Posted by blamethebanjo on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Springtime is here and I find myself longing to be in Kentucky.So many of us leave the places we call home for different reasons.Finding a job has always been one of the reasons many people have left rural areas. To seek employment in more populated areas is the reason my family left Butler County Kentucky long before I was born.My ties with Kentucky have always held strong no matter where I find myself.One place in Kentucky is so dear to my heart because it is the birthplace of Bill Monroe.
You can not help but feel the history of Bluegrass all around you in this little country town.Heading southeast on highway 231 from Owensboro Kentucky you can travel forty miles and find yourself in Hartford.Beaver Dam is the next town and they sit side by side.There is a road sign telling you that Rosine is seven or so miles down Hwy 62.For anyone who loves Bluegrass music the excitement starts to build at this point.
When you come upon Rosine the first establishment you see is a small Mom and Pop style grocery store.The old white, wooden structure has stood there many years.Right beside it is an old barn that has been turned in to a gathering place and stage for anyone who wants to share a song.The local folks who are regulars prove that the music is alive and well.Many of them are very talented singers and pickers.
If you walk up there holding an instrument you might as well get ready to be asked to play on stage.Now of course you don't have to but the people make you feel so comfortable you almost can't turn them down.The parking lot is usually full of pickers eager to share a tune with you.I felt like I had found my place in this world and dreaded leaving even before I left.
State road 1544 is the road that runs beside the old store and where many of the Monroe family rests in the cemetary there.The first time I visited Bill Monroe was still playing his music and at times he would show up in Rosine.They presented a large a plaque with his likeness on it.It hangs on the door of the old barn.My memories of Rosine are many.My wife and I as well as my parents would go.My friend and co-worker Blane Hall and his wife Roxanne would go to play music on friday nights sometimes too.
The last trip I made there was a headstone there.Bill Monroe rests there along with his parents,brothers and sister and Uncle Pen.You can drive the road that winds on up the hill and see out over Jerusalem Ridge.On up the hill stands the house the Monroes lived in.It has been restored and recieves guests on weekdays.
If you ever get the chance to go to Rosine you will leave with renewed love for the music I think.I know for sure you will be touched like never before by the history and by walking in the footprints of a great man.
8 comments on “On My Way Back To The Old Home...”
clio Says:
Sunday, April 20, 2008 @1:44:48 PM
Been there. It's exciting.
blamethebanjo Says:
Sunday, April 20, 2008 @2:50:11 PM
I love the place.I have to get back there soon.
fisher Says:
Sunday, April 20, 2008 @4:30:03 PM
I drove thru the Kentucky once.I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.
blamethebanjo Says:
Monday, April 21, 2008 @6:04:16 AM
There are some beautiful places there.That is true of all of our states.Each one has it's own set of areas that are unique.This is a beautiful Country.Lots of good fishin' too!
Lenwardg Says:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @6:48:18 AM
Excellent story about the "birthplace". I want to get there someday and experience it.
blamethebanjo Says:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @7:02:30 AM
Len, you will never forget it! Thanks.
Darrell.
HUDBONE Says:
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @12:43:33 PM
I know what you mean Darrell. My people did the same thing, ...from the Jackson Area-Breathitt County. Alot of my people still live in that area. I often consider movin' back to the Bluegrass State myself. ...Its a Small World :-)
blamethebanjo Says:
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @3:49:00 PM
Hudbone, My wife and I discuss it nearly every day.There are are still a whole bunch of our family there also.I have a feeling we will end up going back.Reckon there is a house in Rosine available?
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