There is a chill in the air this Friday morning – more reason to stay inside to catch a wonderful new documentary now airing on Kentucky Educational Television – Creelsboro and the Cumberland: A Living History. This one-hour documentary examines the history and culture of a rural valley along the Cumberland River in Russell County, Kentucky, and I was lucky enough to be part of the project. And you can watch it this evening, January 17, 2020 at 5 pm on KET 3.
The program logo.
I’ll be the first to admit that my personality is not exactly shy, retiring, and subdued. I enjoyed dramatic productions throughout my school years, although I was appalled by the amount of makeup deemed necessary for the stage. But as I entered my chosen profession of historic preservation and architectural history, I didn’t foresee a future in front of the camera.
That could account for why I giggled throughout my first viewing of the Creelsboro documentary – especially once I realized, watching some early takes, how serious I look when talking about documenting historic resources.
Aaron McClure house. The McClure family has lived in the Swan Pond Bottom section of the Creelsboro valley for eight generations. The Aaron McClure home was originally built as a one-story house in the 1840s. Aaron’s son, James, added the second story before this photograph was taken. Credit: The McClure Family.
Thankfully, my occasionally dour expression is but a small part of this tapestry of history, all tied together by the Cumberland River. I could devote thousands of words to this project, and a thousand more explaining the reasons that you should watch this documentary – but I would rather laud the folks that made it possible. Namely, the past and present residents of Creelsboro, Kentucky.
The Cumberland River below the dam.
Prior to any time before the camera, I began the survey of the standing historic resources in this valley along the Cumberland River. During the oppressive heat of the summer, I was welcomed warmly by a community that has weathered generations of change.
The river bottoms have defined life along the Cumberland River for centuries.
My fieldwork was only one small portion of the project – important archaeological excavations have uncovered so much data and history not now visible. Oral history interviews formed the bedrock for the documentary, and were such a joyful experience for me. I love stories, and the opportunity to record the stories of Creelsboro was amazing.
Rockhouse Bottom, a natural arch in the project area.
Historic architecture, welcoming residents, incredible landscapes, a river with a mind of its own, heartbreaking and heartwarming stories – this was an opportunity that I may never experience again.
Out on the Cumberland River with the incomparable Beth Fowler and Tom Law, without whom I never would have been able to be recorded…without breaking into fits of giggles.
You can learn more about the Creelsboro project at its companion website. I only have the February viewing times right now – but hopefully the documentary will make its way onto the main KET channel, and then be available online.
KET3: Sunday, February 2 @ 2:00 am; 10:30 am; and 7:00 pm
KET3: Wednesday, February 5 @ midnight; 8:30 am; and 5:00 pm
KET3: Monday, February 10 @ 7:30 am; and 4:00 pm
KET3: Wednesday, February 19 @ 7:30 am; and 4:00 pm
Nothing like a brisk fall day on the Cumberland River!
I watched! It was great, so interesting. You didn’t look so serious, you did a fine job!
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it – it’s a great story.
It was great! My Mom’s family were from Creelsboro the Burchett and Reeders. I still have family there—the Millers and Lawless families!
My Mom passed away in July of last year at 96. She would have loved the show!! She had many memories of the Cumberland River!!
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Can hardly wait to see this. My Great, Great Grandfather and namesake, Thomas McDowell, lived and farmed on the Cumberland. He was in the First Kentucky Calvary during the Rebellion. https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Riders-First-Kentucky-Cavalry/dp/1484953126
and used to log, build rafts to float down to Nashville where he would sell and buy horses to bring back to Pulaski County on the Cumberland
Let me know what you think! I hope it makes it onto the main KET channel at some point.
Janie,
Great story, and I hope you’ll do a photo book-Album of the Creelsboro Area, very soon!
I’ll be your first customer.
The Creelsboro Community Group is planning another Fall Festival, #2, In Creelsboro, KY. In 2020!! Date TBA Soon!
Best Regards,
John ‘Brack’ Flanagan
All the credit is due to you and the other former/current residents of Creelsboro! I’m just so sorry I didn’t get to help with your oral history interview – but fingers crossed, I can make it down there this fall.
Great,…have you heard when the DVD will be available? I get calls every week asking about purchasing a dvd!
I was told in February – when they are available, I will post something here and on the Gardens to Gables Facebook page.
Great,…have you heard when the DVD will be available? I get calls every week asking about purchasing a dvd on the Documentary.
We live in Creelsboro and enjoyed the documentary. We were able to view it at the Church during the Creelsboro Celebration in September. We are proud of the history our small quiet town has.
My mom and her family were from this part of Kentucky. The Oldhams and the Hills. I wish she was alive to see this documentary. I’m sharing with cousins who still live in this area. Thank you so much for making this film.
Thank you for sharing! There will be DVDs available in the next few weeks, and I will share a post when they are completed.
Will this documentary be aired again in the near future? I would love to see it.
This is the February schedule (and not everyone gets all of the KET channels, so you would need to check in your area – people with satellites only get the main KET channel):
KET3: Sunday, February 2 @ 2:00 am; 10:30 am; and 7:00 pm
KET3: Wednesday, February 5 @ midnight; 8:30 am; and 5:00 pm
KET3: Monday, February 10 @ 7:30 am; and 4:00 pm
KET3: Wednesday, February 19 @ 7:30 am; and 4:00 pm