Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

She discovered the old picture in her mother’s closet, but no one seemed to know the identity of the distinguished looking man. It was surmised that he was an Owen countian and the picture had a date of 1867 penciled on the back. Historical society member Christina Rice hung the picture in her home and every time she passed it she would ask, “Who are you?” Knowing he was related to her, Christina was determined to solve the mystery of his identity.

Spring ushers Owen countians outdoors to plow, plant, mow, dig fence posts, and paint and repair fencing and barns. Occasionally, a figure might be seen sporting a fishing pole heading for the nearest body of water. The streams, lakes, and river around Owen County offer countless opportunities for skilled fishermen and women to challenge those wily, wet, water creatures as they are lured from the water to the bank, into a skillet, and then onto a platter to hold a place of honor at the supper table.

As his lean, nimble fingers glided effortlessly along the dulcimer strings, Ron Devore coaxed a variety of melodious songs from his instrument. The soft-spoken gentleman, dressed in bibbed overalls, delighted his audience Thursday at the monthly historical society meeting.
At times, the strings jumped as they danced lively to Bluegrass tunes or Appalachian clogging; then would soften to the wailful love songs of 16th-century England. In either case, there was plenty of toe-tapping, hand-clapping accompaniment from appreciative spectators.

A few weeks ago, family and friends gathered around a historical society member, Joyce Hill Smith Hardin, to mourn the loss of her husband, Scott Hardin. Pictures of Scott were on display, and those images conveyed a celebration of a life filled with unforgettable memories.