Boone County Mystery Images

LATEST POST:

History’s Mystery Image #15

APRIL 3, 2026

THE REVEAL:

This month’s mystery photo was Rosella French Porterfield – educator, librarian, and activist. Rosella’s education began in an all-black one-room schoolhouse in Owensboro, KY. She graduated from an all-black high school as valedictorian and would graduate magna cum laude with a BA in English from Kentucky State College. After moving to Walton, Rosella became a teacher at an all-black school in Elsmere. With no car, she had to ride the bus to get to work. One morning, Rosella refused to sit in the back of a segregated bus, telling the driver that she had three brothers in the armed forces, which gave her the right to sit anywhere she pleased.

Years later, while working at Wilkins High School, Rosella saw the school was in dire need of books and supplies. She contacted the superintendent of the Erlanger-Elsmere Schools and made her voice heard until their needs were met. A year after the Supreme Court ruling of Brown v. Board of Education, she was a voice for change once again. She advocated for the integration of the Erlanger-Elsmere schools. The proposal for a phased-in integration of the district was unanimously approved. In addition to her already impressive resume, Rosella became the first Black librarian in the Erlanger-Elsmere Schools, working at the Tichenor Middle School, until she retired in 1980.

MORE POSTS:

History’s Mystery Image #14

MARCH 13, 2026

THE REVEAL:

#DidYouKnow the first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was played in 1939? That was also the first time the term “March Madness” was used. With this year’s tournament tipping off Tuesday, we wanted to get you in the spirit!

Our mystery photo is Walton native John “Frenchie” DeMoisey. Basketball was introduced early in our area; teams were formed in Walton-Verona schools as early as 1904.

DeMoisey played basketball at the University of Kentucky in the 1930s. He earned All-Southeastern Conference honors in 1933–34 and was named All-American in 1934, the same year he served as team captain. During his career, the Wildcats compiled a 50–6 record and, in 1933, were named Southeastern Conference and Helms National champions.

UK coach Adolph Rupp credited DeMoisey as the first basketball player to use the one-hand overhead pivot shot. The 6-foot-5 All-American developed the shot in 1932 and first used it in a game between Kentucky and Vanderbilt, according to Rupp.

DeMoisey died in 1963 at the age of 50.

History’s Mystery Image #13

FEBRUARY 6, 2026

THE REVEAL:

The 1918 ice event near Cincinnati’s Fernbank Dam was a catastrophic Ohio River gorge where massive ice flows (up to 20-40 feet high) jammed up the river. A prolonged severe winter caused the river to freeze followed by warming weather and rains that broke the ice. When the ice broke, it got clogged at the Fernbank Dam (near Taylorsport).

As the first movable dam on the Ohio, Fernbank managed river levels, but the sheer volume of ice overwhelmed the area, trapping equipment and becoming a focal point for the gorge. The ice caused major flooding and destroyed boats.

At the Anderson Ferry, Boone No. 5, owned by Harry Kottmeyer sank when ice knocked a 20-foot hole in the side. The fuel flatboat and another ferry boat tied up on the Kentucky shore also sank.

History’s Mystery Image #12

OCTOBER 23, 2025

THE REVEAL:

October is Photographer Appreciation Month, and while Frank Milburn’s name is often more closely associated with his inventions and World War II contributions, he was also an avid photographer. From the mid-1930s through the early 1970s, Milburn produced more than 2,000 negatives, slides, and prints, experimenting with a wide range of cameras and film formats. His equipment included several 35mm models, a medium-format Rolleiflex, and a Busch Pressman camera. Every print was developed by Milburn himself in a darkroom in the basement of his Fort Mitchell home.

Milburn’s photographic subjects were just as diverse as his talents. Because of his business interests, many of his images are documentary in nature. Some of the earliest photographs from the mid-1930s include his own inventions. He also photographed his travels across the United States, the Ohio River and its boats, local communities, and even the devastating flood of 1937.One unique aspect of Milburn’s photographic collection is when he experimented with macro photography. In the late 1940s, he created striking close-up images of insects and animals including jumping spiders, flies, bumblebees, praying mantises, and even snakes. These extreme close-ups required specialized long-lens attachments, which Milburn is believed to have designed and built himself.

History’s Mystery Image #11

SEPTEMBER 5, 2025

THE REVEAL:

Preserving photos isn’t just about memories; it’s about protecting the history of people, places and events. Here’s a story of how photographs helped save one of Boone County’s most beloved landmarks.

The Rabbit Hash General Store, built in 1831, originally served as a warehouse for farmers waiting on steamboats to ship their goods. The first structure was only the center section; the two side sheds were added later for additional storage. Later, the warehouse became a general store operated by 17-year-old James Alexander Wilson, and quickly grew into the heart of the community. By 2003, the store’s historical atmosphere and unique charm earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The building survived many floods including those in 1884, 1937, and 1997, but its greatest disaster that hit hard was a fire in February 2016. Two-thirds of the structure was destroyed. Thanks to photographs and laser scans, restorers were able to rebuild the store with original or equivalent materials, bringing it back to near perfection and keeping its spot on the NRHP list.

This story is a reminder of why photographs matter, not only to families, but to communities and history itself.

History’s Mystery Image #10

AUGUST 15, 2025

THE REVEAL:

The mystery photo was of Big Bone Island, a small natural deposit of sand and gravel just below the mouth of Big Bone Creek. The island was never inhabited. However, the flat, partially wooded terrain made it a popular camping and fishing spot up through the 20th century.

Once located in the Ohio River straddling between the Boone and Gallatin county line, the island led to some good-natured controversy about which county actually owned the island. By 1970, the water levels and shifting deposits had reshaped the island, leaving it entirely within the border of Gallatin County and giving way to one memorable event in Boone County history! 

In the summer of 1973, during Boone County’s 175th anniversary celebration, Judge Executive Bruce Ferguson staged a good-humored “invasion” to take back the island. He led a two-pronged assault by the Boone Volunteer Defenders, who stormed the island’s beachhead and secured the most important supply: a beer keg.

Once in position, the invaders aimed the cannon at the potential enemy forces: Gallatin County. Judge Ferguson soon arrived, his father’s captured samurai sword lifted high, declaring victory. 

Celebrations were cut short when air support mistook the celebrants as enemy combatants. Observing strict radio silence, the pilot launched the prepared flour bombs at the unsuspecting revelers. Believing it to be an enemy counteroffensive, the artillerymen returned fire. 

Fortunately, there were no casualties from this incident of friendly fire, just a legendary Boone County tale.

History’s Mystery Image #9

JUNE 20, 2025

THE REVEAL:

The mystery photo features a nostalgic local landmark, the old Florence Drive-In. Opening in May 1947, its first feature film was “A Night in Casablanca” starring the Marx Brothers. The theater fit up to 800 cars and was only 49 cents a person.

Movies have long been a favorite pastime across the globe, and Boone County was no exception. The earliest films here were educational, with interest mainly in the new technology rather than the content. Around 1906, the Boone County Fair offered a “moving pictures tent” as one of its attractions, and the Florence School became a screening room.

As the new century rolled into its teen years, moving pictures began gaining popularity. Walton was at the forefront in 1913, offering a combination of vaudeville acts and moving pictures which garnered a big response. Seeing an opportunity, entrepreneurs Roy Stamler and Charles Chambers began offering warmth and entertainment during the winters of 1913-14 with two shows per week at an indoor venue, the Walton Opera House.

Today, indoor movie theaters are commonplace. One popular location was the Loews Theater (or the Florence Cinemas), which opened on Mall Road in 1976. Featuring eight screens with stereo sound in each auditorium and staggered seating with cup holders in the arm rests, it served moviegoers until its closing in 2008. The theater was demolished in 2013 to make way for the Florence Kroger.

History’s Mystery Image #8

APRIL 11, 2025

THE REVEAL:

History’s Mystery Image #7

MARCH 7, 2025

THE REVEAL:

Born in Indiana, Sadie moved to Boone County around 1910 and spent over 50 years teaching, most of them in Hebron schools. She began teaching eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Francisville, where she introduced students to music with a phonograph and incorporated rhythmic exercises into lessons.

When she retired in 1956, 200 friends and former students gathered to celebrate her contributions and share memories. Sadie passed away in 1979 at the age of 94, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Though her home no longer stands, we honor her dedication and influence this International Women’s Month.

History’s Mystery Image #6

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

THE REVEAL:

Her family’s farm in Burlington had a baseball field where men’s semi-pro teams played. Scott learned everything she knew about baseball from these players, including how to pitch. Her mother served as a catcher while Scott perfected her pitching skills.

In 1948, Scott’s father encouraged her to tryout for a startup women’s profressional league. She traveled to Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL, for tryouts and eventually signed on to pitch for the Fort Wayne Daisies playing from 1948 to 1953. The Daisies won pennants in 1951,1952 and 1953! After retiring from baseball, Scott earned degrees in zoology and medicine from the University of Kentucky. She also pursued other interests such as horse trainer, dog trainer, golfer, and award-winning artist!
The movie A League of Their Own was based on the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. During production, film executives invited original team members, including Scott, to sit in on filming to ensure authenticity.

History’s Mystery Image #5

JANUARY 10, 2025

THE REVEAL:

In honor of National Pizza Week, we’re celebrating Boone County’s first pizza spot. 

Since 1955, this Florence staple has served up authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations. Over 6 decades later, it’s still a community favorite in its original location!

History’s Mystery Image #4

DECEMBER 20, 2024

THE REVEAL:

History’s Mystery Image #3

OCTOBER 9, 2024

THE REVEAL:

This month, the Boone County Public Library (BCPL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary! October 14th, 2024, is the 50th anniversary of Boone County’s first public library (fully funded by its citizens) opening in Florence. The mystery photo was of the first location of BCPL. Before the Florence location was built, the library established its initial location in an old feed store on Garrard Street. However, the road to a public library was not an easy one. As early as 1886, the concept of a library was in the minds of Boone County’s citizens for decades. A book dealer was in town trying to start a library in Verona. When the idea didn’t happen, he moved on but the seeds of a public library were planted.

Nearly 20 years later, the Boone Library Association made a strong effort for a public library. Housed in Library Hall (old Burlington Presbyterian Church), the BLA hosted plays and entertainment to raise money for their lending library. However, it wasn’t until E.Y. Chapin opened his library in Petersburg that really got the ball rolling. Read more about the drive to establish BCPL here

History’s Mystery Image #2

MAY 17, 2024

This week is National Police Week.

So we wanted to pay tribute to the men and women in blue (past and present) with this month’s History’s Mystery photo.

Can you identify this former officer?
Scroll down for the reveal to check if you got it right!

THE REVEAL:

This month’s History’s Mystery Image was former airport police chief Byron Kinman. In honor of National Police Week, we wanted to highlight this heroic man. In 1969, a 14-year-old attempted to hijack a Delta DC-9 jet by holding a young woman hostage with a butcher knife. Kinman boarded the plane despite the risk to his own safety. He realized there was no turning back. So he went up to the boy, grabbed the knife, and apprehended the hijacker. Mr. Kinman was a hero! Delta gave him a $20 reward and let him keep the knife as a souvenir.

Before becoming the chief of airport security, Byron Kinman was a farmer. He was persuaded to run for Boone County sheriff, an office he was elected to in 1954. When his four-year term was finished, he chose not to run again. That same year, 1958, he was appointed to the chief of security at the airport. He retired from that position in 1976.

Kinman was married twice. His first wife was Agnes Afterkirk and the couple had 4 children. After Agnes passed away from cancer, Kinman married Glenrose Williams – Boone County first female sheriff. They had 3 children together.

History’s Mystery Image #1

MARCH 15, 2024

March is Irish Heritage Month.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day this weekend,
can you identify this historic building in our History’s Mystery image?

THE REVEAL:

This month’s History’s Mystery image was St. Patrick’s Church in Verona. In the mid-nineteenth century, the southern part of Boone County saw an influx of Irish immigrants who were no doubt escaping the famine in Ireland. A substantial Irish population developed in Verona. The heart of the Irish Community was St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, founded around 1850. The parish eventually merged with All Saints Catholic Church in Walton. Unfortunately, the church as well as the rectory that stood next door were demolished.

(“St. Patrick’s Catholic Church” from the Boone County Historic Preservation Collection. “St. Patrick’s Church,” Boone County Recorder, Burlington, KY, 1930.)

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