Author Archives: sdbowling

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About sdbowling

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

Porter Sentenced to Life

Posted on January 7, 2022 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling January 3, 1922 – Thomas Kelly Porter stood silently and showed no emotion as Judge Sam Hurst sentenced him to life in prison on January 3, 1922. He said nothing but only stared ahead, uncertain of … Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Jackson, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Danger of Grandma’s Dress

Posted on January 2, 2022 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling January 2, 1939 – So much has changed in Jackson including the look and the feel of the town. So many grand buildings have been lost to time, fire, or neglect. It is doubtful that many … Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

When A Tapeworm Loves Whisky

Posted on December 30, 2021 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling December 27, 1912 – A strange and possibly unbelievable story about our little community was published in the December 27, 1912 edition of The Big Sandy News. This newspaper, published in Louisa, Kentucky, featured a small … Continue reading →

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Alligators in the North Fork

Posted on December 26, 2021 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling December 19, 1952 – One of the strangest stories to ever appear in The Jackson Times greeted readers on page one. The grainy photo featured Walter Riley of South Jackson holding his latest catch out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Kentucky River | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Exploding Dolls Hit Jackson

Posted on December 22, 2021 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling December 13, 1967– It was a strange story. A story so strange that many did not believe was true. But it really did happen and of all places- right here in Jackson. On Saturday, December 9, … Continue reading →

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Remembering Little Archie

Posted on January 21, 2021 by sdbowling

N36.50233 – W-84.65020 The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail runs through many counties in eastern Kentucky and eventually works its way to the terminus in Tennessee.  Along this 353-mile path through the woods, thousands of hikers each year enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted in Big South Fork, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

2019 Hike 3- Clear Creek to Suspension Bridge

Posted on March 11, 2020 by sdbowling

Hike 3 for the 2019 Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge. Continue reading →

Posted in Arches, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Hiking the Red River, Red River Gorge, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Scientific Observations and Exploration of the Unexplained Phenomenon of “Steve Miles”

Posted on February 27, 2020 by sdbowling

By Stephen D. Bowling Since the inception of the Sheltowee Trace Association in 2009, legends and lore of the trail have helped bring a certain charm and individuality to this storied woodland path.  Common “characters” and a few weirdos (some … Continue reading →

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New Year Arch (possibly Pounder Arch)

Posted on February 20, 2020 by sdbowling

Located just yards off the Sheltowee Trace on the left approximately 2.39 miles from the 192 Trailhead.  It is easily located on your hike to Van Hook Gorge and Falls.   I located this arch on New Year’s Day 2020 … Continue reading →

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Questions from the Trail

Posted on January 14, 2020 by sdbowling

I had the honor of hiking with Section 1 of Alpha Team as they started the 2020 Sheltowee Trace Association Challenge on Saturday, January 11 and 12. It was a great hike with a mix of experienced and novice hikers … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments