Sweet Owen | Fall 2022

Sweet Owen FREE

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY l VOL. I | ISSUE 4 | FALL 2022

Monterey still matters MONTEREY HOMECOMING FAIR A REMINDER OF COMMUNITY’S HISTORIC PAST

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SWEET OWEN DAY 2022 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 Courthouse Square, Owenton, KY Sponsored by German American Bank Live music, dozens of vendors, food trucks, Kids Zone, 5K run/walk, Rotary pancake breakfast

CHAMBER MARKETPLACE 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 2340 Hwy. 22 E., Owenton, KY Owen County High School Begin your holiday shopping with us as we showcase dozens of craft vendors from across the commonwealth and beyond!

Food vendors on site.

OWEN COUNTY CHRISTMAS PARADE 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 Courthouse Square, Owenton, KY

All events hosted by The Owen County Chamber of Commerce Interested in becoming a member?

Email owencountykychamber@gmail.com

SEPT.

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PRODUCE FIRST EVER FALL HAYRIDE & FUN!

Join MK Farms Produce for a fun-filled weekend for all ages!

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Visit us throughout the fall season for mums, pumpkin patch, gourds, and other decorative items!

Our pavilion is available for rent: birthdays, small parties and weddings, etc.! Call to inquire.

Find us on Facebook: MK Farms Produce 2920 U.S. Hwy 127 North, Owenton, KY 40359 | (502) 395-1531 | kim.juett@yahoo.com

Contents 14 | Monterey still matters In the mid-1970s, organizers began a biennial event to celebrate the community of Monterey, as well as fund the construction and upkeep of a mini-park within the Monterey city limits. The Monterey Homecoming Fair continues today, scheduled this year for Oct. 1, while the park remains the focal point of the small village. — Cover photo and above photo by Molly Haines/Sweet Owen Editor

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History from a fresh perspective

Building character in the classroom

Fall calendar

Jacob Lilly turns his passion for history into a volunteer effort at the Owen County Historical Society & Museum

Character development, according to one principal, is the core of an educator’s job

Fall has arrived and we've got a complete list of upcoming events for the entire family

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Friends of Animals

Where to stay? What to eat?

Upcoming Chamber events

In the first seven months of 2022, the Owen County Friends of Animals took in 105 dogs. Find out how you can help

Looking for hospitality in Owen County? Try Perry Park Golf Resort and Amigo Mexican Restaurant

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce readies for its busy season, starting with Sweet Owen Day

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Meet Vietnam veteran Phil Hall

Summer rewind

House of McNally

Vietnam veteran and New Columbus native Phil Hall served in the Vietnam War from 1971-1972

Summer is over, but we’ve captured the moments that will remain in our memories from the 2022 season

Why designate only one day of the week to tacos when there are clearly six other days that deserve the same love?

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A POWER OUTAGE? 1 CHARGE YOUR CELL PHONE

Charge portable power banks, if you have them.

2 HAVE A FLASHLIGHT AVAILABLE Keep additional, fresh batteries on-hand.

3 4

PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT

It should contain food, water and supplies for a minimum of 72 hours; make sure items are not expired.

STAY INFORMED

Follow local stations on your phone or using a weather radio to stay up-to-date on alerts.

REPORT OUTAGES: (800) 372-7612 OR OEC MOBILE APP

sweet owen + welcome

Sweet Owen

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

© 2022, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume I, Issue 4 September 2022 Molly A. Haines Editor Whitney Prather Duvall Copy Editor Owen County Tourism Commission Holly Bowling,Director Jenni Duncan, Chairperson Mike Haines, Treasurer Lindsey Tirey, Secretary Shanna Osborne, Member Shadoe Perry, Member Darla House-Webb, Member

Contributors Jonathan Kirk Brooks, Becky Doolin, Whitney Prather Duvall, Lyndsi McNally, Marlene Browning-Wainscott For advertising information, email editor@sweetowenmag.com or call 502-514-6612 To submit an event, letter to the editor, or suggest story ideas, email editor@sweetowenmag.com.

Submission deadlines: 4 p.m., Oct. 1, 2022 for December-February Published quarterly by the Owen County Tourism Commission “... find yourself here” 300 S. Main St., Owenton, KY 40359 502-563-5050 www.visitowencountyky.org

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f I’ve learned anything over the last 14 years as a writer, it’s that everyone recalls history differently. What’s fact to one may be false in another’s memory. I like to think that I excelled in history during my formative years and that my time as a community journalist aided in developing my research skills, but discerning fact from fiction remains one of my more complicated tasks.

This remains especially true when examining the history of Monterey.

I’ve been fascinated with the small river city for as long as I can recall, leaning heavily on the memories of those who “remember when,” including my late uncle, Victor Bourne. Central figures like Tom Bondurant and Hatton Curry, men who left this mortal coil long before my time, were as prominent in my mind as Twain’s Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, thanks to Uncle Victor’s masterful storytelling.

Little did my family members know that the retelling of stories would nurture a deep respect for both Monterey’s history and its people, past and present.

In July, I sat down with Larkspur Press founder and operator Gray Zeitz and Dara Carlisle at Monterey Park, thinking I might glean some new information on the beginnings of the biennial Monterey Homecoming Fair, first held in 1976. I walked away with an entirely new take on a period in Monterey’s history that I can only describe as awe-inspiring.

In the early 1970s, dozens of creative young adults converged on the area, escaping the city life many had endured while pursuing higher education.

They set up homes without the amenities many had grown accustomed.

They raised families, partied, and started businesses. They placed what had become little more than a tiny dot on the map in the regional spotlight.

In the aftermath of my interview with Gray and Dara, I soon realized that to properly tell the story of how the Monterey Homecoming Fair came to be, I would need to dig a little deeper. I combed through dozens of articles that appeared in newspapers across the state and in Owen County’s weekly newspaper, The News-Herald, to help fill in the gaps, obituaries, and even more obscure sources like findagrave.com (yes, there’s really such a thing), and set off writing the story I’d longed to tell since first coming to work in Owen County 14 years ago.

When it came time to create the cover for this quarter’s Sweet Owen, using a photo of Cedar Creek seemed the only sensible thing to do to tie in the area’s picturesque landscape. The title, of course, is partly stolen from Dana Burke’s (now Watson) old newspaper column, “Monterey Matters.”

While it may not be the story some Monterey residents recall, I can assure you I didn’t take any liberties; what you will find are the memories of those who were there as presented to me. Whether you were there or you’ve just heard mention of Monterey somewhere along the way, I hope the story encourages you to drop by the small river city on Saturday, Oct. 1.

You never know what you might see or learn, but rest assured, the homecoming scene alone proves, without a doubt, that Monterey still matters in the hearts and minds of a lot of people. Including myself.

Molly A. Haines sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

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HISTORY

from a fresh perspective

BY WHITNEY PRATHER DUVALL Sweet Owen Contributor

At 20 years old, Jacob Lilly has already graduated with his bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a specialization in history from Kentucky State University. While his expeditious completion of college is impressive, it pales in comparison to the zeal he has for state and local history.

“I started to develop a huge interest in history in the fourth grade,” Lilly said. “One of my favorite areas to study is the history of our own state.

A class I took in fourth grade—Kentucky History—cemented a love for learning about the past.

“I still remember how much I enjoyed the textbook we read. Even today, many of my favorite historical sites to visit are just a few counties away. As a child, I constantly begged my parents to take my sisters and me on visits to sites like My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Lincoln’s birthplace, etc. Seeing so many historically and culturally significant sites in person also helped grow my love of history.”

And now, Jacob is paying his education and experiences forward.

Between shifts at Frankfort’s Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Liberty Hall Historic Site, you’ll likely find Jacob available for tours or research assistance at the Owen County Historical Society, located in the JC Hartsough home on Owenton’s Main Street.

With an impressive resume of historical site work under his belt, including the Kentucky Historical Society and the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, Jacob enjoys promoting the Owen County History

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p 20-YEAR-OLD JACOB LILLY’S love of history began in his fourth-grade History of Kentucky class. Since then, the recent Kentucky State University graduate has paid his education and experiences forward by providing tours and research assistance at the Owen County Historical Society and Museum. — All photos by Whitney Prather Duvall

Museum whenever he can. Boasting two stories of rooms packed with displays, files, and books, visitors can be immersed in local artifacts and heritage.

“That’s one of the things I love about this museum—things are set out, and visitors can have a hands-on experience here,” Jacob said.

There is no doubt his love for history—and a good heart—fuels Jacob’s desire to give back to his community by volunteering with the historical society and museum.

“I think history and museums are extremely important,” he said. “While we may have the chance to learn about interesting historical figures or events in school, museums provide the unique ability for us to get

up close and personal with history.

I believe the artifacts preserved and displayed in museums provide us with connections to the past we can’t find anywhere else.”

Jacob began volunteering for various historical groups while still in high school, surprising many older museum professionals with his love and knowledge of history and preservation.

“My age is something I will use to my advantage moving forward,” he added. “One of the best things I’ve been able to do to support myself is to develop networking opportunities within the field and make a name for myself amongst museums and historic sites.

“In some of my positions, I’ve had

p JACOB LILLY sifts through a historical surname filing cabinet at the Owen County Historical Society and Museum.

the chance to volunteer or work alongside other young people with a history or museum interest, but I believe it is still pretty unusual, as history is one of the subject areas that many young people, unfortunately, don’t take an interest in. It’s always a bit funny for me to prove people wrong in their perceptions of young professionals. I love working in the tourism industry and having the chance to improve and develop the experiences museum visitors enjoy.”

When not immersing himself in local history, Jacob also enjoys spending time with his family and researching his family history. He said he also tries to write down his great-aunt Ann’s stories as often as possible, so those oral histories and folklore are not lost for future generations.

With regard to his work with the Owen County museum, Jacob is focused on expansion and development.

“I’d love to see our museum

expand our current programming and exhibits, and in general, I’d like to see our visitor numbers increase as we have a lot of interesting artifacts for people to check out,” he said. “You don’t have to go far to learn something new." v

DID YOU KNOW? The Owen County Historical Society and Museum, located at 206 North Main Street, Owenton, is open to the public for guided tours and genealogical research. Please call (502) 484-2529 before your visit or contact Larry Dale Perry at (502) 514-3599 to schedule an appointment.

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Building CHARACTER one LESSON at a time

Character development is the core of an educator’s job

BY JONATHAN KIRK BROOKS

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p KIRK BROOKS and his wife, Meghan, live with their four children on an Owen County farmstead. He writes about the challenges of slowing down one’s life and staying in one place — and the rewards.

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rincipals can be an arrogant bunch. I realize I am risking the possibility of offending any readers who happen to also be principals, but if they’re a good principal, they’ll know I’m telling the truth.

The school year is fast approaching. At the time of this writing, I am about two weeks away from opening the doors of our vocational school (now called “The ATC” or “Area Technology Center”) to students from Owen, Trimble, Gallatin, Henry, and Carroll counties. Like so many other schools and employers, my school has had an awful time trying to find men and women of good character who want to work. And character really is the baseline, important attribute we’re looking for. I would hire an inexperienced teacher who exhibits integrity over an expert teacher who doesn’t any day. We’ve had a few applicants, but some, quite frankly, were not made of the right stuff, not the kind I was comfortable putting in front of kids. I’m a principal. And so, when I interview candidates with a small panel of folks on my side of the table, the question I always ask them to remember before the interview begins is, “Would you want this man or woman to be a mentor to your children?” That’s usually a good barometer for everyone on the panel, provided they have children.

We seem to know instinctively that teaching and character are inseparable.

It would, for instance, be difficult to imagine a good teacher also being a person of less than exemplary character. It is a little easier, however, to imagine the possibility of a very talented mechanic who is also a crook or a liar. That’s because something about teaching students anything requires that teachers are, at bottom, men or woman of character, who can impart that

good character to their listeners. If they’re not, no matter how much they might know about math or history or welding, we don’t want them teaching our children.

I recently attended a seminar called “The Basics of Teaching Ethics to Students of All Ages.” I chose this particular seminar to find out what education was telling educators about how to teach character. I was curious and hopeful. In it, the lecturer explained that kids don’t want to be talked to anymore. That, in fact, they shouldn’t be. That talking to students is an ineffective strategy for teaching ethics (or anything) because they’d rather watch videos on the internet.

The best way to teach ethics to students then, it turns out, is to buy an online curriculum (conveniently sold by the same company that paid this lecturer’s salary) and show online videos to students about right and wrong.

I left disappointed.

I knew, of course, that it is becoming increasingly difficult for teachers to compete with the overdose of fast-paced social media and internet consumption that students regularly subject themselves to. This was only compounded by the last year or two of “COVID school,” where students had no choice but to do most of their learning on a screen. Still, I’m not yet as convinced as the lecturer of the aforementioned seminar that the answer is to surrender our children’s attention to the screen and give up trying to have real human interactions in a classroom because that’s what students want.

My own children “want” all sorts of things–candy right before bedtime, for instance; that doesn’t make it good or right. In the fight for their attention, just because we (even us adults) seem to find screen time more attractive than human interactions, if left to our own devices, doesn’t mean human interactions are no longer ef-

“

What makes a person good does not change and will always be necessary for the health of our world, our families, our marriages and our communities.

fective or necessary. On the contrary, I would argue that they are now more necessary than ever. Take the idea of teaching character, for instance. Can a computer program or video be a more effective character model than a good teacher?

In Owen County, where I live and have taught, and where I still interact regularly with several teachers and administrators, we are fortunate to still have, I think, an underlying cultural belief that character development is inherently at the core of our work.

This may be true of most good rural communities. What we may lack in funding or the most up-to-date technological innovations, we usually make up for in the things that matter, in this case, character. And for the future of the world, it is important to remember that innovations and trends in teaching and technology come and go. What makes a person good does not change and will always be necessary for the health of our world, our families, our marriages and our communities.

And this brings us back to arrogant principals.

The good principal and the arrogant principal both believe their work is important. The arrogant principal believes his or her school must succeed because its failure would be a negative reflection of their own image–the principal’s primary concern. A good principal, though, is a person of character. They believe their work is of the utmost importance because they feel the weight of their responsibility to create a workplace where one generation (of teachers) can hand down

— Jonathan Kirk Brooks a culture of good character to a new generation (of students).

Teachers do this within the contexts of their particular disciplines: a math classroom or a science lab. But what good is it to be a master scientist or mathematician if you have not also learned to tell the truth, to apologize when you make a mistake, to learn from mistakes, to have the humility to acknowledge that you are capable of mistake-making, to show up on time, to love your spouse and children, to be humble, or to work hard? v

WEDDINGS | SENIORS | FAMILIES | EVENTS JOY TOWLES SPENCER, OWNER (502) 229-4223 JKATHRYNPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM JKATHRYNPHOTOGRAPHY.MYPIXIESET.COM

Find me on

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CALENDAR

"Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him." — Hal Borland

Have an event you’d like to share? Sweet Owen Magazine accepts event listings free of charge from civic groups, volunteer organizations, churches, clubs, etc. Send your event and a brief description to editor@ sweetowenmag.com by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, for the December-February issue.

Thursday, Sept. 1 10 a.m., Yoga with Tiffany at the Owen County Public Library Tiffany is back on the first Thursday of each month to lead yoga class. Yoga is a slow-paced exercise that may ease arthritis symptoms. Wear loose-fitting clothes and bring your mat or borrow one from the library. This event repeats on the first Thursday of each month.

11 a.m., Walk Away the Pounds at the Owen County Public Library Get up and walk! Walk in place to the Leslie Sansone 30-minute walking DVD in the library’s spacious meeting room.

There is no time like the present to get moving. This event repeats every Thursday.

Friday, Sept. 2 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market The Owen County Farm & Craft Market is held each Friday through October at the pavilion behind Owen County Farm Bureau, 430 Roland Avenue, Owenton.

Noon, Books@Noon at the Owen County Public Library The group will discuss “Mexican Gothic”

by Silva Moreno-Garcia and pass out “An Appalachian Summer” by Ann Gabhart for discussion in October. This event repeats on the first Friday of each month.

Monday, Sept. 5 Labor Day Friday, Sept. 9 2 p.m., Mystery Book Club at the Owen County Public Library

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p SWEET OWEN DAY, Owen County’s annual fall festival, will take place from 7 a.m.6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17. For more information, please see page 22.

The group will discuss “Bloodroot” by Amy Greene. Pick up the next book, “The Last Child” by John Hart. This event repeats on the second Friday of each month.

Sunday, Sept. 11 Patriot Day Grandparents Day Monday, Sept. 12 10 a.m., Stretch & Strengthen at the Owen County Public Library Do you want to stretch and strengthen for better health? Participate in all standing exercises. Move every muscle to prevent muscle atrophy. Join Miss Julie and follow the video on the big screen. This event repeats every Monday.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 5:30 p.m., Owen County Retired Teachers Dinner Meeting at Fairway Golf Course, 4940 KY 227, Worthville.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 3:15 p.m., Manga/Anime Club at the Owen County Public Library Join in the fun with other Manga and Anime fans at the monthly gathering after school.

Hang out with other Anime and Manga friends. Feel free to don your Manga/Anime attire. This event repeats Oct. 12.

Thursday, Sept. 15 6 p.m., Gordon’s Gourmet at the Owen County Public Library Gordon will channel Julia Child this month, tackling some of the finer points of French cuisine. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a bit of the continent into your cooking routine.

Friday, Sept. 16 5:30-6:30 p.m., Friday Farmer Fundamentals Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Office at United Producers, Inc. (86 Bramblett Lane, Owenton), this

month’s topic is “Managing High Fertilizer Costs.”

fencing, fence laws, and quick fixes. For final details, call (502) 484-5703.

Saturday, Sept. 17 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sweet Owen Day Owen County’s annual fall festival returns, sponsored by German American Bank. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.facebook. com/sweetowenday.

Owen County Council for the Arts Calendar The Owen County Council for the Arts (OCCA) awards scholarships to Owen County High School seniors each year.

OCCA will sell a 2023 calendar to support the scholarships, available at the OCCA booth during Sweet Owen Day. Make sure you stop by and purchase your calendar.

Tuesday, Sept. 27 7:15 a.m., Owen County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting Owen County Extension Office, 265 Ellis Road, Owenton Join the Owen County Chamber of Commerce for breakfast at 7:15 a.m., followed by the monthly membership meeting at 7:30 a.m. The guest speaker this month is Northern Kentucky University’s Sherry Cucchiara.

Tuesday, Sept. 20 3:15 p.m., Cook A Book – Apple Pie at the Owen County Public Library Listen to the book, “The Apple Pie Tree,” bake your very own apple pie and make apple crafts. For all school-age children, preteens, and teens.

6 p.m., Painting 101 at the Owen County Public Library By imposing limitations on the creation of an abstract design, explore the planning and painting of an individual abstract painting just for fun!

Wednesday, Sept. 21 8:30-9:30 a.m., Brunch & Learn Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service at United Producers, Inc. (86 Bramblett Lane, Owenton), this month’s topic is “X100 Farm Management App.” Thursday, Sept. 22 Autumn begins Saturday, Sept. 24 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Fencing School (CAIP-ED approved) Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service in the Dallasburg/ Wheatley area, this program will focus on how to build a fence, different types of

Thursday, Sept. 29 6 p.m., Rabbit Hash String Band at the Owen County Public Library It’s going to be a footstompin’ fun night at the library! The Rabbit Hash String Band will perform their old-time music played on the fiddle, claw hammer banjo, guitar, and banjo ukulele. Co-hosted by the Owen County Public Library and the Owen County Historical Society.

Saturday, Oct. 1 Monterey Homecoming Fair For details, see page 14.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 8:30-9:30 a.m., Brunch & Learn Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service at United Producers, Inc. (86 Bramblett Lane, Owenton), this month’s topic is “Considering a Confinement Barn?”

Friday, Oct. 21 5:30-6:30 p.m., Friday Farmer Fundamentals Hosted by the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service at United Producers, Inc. (86 Bramblett Lane, Owenton), participants will receive a fall cattle market update.

Saturday, Oct. 22 9 a.m., Craftin’ for Our Community at the Owen County Extension Office Sponsored by the Memory Makers Homemaker’s Club, this event is open to all crafters to enjoy a full day of crafts and scrapbooking. The cost is $50 for a full table and $25 for a half table. This year’s

proceeds will go toward a bookshelf in the Owen County Public Library’s bookmobile in memory of Debbie McMillen. Search “Craftin’ for our Community” on Facebook for more information.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 7:15 a.m., Owen County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting Owen County Extension Office, 265 Ellis Road, Owenton Join the Owen County Chamber of Commerce for breakfast at 7:15 a.m., followed by the monthly membership meeting at 7:30 a.m. This month’s guest speaker is Cyndi Clifton of the Owen County Public Library.

Monday, Oct. 31 Halloween Sunday, Nov. 6 Daylight Saving Time ends Tuesday, Nov. 8 Election Day Friday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day Saturday, Nov. 19 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2022 Chamber Marketplace Craft & Vendor Expo The Owen County Chamber of Commerce hosts its fourth-annual Marketplace at Owen County High School (2340 Highway 22 East), featuring crafters and vendors.

Shop local and small businesses just in time for the holidays!

Monday, Nov. 21 6 p.m., Annual Owen County Chamber of Commerce Dinner The 2022 Annual Owen County Chamber of Commerce Dinner will be held at the Owen County Extension Office. Guest speaker TBA. The Chamber will present the 2022 Business and Businessperson of the Year awards; announcement of 2023 officers.

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p A LONG-AGO SCENE OF DOWNTOWN MONTEREY, once home to a post office, hotels, grist mills, blacksmith shops, drug stores, saloons, and the first building in Owen County to include an elevator. Catastrophic flooding and multiple fires would claim many of these structures throughout the years, but in the early 1970s, the community began seeing renewed growth throughout its business district. — Photo courtesy of the Monterey Homecoming Fair Facebook page

Monterey still matters Monterey Homecoming Fair a reminder of community’s historic past

BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor

For one day every other October, multiple cast iron kettles bubble with the familiar aroma of burgoo near the intersection of Monterey Pike and Greenwell Street. Around them, a crowd of men begins gathering, sharing stories from the small village’s colorful past.

The scene signals the beginning of yet another homecoming in Monterey.

Situated on the banks of Cedar Creek and with direct access to the Kentucky River, the area was first known as Williamsburg. On this vibrant trading route,

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agricultural goods were loaded from the town’s wharf on flatbeds and keelboats for transport down the river to markets in Louisville on the Ohio River and New Orleans on the Mississippi River, according to the Kentucky Historical Society.

In 1847, the Kentucky legislature founded the town, which would be renamed Monterey in a nod to the Mexican-American War’s Battle of Monterrey.

By the late 19th century, the downtown commercial district included a post office, hotels, grist mills, blacksmith shops, drug stores, saloons, a barber shop, furniture maker, coffin maker, and the W.D. Hardin Dry Goods Store, known

as the first building in Owen County to include an elevator.

Catastrophic flooding and multiple fires would claim many of these structures throughout the years, and from 1900 to 1970, Monterey’s population suffered a near 50% decrease. In March 1969, U.S. Postal Service officials announced their intentions to shutter the community’s post office, the second largest in Owen County. Despite the citizens’ belief that abandonment of the office could lead to the deterioration of other areas in the town, the USPS moved forward with its plan, and the post office closed later that year.

Unbeknown to its natives, Monterey would soon experience a renaissance of sorts when artists and craftspeople from all walks of life would converge upon the town, creating and selling their wares at shops like Larkspur Press, Rising Moon Pottery, Bittersweet Bindery, Jubilee Candles, and The Corner Shop. Many of the businesses’ proprietors would become synonymous with the community; names like Gray Zeitz and the late Paula Nye are still lauded across the commonwealth today.

Dara Carlisle, who moved to the area in the early ‘70s, attributes the group’s settlement in Monterey to the late James “Jimmy Clark” Hudson, a journalist turned attorney who grew up on Monterey’s Point of Rock Road.

“Jim Hudson found all these cheap houses, which of course didn’t have running water; they didn’t have anything in them,” Carlisle explained.

After working as an editor, journalist, and photojournalist in Kentucky and Ohio, Hudson returned to school to earn a Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1967.

In 1968, he returned to the family farm.

In a few years’ time, he would meet a theater graduate from the University of Illinois who grew up on a farm in Harrodsburg.

“He and four of his friends were looking for a place to live, and I found them a house in Monterey,” Hudson told the Lexington Herald-Leader in 1974.

“Friends of theirs then came down, and others came after them. It was the type of community people were looking for because there were a lot of vacant houses here. People who were sort of into this ‘back to the land’ movement started showing up here and buying houses . . . most of them fit the mold of the young college graduate interested in living the simple life in a small town.”

While many of Monterey’s new residents served as farm laborers in the area, they would also help to grow the city’s business district, which at

p AN AERIAL VIEW OF MONTEREY at the turn of the 20th century. q A GROUP OF MEN gather in front of a store in Monterey during the early 1900s. — Photos courtesy of the Monterey Homecoming Fair Facebook page

the time consisted of a restaurant, a branch of the now-defunct Peoples Bank & Trust Company, and a small grocery.

Paula Nye would purchase a building to start the Jubilee Candle Shop—the shop, according to the Herald-Leader article, also served as a communications hub, where job postings were

found written on a blackboard. Nye was also one of the few in the group to own a telephone. Others in the area began making jewelry out of their homes, and Gray Zeitz would rent a former pool hall to expand his printing business.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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MONTEREY FROM PAGE 15 As the businesses grew, so too did public interest, eventually leading to the group’s decision to organize a fair.

“As craftspeople here, we’d had several nice sales where we advertised and people came in,” Zeitz recalled.

“We also had readings and dances, and we just thought, ‘Why not have a fair in the summertime?’ We got together and talked about it and said the only way it would work was if we got the whole community involved.

We went to all three churches and started having meetings.”

The meetings included members of the Monterey Church of Christ, Monterey Baptist Church, and Old Cedar Baptist Church. Planning would take approximately a year, with Zeitz serving as representative for the crafts people.

The group met weekly, and as plans developed, so too did its purpose, displayed on programs for the inaugural event: “The Monterey Fair creates a sense of community, lets old friends visit, builds a mini-park.”

The first fair, held Aug. 7-8, 1976, included bookmaking demonstrations

by Zeitz, a rook tournament, a candle demonstration by Nye, a burgoo supper prepared by Scott Ballard, among others, and a litany of traditional children’s games — including a sack race, bubble-gum blowing contest, and a turtle race — coordinated by Jean Zeitz, Charlotte Green, Dana Peters, and Vicki Turner.

“It went from one day to two days, with Sunday being a big church service,” Zeitz said. “That was great.

There’s no way you can get a community together without the churches; all three preachers preached. Even though it was hard to get everything together like it always is, the first fair was wonderful. It was high energy; it was just wonderful. We had a street dance with the Progress Red Hot

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p THE PROGRESS RED HOT STRING BAND featuring John Harrod, left, and Bill Livers, center, provided music at the first Monterey Homecoming Fair in 1976. t DENNIS ATHA, FOSTER NYE, and RAPHE ELLIS participate in the bubblegum blowing contest at the inaugural Monterey Homecoming Fair. Many of the traditional children’s games played during the first fair remain a part of today’s activities, including sack races and a tug-of-war competition.

— Photos courtesy of Monterey Homecoming Fair Facebook page

String Band with Bill Livers. We had cloggers from Berea, and they were just amazing. There was no violence.”

In the years that followed, organizers moved the date of the fair to accommodate area farmers.

“We realized that it interfered with people getting their tobacco in, so we moved it to October,” Carlisle added.

“I think one of the critical decisions we made was not to have it every

year, only to have it every other year because it’s so much work.”

Following the success of the first fair, land on Greenwell Street that was initially home to a croquet court would become the location of the mini-park, which included a gazebo designed by Pat Kennedy. A portion of the funds raised by the fair continues to support the park’s upkeep today. Both Zeitz and Carlisle continued

their work with the fair for a number of years.

Today, the Monterey Homecoming Fair planning committee is comprised of Tammy Powers, Vanessa Wilhoite, Mike Figgins, Wanda New, Noel and Kathy True, Emma Engelman, Charlotte and Chris Cox, Stacey Tingle, and Susie Ballard.

The event retains much of its original itinerary, from the street dance (music this year provided by Brothers From Different Mothers) and bonfire to craftspeople serving as vendors (organizers remain adamant that vendor wares must be handmade), a parade at noon, a silent auction, and burgoo at 2 p.m.

This year’s fair is scheduled for 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. The community church service will begin at 11 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, at the park.

For a full schedule of events, search “Monterey Homecoming Fair 2022” on Facebook. v

N O I N I P O R YOU S R E T T MA

o you

ortant t

Take our

!

p BURGOO HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH THE MONTEREY HOMECOMING FAIR. In this scene from the 1982 fair, Frank McDonald, Marvin Perry, Stoney Spicer, Scott Ballard, Sid Wainscott, Susan Kingsley, and Paula Nye watch over the cooking process. — Photo courtesy of the Monterey Homecoming Fair Facebook page

imp what is s u ll e t rvey and short su

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17

sweet owen + friends of animals

Find your 'Furever Friend'

WHO WE ARE: The mission of the Owen County Friends of Animals is to oppose inhumane treatment of animals while improving the quality of life for impounded animals. Advance spay and neuter programs as a longterm solution to the problem of unwanted pets. Educate residents on responsible and humane treatment of animals. Facilitate, promote and arrange for the adoption of impounded animals by responsible owners or rescues.

2022 INTAKE NUMBERS, JAN. 1-JULY 28: 105 MONEY SPENT ON VET BILLS, JAN. 1-JULY 28: $12,755 HOW YOU CAN HELP: spay and neuter your pets and encourage others to do so, donate money or supplies, and volunteer your time. Microchip and license your pet, signup to foster a shelter dog.

OWEN COUNTY FRIENDS OF ANIMALS P.O. BOX 234 OWENTON, KY 40359 (502) 514-1897, TEXT (502) 750-1673, CALL OR TEXT ocfanimals@gmail.com 501(C)(3) EIN 020720021

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

sweet owen + hospitality

Where to stay?

Perry Park Golf Resort 595 Springport Ferry Rd. Perry Park, Kentucky 40363 www.perrypark.com/lodging-and-facilities

Perry Park Golf Resort offers two hotels each with 32 double occupancy rooms. Both are within walking distance of the pro shops, restaurant, and pool. Each hotel also has a large party room and patio on the ground floor. All hotel rooms have two full beds, a full bathroom, ironing board, cleaning service, and laundry facilities.

What to eat?

Amigo Mexican Restaurant 1640 Hwy. 22 E. Owenton, Kentucky 40359 (502) 462-0091 | www.amigoowenton.com Lunch Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday Happy Hour: 3-7 p.m., Monday-Friday

Amigo Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a clean and comfortable environment. Online ordering and gift cards available.

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NKU GRANT COUNTY

FACES OF SUCCESS “My NKU experience was great. My bucket list for life included graduating from college, so after my children were grown and I retired the first time, I returned to college classes at NKU Williamstown. I finished 34 years after beginning my college endeavor. I was recruited to Pendleton County Schools to fill an interim position as finance director there and later had the opportunity to begin work at Owen County Board of Education on their leadership team as the director of finance.”

KATHY FAULKNER

B.A. in Occupational Leadership, 2010

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For Optometry call a Primary Care Office for available appointments Triad accepts most commercial insurances, Medicare/Medicaid and offers a Sliding Fee Scale: Eligibility based on household income and ability to pay. Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. The health center informs patients using plain language that it is a deemed federal Public Health Service employee via its website, promotional materials, and/or within an area(s) of the health center that are visible to patients.

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21

sweet owen + events

Chamber readies fall events

Plans for Sweet Owen Day, Chamber Marketplace taking shape

BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor

Now in its 21st year, Sweet Owen Day has become a fall tradition for many throughout the region. While boasting a wide selection of activities and vendors, the one-day event draws visitors to glimpse the talents of Owen County’s residents and to experience downtown Owenton’s ever-growing business community.

The event began in 2001 under the direction of former Owen County Judge/ Executive Billy O’Banion, and throughout the years, the festival has fluctuat-

ed between a one- and two-day event.

Today, a special committee of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce handles planning. German American Bank will sponsor this year’s festivities, slated for Saturday, Sept. 17, around the Owen County courthouse square.

The day kicks off at 7 a.m. with the Owenton Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast, followed by a 5K run/walk and awards at 8 a.m. The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m., with music by Cross Reign, a southern gospel group hailing from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. The vendor booths, health fair, and KidZone open for business at 10 a.m.

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Music continues throughout the day with Blackbeard Gypsies from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Touting themselves as “American Alternative Country Outlaws,” the

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

(502) 484-5190 112 Main St. Owenton, KY 40359

group is based out of Lexington and performs a mixture of original music and covers. Tom the Torpedoes, a group dedicated to the music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, will take the stage from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Kevin McCoy Band will round out the day from 4-6 p.m.

Sign-ups for the cornhole tournament begin at 12:30 p.m., with the tournament to follow. The KidZone, located on the backside of the Owen County Courthouse, will include bouncy houses, games, and face painting.

More than 30 vendors are expected to line the perimeter of the courthouse square. They will include a variety of artisans selling items such as jewelry, wreaths, Henna tattoos, pottery, and more.

Food vendors will be on hand throughout the day.

“Sweet Owen Day is like the unofficial start of fall in Owen County,” said

Owen County Chamber of Commerce President Shadoe Perry. “It has become a tradition that the Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in each year. We work hard to change up the music from year to year, to have a good variety of vendors, and ensure that there’s something for everyone in attendance. We would encourage non-locals to join us and see what it’s all about: great food, fun, and an excellent shopping experience between our vendors and the downtown businesses open for the day.”

Chamber Marketplace After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Chamber Marketplace event returns to Owen County High School from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19.

The brainchild of Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jenni Dun-

can and past and present Chamber members Dave Jones, Sarah Cobb, and Dawn Davis, the first event was held in 2017 and welcomed more than 60 vendors.

The event is designed to give businesses without a storefront an opportunity to showcase items in front of holiday shoppers and features local and regional direct-sale vendors, ranging from handmade items to baked goods.

“This is the best opportunity around to support small and local businesses,” Duncan said. “When you spend $100 locally, studies show that $68 of that stays within the community. That money supports infrastructure, creates local jobs, sponsors activities, and continues to create a strong community.”

Food vendors will also be on-site throughout the day.

Vendor spots are still available.

For more information, email owencountykychamber@gmail.com. v

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022 23

sweet owen + service

Introducing. . .

Vietnam vet Phil Hall

BY MARLENE BROWNING-WAINSCOTT Sweet Owen Contributor

New Columbus native Phil Hall served in the U.S. Army from October 1970 until June 1972. During his service he served as a medical specialist during the Vietnam War, providing care and support for many of the sick and wounded troops.

over there a while said, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll learn the difference.’ When I ran the dispensary, it was in a valley, and at the top of the hill was the airport.

When the B52 bombers would come in, the North Vietnamese would fire on the incoming planes. One of the boys told me, ‘You better get down.’ He was right. It didn’t take too long to learn the difference.”

From Owen County to Vietnam

They called us ‘Doc’

“I served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972,” Hall said. “We had 30 days leave before we were sent over. I came back home during that time and on to Vietnam.”

Despite his hope of becoming a combat engineer, Hall soon learned that the Army had other plans.

“After basic, I got orders to go to Fort Sam Houston in Texas. That’s where we went for Advanced Individual Training (ATI). I didn’t know what training was there, so I started asking around, and one of the sergeants said, ‘Medical training.

They’re gonna make you a combat medic.’ I gave physicals to the new recruits coming in. I stayed there for a few months. I came in one morning, and my sergeant said, ‘Hall, come in here. I have orders for you. You’re going to Vietnam.’

“The first night I got over there, I heard mortars going in and out. I sat there and thought, ‘Where am I at? This is crazy!’ I was 10,000 miles from home and scared. You just can’t help but be scared. When I first got over there, I didn’t know the difference between (incoming and outgoing mortars). I just heard the explosions. This one boy that had been

The duties of a medic were often more than just treating physical wounds. The medics at the hospital ensured that the strength of the troops was sustained. Many men suffered injuries resulting in amputation and severe burns from explosions. The pain that resulted from these injuries went deeper than just physical scars.

The medics were there for them, both physically and mentally. They comforted them during a time of turmoil, helped calm their fears of the unknown, and provided medical care and support during their time in both the field and the field hospital.

“I would always try to talk to the patients,” Hall said. “I would ask them where they were from, what happened, and basic conversation.

The troops that were being treated would always call us ‘Doc.’ A lot of times, the medic was the only ‘doc’ they had, especially in the field.

“I went into Cam Ranh Bay until I received orders to go to Qui Nhon to the 67th evac hospital. There, I worked in the intensive care unit.

We treated the troops and a lot of the South Vietnamese. I was there until December 1971 and received

24

sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

orders to transfer to go north to the 95th evac hospital in Da Nang.

“Before I went to the hospital, I ran a dispensary in Da Nang. The dispensary provided various medications to the troops for illness, pain, etc.”

The toil of the war, both mentally and physically, combined with the accessibility to addictive substances in the area during this time made addiction another challenge during the Vietnam War. “As part of my duties in the dispensary, I helped care for those suffering from addiction. I would provide medical attention and dispense medication to help them through the process. It was such a bad situation. I did that for several months and was shipped to 95th.

“At the 95th, we saw many wounded. One night there was a compound hit about two miles from Da Nang.

There were about 14 troops that were critically wounded or killed. One of the boys came in and he had lost his leg because of the attack. They came in on us before we knew what was going on. I ran into the bunker, and I thought my buddy was behind me, so I yelled for him to follow me, but it was the enemy, and instead, they threw a grenade toward me. I

tried to kick it away, and that’s when it exploded. The North was a much harder area. It was a wake-up call for me being there and a harrowing experience. As a medic, we saw the aftermath of war. There were those that sustained life-altering injuries, and there were those whose injuries resulted in a life taken too soon.”

Coming home “I was at the 95th when I was discharged. No fanfare, they just gave me my discharge papers.

We flew back to Oakland, California, before coming home.”

Many soldiers returning from Vietnam did not receive a warm welcome home after serving during the war.

“We didn’t choose to go over there; we were doing what we were told,” Hall said. “Did they think that the almost 60,000 people whose names are on that wall would have wanted to die in that godforsaken place? I was fortunate to come home to the people in Owen County; they were friendly and just glad to see us come back home. I am glad that today, veterans receive thanks. I can wear my hat now, and kids will come up to me and thank me for my service.”

When Hall returned home, he began working for his uncle as a bricklayer and married his sweetheart, Vanessa Osborne, in 1973.

For his service in the Army, Hall received several commendations, including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal,

p PHIL HALL, right, served in the U.S. Army from October 1970 until June 1972.

During his service, he served as a medical specialist in Vietnam.

Vietnam Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Every service member has their own personal story and for most, it seems like a distant life, but at the same time, it feels like it was just yesterday.

“Taking care of the wounded and taking care of those that had lost their lives was hard. It’s something

you don’t forget. Fifty-two years later, I still think about it. There were some bad things that happened over there. This boy that came from Owen County was not used to looking at nothing like that, but you really didn’t have a choice.” v

DID YOU KNOW? Veterans Day has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the fighting ended with a signing of an armistice. A congressional act, approved May 13, 1938, set Armistice Day, Nov. 11, as a federal holiday. In 1954, at the urging of veterans’ organizations, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor service members who had served in all the nation’s wars.

sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022 25

sweet owen + rewind

p BRIAN FORSEE, owner of Maple Heights Farm, speaks with attendees of the Kentucky Bluegrass Ranch Study Tour II May 23. The week-long tour brought dozens of farmers from across the U.S. to Kentucky, with Owenton being one of the group’s first stops. — Photo courtesy of the Western Livestock Journal

p THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM gets underway at the Owen County Public Library May 26.

p A CROWD PACKS THE OWEN COUNTY COURTHOUSE LAWN for the second Food Truck Friday event of the season June 3, sponsored by German American Bank. — Photo courtesy of Jill Dunavent

p RON DeVORE provides dulcimer music at the Owen County Historical Society’s Pioneer Day June 4.

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

p GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER debuts her book, “Small Acreages” at the Owen County Public Library June 9.

p MOLLY GOODRICH is crowned 2022 Miss Teen Owen County during the Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show Pageants June 25. — Photo by Molly Haines/Sweet Owen Magazine

p THE WIDE OPEN NO FEAR RODEO took place at the Owen County Park and Fairgrounds July 22-23. The event benefits the Wyatt Cole Memorial Scholarship.

In 2021, the scholarship awarded $10,000 in funds to students in Owen County.

Scholarships are also awarded to Kentucky and Indiana High School Rodeo Association students. — Photo by Jordan Prather

sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022 27

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

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sweet owen + reads

FALL into a

good book

Owen County Public Library’s Becky Doolin shares her top-four books to read this fall. Drop us a line at editor@ sweetowenmag.com and let us know your favorite.

1

3

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

The War Librarian

by Addison Armstrong “The Paris Library” meets “The Flight Girls“ in this captivating historical novel about the sacrifice and courage necessary to live a life of honor, inspired by the first female volunteer librarians during World War I and the first women accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy.

The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle With the help of her gumshoe ghost, bookshop owner Penelope ThorntonMcClure sets out to clear an innocent woman of a shocking crime in this all-new entry in the “utterly charming” Haunted Bookshop Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Publishes Oct. 4, 2022

2

4

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook

by Ellen Marie Wiseman Bestselling author Ellen Marie Wiseman masterfully viscerally evokes the real-life Willowbrook State School, the infamous Staten Island, New York, mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children.

Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham Rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters, “The Boys from Biloxi” is a sweeping saga of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Life hangs in the balance. Publishes Oct. 18, 2022

sweet owen + eats

House of McNally WHY DESIGNATE ONLY ONE DAY of the week to tacos when there are clearly six other days that deserve the same love and attention? Tacos are a staple in our house. They are fast, relatively cheap, and always a crowd pleaser. I don’t believe that good food should take long to make; that makes these handheld pieces of heaven so delightful.

Blackened Fish Tacos with Slaw and Chipotle Aioli 4 cod filets, cut length wise 8 small flour tortillas 2 tbsp. blackened seasoning (smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion power, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper) 2 cups slaw mix 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh cilantro 1 cup mayonnaise 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped 1 tsp. adobo sauce 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice 1 clove of garlic Kosher salt

Pat fish dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and add blackened seasoning. Spray your hot pan with olive oil spray or drizzle with olive oil. Add fish to the pan and cook on all sides until flaky. While fish is cooking, heat the tortillas on a griddle or in a pan until slightly bubbled. Remove tortillas from heat and add the fish. In a small bowl, mix the slaw mix, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and 1 tbsp. of lime juice and set aside. To a small bowl, mix mayo, adobo peppers and sauce, 1 tbsp. lime juice, garlic, and salt. Add adobo aioli to a small plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner to use as a piping bag. Pipe aioli over tacos and enjoy.

u LYNDSI MCNALLY is a resident of Owen County, wife, and mother of two boys.

She makes her living as a Family Support Worker for HANDS at the Three Rivers District Health Department and often entertains her hundreds of Facebook followers by sharing photos of home-cooked meals.

sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022 31

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022

sweet owen + tobacco heritage

Tobacco Heritage Trail In an effort to preserve the history of what was once the livelihood of many Kentuckians, four volunteers — Joy Bourne Morgan, Harold Malcomb, Frieda Smith, and Elizabeth Prewitt — came together to form the Tobacco Heritage Trail in 2009.

The trail consists of eight murals placed on barns alongside prominent roadways to depict the process of raising tobacco. To accompany the murals, the group worked tirelessly interviewing local farmers on each of the processes. The audio interviews can be found at visitowencountyky. org/barn-murals.

Sweet Owen Magazine continues its spotlight on the barn murals this quarter with “Bulking and Stripping.”

p BULKING & STRIPPING Bulking and stripping tobacco is No. 5 in the tobacco production process. Farm families knew they were getting close to seeing their yearly payback when they started stripping tobacco. Tobacco was bulked (thrown down out of the barn and stacked in piles). It was then carried into the stripping room, placed on the table, and all the leaves were stripped from the stalk.

Tobacco was commonly stripped in three grades determined by the quality of the leaves on the stalk. Leaves were tied into hands, placed on a tobacco stick, and pressed by a wall press. Bailing tobacco has replaced the wall press. Stripping typically began in October and lasted until all tobacco had been stripped. This mural is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 127 North and Eagle Hill Road.

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sweetowenmag.com + fall 2022 33

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