Category Archives: Jackson

The Red Masque Murder Hoax

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sdbowling

The people of Jackson were excited about a high-profile case that was transferred to the Breathitt Circuit Court. They were very satisfied when they learned the truth behind the headlines. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Entertainment, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Alpine Restaraunt

Posted on November 9, 2025 by sdbowling

The Alpine Restaurant opened in 1968 and operated only a short time, but its legacy lives on in the name it left behind. Continue reading →

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Xavier 132 – Lees 0

Posted on October 18, 2025 by sdbowling

Lees College fell to the Musketeers of St. Xavier University in 1927. The unfortunate record stood for some time as the worst defeat in college football history. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Football, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Schools, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Santa Visits Breathitt’s Mystery Boy

Posted on December 25, 2024 by sdbowling

The “Mystery Boy” of Frozen Mountain had an unexpected Christmas in 1950. Learn about the kindness shown to Ross and Charles Ray Smith by strangers hundreds of miles away. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Frozen Creek, Jackson, Traditions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

White Vans and the 1988 Panic

Posted on August 9, 2024 by sdbowling

A disturbed grave in a local cemetery led to a state-wide hysteria related to rumors and fears. Learn about Jackson’s 1988 “Satanic Panic.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Entertainment, Jackson, Tragedy, Unexplained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vice Presidential Nominee Visits Jackson

Posted on July 25, 2024 by sdbowling

The Republican nominee for Vice President rolled into the “Democrat Capital of the Mountains” and won over the crowd. Learn about “Silent Cal’s” visit to Jackson in 1920. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Elections, Jackson, Kentucky River, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jackson Mortician Led State Embalmers

Posted on June 19, 2024 by sdbowling

Lee Porter Ray, once known as “Jackson’s Funeral Director,” served as President of the Kentucky Funeral Directors Association in 1940-1941. He is nearly forgotten in Jackson today. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Military, World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, Sonny!

Posted on June 7, 2024 by sdbowling

Lewis “Sonny” Haddix, a beloved Jackson hitchhiker, had a challenging life marked by tragedy. His gentle demeanor endeared him to everyone he met. Happy Birthday, Sonny! Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Traditions, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in African-American, Breathitt County, Businesses, Disasters, Entertainment, Fire, Jackson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Breathitty County’s Vietnam Casualties

Posted on May 27, 2024 by sdbowling

Honoring the twelve known Breathitt County connected causalities during the Vietnam War. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Jackson, Military, Tragedy, Vietnam | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment