Honoring a Family Hero on Memorial Day
Remembering a family hero.
Yesterday, my family laid to rest a true hero.
My great-uncle, Warren G. Watson, was born in a holler in Knott County in 1923. From those humble roots, he'd go on to lead a big, big life. At the age of 19, he began a career in education. Soon after, he was called to serve his country in European Theater of World War II. At the Battle of the Bulge, Uncle Warren caught sniper fire in the throat, and was left for dead. A member of his battalion disobeyed orders and rescued him; upon returning home to the mountains, he had to re-learn to talk and eat. For his bravery in battle, my uncle was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Validi Milites, and the Croix de guerre, although he'd always humbly shrug and say "yeah, I got some medals in The War." This Memorial Day, I mourn my uncle the World War II soldier, a heroic man who made unbelievable sacrifices for the sake of worldwide freedom. It's hard to imagine what it must have been like for him -- barely more than a boy himself and having never left the remote corners of Eastern Kentucky -- being sent to the European battlefields to liberate France. Even for the most patriotic and fair-minded, it must have been terrifying and surreal and invigorating. And, even for someone who believed as strongly in God, and freedom, and a general sense of what's right as my uncle did, I can't imagine how hard the road to recovery must have been, both physically and emotionally.
As a native Appalachian, with the strong sense of family as tribe that my heritage entails, I mourn my uncle as the last of my grandfather's siblings. With his passing, our family loses so many ties to the old-time mountain culture that once defined us. My granddaddy and his brother were incredibly talented musicians who played what they called "mountain music." There was a distinct regional variation that separated their genre from traditional bluegrass, they'd argue. Bill Monroe's sound was a musical dialect of Western Kentucky, while our family made the music of Kentucky's Appalachian towns. It's a distinction that, two generations removed and totally devoid of my family's signature musical gift, I can't begin to understand. My uncle loved music; he carved his own elaborate fiddles and he possessed the rare gift of perfect pitch.
In passing, my uncle takes with him his time-tested recipe for white corn liquor (Any Appalachian-American who claims to not have moonshiners in their family tree is, quite frankly, lying...) and the method his own father (a WWI veteran and fellow educator) taught him for extracting cube roots by hand.
This Decoration Day, as we mourn my family's loss, I also think of Uncle Warren's contemporaries among America's World War II veterans -- those often known as the Greatest Generation. I think not only of their sacrifices of safety, well-being and even their own lives; I think of the way that, as the last few members of this generation pass on, they take with them knowledge and insights from a pre-digital world. Like Uncle Warren, they possessed knowledge of a world we can't begin to imagine.
To my uncle and all who sacrificed health, comfort, safety, and their lives fighting for freedom and justice, there aren't sufficient words to express my gratitude and respect. I hope we all pause to remember the veterans in our own lives today.
Rosemary Clooney
Remembering Kentucky-born singer and actress Rosemary Clooney on the anniversary of her birth.
On May 23, 1928, Andrew and Frances Clooney of Maysville, Kentucky welcomed a daughter named Rosemary. Performing was in the Clooney kids' blood; Rosemary and her sister Betty were talented singers and their brother Nick would go on to be an anchorman and television personality.
At the age of 10, Rosemary played the witch in her school's talent show production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Rosemary and Betty began to sing at their grandfather (the Mayor of Maysville)'s political rallys. By 1945, the Clooney sisters had a spot on Cincinnati radio station WLW as singers, earning $20 a night. The next year, Rosemary recorded a song called "''I'm Sorry I Didn't Say I'm Sorry When I Made You Cry Last Night.'' She was known for her recording ''Come On-a My House'' and her performance in the classic movie White Christmas.
Rosemary Clooney was far more than an iconic singer and actress or the doting aunt of superstar George Clooney. She was a beloved Kentucky legend -- at the height of her fame, she chose Maysville's Russell Theatre for the premiere of her film The Stars are Singing. In her later life, she founded her hometown's Rosemary Clooney Festival with proceeds going toward the renovation of the Russell.
Rosemary was outspoken about her own difficulties -- her family's history of addiction (including her own battle with pills), her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, and Betty's sudden death of a brain aneurysm. Her memoirs provided a candid account of life as a young starlet, memorably saying "I felt trapped and fabricated in the fifties living up to other people's expectations."
Today, HerKentucky salutes the fabulous, one-of-a-kind singer and actress who put Maysville, Kentucky on the map. Here's to Miss Rosemary Clooney, Kentucky's biggest star!
A Thank You to Kentucky Teachers
Kentucky teachers who've made a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth.
Here in Kentucky, we don't always get the best reputation for our educational system. A lot of persistent (and pernicious!) stereotypes about our collective intellect and education. Now, I personally grew up in a family of educators, and I can tell you so many stories about the amazing job that Kentucky teachers undertake. So many teachers I know freely spend their own time and money to fill in the gaps that public school funding may have missed. It's impossible to individually thank all the teachers who've worked to improve the quality of education in Kentucky, but here are a few of the most unique stories.
The First School House in Kentucky was built in 1783, near the site of the present-day Old Fayette County Courthouse. The school's teacher, the story goes, was attacked by a wildcat.
Interior of First School House in Kentucky
The Science Hill School was founded in 1825 by Julia Tevis, the wife of a Methodist minister. When Julia and her husband John were transferred from their Virginia home to a Louisville parish, they settled in nearby Shelbyville, where Julia worked on her vision of a boarding school for local girls. Science Hill was so named because the curriculum was far more intensive than the traditional finishing schools of the time, and because the campus sat upon a hill.
The Hindman Settlement School was founded in 1902 by May Stone and Katherine Pettit; it was the first rural settlement school in America. The school's principal during the 1940s, Fred Williams, was a Methodist missionary who'd spent time working to abolish the caste system in India; he considered Mahatma Ghandi an ally and personal friend.
Rowan County teacher and School Superintendent Cora Wilson Stewart was a pioneer of Adult Literacy Education. In 1911, she instituted a program known as "Moonlight Schools" in Rowan County; the schools were open in the evenings for adults who wanted to learn basic skills, especially reading. The movement soon spread throughout the Commonwealth and into other states. Mrs. Wilson soon published a local newspaper and reader to address the vocabulary that everyday adults would need to learn. You can learn more about Mrs. Wilson in Yvonne Honeycutt Baldwin's biography. It seems that, in addition to being a maverick in her professional life, Mrs. Wilson led an interesting personal life -- she was thrice-married, twice to the same gentleman!
A Kentucky moonlight school, led by teacher Gladys Thompson.
Greenup County native Jesse Stuart is perhaps the most celebrated of all Kentucky educators; his book of poetry, Man with a Bull-Tongue Plow, remained continuously in print for over 50 years, and his autobiographical novel The Thread that Runs So True is considered the definitive source of the teaching profession in 20th century Kentucky. Lest y'all think that the late Kentucky Poet Laureate was one-dimensional, we have it on good authority from our friends at Kentucky from Kentucky that "the Stuart family—male and female alike—was known as one of the toughest in the holler, and Jesse described himself as a 'first-class fighting man.'"
Here's to all the fascinating, colorful, brilliant and brave teachers who make Kentucky an infinitely better place! Thank y'all so very, very much!!
Derby Celebrations for the Entire Family
For the past week or so, we've given you tips about all the special events and observations that make the Kentucky Derby such an incredible and unique event. As we bid you a Happy Derby Day, I want to reflect on my very favorite aspect of Derby: the sense of community that unites Kentuckians, especially Louisvillians.
The Kentucky Derby can be, as the gonzo genius Dr. Thompson wrote, Decadent and Depraved. Of course it can; there's bourbon to drink and bets to be made. Things can get really weird in a hurry.
But, the thing that is so very magical about the Kentucky Derby is that it isn't just a horse race. It isn't merely a day, or a single occasion. It's Louisville's very own two-week Carnival Season. There's something for folks of every age and income bracket, from parades and firework displays and food trucks to galas and private parties.
Ensley O. with the Derby Princesses on the Fillies Float at Pegasus Parade
My favorite part, though, is the way that the youngest residents of the Commonwealth aren't excluded from the festivities.
Heidi P. Walks the runway at the Derby Princess Tea
Throughout Louisville, there are opportunities for kiddos to celebrate Derby. Of course, they can watch the Pegasus Parade, but many local preschools and elementary schools also put on parades of their own. Last year, I even saw some little girls in my neighborhood dressed up in their Sunday best on Derby morning, running a Mocktails stand. (They had non-alcoholic mint juleps and everything, y'all. Cutest. Thing. Ever.)
Madison and her dads watch the Pegasus Parade
Foster K. at a school parade
Eloise and her classmates at a preschool parade
Eloise's sisters Anne-Miriam and Bea take in the parade
Brayden S. gets some tips at the track.
I love that these kiddos get to have fun with Derby week in their own way. If it teaches them a little bit about tradition -- and maybe even the words to our state song -- then that's even better!
Sam C. at Keeneland's Derby Party
Katherine Belle F. in a Derby-themed Lilly dress and a Beaufort Bonnet.
Happy Derby to your entire family from HerKentucky!!!
Blogger {View} Wednesday: Josh Johnson of The Kentucky Gent
Today's Blogger{view} Wednesday interview is with Josh Johnson, known to the blog world as The Kentucky Gent. I'd describe Josh's style as urban hipster with a dash of Southern charm; he's always the first on the scene to check out Louisville's latest hot spots. And, as I recently told my friend Emily, Josh's man-bun is just as awesome in person as it is on his blog! Thanks so much to Josh for answering a few questions for us!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 20 something creative living and working in Louisville who happened upon blogging kind of by accident, but it’s quickly turned into the hardest, yet best job that I’ve ever had. I’ve gone on to work with global brands like H&M as well as local companies like 21c.
How did The Kentucky Gent get started?
Originally the blog started as a way to show that guys from Kentucky have more style than people would normally assume. Since then it’s grown from just a personal style blog into a men’s fashion and lifestyle blog which encompasses all facets of my life including fashion, food, and booze.
What’s your favorite thing about Kentucky?
Hm. Hard to say one thing, but being from Louisville I’d have to say that my favorite thing is that I get to be part of the renaissance we’re going through currently. The city has definitely grown leaps and bounds over the last few years, and we’re showing no signs of stopping.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a blog?
Don’t stand in your own way. You’ll come up with 101 reasons why you shouldn’t start a blog, and just as many reasons as to why you can’t do it. Just do it. Also - invest in people that are 100% on your team.
Now the important questions:
1. Cats or Cards?
I always root for Louisville since I call it home, but I’m one Kentuckian who doesn’t go crazy over sports.
2. Louisville or Lexington?
Louisville
3. What’s your favorite bourbon?
4. What’s your favorite local restaurant?
5. What’s your favorite local shop?
Hard to pick just one, but it’s between Regalo, Revelry, and Scout on Market.
The Best Swag For Bluegrass Babies
So, I'm going to be an aunt soon. Like, any minute now.
Since I can't seem to stop shopping for baby clothes, I thought I'd share with y'all some of the best Kentucky-themed onesies that I've run across.
Born and Breaded Onesie, Kentucky for Kentucky. This just makes me laugh so hard.
Y'all Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. I wear the t-shirt version of this one all the time; my niece and I should coordinate, no?
Kentucky Kicks Ass Baby Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. Who can resist adorning a child with mild expletives?
Commonwealth Baby Thermal -- High Street Fly. This just looks so snuggly!
via High Street Fly
502 Onesie from WHYLouisville.
via WHYLouisville
Kentucky Home T Onesie via The Home T (available locally at The Prickly Pear) It's never too early to teach them where they come from.
via The Home T.
The Transy Kids "Spot Mandy McMillian" Snow Day Game
My friend and Transylvania classmate, Northern Kentucky native Mandy McMillian, is an actress. Quite a good actress, really. When we were freshmen at Transy, she knew what she wanted just as much as the future doctors and lawyers and teachers of the world. And, she's accomplished it. She thought outside the box and she's a singer and actress living in L.A. How awesome is that?
Since we're all snowed in, bored sick, and looking for something fun to do, here's a fun way to binge-watch with a mission. My fellow Transy alumni and I always have fun spotting Mandy on our favorite TV shows; it makes a really fantastic snow day "Spot the Kentucky Girl" game!
- Charmed, Season 8 Episode 1 "Still Alive and Kicking" (Streaming on Netflix): Front Row Patron
- The Unit, Season 1 Episode 2 "Stress" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Pamela
- Gilmore Girls, Season 6, Episode 20 "Super Cool Party People" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse #1
- Monk, Season 6 Episode 8 "Mr. Monk and the Wrong Man" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Yvette
- House, M.D., Season 4 Episode 8 "You Don't Want to Know" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse #1
- Mad Men, Season 1 Episode 13 "The Wheel" (Streaming on Netflix): Rita (LOVE this one; she's one of the jingle singers!)
- The Mentalist, Pilot (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Jenny
- How I Met Your Mother, Season 4 Episode 2 "The Best Burger in New York (Streaming on Netflix) : Waitress
- My Name is Earl, Season 4 Episode 14 "Got the Babysitter Pregnant" (Streaming on Netflix): Business Woman
- Criminal Minds, Season 4 Episode 15 "Zoe's Reprise" (Streaming on Netflix): Amber
- Lie to Me, Season 1 Episode 9 "Life is Priceless" (Streaming on Netflix): Woman
- HawthoRNe, Season 1 Episode 2 "Healing Time" and Episode 5 "The Sense of Belonging" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse Marian
- Justified, Season 2 Episode 10 "Debts and Accounts" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Winona's Lawyer
- Law & Order LA, Season 1 Episode 16 "Big Rock Mesa" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Linda Manning
- Modern Family, Season 3 Episode 20 "The Last Wait" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Francine
- Private Practice, Season 6 Episode 2 "Mourning Sickness" (Streaming on Netflix): Catherine
- The Client List, Season 2 Episode 8 "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Wife #2
- Men at Work, Season 2 Episode 5 "The Good, The Bad & The Milo" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Rhonda
- The Middle, Season 1 Episode 23 "Signals", Season 4 Episode 15 "Valentine's Day IV" and Episode 22 "Hallelujah Hoedown" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Henry's Mom/ Miss Poltorak
- Shameless, Season 4 Episode 2 "My Oldest Daughter" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Gena
- Bones, Season 10 Episode 4 "The Geek in the Gluck" (Streaming on Netflix): Jen Park