Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Crook in Colorado - Crook, Colorado



Born in Ohio in 1828, George Crook rose quickly to success in his military career. Crook started his military career in 1852 and just ten years later became a brigadier general during the Civil War. He led many successful campaigns for General Ulysses S. Grant in the defeat of the Confederacy. After the Civil War, General Crook led campaigns against the Apaches and Paiutes bringing peace to the Southwest and Western territories. He was well respected by his Indian competitors who nicknamed him the “Grey Fox”. Crook became a great proponent for the rights and liberties of the American Indian. Crook often pointed out the atrocities and was outraged with the injustice being done to the Apaches in the Southwest.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

You Meet the Nicest People in the Friendliest Places!

I went to a very unique celebration recently.  Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky was celebrating their first annual "Hometown Reunion".  It was the best hometown reunion I have ever experienced.  The people there had one thing in common.  They either grew up together in this community or they had a special connection with someone from Monkey's Eyebrow.  Let me introduce you to some of them.

Joe Culver - Our host of the event.  Joe grew up in Monkey's Eyebrow and has recently moved back to enjoy some retirement.  Knowing Joe, that probably won't last for long.  Joe has been a newspaper man, lawyer, and for many years the Public Relations Director for the Dept of Energy.  Today, I would consider Joe the mayor, sherrif and the director of tourism for Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky.  Joe runs a great website www.monkeyseyebrow.org/.  You really need to check this sight out because Joe shares wonderful stories about life, love, and anything else which is important.  You can also get some great Monkey's Eyebrow T-shirts and coffee cups at this site.  You will always know when you reach Monkey's Eyebrow because Joe has his own sign which reads "Joe's Place, Monkey's Eyebrow".

Notible citizens of Ballard County and Monkey's Eyebrow, KY




Special Guests


It was a wonderful day!  People brought old newspaper clippings from the past featuring stories of this community.  Some of the previous citizens travelled from as far as Michigan and Wisconsin.  They shared stories about thier ancestors who had businesses here.  Joe's friends, Dave Anna and Dave Clarke traveled from Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach to celebrate this event.  Anna and Clarke are professional photographers who snapped shots and made a video of the event.  (http://www.microdac.com/)  Anita Bugg from the Ballard County newspaper reported the event.  It was the best intimate hometown celebration I ever attended!  Joe, I will be back next year to celebrate with your friends and family.  This is real America!

The scenery at Monkey's Eyebrow, KY