Author Archives: sdbowling

About sdbowling

Director of the Breathitt County Public Library and Heritage Center in Jackson, Kentucky.

Store Shootout Kills One

Posted on August 30, 2022 by sdbowling

A fight over an election broke out in George Spencer’s store at Oakdale. When the smoke cleared, one was dead, one wounded, and many lives changed forever.

And then they worked it all out. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Murder, Tragedy | Tagged Breathitt County, Circuit Court, Crawford, Jackson, Murder, Oakdale, Spencer, Trial | Leave a comment

Dave Collier Remembered

Posted on August 26, 2022 by sdbowling

David Grant Collier died suddenly in July 1969 while he was the Editor of The Jackson Times. He was 49. We remember his service to our community. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Industry, Jackson | 2 Comments

Breathitt’s First Industry

Posted on August 22, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at Breathitt County’s first industry- salt. Continue reading →

Posted in Industry, Pioneers, Salt | Tagged Breathitt County, Christopher Gist, Daniel Boone, Haddix, Lost Creek, Salt, Thomas Walker | Leave a comment

What To See On Hike Eight

Posted on August 15, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at points of interest on Hike 8 of the 2022 Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge. Continue reading →

Posted in Big South Fork, Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged Bark Camp Creek, Catron Road, Cumberland Falls, Cumberland River, Dog Slaughter Falls, Gatliff Bridge, Hiking, Holly Bay, Laurel River Lake, McCreary County, Mouth Of Laurel, Sheltowee Trace Challenge, Thunderstruck, Whitley County | 1 Comment

An Outsider’s Look at Jackson in 1939

Posted on August 8, 2022 by sdbowling

In 1939, a WPA writer completed a view of Jackson from an outsider’s perspective.

Read an account of the “town that cannot be hurried.” Continue reading →

Posted in Farming, Jackson | Tagged Breathitt County, City of Jackson, Jackson, Kentucky River, North Fork, Shopping | Leave a comment

What is in the Time Capsule?

Posted on August 3, 2022 by sdbowling

Fire destroyed the Methodist Church in 1918.

A time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the new church in 1922, but what is inside? Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Jackson, Religion, Women | Tagged Breathitt County, City of Jackson, College Avenue, Fire, Jackson, Jackson Fire Department, Methodist Church | Leave a comment

Images from 2022 Challenge- Hike Seven

Posted on July 31, 2022 by sdbowling

A few images from Hike 7 of the 2022 Sheltowee Trace Challenge. Continue reading →

Posted in Hiker Challenge, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged 49er Diner, Camp Barbour, Camp Wildcat, Caney Gorge, Hawk Creek, Hiking, Pine Creek Church, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge, Vanhook Falls | Leave a comment

America’s Deadliest Single-Vehicle Crash

Posted on July 26, 2022 by sdbowling

It remains the deadliest single-vehicle accident in American history.

A look at the sad story of Hexie Maxie and the tragedy that forever changed his life. Continue reading →

Posted in Tragedy | Tagged Letcher County, Maxie Family, McRoberts, Pine Mountain, Shea's Fork | 1 Comment

Summer Ginsenger Finds Body

Posted on July 23, 2022 by sdbowling

Herman Wyatt disappeared in early 1970 and was not located until July.

The search for ginseng helped find his body. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County | Tagged Breathitt County, Cane Creek, Colt's Fork, Ginseng, Wyatt Family | 4 Comments

The Cult of Jeremiah

Posted on July 22, 2022 by sdbowling

A religious leader attempts to walk on water- the story of Breathitt County’s “Prophet”. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Religion | Tagged Breathitt County, Frozen Creek, Lovelace Family, Religion | 1 Comment