Books on the Bell Witch

mtskeptics.homestead.com/BellWitch1.html

Before I go on too much about the Bell Witch, let me recommend that you check out the link above. This is a great link to The Middle Tennessee Skeptics site concerning the Bell Witch. These guys have done a great job researching the facts!

Personally, I love a good, weird, scary story! I especially love the story of the Bell Witch. However, the MTS does a very thorough job with their research. Even if you are not one with skeptical leanings, check out their site, as they mention some good resources, and have a nice, easy to understand timeline of events.

The skeptic group also makes a very good point concerning books on the Bell Witch. There really isn't a lot of source material on the story. For anyone interested in the Bell Witch, copies of the old books are the ones to read. They specifically name the original, "Authenticated History of the Bell Witch."

Also, if you enjoy collecting unique books, the Bell Witch Cave gift shop offers some printings made exclusively for them. I think thats pretty cool!

After you check out the old books, there are a few more recent ones that deserve some attention. I found a 1971 Ripley's Believe It Or Not comic with an 8 page adaptation of the story. The creepy vintage art work alone makes this book worth hunting down.

"Echoes of the Bell With in the 20th Century" is an interesting read, as it gives mostly ghost stories from the former owner of the Bell Witch Cave.

Tim Henson has an interesting book on the genealogy of the Bell family. He has put a lot of research in to making the book, and trying to figure out where some of the family members fit in to the story.

Concerning the older books, the one by Charles Bailey Bell is interesting. Oddly, towards the end of the book, the ghost gets a bit preachy talking at length about religion. Most accounts of the ghost do note that she had a knowledge of the Bible. As a side note, most accounts also describe that the Bell Witch was quit the racist.

Cowboy Mouth at the Southgate House in Newport

Cowboy Mouth has been around for a long time. They have been doing their thing for about 2 decades, but play with more energy than any band ever.

Which makes me wonder why it took me this long to catch them live.

Let me back up a little. I used to go to a lot of concerts. I have easily been to over a couple hundred. When I lived in Cleveland, it wasn't uncommon to go to several a week.

I no longer live in an area like Cleveland, and I simply don't go to concerts like I used to. Like everyone else in the world, I am getting older. I like getting to bed at an early hour. I enjoy getting my rest.

AND, after going to so many concerts, I have come to have high expectations. If you are a concert veteran, you know what I am talking about. You want to leave every show knowing that its great to be alive. You want to feel something supernatural. You expect some magic.

I felt that after this show.

I read that Cowboy Mouth would be doing a show in Newport, which is a very convenient location for me. I really haven't made much of an effort to hit a concert anywhere lately, but I figured catching Cowboy Mouth would be worth it.

I am glad I did.

On the Cowboy Mouth website, there is a great quote from Cake Magazine about the band. It says, "on a bad night they'll tear the roof off the joint, and on a good night, they'll save your soul."

I feel a need to go out among the unconverted to tell them about Cowboy Mouth.

Fred LeBlanc is easily one of the most exciting musicians to watch anywhere. He is rocking out on the drums while simultaneously acting as the perfect singing front man. If he were only a drummer or singer, you would leave his show talking about how he was an amazing vocalist or drummer. It is literally unreal the way he plays and sings.

Cowboy Mouth took the stage at about 10, and played until midnight to a very nice and enthusiastic crown at the Southgate House.

Maybe 10 minutes into the show, Fred left the stage (while the rest of the band played) to walk to the balcony to playfully scold the two or so people not up and dancing. Everyone in the venue was up and screaming the entire time. I have never been to a show where every single person got involved like this. Even if you weren't familiar with the songs, you could feel Fred's energy, and you could appreciate what the band was giving to the audience. You were compelled to give it back to them.

The band invited a young girl (11 or 12) up on stake to play drums with them. It was very cool.

After the show, the band stuck around to sign CDs and chat with fans. The band was great, and to be honest, I was personally so blown away I did not know what to say to them.

The band talked to everyone as if they were old friends. Fred actually thanked me for coming out, and also told me that he hoped I would enjoy the new album I bought at the merch table. The bands appreciation for their fans is obvious.

Cowboy Mouth does not take advantage of their fans in any way. T-shirts were a very reasonable $15, and their new CD was a very affordable $10. Most bands around would easily ask for more. Oh, and tickets to the show were $15 in advance, $18 at the door. For about $40 you could get in, and leave with a CD and shirt. You can't buy a ticket to most shows now for that price.

Let me also say that I am so happy to have caught Cowboy Mouth at the GREAT Southgate House. This is a very cozy venue. The staff was cool and friendly and I didn't see any concert goer hassled at all. It was hot outside, but it was very cool inside (it felt like the AC was on, which is a rarity for a concert hall).

I am looking forward to seeing more shows at the Southgate House and I am looking forward to seeing more Cowboy Mouth!

One last thing. As I mentioned, there were some kids at the show which was nice! The ballroom was non-smoking, and a friendly vibe was going on. Sure, it is Cowboy Mouth (you can expect a few four letter words) but the atmosphere was family friendly. I did feel bad for the kids in one way though. They are young, and they will, at some point in their lives, go out to see other bands. I fear they are going to feel some serious disappointment whenever they see another band. Their concert going bar has been set high.

Random Thoughts On Friday

http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/blogs/x680960776#axzz1VJxgNOFn

If you have read my blog for some time (again, thanks mom!) you know that I love the town of Salem. I love the strange history, the charm, and the people. It is simply a near perfect town. Modern beauty and preserved history are right there. I have made several trips there, and I am itching to get back soon.

I love historic tourist attractions. I think it is very exciting taking a tour of a historic home, and just indulging in a place's history.

Call me smug, but I also like knowing that I have supported a place by buying a ticket, or by spending some money in a gift shop. In fact, we will not think twice about dropping a few extra bucks on an item in a historic gift shop. There is something extra special about flipping the pages of a book about Gettysburg purchased in the PA town. There is something more authentic about sending a postcard from Mammoth Cave when the postcard was actually bought at Mammoth Cave.

If you visit an area frequently, you may not have time to take a tour for the nth time, but you still might want to support a place by stopping by their gift shop to drop some coin. I think management at most tourist attractions appreciate people stopping by their gift shops to make a purchase. In fact, I can only think of one that doesn't.

I mentioned before that we had a very negative experience the last time we stopped by the House of the Seven Gables in Salem. I found this write up above from someone who also had a bad experience there. Looks like some in the Salem community felt that the House of the Seven Gables needed to work on how they handle things too.

Obviously, the owners of the property can do whatever they want to with their place, and that's fine.

Tourists and locals can choose to visit some of the many other great tourist attractions in town, and support their gift shops.

Adams, Tennessee and the Bell Witch Part 2

I am still excited about my recent road trip to Adams, TN. In my last post on the town, I included some photos from about a year ago.

This year, I again stopped at the old school house, which is now an antique mall.

The place seems to be popular with locals and tourists.

If you like looking for old antiques, this is a very fun place (I found some great old postcards there myself).

Also, it is an old school building. All school buildings have a cafeteria, and in Adams, they still put the old cafeteria to good use. VERY GOOD USE.

If you are driving through this part of the country, even if you could care less about the folklore, stop by the old school and have lunch. I have had some GREAT fish, greens, and brisket here. I took a picture of the plate I was served last time there. I could not finish it all. They have nice, cozy country food that you will love.

Also, the old school has Tim Henson! Tim has been at the School House each time I have been there. The guy knows just about everything concerning local history. He has written a book on the Bell family AND he contributed to a documentary on the Bell Witch.

Tim is a gold mine of information, and an asset to local tourism.

Oh, the School House has a small but back 1 room museum about the town's history. Behind and to the side of the School House, there are several buildings and other items involved in the history of the area.

I should also mention the cemetery and monument down the road from the School House. LOTS of Bell family history to see here!

Roller Derby in Lexington

rocknrollergirls.com

I did not know until recently that Lexington (and several other areas) were doing roller derby again!

The Roller Girls of Central Kentucky have their matches at the Convention Center (part of the Rupp Arena complex).

I had a great time. This is a really fun event. The atmosphere was party like and family friendly at the same time. I saw a lot of kids, and a lot of older folks. All were friendly (the guy setting next to me explained the rules as he saw the confused look on my face).

Oh, there was a fun band playing, and hoola-hoopers (not sure if that is the right term) there to entertain too!

I still don't understand all of the rules, but I get how it works.

I have to admit that I expected more violence. I think most of us have watched old clips and think of roller derby as very aggressive. I thought there would be some elbows, clotheslines, maybe a few punches.

Those things did not happen. In fact, I was a bit impressed with the sportsmanship. One participant fell and it looked like she hit her head. All action stopped as professionals came to check on her. She was OK, and play continued. Otherwise, the sport seemed fairly scientific.

Check out their web site and go to a game! Tickets were around $10, and they had a large enthusiastic crowd. Merch was unique, cool, and affordable (I bought a nice t-shirt with the team logo for $15- the logo is awesome!).

I know the area is familiar with various sports teams coming... and going. I do hope that the Lexington area gives this team the support it deserves so that they will stick around!

Postcard: Between Evansville, Indiana and Owensboror-Henderson, Kentucky

I love this postcard showing the Ohio, between two of my favorite towns! I have spent a lot of time in this area....

Adams, Tennessee and the Bell Witch Part 1

Autumn is right around the corner! I can't say it enough, but I love everything about the entire season coming up!

Sure, I love summer, but the season following it is the best. The leaves, the falling temperatures, apple festivals, and Halloween!

As I mentioned before, pretty much all of my posts for the next several months will have a light chill to them. Folklore, strange tales, true crime books, apples, and the colors brown and orange will factor in to my upcoming entries.

And, just for the heck of it, here are a few photos I took in Adams Tennessee (the home of the Bell Witch!) last year. I actually went there again recently, and will get more photos up soon, but for now, here you go!

Let me say that Adams is an EXTREMELY small town not too far from Hopkinsville Kentucky. The town has a few businesses, and at least a couple operate because of their connection to the store of the famous ghost.

The town is easily worth a day trip, and you can entertain yourself for a whole day here between the great antique store and the Bell Witch Cave.

Postcard: Saltpetre Vats in Mammoth Cave

"During the War of 1812, saltpetre was mined in Mammoth Cave and converted into gunpowder. It was also at this point that Edwin Booth recited to a group of Cave visitors in 1872."

I really love the look of this postcard.

Knoxville Mall

The mall in Knoxville is a great one for walking around and shopping! I love their art and decor! The fist are the coolest!

You can probably tell from my posts that the Knoxville area is really growing on me!

Random Thoughts On Friday

Just a few notes.....

After trying to separate this blog, I have put it back together. I thought a blog about general travels around America, and another one about travels in Kentucky would be the way to go.

I was wrong. It just kind of made the whole thing more complicated. I DID like the names of the two split blogs, using lines from my favorite songs, but Kentucky Travels is really to the point. So, the blog is once again "Kentucky Travels".

I have imported all of the entries from the separated blog back to this site, so they are now all here.

Postcard: Zachary Taylor's Home, Louisville, Ky.

McKay Used Book Store- Knoxville

Recently, a friend tipped me off to McKay's used books in Tennessee! This place is great!

I can look through used books all day long. I really love finding a cool old out of print sci-fi novel, or a book about travel.

This place had everything! I found an obscure baseball book signed by the author for $4, a couple of books on regional folklore, and others. The store had a free books bin right outside the entrance door too.

mckaybooks.com

Randon Thoughts on Friday

Man, things are busy here!

I do have some entries to get up soon. Lots of photos on the camera, and not enough time to load them on to my slow computer.... But it will be done!

I think I am going to rejoin my two travel blogs again. All of my faithful readers (thanks mom!) know that a few months ago, I split this blog in two. One would cover my home state and my favorite state- Kentucky! The other would cover the rest of the country. Well, I think I will just go back to the original format of a Kentuckian travelling around the state.... and everywhere else.

The minor league baseball season will be winding down in the next month. That means I will be celebrating Halloween! The season will have a huge influence on my entries coming up in the next few months. My personal Halloween season goes from early August through the end of November.

You know I love the obscure. I love rare old postcards, pictures of odd tourist stops, and reading forgotten books. Well, there is something pretty mainstream that I am excited about. I am VERY excited about a NEW Planet of the Apes movie coming out. The previews give me goose bumps!

Wienermobile

We took this photo of the Wienermobile in the Florence area.

LUCKILY, I have crossed paths with the Wienermobile more than once. In fact, I have watched them go by on the road a time or two. Man, are they cool!

Check out my entry on my other blog entry about the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. I have a photo of one there.

This photo was taken while my car, and the Wienermobile were both in motion, so it is not perfect.

Downtown Knoxville Farmer's Market

Knoxville has a GREAT farmers market set up downtown! I am JUST really getting to be familiar with this area, and man is it growing on me! They have some very nice indy shops and restaurants in the area.

here are some photos!

Random Thoughts On Friday

What a great time for a road trip! The weather has been nice, and there is a lot going on!

I did want to mention briefly that the last space shuttle mission EVER has just launched! STS-135 will be the last one.

I do hope that the country gets back on track with space exploration. There is a ton to gain from it. Also, we will no longer be a major player in space travel! Heck, it looks like we really won't be much of a player at all.

I hope everyone takes a moment to remember the glory days of Apollo, and the excitement of watching the shuttles go up. More importantly, I hope that Americans everywhere think about the possibilities. I am still hoping another moon landing,an asteroid landing, or a man on Mars happens in my lifetime.

Hillbilly Hot Dogs

Yes, I know I covered Hillbilly Hot Dogs before, but the place is just that cool.

Seriously, I can't say enough that this is one of the few places out there getting a ton of hype that deserves it. In fact, this place alone justifies a road trip to the Huntington West Virginia area.

If Hillbilly Hot Dogs served lesser quality food, I would suggest you go because of the cool decorations and set up.

If Hillbilly Hot Dogs had the same quality of food, but was in a bland location, i would tell you to go for the amazing dogs.

Luckily, the owners of Hillbilly Hot Dogs care about selling a good product in a unique atmosphere.

We once again set in the same bus and enjoyed our dogs and fries.

GO NOW! Eat the best hot dog ever! Make sure you tip at least a couple of dollars (because they deserve it!) AND so you can have the "Weenie Song" sang to you personally! Sign their wall! Eat on a bus!!!

'nuff said.

hillbillyhotdogs.com