Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

The designs varied but the purpose was uniform – defense of the Kentucky railway system during the Civil War. Block houses which could hold up to 20 men were constructed by the Union along train tacks that traversed the Bluegrass.
These were manned by federal soldiers whose job it was to thwart Confederate raids designed to interfere with northern supply routes.
Author and historian Charles Bogart was the guest speaker last week at the historical society meeting, and using Power Point, he illustrated the construction of these fortifications.

Perennial rose bushes grace either side of the monument; and for the past 90 years they have faithfully sent forth abundant blossoms. It is as if the rose bushes themselves acknowledge the great service rendered by the soldier whose remains rest beneath the ground under their outstretched roots.

Her thickly lashed gentle eyes gazing from the photo reflected a serene spirit. Despite her size she was well proportioned, and like many of her kind she holds a special place in the hearts of those who care for her.

“He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not…”
Many a young girl recites these words as she pulls petals off a flower. The purpose is to reveal the true intent of an admirer.
Sayings, superstitions and old wives tales were tucked away in the memories and embedded in the culture of early Owen County settlers. Most were of Scotch-Irish, German and English descent, and along with their few belongings, they brought a rich legacy of these sayings  from Europe to the New World.