SOUTH-CENTRAL-KENTUCKY-L Archives

From: Sandi Gorin <>
Subject: SULPHER WELL - METCALFE CO - CONTINUED
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 09:06:26 -0600

From the homemaker's project ca 1940.

Down through the years countless strangers have come to our village, but
none a mysterious as Mr. McLeod of Scotland, who boarded with Mrs. Estes
around 1884. He possessed a pleasing personality, was well educated, and a
splendid artist, but so faithfully did he guard his past that no one knew
anything of his life prior to his coming to Sulphur Well. Unfortunately, he
was an alcoholic. One night while intoxicated he wandeed down the hill,
fell from a foot bridge crossing the ravine and broke his neck. Penniless,
and leaving no record of his past or relatives, he was buried by the people
of Sulphur Well in the Neal graveyard. N A Neal and Sidney Smith purchased
his burial clothes.

The first store building in Sulphur Well was erected where Mrs. Hurt's
store now stands. Around 1880 this store burned. A new building was soon
under way and upon its completion occupied by Dr. Hamilton. This changed
ownership several times. Other merchants were Dr. Smith, Dr. Lashley, T D
Hayes and Brother, conveyors and settlers. In 1904 J S Smith purchased the
property and replaced it in 1912 with a larger building, which was later
sold to Mrs. Mary Hurt.

The first post office was established July 30, 1879, with Thomas M.
Quesenberry postmaster. Mail was delivered from Greensburg sem-weekly.

Prior to 1911, crossing Little Barren river was a great handicap. The fist
means were small canoes and foot bridges, replaced by foot bridges
suspended by cables, the last being built by C W Thompson. In 1911 an all
purpose steel bridge was constructed by Metcalfe County, to be replaced by
a concrete structure opened to transportation late in 1949.

The most used spot of ground in the village is probably what is referred to
as "The Grove." It has been used as a gathering place by people far and
near for many years. The lands on both sides of the river were evidently
used by the Indians as camping and hunting grounds, since many flint spikes
have been found in this vicinity. Later the "Grove" was used by General
Morgan of Civil War fame as a training place for his soldiers.

Home-coming day, the third Sunday in August, has been the day of days at
Sulphur Well since the late '80's. Few people know of the origin of this
gala fete. At that time the common means of transportation was horse and
mule back, as buggies were not numerouss and telephones, non-existent. Many
people from Hart, Green and Barren Counties came horse back on Saturday and
stayed until Sunday afternoon, or got an early start Sunday morning and
spent Sunday at Sulphur Well. The tragedy was no one knew who of their
neighbors would be present, so the young people of Hart County greed to set
the third Sunday in August as the day for the reunion. Some who were
responsible for this agreement were the Carpenters, Kings, Smiths,
Larimores, Bumgardners, Houks, Mosses and Russells.

Thus was born the incentive for all who could to come and renew
acquaintances with their Hart County friends. Soon home coming day was an
actuality for people from many places. The automobile has made it possible
for them to come from great distances, but few of the originaators of home
coming day are now to be seen. Many are dead, others physically unable to
join the happy throng milling through "The Grove", or dining at Buela
Villa, or lounging on its spacious veranda, as young and old relive their
past and prognosticate their tomorrows.

For many years Sulphur Well was without a church. In time missionaries came
into the community and the need for a place of worship was felt. In 1914
the Methodist Church was completed and dedicated; in 1930 the Mormon church
was built.

Since its inception many changes have come to the village of Sulphur Well.
The advent of the automobile, good roads, electricity and other modern
conveniences have made life more comfortable and pleasant for its
inhabitants. Yet through the years the one attraction that brings people
from many state to this little Kentucky village is the never changing,
clear, cold sulphur water, gushing from the earth with its own natural
force. To its waters we own our nativity - Sulphur Well.

Next week - a look at Summer Shade.

>>}}}0>> <<0{{{<<
Sandi Gorin - 205 Clements Ave., Glasgow, KY 42141-3409
502-651-9114 -
GORIN GEN PUB: http://members.tripod.com/~GorinS/index.html
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