Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

One could tell that the river is in his blood, and his love of the Kentucky was reflected in the glint of his eyes and the resonance of his voice as he recalled his life near its banks. Along with many Owen countians, some who also made their homes by the Kentucky River, “Boss” Kemper attended the Owen County Historical Society Museum’s dedication of the Kentucky River Room and calliope.

Wagons have always played an important part in the history of Owen County. After the long hunters made their trek over the Appalachian Mountains and claimed land in Kentucky, they returned home (most often to Carolina or Virginia) and brought their families to this wilderness. The rich, fertile land of Kentucky was considered to be a paradise on earth. According to T.A. Perry, the first entries claiming land in what is now Owen County were filed in the Virginia Land Offices in 1780.

Recipes are pieces of history. They have been written down on small scraps of paper or verbally passed from one generation to another. Early arrivals of Owen County shared recipes with family and friends, and today those same recipes produce a variety of specialties that originated in England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Africa.

They came from all walks of life — farmers, carpenters, homemakers, teachers, and bankers. What they held in common was their love of history and their dedication to its preservation.
Owen, Carroll, Gallatin, Trimble, Henry, and Switzerland counties’ historical societies gathered at the Owen County Extension Office last week for the annual six-county picnic. Over 70 people attended and the food, fellowship, and entertainment combined to offer an enjoyable evening for all.