More than 50 or 75 years ago, celebrations of any kind were rare in Harlan. But when an occasion arose for a get together, everybody turned out from miles around. In November, about 50 years ago, Republician party members met for a huge rally.

Many old timers recalled the gathering and the "Brass Band" that was sent here to play for the celebration. The band was met at the edge of town by a large group of people. As they marched up Main Street to the court house, an old "darky" named Henry Turner rode a horse in front of the band and carried a flag.

"I can hear him as if it was yesterday singing, "Marching Through Georgia," an old timer recalled.

The crowd listened in front of he court house as political men made "speeches." The celebration lasted all day. It was a great occasion for old-timers to have the privilege of spending the day in town and attend a rally.

About the year of 1894, the masons staged a celebration in front of the court house, where all other rallies were held. Dinner was served to the public inside the building.

The old structure had four outside doors, one on each side of the building. The tables from which the food was served extended from one door to the other. The pioneer citizens who sat around the table were a closely knit group of people.

They had so much in common. Most of their ancestors came from Virginia and had inter-married until most everybody was related. These community get-togethers gave them an opportunity to discuss sister Susie's new baby or "Aunt" Mary's quilting party.

The women folk came dressed in their very best"mother hubbards." The long, loose fitting dresses and the little ruffled bonnet with apron string ties were very typical wearing apparel.

Kentuckians have been described extensively. When we see someone that does not fit the pattern, we know right away that he must be from elsewhere.

The build-up is a bit exaggerated to the point where some outsiders would be suprised to see us wearing shoes.

In addition to the political rallies and Masonic meetings, occasionally someone would bring a hand organ and a monkey to town. Excitement rose to a high pitch as the organ man stood in front of the court house grinding away on his instrument.

Everyone gathered around to hear the "goings on". A real, live, dancing bear was brought to town one day. The younger children held to their parents or ran and hid for fear the animal would break the chain its owner held.

Any sort of entertainment, no matter how small, brought crowds flocking to town. The celebrations were so few and far between that the old-timers took advantage of every opportunity to meet together.

picture...CENTRAL STRET---The first light poles erected on Central Street sat almost half way in the middle of the street, but it didn't matter because there were no cars. The poles served as a hitching post. the building with the removal sale sign is that of Home Super Market today. Eaarly citizens were proud of the newly made sidewalks. The hotel which was on the corner of Central and Second Streets had burned, and had not been replaces when this picture was taken.

Sunday November 8, 1953

Volume 52 Number 261

Pages 1 & 8

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