Miss Minnette Goes to Broadway and Back

If you’ve been to a Broadway show in New York City, you likely admired the opulent grandeur of the theatre, reminiscent of the early 1900s. Ornate moldings and gilded plaster carvings cover every available surface. The proscenium arch is typically highlighted with gold leaf-covered motifs reflecting the building’s architectural style—rococo, art deco, or beaux-arts.

The proscenium arch, ceiling, and box seats adjacent
to the stage of the Lyceum Theatre are typical of the
detailed design features of early-1900s Broadway
theatres that have been preserved or restored.

Then, when the production began, if you’re like me, you sat open-mouthed as you became immersed in the story and in awe of the performers’ talent.

A number of years ago, I came across these photos and a brief story about a Broadway actress from a tiny town in western Kentucky, which piqued my curiosity. She was born Minnie Vogel and went to New York City about 1909, where she used the stage name Minnette. According to an article in Between the Rivers magazine, she starred in the Broadway play Ray’s Down the Pike Co. Her family believed she may have written the play herself, but no one seems to know how she made the 900-plus mile trip at the age of 18 from Star Lime Works to the big city.

The story intrigued me because Minnette shared little information about her time in New York once she returned home. No records exist of an actress of her name or a play by that title on Broadway (although there was an actress named Minnette Barrett, who performed on Broadway from 1907 to 1953). This raised questions of what happened while this small-town girl was in New York City, and my speculations became the basis for my short story, “All That Glitters,” although I chose the 1930s for my setting.

As part of my research, I found five prominent theaters that were built between 1901 and 1913, when Minnette left the city, and are still in use today:

• The New Amsterdam Theatre: opened in 1903 with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Home of the Ziegfeld Follies from 1913-1927, and is one of a few operating under its original name.

• The Lyceum Theatre: opened in 1903 with a production of The Proud Prince. Oldest continually operating as a legitimate theater space in New York City. Retained its original name throughout its history.

• The Palace Theatre: opened in 1913 with Miss Civilization. During the height of the Vaudeville era, the Palace was considered the most desirable venue by Vaudevillian performers.

• The Schubert Theatre: opened in 1913 with Easy Come, Easy Go. Connected by a private road to its sister theatre, the Booth.

• The Booth Theater: opened in 1913 with a production of The Great Adventure. Named after the famed actor Edwin Booth, brother of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

The mysterious Miss Minnette had a “successful” career, as described by her pastor, but “it did not prove for her good.” Nevertheless, before her death she wrote, “Praise to God I die happy, although I know not the hour my Lord cometh. Do not cry, but just be glad. God bless you all. Meet me in heaven.”

Minnette was no doubt one of many performers whose short-term fame faded into obscurity.

Next month, I’ll share about other historic Broadway theaters and how the area became known as the Great White Way.

Sources

Between the Rivers magazine, Issue 22, 2011, Grand Rivers, KY

www.broadwayworld.com

www.spotlightonbroadway.com

IBDB | The Official Source For Broadway Information

Multi-award-winning author Marie Wells Coutu finds beauty in surprising places, like undiscovered treasures, old houses, and gnarly trees. All three books in her Mended Vessels series, contemporary stories based on the lives of biblical women, have won awards in multiple contests. She is currently working on historical romances set in her native western Kentucky in the 1930s and ‘40s. An unpublished novel, Shifting Currents, placed second in the inspirational category of the nationally recognized Maggie Awards. Learn more at www.MarieWellsCoutu.com.

Her historical short story, “All That Glistens,” was included in the 2023 Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction collection and is now available free when you sign up for Marie's newsletter here. In her newsletter, she shares about her writing, historical tidbits, recommended books, and sometimes recipes.

The Pioneer Playhouse — Oldest Outdoor Theatre in Kentucky

   __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In September, the pack horse librarians and the WPA got a nod here on my day of the month through mention of a play performed at a special location. I promised I'd return this month with more information about the Pioneer Playhouse, and here it is!

Bringing Broadway to the Bluegrass!

Given the nickname of "Theatre Under the Stars," The Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky exists as the creative endeavor of Col. Eben C. Henson, who founded the playhouse in 1950 and, with a team, hand built it from recycled materials spanning 200 years. Through Henson's family lines, the playhouse has four generations of ties to the town of Danville. They just closed on their 75th season.

Henson wanted to bring big city theatre to a small town, following a movement at the time to offer summer stock theatre outside of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Actors there could come to outdoor theatres such as the Pioneer Playhouse to spread their acting wings. They gained additional skills working with local actors and others from around the country, and entertained audiences who otherwise might never see a live play. At one time, rooms flanking either side of the outdoor stage housed actors for the summer—ladies on one side and gentlemen on the other.

Notable alumni include John Travolta, Lee Majors, and Jim Varney. In 1962, it received the honor of the first theater in the nation to gain legal status as a State Theater. The open-air performances offer a unique experience, complete with rustic charm and 19th Century antiques, including a box office used in a movie starring Elizabeth Taylor (Raintree County - 1956) and an authentic log cabin in a movie featuring Kris Kristofferson (Pharoah's Army - 1995).

As an added bonus, attendees can enjoy dinner before the performance, a meal served with southern hospitality in a comfortable outdoor seating area. The Old Danville Firehouse bell announces dinner, and live music accompanies the meal, lending additional charm to the rustic setting.

After Henson's 2004 death, his widow Charlotte and daughter Holly ran the theater, with Holly as artistic director until her 2012 death. Robby Henson, another sibling, then took over as artistic director, and his sister Heather became managing director. Charlotte, who selected plays, passed away in February of this year, but her children continue to keep the legacy alive.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever viewed a live play performed in an outdoor space? Where?

* Are there any outdoor theatres in your area?

* Do you enjoy live plays or performances? If so, what is your favorite venue?

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my life as an author and everyday gal, what I'm currently reading, historical tidbits, recommended reads, and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The latest edition was just sent out last week. Receive a FREE e-book of Magic of the Swan just for subscribing.

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

That Book Woman and the Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky

  __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In August, I covered bathing costumes and swimwear to wrap up the summer. Since I recently saw a play performed on this topic and school is back in session after summer break, let's take a look at some amazing women who personally increased literacy rates between WWI and WWII and beyond.

That Book Woman!

Next month, I'll go into more detail about The Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky, as it was the site of a play I recently attended with other local authors. Based off Heather Henson's children's book of the same name, That Book Woman showcased the bravery and ingenuity of the ladies who came to be known as Packhorse Librarians.

Many books have been written on this subject, and books delivered by horseback to remote areas has stretched far beyond just the Appalachian Mountain region. Given the sometimes treacherous conditions under which these women delivered books and the animosity they often faced, their lasting tale comes as no surprise.

Picture this: it’s 1935, and you’re in the rugged hills of Eastern Kentucky. Roads are scarce, and the nearest library might as well be on the moon. But wait—here comes your hero on horseback, not with a six-shooter but with a saddlebag full of books!

This isn’t the plot of a Western; it’s the Pack Horse Library Project, a real-life story of grit and determination. These brave "book women" saddled up to deliver knowledge to the most isolated communities. They didn’t just drop off books—they brought the world to people who had never seen it.

Imagine riding 50 to 80 miles a week, navigating rocky paths and crossing rivers, sometimes on foot or by rowboat. Your cargo? Damaged books, old magazines, and out-of-date textbooks that bigger libraries didn’t want anymore. But to these mountain families, they were treasures.

Demand was high, and the book women had to get creative. They made scrapbooks full of magazine clippings, local recipes, and sewing patterns. Soon, the locals joined in, creating their own scrapbooks with family histories and child-rearing advice. These homemade collections became a beloved part of the library’s offerings.

By 1936, the need for more books was clear. Enter Lena Nofcier and her Penny Fund Plan. She rallied the Kentucky PTA, boy scouts, Sunday schools, and anyone who would listen to donate or gather books. Her efforts were so successful that eight new pack horse libraries were born.

At its peak, the program served nearly 100,000 people across 30 libraries. It brought adventure, travel, and romance to the mountains, sparking imaginations and fostering a love for reading in children and adults alike.

Sadly, the program ended in 1943 when funding was cut. But the legacy of the pack horse librarians lived on, inspiring the introduction of bookmobiles in the late 1950s.

So next time you curl up with a good book, think of those brave librarians. They didn’t just deliver books; they delivered hope, knowledge, and a glimpse of a world beyond the hills.

The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky played a significant role in promoting literacy and access to education in rural areas during a time of great need. Their efforts helped bridge the educational gap and brought reading materials to communities that would have otherwise been without them. Today, their story serves as a testament to the power of innovative library services and the dedication of librarians who went above and beyond to serve their communities.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What was your first introduction to books and reading?

* Do you recall your first visit to a library? When was the last time you utilized a library?

* Have you ever been visited by a bookmobile service? Where? They're basically the modern-day version of a pack horse librarian, just on wheels.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my life as an author and everyday gal, what I'm currently reading, historical tidbits, recommended reads, and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The latest edition was just sent out last week. Receive a FREE e-book of Magic of the Swan just for subscribing.

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20+ years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Name Origins of the Unites States Part II + giveaway

 By Tiffany Amber Stockton

In May, my children and I visited the Pine Mountain Settlement School in southeastern Kentucky. Amazing little place, nestled in the middle of the mountains, miles from any town. You can read last month's post if you missed it.

Today, it's time for the next 10 state name history stories. So, let's go!

STATE NAMES and their ORIGINS

Hawaii comes from the Polynesian word hawaiki, meaning place of the Gods. It was, however, originally named the Sandwich Islands by James Cook in the late 1700s.

Idaho has notorious roots in the Athabaskan word idaahe, meaning enemy. It was originally applied to part of Colorado before being given to the Gem State.

Illinois has a silent "s" at the end, because it's of French origin. "Illinois" means "Land of Illini," giving a nod to the Native American population. "Illini" is the Algonquin word for "man" or "warrior." This land east of the Appalachians and south of the Great Lakes became the center of significant battles.

Indiana, as you might expect, stems from the English word Indian. The Latin suffix tacked on the end roughly means "land of the." During the early years of America, many native tribes were well-established in these areas.

Iowa comes from the Dakota word yuxba, meaning sleepy ones.

Kansas references the Kansa tribe, meaning people of the south wind. Makes sense for tornado alley.

Kentucky is yet another state named for the river running through it, inspired by the Shawnee word for on the meadow.

Louisiana, like Georgia, was named for a regent of the times, specifically, Louis XIV of France.

Maine has uncertain origins. Though it's worth noting that Maine was also the name of a traditional province in France.

Maryland is a tip of the hat from King Charles I to his wife Henrietta Maria. Some husbands give jewelry; King Charles gave naming rights to an entire state.

And that's all for today. If you're like me and LOVE puzzles, download this PDF for some puzzle challenge fun. You might be able to solve it on your own without reading the rest of the blogs in this set, or you can save it and add to it in future months. :)

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Which one of these states was the most fascinating to you?

* Do you live in any of these 10 states? If so, did you know this was the origin of its name?

* What do you think might be the origin of any of the other 30 states? (You'll learn about them throughout the rest of the year.)

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person every month from the comments left on each of my blog posts. You never know when your comment will be a winner! Subscribe to comments so you'll know if you've won and need to get me your mailing information.

Come back on the 9th of July for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children and four cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Pine Mountain Settlement - Appalachian Mountains

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

In April, the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort received the spotlight. You can read last month's post if you missed it.

Last week, we took another homeschool field trip and stepped back in time!

PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL

View from the entrance

Let me tell you a little something about this gem of a place nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. It has some serious charm. The campus is surrounded by beautiful green forests, rolling hills, and babbling brooks. It's like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard. Architect Mary Rockwell Hook designed most of the buildings. She fell in love with the lead stone mason, and they lived there to raise their family.

Creech Cabin - 9 children grew up here

The school was founded way back in 1913, and it's been a hub of education, culture, and community ever since. It stemmed from families who migrated through the Cumberland Gap after the Civil War and settled in a narrow valley between two mountain ranges. Most of the families (children included) were working in coal mines, and those who weren't were farming. William Creech, Sr. wanted the best education for the children in these communities, so he donated land for the establishment of the school. Katherine Pettit and Ethel de Long Zande were the founders. 

Weaving loom class

What sets Pine Mountain Settlement School apart is their focus on preserving and celebrating the local mountain culture. They offer all sorts of programs for folks of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Classes are offered on traditional crafts like weaving, woodworking, and blacksmithing. They even host square dances and clogging lessons! And don't even get me started on the food. It's a farm-to-table program which serves up fresh, delicious meals made with food and ingredients grown right there on the farm.

Chapel interior - architectural beauty

We spent the entire day there, walking the grounds, participating in the classes they offered which included bits on micro-hydro electricity and energy, making cornhusk flowers, loom weaving, fabric dyes with flowers and vegetables, early settlers, log cutting, shingle crafting, cabin building, Appalachian social game play, plants and natural ingredients for making a wide variety of herbal teas, plus herbology and essential oils for balms, lotions, and soaps.

It was like stepping back in time to a simpler, more wholesome and healthy way of life. If you ever find yourself in Bledsoe, Kentucky, you absolutely have to check it out. Warning, though. It's a ways out there on some windy roads following a river. :)

View from the Chapel's main door, looking out.

William Creech's wish for all children. Oh, to have that be true today!

Creek with afternoon sunlight glistening off it.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever visited a living history site dedicated to preserving the culture which once existed there? If so, where is it? And what is something unique they offer?

* What is something you know about the Cumberland Gap area?

* Is there a building or landmark near you with significant historical influence or notoriety?

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person every month from the comments left on each of my blog posts. You never know when your comment will be a winner! Subscribe to comments so you'll know if you've won and need to get me your mailing information.

Come back on the 9th of June for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children and four cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Art Deco Architecture in Kentucky + Giveaway

   By Tiffany Amber Stockton

In March, we learned about the name origins for the first 10 of the 50 states in the U.S. I'll be doing other posts to cover the remaining 40 during other months of this year. You can read last month's post if you missed it.

Today is my son's 12th birthday, and we recently attended a homeschool field trip at the Kentucky Historical Society. So, I figured it'd be fun to delve into the history of the Historical Society. Let's chat a bit about KHS building. :)

KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Historical Society Building

This place is a gem located in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. It's been around for quite some time and has some great history behind it.

The KHS building was built in the late 1930s and early 1940s as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. If you don't know what that is, the WPA was a New Deal program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide employment for millions of Americans during the Great Depression. And boy did it do just that!

Old State Capitol - original site

The Kentucky Historical Society itself has been around since 1838, but its headquarters used to be located in the Old State Capitol building in Frankfort. However, as the KHS grew in size and popularity, they began planning for a new building. They eventually applied for a grant from the WPA, and voila, the KHS building was born.

The architect who designed the KHS building was a guy named Thomas P. Barnett. He was known for his Art Deco designs and did not disappoint with this building. The KHS building is considered one of the most significant examples of Art Deco architecture in Kentucky, and wow, does it show! It has all the classic Art Deco elements, like streamlined forms, geometric patterns, and stylized motifs. Quite a sight to see!

But Barnett didn't stop there. He also incorporated elements of the Kentucky Colonial Revival style into the building's design. This was a popular style in the early 20th century which emphasized the use of local materials and traditional craftsmanship. So, not only is the building beautiful, it also has some local flavor in there too.

Interior view of one exhibit area

The KHS building was constructed in several phases, with the first phase being completed in 1939. This included the main entrance and lobby. The second phase, which included the research and storage areas, was completed in 1941. And the final phase, which included the museum space, was completed in 1942. So it took a few years, but it was definitely worth the wait.

Over the years, the KHS building has undergone several renovations and upgrades to keep it up to date and functional. In the 1980s, the museum space was expanded to include more exhibit space.

Nowadays, the KHS building is still standing strong and is open to the public for tours and events. You can check out the KHS museum, which features exhibits on Kentucky's history, as well as a research library and archives. It's definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area.

View of the terrazzo floor in the lobby

The KHS building has become a bit of a landmark in downtown Frankfort, and its unique design draws visitors from across the state. The building's interior is just as beautiful as its exterior, with many Art Deco details like a terrazzo floor in the lobby (in the shape of the state of Kentucky), bronze fixtures, and a beautiful mural depicting Kentucky's history. It continues to be an important cultural institution in Kentucky.

But let's talk about the real reason why the KHS building is so cool. It has history. I mean, it's a historical society building, so of course it does. It has seen a lot of changes over the years. It's seen wars, political upheaval, and social change. And yet, it's still standing. It's a testament to the resilience of the people of Kentucky.

There's something special about being in a building that's been around for over 80 years. It's like you can feel the energy of all the people who have walked through those halls over the years. Visiting the old state capitol building produces the same vibes. If only these walls could talk!

President Lincoln's pocket watch -- still ticking!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Do you have a building in your town with intricate architecture?

* Have you ever visited Frankfort, Kentucky? For what purpose?

* Is there a building or landmark near you with significant historical influence or notoriety?

** Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person every month from the comments left on each of my blog posts. You never know when your comment will be a winner! Subscribe to comments so you'll know if you've won and need to get me your mailing information.

Come back on the 9th of  May for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children and four cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

David Bowie & Judge Roy Bean + Giveaway

  By Tiffany Amber Stockton

In November, Kit Carson was the focus of my monthly post, and I shared about a man from both Kentucky and Colorado, two states where I have lived most recently. If you missed last month's post, you can read it here.

Today, we're wrapping up the year's collection on Kentucky pioneers by featuring two names to close out the series.

MORE TOUGH FOLKS FROM KENTUCKY

It's no secret that settling what is now the entire United States took a lot of grit and determination, a fighting spirit against the trials and tribulations accosting nearly everyone who attempted to strike out and forge a new trail where not many dared to go. Quite a few of these tough folks lived in or came from Kentucky.

Folks like Daniel Boone, who traversed the Cumberland Gap; James Bowie, the originator of the Bowie knife; Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S.; Stephen Bishop, the former slave turned daredevil cave explorer; the McCoy half of the most famous feudists in American history (the Hatfield's were in West Virginia); Carrie Nation, the hatchet-wielding temperance advocate; Judge Roy Bean, iconic judge in the Old West; and even a guy named Muhammed Ali.

James Bowie was born in Mason County, Kentucky, but his family soon emigrated to Missouri and then Louisiana by the time Jim was 6 years old. So, although Kentucky was his birthplace, he was primarily raised in Louisiana. After clearing land and cutting timber for a living, plus operating a sugar plantation, he reportedly killed a man in a duel and fled to modern-day Texas, which was owned by Mexico at the time.

Jim befriended the Mexican vice governor, assumed Mexican citizenship, and married the man's daughter. It didn't take long before the fight by the non-Mexicans against the Mexicans drew Bowie's interest, and he joined the cause which eventually took him to the fight at The Alamo, where he led the Texas Army. He had fought with distinction in several battles prior to that, but unfortunately, an illness made Jim bedridden, and he died along with the other gallant fighters, Davy Crockett and William B. Travers.

Bowie’s daring and courageous acts have become immortalized through Western song and ballad. You might also be familiar with his name in association with the Bowie knife, a weapon invented by either him or his brother Rezin. I chuckled when I read the knife has also been called an "Arkansas toothpick." A toothpick that's 10 inches long and 2-1/2 inches wide, with a 5-inch handle? Certainly wouldn't want to pick your teeth with *that* blade!

* * * * *

There is an abundance of stories and tales out there about Judge (Phantley) Roy Bean (Jr.). Described as having the looks and charm of Adonis, he was known for being a gambler, a duelist, and a rake with the ladies. He even repeatedly embellished his story about being imprisoned and visited by some of his paramours, who slipped him some knives tucked inside some tamales, and said he used the knives to dig through the concrete walls to escape. Crazy, right? Yet that story prevailed.

Born in Kentucky as the youngest of 5 children with two older brothers, he struck out and headed west at 15. After joining his brother Samuel on a wagon train headed for New Mexico, Roy escaped a mob after killing a man in a duel and ended up in San Diego with his other brother Joshua, who had become a prominent businessman and was elected mayor in 1850.

Bean's rabble-rousing eventually caused him to again flee after Joshua died, and he spent about 10 years living with Samuel in New Mexico before ending up in San Antonio during the Civil War. He married and worked various jobs, becoming known for finding creative ways around business competitors and the law. By the 1880's, he and his wife had separated, and he ended up near the Pecos River, where a Magistrate was needed, so he volunteered and became "the only law west of the Pecos." Ironic that a man who often circumvented the law was now in charge of enforcing it.

Due to his eccentric judicial antics and things like pocketing the monetary fines he assessed as "judge," he managed to cement his reputation as he carried out his odd manner of justice. Word of him spread, and there have been movies made and books written about him. With his low level of morality, I'm more inclined to consider him an "infamous" judge more than anything else. :)

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What name from dime novels or Old West lore stands out in your mind, and why?

* Have you ever held a Bowie Knife? Do you own one? If yes, how have you used it?

* What was something new you learned from today's post?

Leave any comments or answers to any of these questions you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I've been sending a FREE autographed book to one person each and every month from the comments left on this blog. You never know when your comment will be a winner! So, post away!

Come back on the 9th of January in the new year to learn about some well-known colloquial sayings from American history.

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also an advocate for literacy as an educational consultant with Usborne Books. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Kit Carson in Kentucky and Colorado + Giveaway

  By Tiffany Amber Stockton

In October, we discovered the story of the man who saved Daniel Boone's life. If you missed that post, you can read it here.

Today, we continue the showcase of American pioneers who helped shaped the America we know and love today.

CHRISTOPHER HOUSTON CARSON

Many of you here know I spent 15 years in Colorado prior to moving to Kentucky. When I began researching pioneers here, the name Kit Carson appeared in the search results. There was a town in eastern Colorado named Kit Carson, and I wondered if this was the same person. Turns out, it is!

Christopher Carson was one of American's legendary scouts and frontiersman. Just like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. He was born in Kentucky in 1809, but his family moved to Missouri a few years later, and by 15, he ran away from home, joining a caravan of traders bound for Sante Fe. During this time, he learned to trap and trade and made that his way of life for the next 15 years. At 30 years of age, he got involved with scouting and serving as a guide because he knew the lands of the southwest quite well. He was also quite skilled at communicating with the natives who populated these lands.

As is common in today's reporting of historical facts, Kit Carson, gained hero status for his career as an Indian fighter through the inclusion and exaggeration of his exploits in popular dime novels of the time. However, more modern reporting from those attempting to present revisionist history blames him for being a part of the displacement and destruction of the native people. I often say you can't report history through the lens of 21st century idealism because those who lived before us don't have the benefit of the experiences of the past to help shape their opinions and beliefs. They were living the history which has brought us to this point. Revising history because you don't want "imperfections" to be known isn't truthful reporting.

Although Kit was known for fighting Indians, he also had great success as a trapper and frontiersman, and spent time as an Indian agent, *helping* the Indians find good land and speaking up for their rights to the U.S. government. His biggest contribution to westward expansion was during the years of 1842 and 1848. He bumped into explorer John C. Fremont, and that chance encounter led to Carson working as a guide on the explorations of the West. The skirmishes and uprisings during this time included the War with Mexico from 1846-1848, and Carson's reputation for bravery, loyalty, and devotion to his work made his name well-known among significant and influential circles in American government. By the end of the war, the United States had secured all the land in what is now the southwestern part of the country.

Although he was married to an Arapaho woman and then a Cheyenne woman, his sympathies for the natives were squelched by the requirements of the jobs he was forced to complete when he was pressed into service by high-ranking officials. One of those was as Colonel Carson during the Civil War where he was given orders to subdue the Navajo fighting to preserve their land. He also engaged in a battle against the Comanche in the Texas panhandle. Still, he continued to represent the Ute, Kiowa, Hopi, and Zuni peoples in spite of them being forced to reservation land ill-suited to their established way of life. In January 1868, he received an appointment of superintendent of Indian Affairs in the Colorado Territory, but he didn't get the opportunity to do much as he died just five months later.

Today, his name is preserved in several places across the southwestern states. You might be familiar with Carson City, Nevada, Fort Carson in Colorado, or Carson Pass in California. And of course, there's the town on the plains of eastern Colorado which bears his byname of Kit Carson.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever been forced to complete a task that went against your beliefs or caused you regret?

* Is there any town or historical site near where you live named after someone from history?

* What is one piece of "revisionist history" that you know is false but is being pushed as true today?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person each and every month from the comments left on this blog. Make sure you turn on notifications for comments. You never know when your comment will be a winner!

Come back on the 9th of December to learn about David Bowie and Judge Roy Bean.

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, sign up for my quarterly newsletter. The next issue will be sent on November 15th. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also an advocate for literacy as an educational consultant with Usborne Books. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and four cats in Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Simon Kenton Saved Daniel Boone's Life + Giveaway

  By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Last month, we learned about Stephen Bishop and Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world! If you missed last month's post, you can read it here.

Today, it's time to spotlight another Kentucky pioneer.

THE MAN WHO SAVED DANIEL BOONE'S LIFE

Engraving by Richard Dodson

Back in August, I talked about George Rogers Clark here on the blog and shared about his younger brother of Lewis & Clark fame. Simon Kenton is also connected to the older Clark through their time spent together when they went on the peaceful attack of the British military outposts and Indian settlements in what is now present-day Illinois. While the Revolutionary War battles were being fought all throughout the existing colonies, many other men were also risking their lives in the battle for more land to expand the United States.

People like Simon Kenton aren't as known as Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, or Lewis & Clark, yet their contributions are no less important. Simon was a big bear of a man and survived many ordeals that would have broken or killed other men. His size and ability to withstand pain earned him a great deal of respect. Although Kenton's life began as an illiterate worker on his father's farm in Virginia, he got involved in a jealous fight in 1771 over a woman at the age of 16 and fled, fearing he had killed a man. The love of a beautiful woman can drive men to do some pretty dumb things. *winks* Changing his last name to Butler to avoid being found, he spent the next few years living off the land and exploring the beautiful country in and to the west of the Appalachians.

While serving four years as a scout for settlers against the Shawnee natives, Kenton moved throughout West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, finally settling in Boonesborough. In 1777, the Shawnee attacked the fort there, and Daniel Boone suffered a gunshot to the leg. Boone would have died from being scalped by a tomahawk, but Kenton saved his life. Simon charged the scalper and shot him, then hefted Boone into his arms and carried the man to safety. Boone complimented him saying, "You behaved like a man today. Indeed, you are a fine fellow." Ahh, a high compliment from Daniel Boone!

The next year, Kenton was captured by the Shawnee, held prisoner for a year, traded to the British, then quickly freed again. He returned to service under George Rogers Clark and resumed scouting or leading families to new settlements in both Kentucky and Ohio for the next ten years. Simon also discovered the man he thought he'd killed never actually died, so he resumed using Kenton as his last name.

The only other claim to fame Kenton had was serving as a scout in the War of 1812 and leading a militia group in the Battle of the Thames in 1813. If you're like me, this battle isn't very familiar, but maybe the name Tecumseh is. He was a famous Indian chief, and he died at this battle. Kenton was charged with identifying the chief's body, but pointed to another warrior instead to spare Tecumseh's body from being marred or dismantled and sold as souvenirs. Ugh! And the natives were the ones being called barbarians!

I guess I should also mention Simon had a pretty bad temper. Look what he did at age 16, fighting over that girl! That wasn't the end of it, either. Later, he got into a brawl with future president, Andrew Jackson. There were a lot of people who considered him a big bully.

For the rest of his life, Kenton continued to lead families into Ohio while also living a relatively peaceful existence. He married twice after his first wife died and had ten children altogether. He never did learn to read, but he *was* able to sign his name. Oh, and I just noticed his birthdate. My older brother shares the honor of that same day, April 3rd, and my daughter was born the day before. :)

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What do YOU remember from history classes that covered anything taking place in the Ohio Valley? This would be anything including the present-day states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

* Would you rather be a scout throughout the frontier, or a prisoner of the Shawnee and forced to adapt their ways while living amongst them? Why?

* Do you share a birthday with anyone of notable fame or recognition? Other than yourself, of course? :) Who is it?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person each and every month from the comments left on this blog. You never know when your comment will be a winner!

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, sign up for my quarterly newsletter. The next issue will be sent on November 15th. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

Come back on the 9th of November to learn about Kit Carson in Kentucky *and* Colorado.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also an advocate for literacy as an educational consultant with Usborne Books. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Stephen Bishop and Mammoth Cave + Giveaway

By Tiffany Amber Stockton



So many are familiar with the famous Lewis & Clark duo and the exploration of the western half of the U.S. Did you know the Clark family had TWO famous explorers and pioneers? If you missed last month's post, you can read it here.

Today, let's take a trip underground into the longest cave system in the world!

MAMMOTH CAVE

Luray Caverns in Virginia

Have you ever explored a cave anywhere in the U.S. or perhaps in another country? Growing up, the most famous one for me was Luray Caverns in Virginia. Commercials everywhere featured that destination. Once I married and moved to Colorado, the Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs was the place to see. Now, here in Kentucky, I learned about Mammoth Cave, which is just a little under 2 hours away from me. Well, at least the main entrance is, anyway. :)

With over 412 miles of mapped tunnels stacked on top of each other in five (5) levels, plus another 600 miles suspected to have not even been mapped yet, this cave is rather aptly named, don't you think? It's not known exactly how deep the cave goes, but the cleared tunnels welcome over 500,000 visitors every year. The greater majority of those miles wouldn't be known without the cartographical knowledge of Stephen Bishop, an enslaved spelunker, who was sent into the mines in the 1830's to explore and map the passageways.

Mammoth Cave

Bishop was owned by a lawyer named Franklin Gorin, who had purchased the mine in 1838 with the goal of turning it into a tourist attraction. I won't go into all the details, but Gorin represented a couple during divorce proceedings, and he acquired Stephen Bishop as partial payment for his legal fees. He then leased two other men (Mat Bransford and Nick Bransford, no relation) from their owner to help with the exploration. Prior to all this, the cave was mined for nitrates to be converted into saltpeter and used in ammunition during the War of 1812.

Bishop quickly became an expert in the mine and he, along with the two Bransford men, started giving tours. These three slaves could call their own shots down in the caves, and they could be as free as they desired, interacting with social elites and travelers from all over the world. Gorin only owned the mine for one year before selling it to John Croghan, nephew of William Clark of the Lewis & Clark fame. Croghan spent a lot money fixing up the area in front of the cave. He repaired roads, improved existing buildings, and built a hotel.

Now, people could travel from all over, stay at the hotel, and be led on tours inside the cave. Bishop and the two Bransfords became quite well-known, and Bishop absorbed everything he learned from those who took his tours. From a young man of 17 who could barely write his own name in block letters to a man who could speak some Greek and Latin, read and write, and knew so much about geology that visiting scientists picked his brain for information, Bishop became synonymous with Mammoth Cave. He led tours for twenty years and guided famous people like opera singer Jenny Lind (some might know of her from The Greatest Showman) and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The River Styx in Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave boasts over 130 species of wildlife and every type of cave formation, including gypsum flowers. Some of the areas Bishop explored are frightening to visit even today, and we have modern lighting! You can imagine what it might have been like nearly 200 years ago with just a lantern and some rope.

Caverns, tunnels, black pits, and underground rivers. It was dangerous work exploring a complex honeycomb filled with sinkholes, cracks, fissures, boulders, domes and underwater springs. Areas named Fat Man's Misery, Tall Man's Misery, and Great Relief Hall and bodies of water named Lake Lethe, River Styx and Echo Rivers.

I could continue with a lot more, but if you're interested, do a search on Mammoth Cave history and Stephen Bishop. You won't be disappointed!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What caves or caverns have you visited? Which ones would you like to visit? Or are you claustrophobic, and the mere thought of venturing into a cave sends you into a fit of vapors? :)

* Who is a lesser-known hero in *your* area that might deserve bigger notice than the history books have granted?

* Are there any "geological wonders" in your state?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments you might have on this post in the comment box below. For those of you who have stuck around this far, I'm sending a FREE autographed book to one person each and every month from the comments left on this blog. You never know when your comment will be a winner!

Come back on the 9th of October to learn about Simon Kenton, a man who saved Daniel Boone's life!

For those interested in my "fictional" life as an author and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter. Receive a FREE omitted chapter from my book, A Grand Design, just for subscribing!

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also an advocate for literacy as an educational consultant with Usborne Books. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and four cats in Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.