Category Archives: Disasters

Burning Nightgown Killed Widow

Posted on March 20, 2026 by sdbowling

Maude Arnett Bach died on the floor of her living room on Main Street in March 1968. Officials believed her nightgown caught fire while she slept in a chair. Continue reading →

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Grigsby Lumber Company

Posted on March 17, 2026 by sdbowling

Fire swept through the Grigsby Lumber Company building on March 17, 1980. The company rebuilt but survived only a few years after the disaster. Learn more about this once-thriving local business. Continue reading →

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Fire Destroys Riverside Dorm

Posted on December 26, 2025 by sdbowling

A fast-moving fire destroyed the boys’ dorm and the home of Doran Hosteler on the campus of Riverside. The community and organizations played a crucial role in the recovery.
Discover one of the many challenges that Riverside Christian School faced and overcame. Continue reading →

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The 1110 Dip

Posted on January 11, 2025 by sdbowling

Highwater caused by flooding in January 1974 washed away a section of Highway 1110. What remains today as a reminder of this event is “The Dip.” Continue reading →

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Wreck Killed Five From Breathitt

Posted on November 13, 2024 by sdbowling

Five members of a Breathitt County family were killed in a tragic train crash in 1912. Learn more about the accident that claimed the Chaney family of Haddix. Continue reading →

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Vancleve Plane Crash Killed Six

Posted on July 7, 2024 by sdbowling

On July 7, 1963, a single-engine crash near Vancleve killed all six onboard. Learn more about this nearly forgotten tragedy and its only remaining mark in Breathitt County. Continue reading →

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The Jaxon Theatre

Posted on June 4, 2024 by sdbowling

The Jaxon Theatre Building has survived numerous fires and reminds many Jackson residents of a bygone era when the Saturday Western was all the rage. Continue reading →

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Siblings Die in Vancleve Fire

Posted on February 5, 2024 by sdbowling

Was it murder or just an accident that claimed the lives of two siblings in a Vancleve fire in 1961? Continue reading →

Posted in Accidents, Disasters, Fire, Frozen Creek | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Cut-Through’s First Test

Posted on January 31, 2024 by sdbowling

The Flood of 1957 was long remembered as one of Breathitt County’s worst. Experts said that the new Jackson Cut-Through helped save much of the town. Hazard did not fare so well. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Disasters, Flood, Kentucky River, Middle Fork | Leave a comment

Quicksand’s Strong Woman

Posted on January 30, 2024 by sdbowling

Rachel Calhoun was a hard-working woman. She raised her two sons by herself and died a sad and tragic death. Continue reading →

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