My Visit to Old Boone (1903)

The following article was published in the Boone County Recorder 14 Jan 1903 page 1 col. 5. It was written by Daisy Belle Rouse of Milan, Indiana, and tells of her recent visit to Burlington, our county seat. It gives a glimpse of the way our county was viewed at that time by at least one visitor who lived in the north:

From Christmas until New Year’s, I spent a delightful vacation in old Boone and to say that I had an enjoyable time, would be expressing it too mildly. For of all the places I have ever been, I have never yet found more fun or hospitality than in Boone. I fully agree with the “editor of the Union Blade,” that no where on earth can these delightful peculiarities be found except in “Old Kentucky.” No State can excel her in sociability and the art of entertaining. While over there I was honored by invitations to several turkey dinners, which to me, were very enjoyable and unique.

On Sunday I spent the day at Mr. Will Clore’s; Monday, at Mr. Lineas Kelly’s, and on Wednesday at Mr. Chas. Kelly’s. Three more delightful day, I never spent, and never did I find more entertaining hosts and hostesses.

One amusing feature, to me, was “horse back riding” and as it was something new to me, I enjoyed it very much and saw some rugged yet beautiful country. The old Parson’s mill had an attraction for me, it brought to my mind these lines,

“Nestled down in the snowy hills

It stood in silence dark and grim,

A structure in ruins and sad decay,

That frailer grew as the years grew dim.”

Then after sampling some of Mr. Parson’s “chewing gum” and viewing his neat little store, our gay little party turned our horses homeward. I especially, feel amply repaid for my ride over the hills.

I also had the pleasure of calling on the Misses Cook, and meeting many of Boone’s young people, that every one should feel honored to become acquainted with. As far as my visit at Mr. Doc Clore’s is concerned, Well, there is no need of me giving an account of that, for every one knows “Cousin Doc” and his family to be one of the best and most entertaining in the county.
The 2d of Jan. I returned home. My ride on the “Swan” was enjoyable and as the hills of “Old Kentucky” faded into a dim outline, against which the mist above the water nestled in shadowy folds, I took one last look at them, sincerely hoping that before many months I may again visit that enchanting region, called “Old Boone.”

Daisy Belle Rouse, Milan, Ind.

Copied 12 December 2007

I cannot verify the source of the poetry.