Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

It was like coming back home for Christmas. Elbow room was in short supply, and if you were lucky enough to find a seat it was wise to stay put. The lights and homemade ornaments on the tree seemed to embrace the nostalgic atmosphere and beckoned the crowd to gather round to talk, laugh and remember.

Each was unique. Some showed evidence of being painstakingly cut and carefully crafted by small hands. Others bore marks of well thought-out planning. Not all had been signed, but those that were revealed names such as Jasmine, Hailey, Brie, Hannah, and Rachel.
For this Christmas season, the tree in the parlor at the historical society museum will reflect nostalgic times in Owen County when families constructed their own ornaments, made homemade gifts and despite the lack of material things, celebrated Christmas with great joy.

It was moving day for the Orr family.
By early morning, the household goods had been loaded into the wagon and the cow tied to the back. The rooster was separated from the laying hens and he was none too happy about the prospect of traveling alone in his cage. The horses were hitched and it is quite likely that tears clouded Loulu Orr’s eyes as her glance skimmed the yard and house she had called home for so many years.

It stands in Owenton Cemetery, and like many such war monuments that dot the American landscape, it is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country in war.
The poignant words on the back of the memorial point to the sometimes terrible price we pay for our freedoms. “How sweet to rest when life is done. With battles fought and victory won.”