Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

Many may recall the old saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” After spending the afternoon celebrating the 96th birthday of Monterey resident and historical society member Lela Maude Hawkins, I discovered there is more than one way to kill a snake.

It stands atop a slight rise facing Highway 127. Its alabaster exterior evokes a picturesque portrait of a country church waiting to usher a community of believers into a worshipful haven. Though small, the vestibule has the honor of both welcoming visitors and members; and  is a place at the end of a service for handshaking as the congregation adamantly declares approval of the sermon.
For almost 100 years, the small, white church has faithfully served the community of Poplar Grove in northern Owen County.

Somehow the conversation always seemed to revert back to history.
Though the occasion was a birthday party for historical society member Margaret Alice Murphy, the ghosts of Owen countians took center stage.
Stories of hucksters and Owen County general stores brought the phantoms to life and created a lively atmosphere in which to reminisce.

They were dressed alike, and as the two young men gazed at the camera from beneath jaunty caps atop their heads, all the anticipation and zest for life was  reflected in their eyes.