River Towns of Central Kentucky
Author Interview
|
An Interview with the Author of River Towns of Central Kentucky...
What was your inspiration for writing the book?
After seeing a 100 year old painting by Kentucky artist Paul Sawyier of High Bridge, and discovering I lived nearby, I
decided to visit High Bridge to see what the area was like “today”. On a return visit to photograph the bridge I met some
elderly community members who told me a little history about the bridge and about their families that once lived in the
community. The more I learned about the bridge, the area and the residents that once lived along the river in High
Bridge and the surrounding areas the more I wanted to learn. Many people pass through these areas on a daily basis
not knowing the important role these communities once played in the commerce of the state.
After finding a postcard of the Falls City II with a message on the back from a crew member to his family I decided to
expand my research for the book to include the riverboats as they were a key element to life on the river for many
years. However, researching the boats was easier said than done because detailed records were kept on the boats that
once traversed the Ohio or Mississippi Rivers, but not many records exist on the vessels of the Kentucky River. Through
my research I met Amalie Preston and Joyce Hardin whose families were key figures in the Kentucky River steamboat
trade and they provided me with some invaluable photos.
How did you research the information for the book?
Having always been a history lover, after my first visit to the High Bridge area I began searching for more information by
reading through county records and newspapers and scouring antique stores for old photographs or postcards. Many
of the photos were contributed by individuals I had met while speaking at their historical society about my first book on
Kentucky’s covered bridges or met through pure coincidence. This book has been a labor of love for me and it
encompasses many years of research and many special memories of photographing High Bridge and meeting the
people who contributed either a photo or personal memory to the book.
What will readers find interesting about the book?
Readers will not only be interested in the book because of the many surprising facts about the area that this book
reveals, but it has an unprecedented collection of vintage photographs of not only High Bridge, but communities such as
Oregon, Brooklyn and Camp Nelson. The photographs were painstakingly collected from many sources over many
years. Great care was taken so that these photographs were reproduced at the highest quality possible.
What writing advice would you give to aspiring authors and historians?
The best piece of advice for aspiring authors and historians is never think that you can’t make a difference. If you have
an interest in something, chances are others do too, or you could help inspire others to pursue their interests.
What lasting impact do you hope your book will leave?
I hope my book will bring knowledge and awareness of all historical landmarks and make people think twice before they
are destroyed or passed by without taking the time to notice and appreciate them. By preserving our history we are
insuring our legacy will be passed on to future generations.