Category Archives: Jackson

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 →

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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 →

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Heart Attack Claimed Ervine Turner

Posted on May 11, 2024 by sdbowling

Judge Ervine Turner suffered a heart attack on May 11, 1968. He lingered 12 days in Lexington before his death on May 23. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Coal, Education, Feuds, Industry, Jackson, Middle Fork, Politics, Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jackson’s 1918 Eclipse

Posted on April 8, 2024 by sdbowling

Breathitt County has experienced many solar and lunar eclipses. The last big event here was in 1918. Continue reading →

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Money, Marriage, and Dynamite

Posted on February 26, 2024 by sdbowling

A scheme to blow up the Breathitt County Courthouse to inherit $40,000 with a fake marriage in 1927 is foiled by a nosy telegraphy operator and a big mouth. Continue reading →

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