Having a distillery on site would enable them to use it in demonstrations when educating people who visited the lab.

In 2012, Wilderness Trail Distillery was born. The bourbon industry was already in Baker’s blood. His grandparents met at the Kentucky River Distillery as teenagers in the 1940s, and his grandmother went on to work in the industry for more than 50 years.

“I wouldn’t be here today, physically, if it wasn’t for Kentucky bourbon,” Baker said. “It ties back to some strong roots that today I respect a lot more.”

While sifting through some old family paperwork, Baker came across details about the distillery where his

grandmother had worked. The information described a product made from sweet mash and another made from the more traditional sour mash, with two separate fermentation plants. This intrigued the business partners, and they began to research why sweet-mash distilleries no longer existed. They quickly realized this could be the key to creating Wilderness Trail Bourbon.

“We looked at each other and knew we could do it,” Baker said. “Through that scientific foundation, we had strong confidence. We knew that, if anybody could do this, we could. We went into it 100 percent.”

Wilderness Trail’s flagship wheated bourbon, made with the distillery’s unique sweet-mash process, was released in 2018. Quickly joining the lineup was the smallbatch high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey.

The distillery sits on 168 acres of rolling farmland just a few miles from downtown Danville. The countryside is dotted with 11 rickhouses of various sizes, where 225,000 barrels slowly age. Each day, about 215

charred oak barrels are filled and added to the warehouses, where they will experience Kentucky’s four seasons for a minimum of four years before they are bottled.

The partners didn’t settle for making just a good product; they knew they had to honor Kentucky, too. The distillery’s name is a tribute to the path that pioneers used to cross into Kentucky 250 years ago, a trail that they believe went through their property. They also strive to preserve Kentucky’s natural resources for future generations.

•

•

•

With sustainability as a goal, Baker and Heist have looked at every process to operate the distillery and, by incorporating their backgrounds in engineering and science, tried to improve those processes. They have found ways to save on electricity, gas and water.

“Our No. 1 rule is to make the best dang bourbon possible,” Heist said. “But over here to the side, we’ve got all these other ways we can be better, and we can be an influence on other

THE SCIENCE GUYS OF BOURBON: Wilderness Trail Distillery’s Pat Heist, left, and Shane Baker

distilleries. In the long run, we’ve saved the nation millions and millions of dollars just by helping other people to use some of these same strategies.”

The partners support local farmers by sourcing ingredients grown in the state. They know that Kentucky rye, corn, wheat and, of course, our Commonwealth’s limestone-infused water from natural springs are the ingredients of a fine bourbon.

As Wilderness Trail increased production, the need for these ingredients escalated. Heist recalled that, early on, the distillery ground 800 pounds of grain on days it produced bourbon. Today, it grinds a million pounds every five days. This is just one example of how demand for ingredients has grown exponentially, and it is not only the farmers who benefit. The growth of Wilderness Trail has had a ripple effect on the surrounding area, bringing with it infrastructure improvements and the opening of new hotels, restaurants and other businesses in Danville and Boyle County.

Wilderness Trail’s explosive growth allowed it to be the first distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour to become a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. After just 10 years in business, it is the 14th-largest distillery in the country.

As Baker and Heist looked to the future, they began to consider their ages and the direction in which they want their company to go.

“Once we stopped and raised our heads out of the trenches of the dayto-day, we realized how big of a brand and how big of a company we had built,” Baker said. “It was outgrowing us.”

In late 2022, they made a deal with Campari Group, an Italian company specializing in premium spirits. Campari, which also owns Wild Turkey Distillery, purchased a 70 percent share of Wilderness Trail Distillery with the option of purchasing the remaining share in 2031.

Baker said Campari has the same values and family-oriented culture as the Wilderness Trail team, but the older company possesses years of experience in worldwide distribution, which will enable Wilderness Trail to grow into an iconic global brand.

“Both Pat and I come from very humble and modest backgrounds and never expected to be where we are,” Baker said. “But we always dreamed that by working hard and doing the right things, we would end up somewhere and be OK.” Q

WHEN YOU GO

Wilderness Trail’s Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It offers an hourlong tour six times a day, with a tasting at the tour’s conclusion.

GLASS National Art Museum

Opening Fall 2023 , featuring the collection of internationally known artist Stephen Rolfe Powell and other prominent artists.

Hillbilly Sunrise

Kentucky Mist’s most popular cocktail combines lemonade with the intense strawberry flavor of infused moonshine.

2 ounces Kentucky Mist Infused Strawberry Moonshine

4 ounces freshly squeezed lemonade Splash of grenadine Club soda

Lemon wedge for garnish Strawberry slices for garnish

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice or stir with ice in a large glass. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon wedge and strawberry.

Tinkering with Tradition

Colin Fultz carries on his family’s heritage—with a few tweaks—at Kentucky Mist Distillery

BY KIM KOBERSMITH

Growing up, Colin Fultz had hints that his grandfather was a bootlegger. His grandmother washed an inordinate number of jars. Old cars full of milk jugs were stored behind the house. But it wasn’t until he got older that he realized the long legacy of distilling in his family tree.

That history went back three generations, but it was his grandfather, Henry Holbrook of Whitesburg, who had the deepest connections. Holbrook lived during Prohibition and spent a total of 18 years in jail for running ’shine. Family legend says there used to be a picture of him with Al Capone from when they were locked up together in the Atlanta federal penitentiary, but it was destroyed in a house fire.

When Fultz heard about this family tradition, his interest was piqued. He bought equipment and started distilling in his garage and sharing the moonshine with family and friends. When his collection of “friends” began to number as many as the followers of a celebrity Facebook page, his wife said he needed to make a change. In 2015, Fultz established Kentucky Mist Distillery in downtown Whitesburg, where he produces and sells 14 kinds of moonshine, vodka and whiskey.

The historic brick structure, with soaring front windows, was originally a car dealership. The old display room is outfitted with a long

bar, where guests can sample all of Kentucky Mist’s products (while keeping in mind the proof of the liquor and the necessity to drive home). Windows to the right reveal the distillery, where the fermenting and distilling magic happens.

Prominent in place is the still—a large copper vat topped with a towering column. Each of the 12 chambers holds a full distillation, where the liquid is changed to vapor. A small round window in each chamber allows a view of the process. Fultz is on a quest to make a cleaner drinking alcohol with fewer impurities than his ancestors could craft. He said the key is the proof of alcohol he is able to distill. His grandfather could make only 100-proof moonshine, but with modern technologies, Fultz is able to reach 160 proof.

TINKERING WITH TECHNIQUES

Thanks to the change in the times, Fultz has legitimized the family business. But he has retained some of the renegade spirit of his ancestors—not clinging to their techniques and recipes but forging his own path for Kentucky Mist. He is a tinkerer, always trying to make a better product, with his north star being what he himself likes to drink.

Take his whiskey, Ole Henry, named for his grandfather. Fultz was resistant to crafting a whiskey; he just doesn’t like to drink it very much. But customers kept clamoring for bourbon, so he finally decided not to

Streetside Pink

The sweet-tangy punch of the distillery’s cranberry vodka, Colin Fultz’s favorite spirit, is showcased in this cocktail.

2 ounces Infused KVOK

Cranberry Vodka

2 ounces cranberry juice

4 ounces freshly squeezed lemonade

1 ounce grenadine

Lemon wedge for garnish

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice or stir with ice in a large glass. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Heifer Shake

Kentucky Mist’s Apple Pie Moonshine really shines when served à la mode.

2 ounces Kentucky Mist Apple Pie Moonshine

2 scoops vanilla ice cream Allspice

Place ice cream in a large glass and pour moonshine over the top. Sprinkle with allspice.

Recipes courtesy of Kentucky Mist Distillery

fight the tide of consumer demand. Still, Fultz has done it his way. The product is his take on bourbon, but it is not bourbon. The mash is made from sweet corn and sugar cane, offering up an unprocessed sweetness that melts on the tongue. “I don’t care what it is called; it tastes good,” Fultz said. He is not the only one who thinks so. Ole Henry is Kentucky Mist’s No. 1 selling product.

Fultz pointed out creative hacks he has developed in his years running Kentucky Mist: open-air stainlesssteel tanks specially welded by a friend, long PVC pipes with small holes that perfectly filter the corn out of the mash, and homemade pallets that he and a co-worker resized to fit into their retail stores. He is an entrepreneur and said confidently but without arrogance: “I do things my way, not everyone else’s way.”

Fultz’s insistence on doing things his way has led to a collection of outstanding products. All the flavored liquors Kentucky Mist sells are natural, with one pound of real fruit infused into each bottle.

Kentucky Mist beverages consistently win at the prestigious SIP Awards, the only international spirit competition judged by consumers. The cranberry vodka and the Corn Mist moonshine have won gold, and this year, Ole Henry whiskey won a double gold. The Whitesburg 1902 Vodka is aged 18 months in previous Ole Henry barrels, and when Fultz entered it in

the competition, the SIP Awards had to create a special category. It was the only bourbon barrel-aged vodka in the running.

HEADING TO THE BEACH

Marketing at the distillery also is unconventional. Wooing distributors as a small startup was a challenge. The off-the-beaten-path Whitesburg distillery doesn’t exactly have a flow of foot traffic. Online sales can only go so far when people haven’t tasted the product. As a result, sales languished for a few years after the distillery opened. Fultz was convinced that, if the store were somewhere else, it would do really well.

Turns out he was right. Kentucky Mist’s big break came in 2018, when a friend connected Fultz with the proprietors of Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This shopping and entertainment complex is the leading tourist attraction in South Carolina, with 14 million annual visitors. And Kentucky Mist, a small brand with a unique product, was exactly what the Broadway at the Beach owners

were looking for. The Kentucky Mist retail store offers tastings, cocktails and bottles to take home.

Two more beach destination stores have since opened—at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. Kentucky Mist products are available only at local venues, the four stores and via online order.

ROOTED IN KENTUCKY

While many Kentucky Mist beverages are now sold outside the state, the business continues to be based in Kentucky. The products are made in the Whitesburg distillery and transported to the stores. The corn is processed to the distillery’s specifications by sixth-generation Kentucky business Weisenberger Mill of Midway. Many of the items in Kentucky Mist’s gift line, such as T-shirts, are printed locally.

And then there are the recipes. Apple Pie Moonshine is the distillery’s most popular flavored product. Fultz kept tweaking the recipe but just couldn’t get it right—that is, until he saw the apple pies his aunt was selling for church and got her recipe. The pie spice mix was perfect.

The Grape Moonshine originally was flavored with store-bought juice, but Fultz kept searching for a better recipe. He found it when a friend picked his mother’s Concord grapes and brought them over. This had to stay a secret, though; even though she wasn’t eating the grapes herself, the mother would never approve of them being used to make alcohol.

The next big thing for Kentucky Mist will be right here at home. Now that it is legal in Kentucky to sell samples, drinks and bottles at events, Fultz and his team are building a drink truck. He anticipates it will be up and running for the fall festival season, ready to serve slushies and mixed drinks across the Commonwealth.

When asked about his inspiration for the truck, and so many more of his inventive ideas and hacks, Fultz smiled and answered exactly as you might expect a fourth-generation distiller would. “Most of my ideas come to me after I drink some,” he said. Q

When John Y. Brown Jr. became Kentucky’s governor in 1979, among the commitments he inherited from his predecessor, Julian Carroll, was $35 million for a performing arts center in downtown Louisville.

Brown, who died in November 2022 at the age of 88, lowered that number to $23.5 million and required a community commitment of $6

million. In less than 18 months, Louisville media mogul Barry Bingham Sr. and insurance executive Thomas Simons, co-chairs of the fundraising committee for the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts project, raised the $6 million.

When that milestone was reached, Brown delivered a plot twist worthy of the center’s Whitney Hall stage.

“Now that you’ve raised the $6 million, why don’t you raise $10 million?” Brown said in a 2013

interview that is part of the Kentucky Center’s (now Kentucky Performing Arts’) oral history collection celebrating the center’s 30th anniversary.

“When you look back, I don’t know where Kentucky has invested money that’s been more productive than this arts center,” the former governor said.

When the center officially opened on Nov. 19, 1983, the fundraising committee had raised about $13

‘At the Center of Everything’

Formed 40 years ago as a stage for artistic expression and education, Kentucky Performing Arts has expanded its reach

BY TOM MUSGRAVE

million, according to a 1983 story in Louisville Magazine. The total project cost was $33.5 million. The openingnight gala included A-list celebrities Charlton Heston, Diane Sawyer, Lily Tomlin, Jessye Norman and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

“This was Louisville at its best, our best moments for the arts,” said Allan Cowen, CEO from 1976-2011 of Fund for the Arts, an advocacy and fundraising organization that serves Louisville artists and nonprofit arts

organizations. He was also a member of the committee that planned and built the center. “We had people who were absolutely inspirational in their commitment to this journey toward greatness.”

Cowen credits that success to people like Bingham; Simons; Marlow Burt, the center’s first executive director; and Wendell Cherry, thenpresident of Humana and the Kentucky Center’s first board chair.

Cowen characterized Cherry as

“the hero of the story.”

“He would walk the foundation [as the center was under construction] and was intimately connected with every single aspect of the project,” Cowen said.

If the first 40 years of the Kentucky Center’s history constitutes its first act, the last decade has set it up for a thrilling

The kentucky Center’s Venues

Whitney Hall

2,377 seats

Brown Theatre

1,441 seats

Bomhard Theater

701 seats

MeX Theater

(a black box theater) 139 seats

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

2,000-person standing capacity

Many of the Louisville Ballet’s productions are at the Brown Theatre, but its annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite, is one of two that use the massive Whitney Hall and has done so each year since the 1983 opening.

“The Nutcracker is the one that introduces so many people to the ballet. I remember Alun saying that,” said Helen Starr Jones. A native of London, England, Jones and her husband, Alun Jones, moved to Louisville in 1975 when Alun was hired as the ballet company’s artistic director; he served in that capacity for 24 years. “Having the Kentucky Center as a venue has allowed us to do a really splendid production of The Nutcracker because we had the space. It really showcased the Louisville Ballet in an incredibly exciting way.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kentuckyperformingarts.org.

second act, with all the ups and downs associated with high drama. The “ups:”

n In 2014, Pollstar ranked two of the Kentucky Center’s venues in the Top 100 Theatre Venues for total ticket sales. Whitney Hall ranked No. 26, and the Brown Theatre ranked No. 100;

n The Kentucky Center Foundation purchased the 1,441-capacity Brown Theatre on Broadway in 2018. The center had managed that historic venue since 1997; and

n The Kentucky Center opened a new 2,000-person standing-room venue, Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, in 2019.

The two significant “downs” over the past 10 years were major events that affected the Kentucky Center as well as the artist community it serves. In June 2018, an accidental fire caused about $9.9 million in damage to the center’s iconic curved copper roof. The center reopened after more than 18 months of repairs. In March 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 landed in Kentucky and forced the cancellation of mass gatherings, the center was not immune from the deleterious effects of the global pandemic.

Longtime Kentucky Center staff member Kim Baker became the center’s president and CEO in 2014 and oversaw the responses to both events. The fire occurred as the center was actively working on a rebranding to “Kentucky Performing Arts” to reflect its mission of moving beyond the Kentucky Center’s physical bounds.

“Having gotten through those events, there were a lot of lessons that were learned,” Baker said.

Among those was the fact that so many entities have direct relationships with the Kentucky Center. The venue is home to five resident companies—StageOne Family Theatre, the Louisville Orchestra, the Kentucky Opera, PNC Broadway in Louisville and the Louisville Ballet. Closure of the center meant those companies did not have a venue in which to present their programs.

“Their livelihood depends on performance and having spaces to perform,” Baker said. “So, one of the lessons that I really learned was the importance of ‘we’—the grand ‘we’— and also the kindness and the support and generosity of this community.

“People really stepped up to help us during that time, opening their doors so that people that were supposed to be here in this space could have space to perform so that the show would go on.”

The center did its part to make sure that construction associated with repairing the fire damage was scheduled around resident company needs, such as those of the Louisville Orchestra. The orchestra uses the center for its rehearsals.

“[The Kentucky Center staff] went above and beyond,” said Adrienne Hinkebein, the ensemble’s director of orchestra personnel and a staff member with the orchestra since 2000. “I feel like we pulled together at that point. Yes, there are other places for the orchestra to perform, but our audiences are used to the space in the Whitney.”

Andrew Harris said that synergy is what makes the relationship work. Harris has been with StageOne Family Theatre for 23 years and became producing artistic director in 2020. He characterized the relationship between the center and its resident companies as transcending that of landlord-tenant.

One example was StageOne’s 2016 production of Harold and the Purple Crayon, with an original script based on the popular children’s book by Crockett Johnson.

Harris said the company hired an animator to do live, carefully choreographed animations during the performances, and kids in the audience could draw along with the animator.

That involved getting 600 tablet

devices, purchased by Jefferson County Public Schools—one for every student in the audience, with each tablet connected to Wi-Fi.

“Six hundred tablets running all at once is a bit of a burden on your internet,” Harris said, “but we worked closely with the center’s IT department on how to build out a system that could support and sustain it.”

The Kentucky Center is the “home office” of the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts, which was formed in 1986 to give high school students a high-quality intensive arts educational experience during the summer. The Governor’s School hosted its first class of students in 1987 on the Bellarmine University campus. As a high school sophomore, Baker was among the first students to attend.

That kind of outreach has been part of the center’s culture since the beginning, Baker said.

“I always believe that the center was here to support the region and certainly Kentucky. And I think that

that has always been its mission,” she said. “The growth that I’ve seen is definitely in the diversity of artists and audiences that come here and the type of art forms that are presented here. That’s really changed throughout the years. And I would say that piece of it was always the intent.”

Since 1987, the center has hosted the Kentucky Music Educators Association high school all-state ensemble performances. Students from across the state participate in band, orchestra and choir groups made up of the best high school musicians in Kentucky.

“The decision was easy because what we needed was the stage, a place where we could provide a good experience for the students,” said Melanie Wood, a former president of the KMEA and a member of the association’s board at the time the group decided to use the center’s Whitney Hall for those performances. “The Kentucky Center was literally at the center of everything we needed.”

The KMEA estimates that some 40,000 students have played or sung at the center in those elite ensembles.

Former Fund for the Arts CEO Cowen said that broadening the audience was intentional. He recalled a time when he visited an LG&E coal power plant and talked to the employees about donating to the arts.

“One of the guys came up to me, and he was so excited. He was going to go to see his first musical, and it was Phantom of the Opera,” Cowan recalled. “And I just thought, ‘Isn’t this great?’ This guy gives a couple dollars from his paycheck, and he feels ownership.”

In that respect, Cowen said he believes the Kentucky Center has become a source of civic pride in Louisville and Kentucky.

“The Kentucky Center as an aspirational strategy for Louisville was phenomenal,” Cowen added. “And what one would hope and wish for in the future is to use it to re-energize that same aspiration.” Q

The Modern Major General is

to town—catch him and the rest of this season’s cast of characters while they’re here!

Tom Musgrave is a Lexington-based freelance writer and was one of the 40,000-plus all-state musicians who have performed at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.

It’s Bourbon Thyme

1½ ounces Evan Williams Bourbon

1 ounce lemon juice

1 ounce thyme simple syrup (recipe follows)

½ ounce peach purée

Garnish: sprig of thyme and angostura float

Add bourbon, lemon juice, thyme simple syrup and peach purée to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with thyme sprig and angostura float.

Thyme Simple Syrup

Steep a handful of fresh thyme sprigs in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of white sugar and mix until sugar has dissolved. Remove thyme sprigs before using.

Cheers to Bourbon!

September may be National Bourbon Heritage Month, but in Kentucky, we celebrate our native spirit all year long. While many bourbon purists prefer their drink of choice neat, Frances Leary, The Galt House’s bar manager and beverage curator, shared that some guests favor more approachable bourbon cocktails. With creative twists that elevate these drinks beyond the classic Old Fashioned, Leary incorporates refreshing and sweet touches into classic recipes.   Since it’s the season to salute bourbon, you might want to give one or more of these special cocktails a try.

Sting Like a Bee

1½ ounces Evan Williams Bourbon

1 ounce lemon juice

1 ounce hot honey syrup (recipe follows)

½ ounce ginger purée

Garnish: candied ginger and Luxardo cherry

Add bourbon, lemon juice, hot honey syrup and ginger purée to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with candied ginger and Luxardo cherry.

Hot Honey Syrup

Add 2 tablespoons of red chili flakes to 1 cup of hot water; steep for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of honey and stir until dissolved. Strain chili flakes from syrup before using.

Sunset Sipper

1 ounce Four Roses Bourbon

1 ounce pineapple juice

1 ounce mango purée

2 ounces Banfi Rosa Regale sparkling red wine

Splash of soda water

Garnish: mint leaves

In a large glass with ice, stir together bourbon, pineapple juice and mango purée. Gently stir in sparkling red wine. Strain over fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with mint.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL

l Vintage Military Warbirds

l Precision Skydivers

l Aerobatic Performers

wingsoverwesternkentucky.com

Saturday, October 7, 2023

MADISONVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT

Gates Open 10 AM l Show Starts 1 PM

Maysville... Where Bourbon Began its Journey Maysville... Where Bourbon Began its Journey

The Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection has been a 4 decades long labor of love that has taken Kaye Browning around the globe and into the studios of the most talented miniatures artisans in the field. What has resulted is one of the finest collections of fine art miniatures in the world, now on display at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville, Kentucky.

today.

Disclaimer: Must be 21 years of age with a valid ID to participate in bourbon tastings.

located in

The Bourbon History Galleries at The Old Pogue Experience outlines Maysville's development of bourbon from the late 1700s to mid1800s; the heyday of three prominent distilleries (Pogue, Limestone, Poyntz); the dark days of Prohibition; the postprohibition era; and the renaissance of Old Pogue

BY JACKIE HOLLENKAMP BENTLEY

It's showtime! L L L

If you’re interested in seeing more live musicals on stage this upcoming performing arts season, look no further than Kentucky’s venues. From Hello, Dolly! to Jesus Christ Superstar, Broadway hits can be seen in every region of the Commonwealth. Concerts, plays, comedians—even SpiderMan—also are on the bill and sure to keep the winter blues at bay. We present a partial list of the entertainment on tap.

Comedy, drama, music, ballet and more— Kentucky’s new performing arts season has it all

MAY 1

Newlin Hall

Norton Center for the Arts, Danville

877.HIT.SHOW nortoncenter.com

Travel back to the Prohibition Era with Chicago: The Musical. This famous Broadway show features one hit song after another, plus spectacular dance numbers.

38 Special Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg

606.886.2623 • macarts.com

38 Special has been rocking stages across the country for more than 40 years, and the band is still going strong. Don’t miss the chance to catch “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up in You” in person.

SEPT 15–24

The Penguin Project – Guys and Dolls Jr. Playhouse in the Park, Murray 270.759.1752 • playhousemurray.org

Guys and Dolls has been called the perfect musical comedy. Playhouse in the Park will present this modified musical with its Penguin Project participants. The Penguin Project brings together actors with disabilities with peer-mentors to produce highly entertaining productions.

OCT 13–15

Distilled, presented by the Louisville Ballet Louisville Ballet Studios, Louisville 502.583.2623 • louisvilleballet.org

Choreographed by Andrea Schermoly, Adam Hougland and Marius Petipa, Distilled presents a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works, including the tumultuous Raymonda.

Choose Your own

Whatever your taste for adventure, London, KY is the ideal place to start. Because here, on the edge of the great Appalachia, surrounded by pristine forests, lakes, rivers and amazing history, unforgettable adventures begin right outside our door. VisitLondonKY.com.

Adventure’s Beginning!

Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse Live in Concert

Brown Theatre, Louisville 502.584.7777 • kentuckyperformingarts.org

The historic Brown Theatre presents the Academy Award-winning animated film but with a musical twist. Live musicians and turntables featuring a scratch DJ will perform the film’s musical score live on stage.

OCT 29

Darren Knight: Southern Momma & Friends Comedy Tour Lexington Opera House, Lexington 859.233.4567 • lexingtonoperahouse.com

Enjoy a night of hearty laughs with up-and-coming comedian Darren Knight, also known as Southern Momma. Fellow comedians Red Squirrel and Gary Cargal join Momma on stage.

OCT 30

Come From Away

RiverPark Center, Owensboro 270.687.2770 • riverparkcenter.org

This inspiring musical tells the tale of what happened in a small Newfoundland town that opened its doors to 7,000 stranded travelers following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

LAUREL RIVER LAKE

NOV 10–12 Puffs

Playhouse in the Park, Murray

270.759.1752 • playhousemurray.org

We all know about the magical school of witchcraft and wizardry called Hogwarts. But Puffs gives us an alternative look that’s “packed with knowing winks to its source material.”

NOV 5

George Thorogood and the Destroyers

The Carson Center, Paducah

270.450.4444 • thecarsoncenter.org

Legendary rockers George Thorogood and the Destroyers bring their “Bad All Over the World – 50 Years of Rock Tour” to Paducah. Special guest Brooks Young will join them as they rock the Carson Center.

DEC 22

A Charlie Brown

Christmas: Live on Stage

SKyPAC, Bowling Green

270.904.1880 • theskypac.com

We’ve grown up watching the annual holiday classic on TV. Now it’s time to see Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy and the gang live on stage, complete with musical score by Vince Guaraldi.

JAN 28

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

EKU Center for the Arts, Richmond

859.622.7469 • ekucenter.com

The story of the famous folk-rock duo is told in a concert-style production. Stateof-the-art projection, original photos and film footage follow Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel through the years, culminating with their 1981 concert in Central Park.

FEB 2–18

Hello, Dolly!

The Carnegie, Covington

859.957.1940 • thecarnegie.com

Matchmaker Dolly Levi’s hilarious antics are just the thing to cure the winter blues. The Broadway hit takes the stage at Covington’s beloved The Carnegie for an eight-show run.

EXPLORE kentucky's wineries

FEB 20

Sing & Swing – A Jazz at Lincoln Center

Presents Production

Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts, Danville

877.HIT.SHOW • nortoncenter.com

Musicians Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III perform national favorites as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents’ touring project. Selections from Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and many more will be performed for a night of singing and swinging.

MARCH 15

Hooked on Classics

Orchestra Kentucky, Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, Madisonville 70.824.8652 • glemacenter.org

Orchestra Kentucky presents one night of nostalgic entertainment. Hooked on Classics is described as “music you know, even if you don’t know you know it.” Included in the repertoire are “1812 Overture,” “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”

MARCH 14-24

Anatomy of Gray

Woodford Theatre, Versailles

859.873.0648 • woodfordtheatre.com

Anatomy of Gray is a coming-of-age story but is described as “a children’s story for adults.” The play follows the residents of the small town of Gray while exploring themes of death, loss, love and healing.

Boucherie Vineyards & Winery

6523 Keyway Drive, Spottsville boucheriewinery.com

270.826.6192

Chenault Vineyards

2284 Barnes

APRIL 19–20

Jesus Christ Superstar

EKU Center for the Arts, Richmond 859.622.7469 • ekucenter.com

The groundbreaking musical opened 50 years ago in London and was later performed on stages around the world. See the final days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas, accompanied with the Grammy Award-winning music of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Visit the events page at kentuckymonthly.com for more upcoming performances.

“In 2020, learning I had cancer was a shock. As I made the decision about where to receive treatment, I was led to the outstanding treatment facility that was here at home — the Lawson Cancer Center at PMC.

I’m so thankful that I did my treatment here. The quality of care I received was second to none. The doctors, the nurses, the support staff — everyone involved — became family. I don’t feel like I could have gotten the same treatment in a larger city or institution.”

– Robert Staggs

section for Kentuckians everywhere … inside Kentucky

The 1901 Kentucky Derby was the 27th running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on April 29, 1901.,

DuPont Lodge, Cumberland Falls State Park,1939

The lodge was named in honor of T. Coleman DuPont, a Louisville native who was president of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and a United States senator from Delaware. In 1927, DuPont purchased 600 acres surrounding Cumberland Falls to prevent the building of a dam to be used for hydroelectric power. DuPont paid $400,000 to preserve the area.

In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed DuPont Lodge using native stone and wood from the surrounding land The original structure had 26 rooms and a large dining room. It was destroyed by fire in 1940 and rebuilt the next year. DuPont died in 1930, and his wife, Alice, donated the land to the state of Kentucky. It then became Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

Kentucky Explorer

a magazine published for Kentuckians everywhere

Charles Hayes Jr. • Founder Stephen M. Vest • Publisher Deborah Kohl Kremer • Editor Rebecca Redding • Typographist

Letters to the Kentucky Explorer

Letters

Kenny Price

I didn’t know Grandpa Jones was a Kentuckian (Kentucky Explorer, June/July 2023, page 53).

There was another native Kentuckian in The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet. Kenny Price, who was was born and grew up in Boone County, was known as the “round mound of sound.” Early in his career, he was a regular on the WLWT-TV show Midwestern Hayride in Cincinnati. He wrote and recorded several country hits. Just thought you might like to know.

Michele Gullett, Georgetown

NKY History Resource

For a limited time, the Kenton County Historical Society will make available, free of charge, random back issues of the Northern Kentucky Heritage magazine for distribution to churches, schools, retirement homes, community centers, museums, businesses and individuals to broaden the audience of the award-winning magazine and provide information about local history.

Published by the Kenton County Historical Society for more than 30 years, the magazine is a treasure trove of northern Kentucky history. Email requests to carolwkirkwood@gmail.com.

You can subscribe to Northern Kentucky Heritage through membership in the Kenton County Historical Society. Your membership helps ensure continued publication. Visit kentoncountyhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

FOUNDED 1986, VOLUME 37, NO. 7

Zachary Taylor’s Kentucky Roots

By Sam Terry, Glasgow

On June 21, 1875, the United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp in honor of President Zachary Taylor, who had died nearly 25 years earlier.

Taylor’s family moved to Kentucky in 1785, when he was 8 months old, first living on Beargrass Creek and later at the family plantation, Springfield, in Louisville. He lived at that home until 1808, and then returned for his wedding in 1810. Five of Taylor’s six children were born in Kentucky.

After making a name for himself in the War of 1812 and becoming a military hero in the Mexican War, Taylor was urged to run for president in 1948 by his friend, John J. Crittenden, who was governor of Kentucky at the time. Until he ran for president, Taylor had never revealed his political beliefs and considered himself an independent. He had never even voted in an election. Taylor joined the Whig Party, but once elected, he failed to promote its platform.

On July 4, 1850, Taylor participated in Independence Day ceremonies at the Washington Monument. Upon his return to the White House, he ate a large quantity of iced milk and cherries, one of which might have been contaminated. He died five days later amid rumors that he had been poisoned. The official cause of death was listed as cholera morbus, as the cholera bacteria was present frequently during the summer months. Following Taylor’s funeral at the White House, his body was borne to a vault in the Congressional Cemetery by eight white horses led by a white-turbaned groom and followed by his favorite horse, “Old Whitey.” Around 100,000 people lined the streets. Taylor’s body was moved to the family cemetery at Springfield (owned by Dr. William C. Gist Jr. and his wife, Barbara) the following October.

In 1926, a new mausoleum was constructed to hold the remains of the president and his widow at the family cemetery, which now is the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. After years of speculation, a college professor convinced the oldest living Taylor descendant to allow exhumation of the body for study in 1991. It was concluded that Taylor did die of acute gastroenteritis, probably due to what he had eaten in the unhealthy climate of Washington, with its open sewers and flies.

Taylor lived in Kentucky twice as long as Abraham Lincoln and four times as long as Jefferson Davis (who married Taylor’s daughter), and yet, he rarely is mentioned in association with the state. He remains the only president buried in Kentucky.

For more of Sam Terry’s stories, follow him on Facebook or visit samterryskentucky.com.

Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, was born in Rosine on Sept. 13, 1911, and died Sept. 9, 1996.

The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet: from left, Kenny Price, Grandpa Jones, Roy Clark and Buck Owens.

In memory of Donna Jean Hayes, 1948-2019

From The Louisville Courier-Journal Culinary Archive:

Bourbon … It’s for More Than Juleps!

By Jackie Young, MLS, Ed.D Library Director, Sullivan University

When I moved to Kentucky more than 20 years ago, I didn’t know how to drink bourbon. Heck, I didn’t even know about Churchill Downs (or juleps).

Now that I am married to a proper Kentucky boy from Boyd County, I know all about such things. I must admit, though, I still pick the horses by names instead of studying the Racing Form

Over the years, I’ve learned much about bourbon and find the history, traditions and the pride Kentucky takes in its signature quaff to be fascinating. As I was researching my husband’s family history I discovered that his several great-grandfather Warren Cash was allegedly imprisoned with Elijah Craig for preaching illegally in Virginia. While they both were leaders in the early Kentucky Baptist church, I have no idea if the story of their imprisonment was true. In any event, it is a good story.

While bourbon currently is having a well-deserved and, hopefully, long moment, Kentucky cooks have been celebrating its deliciousness in dishes for years.

Here are a few recipes that feature Kentucky’s finest.

In 2021, Sullivan University acquired The Louisville Courier-Journal’s culinary archives, which includes 30,000 recipe cards, 1,500 cookbooks and decades of newspaper clippings. Each month, Kentucky Explorer shares a piece of this history, along with a recipe or two, and takes a look at how Kentucky cooked. If you would like more information about Sulivan University, please visit sullivan.edu or call 1.800.844.1354.

McCreary County, established in 1912, was named for Gov. James B. McCreary. It is Kentucky’s youngest county.

“I Remember” By Our Readers

The Ash Hopper and Lye Soap

By Odell Walker

From the book In Lyon County Saturday Was Town Day

We have often heard the statement, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” I suppose the statement has some validity, but it is certain our ancestors found ways and means to supply their necessities. There is no question that soap is necessary for bodily and household cleanliness. Homemade soap was derived from mixing the right parts of an acid with animal fat.

The necessary acid or lye was produced from wood ashes. To extract acid from ashes, the first step was to construct an ash hopper. This wooden container had sloping sides that created a V inside. Ashes were stored inside, and water could seep through, allowing lye to leach out. During the fall and winter, all wood ashes taken from the fireplaces and stoves were stored there. In late spring or early summer, it was time to make lye from the winter’s accumulation of ashes.

Over a two- or three-week period, the proper amount of water was poured onto the top of the ashes on a daily basis. As the water soaked through the ashes, it provided an acid called lye. The lye was caught in the V of the timber and trickled or dripped at the lower elevation at the front of the hopper. A stone crock was placed under the drip to catch the liquid lye, which was dark brown. It was necessary to use the stoneware because the lye had a

Mom, the Country Doctor

By Lois Wilcox, Piqua, Ohio

It was March and still on the cool side at our Johnson home on Big White Oak Road in Load (Greenup County). When my six siblings and I came down with measles, Mom knew what to do. She turned the bedroom on the main floor into a sick room. She put one of the two cornhusk mattresses on which she and Dad slept on the floor and folded a quilt over it, making it into a palette for the very young while they were sick. The two windows in that large room had dark green blinds that Mom said should be closed so no sunlight could enter where we slept. We used the chamber pot, also known as the slop jar, instead of going outside to the outhouse.

Mom cooked oatmeal and rice for our breakfast. For dinner, she fixed cornbread in milk, and supper was pinto beans most of the time. The ill children were Sylvia, James, Bette, Virginia, Lois (me), Jimmie and Lowell. How

strong acid content that would damage metal containers. The lye was collected in the crocks and stored in the smokehouse or other suitable storage place until the time to make soap.

Over the year, we saved every drop of unused animal fat such as grease, lard, bacon drippings, etc. Two kinds of homemade soap could be made: liquid and bar.

Cracklings that were left from rendering out the lard were saved. The cracklings were placed in a large crock, and a pan of the lye was placed on the stove and heated to near boiling. The hot lye was poured over the cracklings and stirred. This process made a very thick, jelly-like liquid soap. When farmers cut tobacco and came to wash their hands, they liked this liquid soap. They said it cut the tobacco gum better than anything else. It may have taken a little hide also. This liquid soap was also used to do the family laundry, especially those work clothes that were always dirty.

To make bar soap, the proper amounts of grease and lye were mixed together and boiled. This mixture was poured into pans about two inches deep and allowed to cool. As the mixture cooled, it also hardened and could be cut with a knife to make bars of soap. This was an all-purpose soap used throughout the household.

Later, lye in the form of crystals that came in a can could be purchased at the store. This took much of the drudgery out of making homemade soap.

Mom learned to care for ill people is not known.

She was born in Letcher County and lived there until she was a teenager. She moved to Lewis County when she married Everett Johnson. They moved to Scioto County, Ohio and then to Greenup County in July 1920. The couple lived there until 1943, when the 100-acre farm was sold and a small farm was purchased in Miami County, Ohio, where I still live. My parents have since passed away and so have all my siblings.

My mother was a midwife and helped many babies into the world. One became a sister-in-law when my older brother James married her. Several students in the Lick Run Grade School, the one-room schoolhouse I attended, were children whom Mom had helped into this world.

One teenage young man had double pneumonia, and the doctor gave him only a few hours to live. Mom went to his home and nursed him back to health. She saved his life. This young man once made a special trip to Miami County, Ohio, to thank her.

An ash hopper

Memories of Granny

By John W. McCauley, Lexington

Growing up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, I was blessed to have lived in a time in which I could experience a way of life that has all but disappeared. I knew my great-grandmother, Susan “Susie” Bailey Gilliam, a strong mountain woman and pioneer. Granny was born on Nov. 28, 1867, in Harlan County. Her seven times great-grandfather, Stephen Bailey, received a land grant in 1657 from Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, for property in Northumberland County, Virginia. Through the generations, the family migrated to present-day Harlan County.

My great-grandmother married Dixon C. Gilliam on Nov. 1, 1885, in Clover Fork. Dixon, my greatgrandfather, born on Nov. 27, 1859, was from strong mountain stock, and they were early settlers to the region. They had eight children—seven boys and a girl. Their third child, Bruner B., was my grandfather. They settled on Gilliam family land at the foot of Big Black Mountain near Benham. In addition to raising a family, Granny’s chores consisted of baking, cooking, canning, churning butter, cleaning, handwashing clothes on a washboard, milking the cow, quilting, stone-grinding corn, weaving and working in the garden. Throughout much of her life, she traveled by horse and rode side saddle.

In rural Appalachia, some pioneer women chose to dip snuff or smoke a pipe. Granny indulged in the latter and smoked a Pamplin, Virginia, clay pipe. As a youngster, I neither understoodd nor liked her smoking a pipe. Frankly, it frightened me. However, she enjoyed rocking on her front porch and taking a puff now and then while visiting with anyone who passed by.

I grew up to embrace and respect my Appalachian heritage, even Granny’s pipes. As a result, I have been the caretaker of Granny’s clay pipes for nearly 50 years. This

My memories of Granny are special, so I wrote this poem.

Granny’s Ole Clay Pipe

When I was a boy, Granny smoked a clay pipe, Made in Pamplin, Virginia, and much to my dislike. An Appalachian tradition that was practiced for years, By early settlers to the mountains, rugged pioneers. I didn’t know why Granny took a puff now and then, But every time we’d visit, she’d smoke that pipe again. She was well up in years and still puffing away, That wood stemmed pipe made from clay. Granny has since passed, it’s been many years, But when I look at her clay pipe, It brings back memories so dear.

By John W. McCauley

gentle-but-strong mountain woman died on Nov. 24, 1964, just four days shy of her 97th birthday. She outlived Grandpa by almost 30 years. They are buried in our family cemetery near Cumberland.

During her lifetime, which began a couple of years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Granny witnessed the invention of radio, telephone, automobiles, airplanes and television. She lived from post-Civil War Reconstruction through two World Wars, the Korean War, and early United States involvement in Vietnam. She mourned the assassination of three U.S. presidents, and saw American astronauts go into space and orbit the earth, all while raising a family, working hard and puffing her clay pipe along the journey.

“If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, then they can sure make something out of you.” Muhammad Ali

Susan Bailey Gilliam, “Granny,” standing at right, and Dixon C. Gilliam, “Grandpa,” seated right, are pictured in front of Grandpa’s dry goods store located along the railroad track in Clutts, near Poor Fork (Harlan County). (Courtesy of John W. McCauley)

Granny’s Pamplin pipes, Virginia Clay Pipes. (Courtesy of John W. McCauley)

Doctor, Soldier, Writer, Citizen, Patriot:

Dr. Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Stevenson

By Tracey Howerton Local History Librarian, Boone County Borderlands Archive & History Center, Boone County Public Library

Kentucky history boasts an endless supply of fascinating people and families. One whose story deserves to be better known is that of Dr. Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Stevenson (1812-1902), a doctor, soldier, writer, citizen and patriot of his time.

Stevenson’s long, rich life wound through many counties in Kentucky (Mason, Scott, Fayette, Boone and Kenton, primarily), as well as up into Cincinnati and far beyond the state’s and region’s borders. Stevenson was born in 1812 in Mason County to Reuben and Cassandra Stevenson. His parents later moved to Georgetown (then George Town) in Scott County. His father survived the War of 1812, having served with Capt. Richard Matson’s company in the Kentucky Mounted Infantry.

After their father’s death in 1823, B.F. and his brother, Milton, opened a saddlery business on Main Street in Georgetown in the 1830s. By the age of 27, B.F. had enrolled as a student in Transylvania University’s prestigious Medical Department, where he studied from 1839-1841. He landed in Boone County, where, in 1843, he married Ann Eliza Tousey, the daughter of prominent merchant and land owner Erastus Tousey and his wife, Catherine

Stevenson lived, raised a family, and practiced medicine in the Burlington community of Boone County for roughly 25 years while engaging in some of the local politics and issues of the day. The events that surrounded the Civil War would most heavily impact him, as they had so many others, and echo throughout the rest of his life.

Stevenson traveled to Louisville in December 1861 to meet with the United States Army Medical Board. He enlisted in the Army thereafter. A brief time with the 23rd Regiment Kentucky Infantry in Covington would quickly find him reassigned to a post as surgeon with the 22nd Regiment Kentucky Infantry, which was stationed in the Ashland area.

Stevenson’s war service took him along the eastern Ohio River Valley and within the interiors of Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Later, he bore witness to the war efforts occurring along the Mississippi River, especially in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

From his earliest days of service, Stevenson frequently and diligently wrote letters home to Ann, whose nickname was “Lida,” in Burlington. The letters undoubtedly were a lifeline for both the sender and the recipient. In the presentday world of instantaneous digital communication, the importance of such letters to communicate and connect cannot be overstated.

Those letters would not only record the daily and weekly details of Stevenson’s war experiences from 18611864 but also would serve as a window into family dynamics and the places, people, animals and landscapes he encountered along the way. In addition to Ann, Stevenson corresponded with other family members, including his oldest daughter, his sister and a separate sister-in-law.

Aside from his personal letter writing, Stevenson understood the importance of communications to the larger war effort. His oldest brother, Thomas B., a conservative with antiUnion sympathies, was a newspaperman in Maysville, Frankfort and Cincinnati throughout his career. Prior to leaving for Ashland, Stevenson arranged to write occasional submissions from the field for the Cincinnati Daily Gazette newspaper, receiving newspapers via the U.S. mail as payment. Writing under the pen name “Medico” kept his identity confidential.

Stevenson returned home from his war service in April 1864, where his country and his family were only partially intact and most definitely not unscathed. Ann died the following summer, in July 1865. His father-in-law, Erastus, had passed in January 1863, and brother Thomas had died in November 1863.

The postwar decades found Stevenson and some of his remaining family members residing in Visalia in Kenton County. He had a medical practice in Cincinnati and rode a train the 20 miles into the city. He also was busy with

If you have questions about Dr. B.F. Stevenson, please contact Tracey Howerton, thowerton@bcpl.org; 859.342.2665, x8150;

Kentucky borders seven states. Only Missouri and Tennessee, which each border eight states, touch more.

Dr. B.F. Stevenson, top, and his wife, Ann Eliza (Tousey) Stevenson, above, in undated photos. (From the Tousey, Stevenson Family Collection, 1826-1997, Boone County Public Library, Burlington.)

Boone County Public Library, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005.

Left, Stevenson’s medical dissertation, Transylvania University, 1840-1841; above, an advertisement for the Stevenson brothers’ saddling business, Kentucky Sentinel (Georgetown), Jan. 6, 1835; right, Stevenson’s military discharge papers, February-March, 1864.

activities related to the Union veterans’ organization, the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). Veterans’ pensions were a primary focus of this group’s efforts. They also successfully advocated for making Memorial Day a national holiday.

In 1884, Stevenson published a collection of his many letters in book form, titled Letters from the Army, by B.F. Stevenson, Surgeon to the Twenty-Second Kentucky Infantry. The book, dedicated to Ann, was well-received, and a second edition was published in 1886.

By 1890, Stevenson was deeply honored to be named the surgeon general of the national G.A.R. at a time of its peak popularity and membership.

It is impossible to fully capture a life lived over 90 years in such a brief synopsis. Much more can be learned from digging into this Kentuckian’s exploits and experiences.

His obituary in the Maysville Evening Bulletin on July 16, 1902, described him as “having a wide acquaintance throughout Ohio and Kentucky,” and noted that his death would be “greatly deplored.”

Through the magic of today’s technologies, modern-day readers can access Stevenson’s published collection of letters online via Google Books or the HathiTrust Digital Library to learn more about this doctor, soldier, writer, citizen and patriot.

Images above courtesy of, left, Historical Medical Theses Collection, Special Collections & Archives, Transylvania University, Lexington; middle, Scott County Public Library, Digital Archives; right, Tousey, Stevenson Family Collection, 1826-1997, Boone County Public Library, Burlington

Coon Hunting, a Good Dog and a Little Nip

By Debbie Grise, Russellville

When I was a little girl, I was blessed to spend a great deal of time listening to my great-grandfather Dan Duncan tell tall tales. Daddy Dan, as I called him, had a real passion for raccoon hunting. He told me there were three things needed for a good hunt: a clear night, a good coon dog and a flask of moonshine hidden from my great-granny.

Old Jake was a real good hunting dog, and Daddy Dan really loved him. As I remember, he wasn’t much on looks, at least not to me.

Daddy Dan went hunting one night with Old Jake and his favorite gun. He told the story

that Old Jake spotted what they called a “tree’d raccoon.” He hollered at Old Jake and, just for fun, told him, “Go get ’em, boy!”

Jake obeyed and came back with the critter in his mouth. Jake had not only climbed the tree but brought the coon down the tree to his master. The poor scared coon’s life was spared, and he was put in a cage. A gun didn’t bring a coon down that night, but Old Jake sure did. Daddy Dan wasn’t what you call a drinking man, but he might have taken a little nip to invent this tale.

Dan Duncan of Russellville worked for the city in the fire department, police department, and street clean-up. He is now telling tall tales in heaven.

Coal Camp Memories and a Greasy Biscuit

By David R Caudill, Daytona Beach, Florida

In June 1945, my father, Albert Caudill, received his discharge from the United States Army. He was one of the first ones discharged after the Germans were defeated. Discharges were based on a complicated point system. It entailed an amount of time in service, military campaigns participated in, various medals received, and more. Dad rated high on the list because he had enlisted in 1928 and had received a Bronze Star for action with the Second Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge.

We lived in Lawton, Okla., at the time. A small, sleepy city in the southcentral part of the state, its only claim to fame was a large Army post built to fight the Native Americans just after the Civil War. Ft. Sill was named after Gen. Joshua Sill, a Union general in that war. During World War II, as it is now, it was the artillery training center for the U.S. Army.

A few weeks after Dad’s return, he left for Kentucky to find work, and we were to follow. At the end of June, Mom and we six children boarded the Frisco Line for Hazard.

That was some trip, because the Frisco Line went only as far as St. Louis. There, we had to get a taxi to the other side of town to catch the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Cincinnati, and then we had to make connections to Hazard via the L&N Railroad.

Dad had found a job as a hand loader with the Blue Diamond Coal Company. We stayed with my Uncle Arch for about a week, then moved into the Harvey Coal Camp.

For someone coming from the relatively flat land of Oklahoma, this was some contrast. Like many coal camps, the dirt road wound around the hollow with most houses built on the upper side of the road. In places where it wasn’t too steep, a few houses were built below.

The houses weren’t much. They appeared to be just thrown together. They were cold in the winter and hot in the summer. I don’t think you could have thrown the proverbial cat through the walls, but they were thin.

Our house was entered on the upper side, like most hillside houses, and by the time you walked to the front porch, you were at least 10 feet in the air. I recall there were four rooms. The entrance was in a living room, with the kitchen on the right and two bedrooms next to the porch. Since there were six children, some slept in the living room. The kitchen had a sink with cold running water, but it had so many minerals in it, it was only fit for bathing and cleaning.

There was a spring with excellent water, but it was

about a quarter-mile away. To get to it, I had to pass what I now know to be a Jersey cow with long horns. The owner kept her under his house and tied her out beside the road to pick grass. I was only 6, had never been around any farm animals, and I was scared! Although I knew she was tied, I feared she would break her rope and gore me with her horns. It didn’t help that the old cow was bored, and she would quit eating and follow me with her eyes until I got by her. I slopped a lot of water from the bucket hurrying past her.

With all the things a boy of 6 didn’t like about the place, there were many more things I did like. In fact, I loved it! There were cliffs behind the house that I loved to climb. I could see the entire camp from there. There was a graveyard behind the cliffs, but I always gave that a wide berth because I was afraid of ghosts.

The commissary amazed me! In Lawton, if you wanted clothing, you went to Montgomery Ward; for food, to a market; and if you got sick, to a doctor’s office. A shovel or other tools required a trip to a hardware store. The commissary had everything a person could wish for. Being young, I had no idea the prices were high and designed to get back all the hard-earned scrip from the miners. We did not own a car, so that’s where we shopped.

I remember one time, Mom took me there to get a pair of shoes. The war with Japan was still going on, and many things were rationed, especially shoes. There was a black market using food stamps, so the rule was that the clerk had to remove the ration coupon from the ration book. Those books were issued at the war’s beginning and were fairly worn by 1945, so many stamps had come loose. My book had a loose one in it (each person had his own ration book), and the clerk refused to accept it. He and Mom almost got into a fight over it, but the clerk won, and Mom had to give up one of those precious stamps. Mom kept those stamps in a safe place for years. After her death 35 years later, they were found safely packed away in a locker.

Life was great for me. I had new territory to explore, new friends to make, and my father was finally home after being gone half my life. He would leave for work before I awoke, but he came home every day. I liked that a lot.

It was illegal to strike during the war, but upon the Japanese surrender in September 1945, John L. Lewis took the miners on strike. We had no money to fall back on, and my grandmother Polly gave us half a hog. We didn’t have refrigeration, so Mom gathered a few 50-pound lard stand buckets and fried the entire half a hog. I can still see her in my imagination standing over that coal cookstove all day. She preserved the meat by placing it in the lard stands and pouring the grease over it. That kept the bacteria from it.

I can still see Mom digging around in a lard stand to find a piece of meat to place in a pan to melt the grease. Then, she placed the meat in a biscuit, and that was my school lunch.

After a few months. Dad had to re-enlist in the Army, and we took the train back to Lawton, not to return for seven years.

The tulip poplar is Kentucky’s State Tree.

Blue Diamond Mine in Hazard

The 29th Encampment Grand Army of the Republic, Louisville

By Charles L. Turner, Louisville

After the Civil War, numerous associations of veterans were formed. The largest and most comprehensive was the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). It was conditionally formed in March 1866. The following May, the constitution and ritual were adopted and printed.

The only requisite for membership was faithful service in the war without regard to rank, color, creed, political faith or social position. The GAR’s objective was the promotion and preservation of fraternal feeling, loyalty to the Union, and patriotism, perpetuating the deeds and sacrifices of the men who served the Republic in the war, and passing down the memories to later generations.

The GAR was to care for the living comrades who were unable to care for themselves and for the widows and orphans of the dead. It was nonpolitical. All political discussions were prohibited in its encampments and posts. In 1885, it had more than 400,000 members in all Union states and territories, with an average age of about 50 years.

The 29th GAR encampment was held in Louisville Oct. 9-14, 1895. It was the only GAR reunion held south of the Mason-Dixon Line and the largest held up to that point. An estimated 150,000 veterans attended. According to the 1890 census, Louisville had a population of 161,129. This influx of visitors filled every hotel room and resulted in the erection of tents in parks, schools turned into barracks, and Louisville families renting out rooms to veterans.

Many Confederate veterans were among the organizers of the reunion, and Henry Watterson, a former Confederate soldier and editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal, offered words of welcome to the group. Confederate Gen. John B. Castleman was chairman of the Committee on Invitation and Reception. The Courier-Journal printed the Souvenir and Official Programme.

Confederate veteran organizers wrote to welcome members, declaring that this was an opportunity to show the world that the war was over and that the nation was united again.

There was much concern that, even though Kentucky remained in the Union and did not secede during the war, it was a slave state. Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware were the four border slave states that did not secede from the Union. Many Kentuckians who served in

the Confederate Army became elected officials in Kentucky.

The theme of the reunion and many of the GAR reunions was “We Drank from the Same Canteen.” This was based on an immensely popular Civil War poem called “The Same Canteen” by Union Pvt. Miles O’Reilly. His poem tells of the bond among the soldiers sharing their tents, blankets, food and drink.

African American members and their families were concerned about how they would be treated in Louisville. Articles in northern Black newspapers declared that they would only be shown the work camps and the river if they came to Louisville. Many of the Confederate organizers assured the potential attendees that the accommodations for the Black members would be just as nice as those of the white members. They also assured them that if a white unit had Black members and wanted them to stay with their chapter, there would be no objections from the Louisville organizers.

Some enterprising entrepreneurs sold ads for a directory published by the Wentworth Publishing House. Ads were purchased by various ladies and establishments in Louisville to provide a list of houses of prostitution. At this time, all levels of government and society generally were tolerant of prostitution and the red-light districts. It was only after the turn of the century that attitudes and laws changed.

The zenith of the reunion was a parade, which had approximately 30,000 participating members. The Kentucky GAR in its honor had the privilege of marching last with its Battle Flags of Kentucky Regiments. On the morning of the parade, two cannon crews were assigned to go from the downtown Louisville Armory to Phoenix Hill Park to fire a 44-gun salute at sunrise to awaken the city. Each cannon was to fire 22 times. The second caisson, 15 minutes behind the first, reached Fourth and Broadway at 5:30 a.m., and an explosion occurred. Forty-four bags of fastidiously packed black powder, 1.5 pounds each, ignited under mysterious circumstances, resulting in the deaths of five men and two horses. Several people were injured with cuts, bruises and severe powder burns, and there was extensive property damage to buildings in the area. All the men participating were current soldiers and Louisville residents, except a civilian who was the driver of the caisson.

Trees native to Kentucky include the red maple, sassafras, northern red oak and bald cypress.

A Fair Price: Clarence LeBus Fought for Kentucky’s Tobacco Farmers

By Mark Mattmiller, Cynthiana

Not many people outside of Harrison County have ever heard of Clarence LeBus. At the time of LeBus’ death in 1928, he owned more than 37,000 acres of the best Kentucky farmland in seven counties. He led the small Kentucky farmers in their epic 1907 struggle with James Duke and his insidious American Tobacco Company monopoly. Clarence LeBus is the only man to have ever successfully organized the American farmer.

In 1855, Lebus’ father, Lewis, moved from Ohio to tiny Oddville in Harrison County to teach in a one-room school. Lewis was intelligent, ambitious and frugal. He taught school, worked in the fields for others, saved every penny he could, and eventually saved enough to buy a farm. Ultimately, Lewis owned more than 2,000 acres.

Clarence, Lewis’ second son, was born in 1862. He inherited his father’s abilities, and, like most boys of that era, he grew up going to school and working in tobacco. Clarence graduated from Smith’s Academy in Cynthiana and attended the University of Michigan for two years before he left school. He had suffered from mild diabetes as a child, and the rigors of study at the university level had become too difficult for his poor eyesight.

In 1882, the younger LeBus returned to Kentucky. He took a job working for the Internal Revenue Service as a tax collector. His travels through the nine-county tax district familiarized the young man with the geography of the area, and his conversations with people he met invariably led to the topic of the tobacco crops. He would see up close the farmland, hillsides, bottoms, creeks, ridges and crops. Not only was he learning from his experiences, but he was establishing a reputation and making connections that would define his future. Like his father, he saved every penny he could.

In 1886, at 24, LeBus took a job as a solicitor for the Bodmann Company of Cincinnati. The company bought tobacco crops and then sold the tobacco in the Louisville and Cincinnati markets. LeBus traveled the countryside and bought the tobacco that Bodmann wanted. His sharp eye for judging tobacco, coupled with his advanced math skills, made him a natural. It certainly helped that he seemed to have an unending capacity for hard work.

It didn’t take long for LeBus to gain the confidence of his supervisors. He soon was given the privilege of buying tobacco for himself while at the same time receiving a salary from the Bodmann Company. From that time on, he would buy for the company the tobacco needed and buy for himself other grades that he thought he could sell at a later time for profit.

LeBus bought a small farm in 1887. It started a trend that was to continue throughout his life: All profits from the first farm went toward buying a second farm. He always had more than one source of income, and all farm profits were used to buy more farms.

But there were troubles ahead. The average price for burley tobacco in the 1890s was eight cents per pound, but Duke and his American Tobacco Company were paying less and less. By 1902, they refused to pay more than three cents per pound. That was less than it took to grow it. Duke had, through hook and crook, established a monopoly in cigarette manufacturing, and his name had become a vile curse upon the lips of the burley growers.

Earlier attempts to organize the growers had failed, but on New Year’s Day 1907, burley growers from 29 counties met in Lexington to form the Burley Tobacco Society to combat the Duke monopoly. Eventually, 85 percent of the growers joined. LeBus was chosen as the president, and the Society agreed to pay him a staggering salary of $25,000. (This equates to about $800,000 in today’s dollars.) By this time, LeBus owned 7,000 acres of farmland.

Immediately, LeBus traveled to New York to appeal to Duke, but Duke was not interested. He treated LeBus and the burley growers with disdain.

Nobody knew how much burley tobacco Duke had stored. What was known was that burley was absolutely necessary for making cigarettes, and because of the climate, humidity and limestone subsoil, Kentucky was the only place where burley could be grown. If the Kentuckians could control the supply, Duke eventually would have to cave or get out of the cigarette business.

The growers agreed to hold the 1906 crop off the market. The tobacco was processed and stored. LeBus coerced the banks to lend the small farmers half the value of their stored tobacco. But there was still no relief from Duke. So, the next year, they did the same. By the third year, the warehouses were full, and the banks couldn’t go any further, so the farmers agreed to a “cutout.” They raised no tobacco.

In the summer of 1908, Duke agreed to pay 12 cents per pound. LeBus refused. There was a lot of speculation and discussion concerning the wisdom of LeBus’ refusal to take the offered 12 cents per pound.

On Nov. 17, 1908, LeBus and 19 other men representing the Burley Society checked into a hotel in Louisville. What the men knew was that they would be negotiating with the American Tobacco Company over the sale of the pooled tobacco. What they did not know was that the meeting would last for three days and nights.

Duke made increasingly larger and larger offers, but LeBus continued to refuse. LeBus wanted 17 cents, and Duke would go no higher than 16 ½. Virtually all of the Burley Tobacco Society members quit supporting LeBus. They called him “stupid.” LeBus wouldn’t budge! Finally, Duke caved and agreed to pay 21 cents for the 1906 crop and 17 cents for the 1907 crop.

The next day, there were “CLARENCE LEBUS FOR GOVERNOR” signs on the roads around Lexington.

LeBus was a hero!

Log Home Dates Back to the 1700s

The William Arnold Log House in Williamstown, Grant County, is one of the oldest surviving log houses in the state.

It originally was built on High Street by William Arnold, a frontiersman who came from Virginia after the Revolutionary War. He settled in the area around 1783 and constructed the two-story log house in 1799. He and his wife, Lucy Pryor, raised son John (born 1788) and daughter Sarah (born 1789). In addition to fighting in the Revolutionary War, Arnold had participated in the Indian Wars, where he reached the rank of lieutenant but was severely wounded.

Through a court-ordered land division in 1811, Arnold received 1,137 acres. Although he frequently bought and sold land, in 1820—when Grant County broke off from Pendleton County—Arnold donated a 2 ½-acre plot of land for the courthouse and public buildings for the new county. The surrounding 25 acres were surveyed into town lots and sold by Arnold.

For the next three years, he provided free timber for building and, for many years, provided free firewood and stone.

This budding town was named William’s Town.

The home, located at

203 South Main Street in Williamstown, is open to the public for tours from April to October. It is furnished with period furniture, early photographs, maps, books and artifacts from that time. For more information or operating hours, call 1.800.382.7117 or visitgrantky.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

SELF-PUBLISHING: On-Demand Book Printing, Softcover, Hardcover, and Spiral Binding, Side-Sewing for Children’s Books, Kindle Books, Typesetting, Editing, Graphic Design, Amazon Listing, Bible-Rebinding, etc. Contact Reformation Publishers, Inc., DBA 24-Hour Books, DBA Williams Printing Co., 14 S. Queen Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353, Email: rpublisher@aol.com, 1.800.765.2464, Telephone 859.520.3757, Fax 859.520.3357, Text 606.359.2064, www.reformationpublishers.com.

WANTED TO BUY — All types of antiques and collectibles. Top prices for gold, silver and costume jewelry. Scrap gold. Gold and silver coins. Wrist and pocket watches. Collections. Early post cards and fountain pens. Civil War swords and other military items. Vintage toys. Pocket knives. Lighters. Old eyeglasses. Pottery and stoneware. All types of railroad items. Advertising signs. Handmade quilts. Marbles. Jars. Much, much more. Complete and partial estates. Call Clarence, buyer for more than 30 years, at 606.531.0467. (F-D)

WANTED — Paying cash for large diamonds; collections of vintage wrist and pocket watches; gold and silver coins; sterling flatware and serving pieces; gold and silver jewelry; collections of arts and crafts and pottery; antique advertising signs; antique walking canes; pocket knives; collections of antique guns and swords; military collections; early hand-crafted crocks and jugs; musical instruments. Call Clarence, buyer for more than 35 years; 606.531.0467. (S-D)

Reach 120,000 readers with classified advertising available in Kentucky Explorer. Classified ads $50 per issue (up to 25 words). Contact Deborah Kohl Kremer at deb@kentuckymonthly.com

If these walls could talk …

Richmond Conflict

Thursday Thursday

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023 7pm 7pm Tickets $15 Tickets $15 Tickets $15 Students Free with Students Free with Students with Student ID Student ID

good-hearted drug abuser named Birdman also plays a part. A certain amount of luck helps, and Wells, despite his faults, is a pretty tough cookie with proven survival skills.

Helvey stays on course with his usual narrative—that an individual with a multitude of flaws can possess significant redeeming qualities. For many of us, that provides some hope as we look at ourselves.

By Steve Flairty

In August 1862, the Civil War armies of the North and South collided in Madison County. This book begins by explaining the weather conditions over those days, which set the scene for the upcoming battle. Succeeding chapters detail the battle itself and provide overviews of the towns of Richmond and Berea, followed by the means of medical care, military terms, weapons used and soldiers involved.

This 237-page hardback book has a midsection full of photos from the war depicting officers, guns, soldiers and locations that are mentioned in the book. As a wellresearched historical collection, it would be enjoyed by those familiar with the area, in addition to history lovers and Civil War enthusiasts.

Author Paul Rominger, originally from Berea, spent 30 years as a teacher and education administrator. He served as executive director of The Battle of Richmond Association and as associate director of the Battlefield Park Visitors Center and Museum.

By Deborah Kohl Kremer

The Battle of Richmond, Kentucky: 1862 Weather and Civil War Digest, by Paul Rominger, Acclaim Press, $22 (H)

Looking at Kansas, by Chris Helvey, Wings ePress Inc., $15.95 (P)

Explore infinite possibilities.

Experience high school differently. The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science offers bright and highly motivated high school juniors and seniors in Kentucky a chance to start college while finishing high school at Western Kentucky University. This two-year residential STEM program allows students to participate in college coursework full-time, pursue faculty-mentored research, study abroad, and thrive in a supportive community. With scholarships covering tuition, housing, and meals, students at Gatton can explore their interests in STEM.

Explore your infinite possibilities and apply online at www.wku.edu/academy. The application deadline for Kentucky sophomores is February 1, 2024.

by Bill Ellis

‘Would You Like a Companion for the Evening?’

The title of this column is the question a lady asked me in the parking lot of a suburban motel outside Nashville some years ago on a dark, stormy and cold night. I had just finished interviewing a person for my Kentucky River Oral History Project.

I moved closer to her luxury automobile. The woman repeated her question: “Would you like a companion for the evening?”

Comprehending her question, I replied: “No, ma’am. No, thank you.”

I later told my mother what had happened and my reply, and she said that she was ashamed of me. “Mom!” I said, not understanding in any way what I had done wrong.

Mom smiled and replied, “You should have said, ‘No, ma’am. No, thank you, but thank you for asking,’ like the gentleman I raised you to be.”

We both laughed at her joke.

I spent five years as director of a small Oral History Center at Eastern Kentucky University. The tape recordings can be found by accessing the EKU Special Collections and Archives (oralhistory.eku.edu).

After Bill Berge retired as director of the Oral History Center, I finished a long project on then-U.S. Rep. Carl D. Perkins, interviewing not only the congressman but also other colleagues and folks back in Kentucky, particularly in his district.

Colleague Todd Moberly and I interviewed more than 150 folks who had intimate knowledge of the Kentucky River. Many of those interviews were used in my book The Kentucky River, published by the University Press of Kentucky in 2000. Those interviews were interesting and included commercial fishermen and men who recalled the last rafting of logs on the river, among others.

• • •

During several of the interviews, I had unwanted contact with animals. One couple I interviewed owned a ferret. As soon as I turned on the tape recorder, the sleek little creature took a liking to me. It raced along the top of the couch on which I was sitting, ran across my shoulders and the inside of my coat, and looked me in the eye before it slithered onto the floor. As you can imagine, I had trouble keeping my mind on the interview.

When the ferret ran up my left pants leg, I recalled that such creatures had evolved from carnivorous weasels. My mind raced ahead to imminent blood-letting.

“Oh! Don’t worry about him. He won’t bite you; he just wants to play,” said the host as perspiration streamed down my face.

On another occasion, a pesky cat grabbed my ankles as the interview continued unabated. Occasionally, I entered a “yelp” on the tape. During another interview, a beautiful white dog with “glowing” white eyes nearly hypnotized me, and only by batting my eyes did I return to my list of questions for the interviewee.

I may have exaggerated these experiences a bit—but not by much.

Sitting on the front porch one sunny afternoon, a man told me about his experiences as a young man working with his father rafting logs. He asked if I was thirsty, and, it being a hot spring day, I replied, “Why, yes.” The man then poured a clear liquid from a quart jar into a glass.

“If you sip it slowly, it won’t bother you,” he said, as I warily followed his advice. He was correct. And after a sip or two, the interview continued.

Another interview was completed while sitting under a pawpaw tree on a hot Kentucky afternoon with rotting fruit on the ground and insects crawling up my pants legs. The interviewee’s flea-scratching dog at my feet added to the homey atmosphere.

One of my more interesting experiences in the oral history project took place in New Zealand in 1989, where I had a six-month-long Fulbright grant to Massey University.

I initiated an oral history class, occasionally lectured in a general history class to a group of more than 200 students, and reorganized a couple of correspondence courses.

Students in the oral history class were required to organize a project. All were interesting, especially one young man’s interviews of World War II veterans. One of his interviewees had been a pilot in the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. His job was mostly reconnaissance work. The pilot provided the interviewer with photos of the German Peenemünde rocket site (I still wonder if this was a breach of wartime security). On another flight over Germany, piloting a de Havilland Mosquito light bomber, he was chased mistakenly by an American P-51 fighter. The RAF pilot could see tracer bullets falling behind him as his wooden-fuselage Mosquito light bomber barely outran the fighter. The American soon recognized the RAF aircraft and turned away.

Beginning during my Fulbright stay, I interviewed a few Kiwi history instructors, the equivalent of high school and college teachers who taught an American history course or two. Even though United States-New Zealand relations were somewhat strained at the time, students and teachers were mostly favorable in their opinions of American life, always wanting to visit the U.S.

Many of my students at EKU contributed to the Great Depression Project in which they interviewed family members about their impression of living through such a heart-rending, life-changing era. All the interviews are available in the Oral History Collections at EKU.

Among the more famous interviewees in the oral history projects are Barry Bingham Sr., A.B. “Happy” Chandler, Harry Lee Waterfield, Harry Caudill, Edward T. “Ned” Breathitt Jr., Mitch McConnell, Louie B. Nunn and Al Smith

Reflections on a Gardening Life

The month of September holds a milestone birthday for me this year.

I’m not going to tell which birthday, but suffice it to say that it’s one of those I never thought I would live to see. I don’t think those born in the 1950s and ’60s thought they would make it this far, and anyone who did was surely “older than dirt.”

But here I am and certainly not “old” but maybe at a point at which I should reflect on what has been while still looking forward to what’s yet to come.

I can say for sure I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t gardening or wasn’t following (probably annoying) someone who did.

LONG AGO

I remember following my grandmother as she picked okra for her little “Jot ’em Down” vegetable stand on Strawberry Lane in Louisville. The okra was way above my head, and I couldn’t reach the prickly pods. That’s probably a good thing because, while I still love to eat okra, the pods make me itch like crazy.

I remember walking home from school in the spring and seeing my great-grandmother’s pink peonies at the side of the house. I loved to see their big cheery blooms because they smelled so good and their appearance meant that school soon would be over and the long stretch of summer was at hand.

In those days, we grew apples on big old standard trees the branches of which were arranged perfectly for climbing for a look into a robin’s nest. There is no blue like the blue of a robin’s egg in a nest.

My sister and I helped our grandmother de-seed and cut up hot peppers for the chowchow she made. The heat never seemed to bother her hands, but after about an hour, we would run screaming for a stream of

cold water to douse the fire in our fingers.

When I was older but still a small kid, my grandparents moved to a small piece of land in the Fairdale area of Louisville. The soil there was poor, but my grandfather was determined to make it better. So, he and I would head to the Bourbon Stock Yard on Market Street to shovel up a truckload of the free manure from the huge pile that sat outside the yards. One summer, we made a total of 80 trips to fill up the truck with manure for the huge garden. I slept well that summer. That same plot of land still yielded well when my wife and I briefly lived in my grandmother’s house after we were married.

DAYTON

I studied journalism in college and wound up with a master’s degree in that field from Indiana University. At the time, journalism jobs were few and far between, so I began my career teaching English and journalism in an all-boys Catholic high school in Louisville.

The pay for teachers in those days was pretty pitiful, but our rent was cheap, and I knew how to grow my own food. We grew most everything we ate, including meat, and rarely spent more than $10 at the grocery.

When we moved to Dayton, Ohio— my wife was in residency at a hospital there—the first thing I got off the moving truck was my rototiller so I could start my vegetable garden. In Dayton, I learned to appreciate other types of gardening besides vegetable gardening. Our neighbors had wonderful flower gardens, and I started to pay attention to the trees, shrubs and perennials that grew in our modest but well-landscaped neighborhood. Good gardening, I decided, was about more than growing food for the body; it was also about feeding the soul.

I studied and wrote about ornamental plants as well as native trees and shrubs. Dayton was a dull city, but it had an active gardening and nature-loving community; the newspaper even had a fascinating weekly column by a naturalist. While living in Dayton, I wrote a gardening column for the old Kentucky Monthly (now available only in antique stores), a column I would take up again in the late 1990s for the new Kentucky Monthly, the one you have in your hands.

CARRYING ON

In 2012, after many years of teaching and newspaper work, I got a dream job that combined my love of gardening, teaching and writing all in one. I was hired as a horticulture technician for the Extension service in Shelby County. It was a fabulous job. I got paid to learn about insects and soil and plant diseases and planting trees while talking about gardening all day and helping those who had less gardening experience and knowledge than I have. For seven wonderful years, I was surrounded by gardening and garden people.

In retirement, I still plant trees— we’re up to almost 50 different species on our property—grow a big vegetable garden, tend perennial beds and fruit trees, and cut grass. And cut grass. And cut grass.

I can’t work as long as I used to. The heat bothers me. I lean on my hoe to get up from picking or pulling weeds. I get little basal cell skin cancers that need to be frozen off occasionally from too much sun. My back hurts when I sit too long to snap beans or shuck corn.

But I intend to keep gardening as long as I’m able. It’s what I do. It’s who I am.

by Gary Garth

More Hunting Opportunities

The arrival of September cracks summer’s sweltering grip on Kentucky, although it may not begin to feel like it until the calendar hits double digits.

September also ushers in the fall hunting season, the exception being Kentucky’s squirrel season, which opens the third Saturday of August and stretches through the last day of February, with a two-day sabbatical for the opening weekend of modern firearm deer season (Nov. 11-12 this year). Aside from critters open to year-round hunting (coyote, groundhogs and a few others), squirrels provide the state’s longest hunting opportunities.

Marquee early-season species include deer and doves. Many dove hunters look forward with great anticipation to the traditional Sept. 1 opener, then put their dove guns away until the following year. This is unfortunate. Dove season lasts 90 days (Sept. 1-Oct. 26, Nov. 23-Dec. 3, Dec. 23-Jan. 14) and offers generous bag limits (with a daily bag limit of 15 and a maximum possession limit of 45). Late dove season often offers plenty of birds and few other hunters.

Hunting for whitetail deer, the most popular big-game animal across the Commonwealth and the nation, begins Sept. 2 for archery (youth and senior hunters are also permitted to use crossbows). The regular crossbow season for deer begins Sept. 16. The modern firearm deer opener this year is Nov. 11.

For details on all hunting species, including season dates, bag limits and license/permit requirements, check the 2023-2024 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide and the Kentucky Hunting Guide for Dove, Early Waterfowl, Woodcock, Snipe and Crow. (The regularseason waterfowl hunting guide will be available prior to the November opener.) Sporting guides can be found at most sporting-goods stores and where licenses are sold. They also are available through the state

game agency (fw.ky.gov). Changes from last year’s regulations are printed in blue.

Deer hunters in Calloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman and Marshall counties will again have to abide by a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zone. Details are on page 13 of the hunting guide. The good news is that, as of this writing, Kentucky’s deer herd remains CWD free.

There’s more good news for hunters.

For all of Kentucky’s many positive outdoor attributes, we do not enjoy a wealth of public lands. The vast majority of Kentucky is privately owned, so any addition to public property should be celebrated. The state Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources added three new wildlife management areas (WMA) this year. Each was opened earlier this year and acquired through the Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program.

n The Ferguson Creek WMA includes 614 acres in Livingston County. A section of the property hugs the lower Cumberland River not far from where it enters the Ohio River. It’s primarily forested land, but about 100 acres of the property are wetlands, which wildlife officials plan to “restore and enhance,” according to Mike Hardin, assistant director of fisheries for the state game agency.

The Ferguson Creek WMA is bordered by state Route 70 and Vicksburg Road and split by Scotts Chapel Road. It is open under statewide hunting regulations. For more information, go to app.fw.ky. gov/Public_Lands_Search/detail. aspx?Kdfwr_id=9715 or call 270.753.6913.

n The 809-acre Gabbard Branch WMA is in Butler County about a dozen miles downstream from Green River Lock & Dam 5. It is also mostly timbered but includes about 80 wetland acres that are due for some

restorative work. The combination of upland and wetland habitats makes the area ripe for deer and turkey. Open under statewide hunting regulations, the Gabbard Branch property is located off state Route 2266. There are two parking areas available, but the WMA is limited to foot access. Details at app.fw.ky.gov/Public_Lands_Search/ detail.aspx?Kdfwr_id=9713 or call 270.476.1889.

n The Hoskins WMA includes 5,299 acres but is scattered across 21 tracts ranging from fewer than 5 acres to 775 acres in Leslie, Harlan and Clay counties. This is primarily reclaimed mine property, heavily timbered and in varying stages of recovery. Elevations range from 880 to 2,520 feet. Expect rough terrain but pretty good game numbers, including deer and black bear. Open under statewide hunting regulations. Details at app.fw.ky.gov/Public_Lands_Search/ detail.aspx?Kdfwr_id=9711 or call 606.654.2533.

Also, the popular Yellowbank WMA in Meade County is expected to be expanded by about 800 acres. At this writing, game officials haven’t released a timetable on public access to the new area.

Kentucky has a long and rich hunting tradition, but not everyone is a fan, and hunting is strongly opposed by some. Hunters are an opinionated bunch, but most care deeply about wildlife and many work to support the habitats it needs to survive. Wild game, properly prepared, provides healthy and delicious table fare. Give it a try. If you need help getting started, ask a hunter. Most are happy to help. Or call the Fish & Wildlife headquarters at 1.800.858.1549. They’ll point you in the right direction.

Readers may contact Gary Garth at editor@kentuckymonthly.com

Social distancing isn’t a problem when your backyard is this pretty...

Hartig Park and Wildlife Reserve has 500 acres of horse trails, hiking trails, kayaking and primitive camping.

SEPTEMBER 2023

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Ongoing Tunes in the Vines, Equus Run Vineyards, Midway, through Nov. 11, 859.846.9463

Ongoing Bet Ison Quilt Exhibit, Kentucky Folk Art Center, Morehead, through Oct. 19, 606.783.2204

Ongoing Stitches in Time Exhibit Kentucky Museum, Bowling Green, through July 26, 2025, 270.745.2592

Ongoing Pillow Fight Exhibit, 21C Museum Hotel, Lexington, through Oct. 1, 859.899.6800

Ongoing Music on the Lawn, Shaker Village, Harrodsburg, Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 28, 859.734.5411

1 The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes Spotlight Playhouse, Berea, 859.756.0011

2 Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival, downtown Winchester, through Sept. 3, 859.744.0556

3 Kentucky Symphony Orchestra TV Themes, Tower Park, Fort Thomas, 859.431.6216

10 Trimble County Apple Festival, Courthouse Lawn, Bedford, 502.552.1092

17 Burlington Antique Show Boone County Fair Grounds, Burlington, 513.922.6847

24 Kentucky Monthly’s 25th Anniversary Kickoff, The Foundry, Frankfort (See page 21 for details.)

18

19 Louisville Orchestra and Chris Thile Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, Madisonville, 270.821.2787

6 Spring House Music Series –Mark Taylor Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort, 502.395.9070

13

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Paramount Arts Center, Ashland, 606.324.0007

20 Mellow Morning Stroll, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, 502.955.8512

7 Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration, Bill Monroe Birthplace, Rosine, through Sept. 10, 270.363.9501

14 Bourbon and Beyond Festival, Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, through Sept. 16

21

8 Georgetown Festival of the Horse, downtown Georgetown, through Sept. 10, 502.863.2547

15 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, downtown Bardstown, through Sept. 16, 502.275.8384

9 Fall Festival, Country Pumpkins, Dry Ridge, through Oct. 30, 859.905.9656

16 Sweet Owen Day Courthouse Square, Owenton, 502.563.5050

22 Marion County Ham Days, downtown Lebanon, 270.692.9594

25

26

Jonas Brothers in Concert, Rupp Arena, Lexington, 859.233.4567

27

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen Norton Center for the Arts, Danville, 859.236.4692

Casey County Apple Festival downtown Liberty, through Sept. 23, 606.706.0651

28

Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour Lexington Opera House, Lexington, 859.233.4567

29

Oktoberfest, downtown Harrodsburg, 859.734.6811

KY Shakespeare Workshop and Performance Alhambra Theatre, Hopkinsville, through Sept. 19, 270.887.4295 a guide to Kentucky’s most interesting events

For a more extensive listing of events, visit kentuckymonthly.com.

23 Civil War Walking Tour of Frankfort, Thomas D. Clark Center for History, Frankfort, 502.564.1792

30

W’Town Hoe Down BBQ & Bluegrass Fest downtown Williamstown, 859.824.3322

From the Pillow Fight Exhibit, 21C Hotel, Lexington

Six Degrees of Kentucky Monthly

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” which originated from a 1994 interview with Premiere magazine in which the actor mentioned that “he had worked with everyone in Hollywood or someone who’s worked with them.” That statement sparked three Albright College students to test Bacon’s hypothesis. Bacon was not far off.

“Six degrees” is the concept that claims any two people on Earth are six or fewer acquaintances apart. I have claimed that we’re closer to “two degrees” in Kentucky because I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t know at least one person I know.

This evolved into a parlor game where players challenge each other to choose an actor arbitrarily and then link them to Bacon through common roles.

Academy Award winner and Whitley County native Patricia Neal was in A Face in the Crowd with Andy Griffith, who was in The Demon Murder Case with Kevin Bacon, giving her a Bacon rating of two, along with Lexington’s Jim Varney, Louisville’s Ned Beatty, Muhlenberg County’s Warren Oates, and Frankfort’s Will Chase.

Those with a “one” rating include Jennifer Lawrence, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Annie Potts, Tom Cruise and me.

Bacon and I met in an alley near Frankfort’s Grand Theatre, where he performed as The Bacon Brothers with his brother, Michael. If you don’t believe me, there’s proof on my Facebook page.

So, what’s the point? Well, beginning on Sunday, September 24, we’re going to celebrate 25 years of Kentucky Monthly at the other end of the alley from the welldocumented Vest-Bacon summit.

You can obtain a level-one Vest rating and, more importantly, a Bacon rating of two. From 2 to 6 p.m., we will be open housing it at The Foundry, 317 West Broadway. Not only will you get to meet me, but by doing so, you’ll have a levelone rating from some of the many Kentuckians who have graced the cover of Kentucky Monthly. Who knows who’ll show up? George? Ashley? Turtleman?

STEPHEN M. VEST Publisher + Editor-in-Chief

Join us for a toast of the alcoholic or non-alcoholic variety. Your choices include a glass of wine (or three) from Midway’s Equus Run Vineyards (which also is celebrating its 25th year), a slushie from Chuckleberry Farm and Winery in Bloomfield, Freddie’s Root Beer, or the many varieties of bourbon from Wilderness Trail or Buffalo Trace distilleries. Or an agave spirit (similar to tequila) from Saddlestone Distillery.

Those who have RSVP’d include Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace fame, Emily Toadvine of Wilderness Trail, Cynthia Bohn and Becky Sebastian of Equus Run, and the unnamed combo led by Lawrenceburg musician Keith McAliley, who might play piano, saxophone, Australian didgeridoo, clarinet, flute, guitar or the Chinese mouth organ. Keith (who has always wanted his name bolded in Kentucky Monthly) may also be joined by Carly Pearce, J.D. Shelburne or Jack Harlow, but I wouldn’t bet your hardearned fortune on that.

So you don’t leave on an empty stomach, we’ll have a wide assortment of foods, ranging from Kentucky salmon (or maybe caviar) from Louisville’s Lewis Shuckman to the creations of the Luscher family’s Evergreen Southern Kitchen in Bridgeport.

If you can’t make it, don’t worry—we’ll be coming to the Stanford Inn on Oct. 20, and details will soon follow on events in Paducah, Louisville, Lexington, Harrodsburg, Henderson, Bowling Green, Prestonsburg, Winchester and Richmond. We’re waiting to hear from Yosemite and Rabbit Hash.

You are not required to RSVP, but it would be nice to know you are coming. Leave us a message or email us while we patiently wait to hear from Chris Stapleton, Diane Sawyer (America’s Junior Miss 1963) and Amal

Kwiz Answers: 1. The 68-34 loss to Kentucky was the only home loss by the Cardinals in 1998; 2. B.

Oak Ridge Boys; 3.

has been

Main Street since 1998; 4. A. Jackson Thomas Harlow, who launched his music career as a seventh-grader at Highland Middle School, was born March 13, 1998; 5. C. Heather French appeared as Miss Kentucky (September 1999) and Miss America (January 2000), prior to her marriage to Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, and she graced the December 2016/January 2017 cover for a story on Christmas décor; 6. C. The Ashley Judd issue grabbed national attention and confirmed her love for UK basketball; 7. B. Nick Simon, a loyal supporter of Kentucky Monthly, printed the magazine for nearly 20 years at Publishers Press’ then-new, state-of-the-art plant in Lebanon Junction; 8. True; Sheppard and Coach Tubby Smith led the Wildcats to UK’s seventh national championship in San Antonio’s Alamodome; 9. Day won the 1992 Kentucky Derby and 8,802 other races in his career; 10. Yes, the most recent being Reagan and Rylyn Richins of Oldham County in November 2022.

The

C. The Bat

on

visitshelbyky.com

ShelbyKY is Your Bourbon Destination. As the perfect Kentucky Bourbon Trail® getaway, ShelbyKY is home to Jeptha Creed Distillery and Bulleit Distilling Co. and is a short drive from your other favorite Kentucky distilleries. ShelbyKY brings breathtaking accommodations, one-of-akind dining, luxury shopping, and fun-filled outdoor recreation to the table — there’s no shortage of adventure to find in Shelbyville, Simpsonville, and Shelby County. Start planning at visitshelbyky.com.

Shelbyville • Simpsonville •

Shelby County, Kentucky

At the heart of America’s inland waterways, you’ll find a sophisticated rivertown that inspires. Paducah, Kentucky, is a confluence of cultural heritage and creativity where art is a way of life.

Celebrating 10 years as a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is a destination for those who crave rich, authentic cultural experiences!

CELEBRATE Quilting

Immerse yourself in the artistry and technique of masterpieces from around the globe at the National Quilt Museum.

Plan your experience at Paducah.travel

1-800-PADUCAH