The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1912-1984, 1916-04-14
"reminiscences
OF CRAB ORCHARD
SIXTY YEARS AGO

vi \NfAD ONSIl<AxND
SIXTY YEARS AGO
What changes can take place in
this long period of time!
We can scarcely realize. l was
then quite young-just entering in
to my teens, and building air cas-
soon to crumble and fall. Those days
were too happy to last, and l recall
them as a sweet dream of the long
ago. Crab Orchard, at that time,
covered only a small space of ground
but the inhabitants were thrifty and
industrious, and all classes, mer-
chants, mechanics, tailors and day la
borers were all working, striving to
make an honest living. The mer-
chants did a fine business. In those
days the Stanford people came here
to do their shopping. The buildings
at Crab Orchard Springs were one
story frame cottages, along the pike,
and a row running back from the
pike, that is now known as coffee
Row." A few more cottages were
scattered around over the ground.
Notwithstanding these poor accom-
modations, they entertained large
crowds each season-the question Of
ten being asked, "How can such vast
crowds be accommodated" After
the Springs hotel was full, the pro-
prietor kindly sent the guests to the
hotels and private boarding houses in
town, which was a great help to the
inhabitants. Many came from far
and near to drink the life-giving wa
tiers. The wealthy southern plant
ers came with their families, hand
some carriages, horses, coachmen
and maids, and fine saddle horses.
1t was a beautiful sight of an eve
! ming to see twelve or more couples
go by on horseback. The ladies' fine
riding habits nearly touching the
ground. They wore black silk hats,
something like men wore, but not so
tall. With one exception l never
saw a woman ride astride in those
days. When l was about ten years
old, an old woman about 60 years
old, gray haired and wrinkled, rode
into town astride a large horse, with
a two-bushel meal sack across her
saddle, which was filled with roots
and herbs for medicine. She doctored
around where she lived south of town
in our knobs. She wore a striped
linsey dress, about the length now
worn, and not much wider, and not
divided skirt. You can imagine
how she. looked. Her name was
Granny Griffin
Both churches were in fine work
ing order. Each had live workers
many wealthy members in each
church. We had Saturday meeting
met long before preaching hour. 1t
was an inspiration to the young mem
bers to look at the middle-aged men
and women who sat in the Amen cor
ner, spending a social time before
preaching. When the preaching
hour arrived their singing and pray.
ing, and the work of the church be.
ing through, the treasurer was there
to pay the preacher, janitor, or any
debts that came against the church
Thus business matters were never
once named on Sunday. We then hac
preaching services and went home
feeling it was good to have beer
there. The old brick church if l an
not mistaken, was begun in 1854, ane
dedicated in 1856 or 1857. But we
did not enjoy our home long. The
/ war UcSdH, anu CiS C1luI SiCo WCle
taken for hospitals, and badly dam
LACED After the war closed, the
churches were repaired, but the mem
bers were scattered. Some had died
others had moved away, so the
church has never attained its former
usefulness. Now l come to the sac
part of my story. In the year 1904
on February 7, a destructive cy-
clone destroyed the once handsome
church and out of the large member
ship it had when built, only three
were living here when it was destroy
ed, DR.. Joseph Pettus, Mrs. Rhoda
Higgins and myself. Since then, DR.
Pettus and Mrs. Higgins have died
and am living on borrowed time.
can only recall nine who were living
at that time, who are living today
Mr.. John Edmiston, Mr.. and Mrs
James Guest, Mrs. Mary Hunter, Mrs
Jane Buchanan, Mrs. Mat Fish, Mrs
Hannah Steger, Mrs Kate Magee ant
myself. In conclusion may / ash
each member of the Christian church
to consecrate their lives anew, anC
pray that our church may grow tt
be what it once was. Our pastor i:
trying to build UP the church. Car
we not unite our efforts to make hi:
work success.
May God bless all in attendance
here tonight is my prayer.