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MAY 1, 2026
Boone County’s Triple Crown Champion: Steve Cauthen
As we gear up for the Kentucky Derby this Sunday, we remember one of Boone County’s greatest athletes – Steve Cauthen. Born in 1960 in Walton, Cauthen was the son of a trainer/farrier and raised around horses. He rode his first race in 1976 at Churchill Downs, and finished last. But rode his first winner less than a week later at River Downs.
In 1978, Cauthen became the youngest jockey to ever win the U.S. Triple Crown in what is arguably the most dramatic of Triple Crown sweeps. In all three races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes), he rode atop Affirmed. And in all three races, the jockey and his horse beat out Alydar. It was the ninth meeting of the two horses and their fifth photo finish together. Steve Cauthen also had a successful jockey career in Europe, competing in England, France, Ireland, and Italy.
The Munsell for his silk (term for jersey worn by jockeys) is 10R 8/4 pink.
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APRIL 24, 2026
National Historic Marker Day: Boone County’s Moment at the Center of the Map
The last Friday in April is National Historic Marker Day! Boone County is home to approximately 30 historic markers, installed with the help of the Kentucky Historical Society, commemorating everything from notable individuals to historic buildings and significant events. The most recent addition honors Frank S. Milburn, known as the “Cornfed Edison,” and is located just outside the Old Clerk’s Building, now home to the Boone County Historical Society Museum.
One of Boone County’s markers highlights a unique distinction: in 1880, the county was the center of the United States population. Since 1790, the center of population has been calculated each census year. This is defined as “The point at which an imaginary, flat, weightless, and rigid map of the United States would balance perfectly if weights of identical value were placed on it so that each weight represented the location of one person on the date of the census.” As the nation expanded westward, this center steadily shifted. In 1790, it was located in Kent County, and by 2020, it had moved to Wright County. For one moment in history, however, that balance point rested right here in Boone County.
The marker commemorating this milestone was erected in 1978 at the Airport Viewing Area. The Munsell color of the marker is GLEY 1 2.5/N black.
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MARCH 20, 2026
Threads of the Past: The Story of a Dinsmore Heirloom Quilt
Tomorrow is National Quilting Day. American quilts evolved from necessity for warmth and thrift into rich cultural artifacts, reflecting family history, community, and artistic expression through repurposed fabrics, group quilting bees, and storytelling, documenting everything from pioneer life and Civil War needs to evolving domestic arts and family legacies across generations.
If you didn’t know, the Dinsmore Homestead has a nice collection of quilts. The featured here is a favorite of Cathy Collopy, the education coordinator at Dinsmore.
This heirloom quilt was made by the women in the Resor family of Cincinnati (early stove-makers). Sarah Resor married Silas G. Dinsmoor, the son of Silas Dinsmoor and cousin of James Dinsmore. Sarah and Silas had a daughter Isabella Dinsmoor (born ca. 1839). After the death of her parents, Isabella spent a lot of time at the Dinsmore farm. She was even married in the parlor in 1872 to McHenry Raymond–thus Bella Raymond (referenced below). Before she died in 1922, she gave the quilt to Patty Selmes, the granddaughter of James Dinsmore. Patty brought it to the Dinsmore house where it has stayed ever since.
An excerpt from the journal of Julia Dinsmore’s (James’ daughter) mentions the beautiful quilt:
“Sent postal to Sally 2 postals to Lucy J. and letter to Julia—got one from her. Between 8 and 11 A.M. we had two good showers you might say rains with thunder. Jesse had begun to plough watermelons. Harry worked in the garden. Rain refreshing. The mail carrier brought a parcel from cousin Belle Raymond containing the beautiful patchwork quilt she gave Patty and one she made for Sally.”
June, 1914
The Munsell for the green on the quilt is GLEY 1 8/1 light greenish gray.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2026
A Local Galentine’s Story from the Wa-Na Woman’s Club
February 13 has come to be known as Galentine’s Day, a celebration of friendship made popular by the hit sitcom Parks and Recreation. Thanks to the show, the day before Valentine’s Day is now dedicated to celebrating your friendships with the women in our lives.
One of Boone County’s notable women’s groups was the Wa-Na Woman’s Club. Established in 1945, the club provided a place for women in Walton who were unable to attend meetings of the Walton Woman’s Literary Club. Its name was formed using the first two letters of Walton and the last two letters of Verona. The Wa-Na Club became a federated club within the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs. Its charitable efforts supported veterans, international causes, and the Mothers March addressing the polio epidemic. During the 1940s war effort, the club also focused on nurse training through partnerships with the Red Cross, the Veterans Hospital, and the United Nations Relief Association.
The featured images come from one of the club’s meetings. After four months of canceled meetings due to winter weather, the Walton women celebrated their first spring meeting by wearing crazy hats. We can’t help but think this is exactly what a proper Galentine’s Day should look like.
This week’s Munsell from the 1977-1978 Wa-Na yearbook is 2.5YR 2.5/1 reddish brown.
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DECEMBER 19, 2025
Ghost Stories of Christmas Past (and Present)
Have you ever wondered why ghost stories are mentioned in the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?” There’s a historical reason: Christmas has pagan origins, and one tradition carried over was telling ghost stories on long, cold winter nights. The Christmas ghost story became especially popular during the Victorian era, thanks to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
And here’s a little ghost story from our own community. The Lents Branch, named for longtime library supporters Mr. and Mrs. R.V. Lents, opened in 1989 as the second location in the Boone County Public Library system. Over the years, there have been reports of paranormal activity at this branch. At one program, a visiting psychic claimed to see a little old man in a brown suit standing in the corner—a description matching Mr. Lents, who was known for wearing brown suits. On another occasion, after hours, a staff member heard a male voice call her name while cleaning. Could it be that the Lents were still watching over their beloved library?
The Munsell color for the red chairs at the Lents Branch Christmas party is 10R 3/6 dark red.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Discovering Native American History in Boone County
November is National Native American Heritage Month!
Featured here is a ceramic fragment recovered from an archaeological excavation. Petersburg, where this artifact was found, was once the site of a large late prehistoric village with at least two periods of Native American habitation dating around A.D. 1150 and A.D. 1400. The piece displays a distinctive corded decoration, a hallmark of early earthenware pottery. Prehistoric villages, burial mounds and hunting sites are located throughout Boone County.
The Munsell for the ceramic is 10YR 5/4 Yellowish Brown.
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OCTOBER 3, 2025
The Haunted History of Rabbit Hash’s Hashienda
There’s a lot of history in the tiny community of Rabbit Hash, from the famous General Store to their dog mayor. However, this #MunsellMonday is dedicated to one of the lesser known sites in town – the Hashienda. Just across the way from the General Store stands a 100+ year old building that has been home to many things over the years including: a general store, a plow factory, a creamery, a Model A Ford dealer, and the Ryle Brothers feed and seed store. It was also used as a pool hall and dance hall, which was closed abruptly during Prohibition. Today one of its uses is a bed and breakfast in the apartment at the far end of the structure.
As you may have guessed, this place has had some paranormal activity. Dogs will go up to the side and scratch at the wall. Inside, EVPs and flashlight responses as well as shadows moving across the bedroom have all been experienced. The name Lucy Stephens was discerned from the recordings and confirmed by a medium.
Research has found that a Filmore Ryle once operated a feed store from this very building. He was married to…(drumroll please)…Lucy Stepehens Ryle. Lucy tragically lost a child between 1900 and 1910 and she later died in 1933 of liver cancer. Local lore talks about how a young Ryle girl was tragically found dead, some say murdered, in a nearby creek bed. Neither death record nor obituary have yet to be found to verify the identity of Lucy’s child. Could the soul of Lucy Stephens still be searching and mourning the loss of her child? Have you ever experienced a ghostly presence while in Rabbit Hash?
The Munsell for the Hashienda sign is 2.5YR 2.5/3 dark reddish brown.
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
Buried Treasure in Boone County: The Legend of the Sleet Farm Gold
Ahoy, maties! Arrr you ready for our latest Munsell? Today is Talk Like a Pirate Day, a holiday created in 1995 that invites everyone to hoist the Jolly Roger, gather their crew and practice a bit of pirate slang. And what could be more fitting than a tale of buried treasure? While dead men tell no tales, Boone County history certainly does, and this one comes straight from the Sleet family farm in Verona.
Brothers John and Richard Sleet owned a large farm in Verona and were locally known for their wealth. They enslaved a domestic servant named Cass, who would later become the key source of a fascinating story. Richard died in February 1904, leaving John as his sole heir, but John himself passed away just four months later.
Not long after John’s death, stories of hidden treasure on the Sleet property began to circulate. The Boone County Recorder reported that thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars had been found in a trunk in John’s room. Rumors grew when the paper hinted that even more gold might be buried on the property in tin cans.
According to Cass, he had helped bury the money in quart-sized tins. The legend took on new life when a family-friend later uncovered seven tins filled with gold, silver and paper currency. But Cass had a very clear memory and said they buried nine tins. The whereabouts of the last two have never been discovered.
I don’t know about you lads and lasses, but the roads did cross right by their property and you know what they say……X marks the spot!
The Munsell for the Sleet property on the 1883 Atlas is GLEY1 8/1 light greenish gray.
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AUGUST 29, 2025
From Farm to Fairway: The Lassing Golf Story
August is National Golf Month, a time to celebrate a sport loved by millions around the world. While its exact origins are unclear, it is generally accepted that modern golf developed in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the sport gained international popularity reaching the rest of the United Kingdom and eventually finding fans in the United States.
One of those fans was Boone County’s own Robert “Bob” Lassing, a local golf legend. Born in Burlington in 1895, Lassing later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida around the age of 20 and made his mark. He won the city golf championship three times, recorded six holes-in-one, and even shot his age at 78!
Bob wasn’t the only golfer in the family. His wife, Jennie Mae Lassing, was also an avid player for over 30 years and a longtime member of the Sunset Golf Club in St. Petersburg. In 1922, the couple made headlines by both winning the city championship.
If the name Lassing Pointe Golf Course sounds familiar, there’s a reason. The course sits on what was once the Lassing family farm. An 1883 Boone County atlas lists Bob’s grandfather, Dr. H. Lassing, as the landowner. The course’s name, Pointe, pays tribute to its location, which is one of the highest elevations in the county.
The Munsell for the colorized image is GLEY 1 5/1 greenish gray. The photo comes from the Boone County Recorder.
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JUNE 6, 2025
Boone County on the Front Lines: Honoring Local Heroes of D-Day
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other nations stormed the beaches of Normandy in Nazi-occupied France. In just a few days, over 300,000 troops had landed. Today marks the 81st anniversary of the largest combined naval, air and land operation in history. Boone County is proud to honor all who fought in this crucial battle — including two of its own.
Pfc. Lloyd Franklin Hood, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Hood of Constance, was a student at Hebron High School and would have graduated with the Class of 1943 had he not joined the armed forces. Enlisting in 1942, he completed basic training at Camp Shelby and Fort Meade. During the invasion of Normandy, he was wounded in action and later awarded the Purple Heart, along with the Sharpshooter’s Medal. After his recovery, he bravely returned to his unit. On November 20, 1944, Pfc. Hood was killed in Germany from wounds he sustained in battle. He is laid to rest at Hebron Lutheran Cemetery.
Among the thousands who took part in the D-Day invasion was Thomas J. Stewart. Born on January 31, 1922, in Park Hills, Kentucky, Stewart worked as a welder for the E.W. Bushmann Company before entering military service. At 21, while living with his parents in Burlington, he was inducted into the armed forces on August 31, 1943, and completed basic training at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. By May 1944, Pvt. Stewart was stationed in England with the U.S. Army Engineers. A month later, he participated in the invasion of France. For his extraordinary bravery in the performance of his duty during the June 6 assault, he received a citation for heroism and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
The Munsell of Thomas Stewart’s registration card is 2.5 YR 8/6 Yellow.
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MAY 2, 2025
Where History Galloped: The Racing Roots of Turfway Park
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, we’re taking a look at the fascinating history of Turfway Park—one that spans three centuries!
Thoroughbred racing in Northern Kentucky originally took place at Latonia Race Course, located about 10 miles north of Turfway. When it opened in 1883, Latonia quickly became a premier track, drawing top horses and jockeys, while playing host to come of the richest people in the country. Its major race, the Latonia Derby, outshone the Kentucky Derby for years. However, the Great Depression and shifting interests led to the track’s decline, and it closed for good in July 1939. For the next two decades, horse racing disappeared from Northern Kentucky.
That changed in August 1959, when a new Latonia track opened in Florence. The racetrack rose in popularity during the mid-1960s and introduced winter racing and night racing – innovations that set it apart. In 1982, its major race, the Spiral Stakes, attracted the sponsorship of bourbon maker Jim Beam. After renovations in 1986, the track was renamed Turfway Park. The building was demolished to make way for Turfway Casino, which still hosts horse racing events.
As we celebrate Derby weekend, it’s worth remembering the rich racing history that once flourished in Northern Kentucky!
The Munsell for the famous Turfway Park sign, which adorned the grandstand, is GLEY1 6/2 Pale Green.
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APRIL 18, 2025
Stained Glass History at Hopeful Church
Today, Good Friday, is one of the holiest days of the year for many faiths around the world. In honor of the day and the upcoming Easter celebration, we are featuring the beautiful stained-glass windows from Hopeful Lutheran Church.
Stained glass has been around for centuries. Glass making was the first industry set up in America in Jamestown, settled in 1607. However, bottles and window glass were the primary glass products of this venture, as colonists didn’t have the luxury of this artwork. Stained glass has become synonymous with churches. Surprisingly, stained glass windows were originally for poor congregations who could not afford expensive carvings and statues. These windows were nicknamed the “Bible of the Poor.” Since many poor people were unable to read, the images and symbols depicted on the windows became their way of learning the scripture.
Hopeful Church was built in 1917 and these beautiful stained-glass windows were installed. Members, friends, and organizations of the church donated the money for them. Among their windows, there is one which is very appropriate for today – “Christ in Gethsemane.” The center window in the image shows Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. The dark sky indicates the suffering Christ must face, but the ray of golden light is indicative of hope. His hands are folded in prayer and his face is turned upwards to Heaven. The touches of green in the background symbolize life.
Have you seen these windows in person? Where else can you find beautiful stained glass?
The Munsell of the stained glass includes 5Y 8/6 yellow.
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FEBRUARY 14, 2025
From Saint Valentine to Boone County: A Legacy of Love
There are many legends about the history of Valentine’s Day. The most popular goes back to third-century Rome when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage because he thought single men made better soldiers. A priest named Valentine defied his orders and continued to perform marriages in secret. When the priest was discovered, Claudius ordered him to be put to death. While he was imprisoned, Valentine healed the jailer’s blind daughter. On the day of his execution, he left the girl a note signed, “Your Valentine”. Some might say this was the first Valentine’s Day card! His martyrdom was recognized by the Catholic Church when he was confirmed a saint.
Boone County has their own Valentine story! Caleb and Nora Valentine were both born in Knox County, KY. Caleb, son of George and Dora (Provins) Valentine, grew up helping out on the family farm. He married Nora, daughter of Zebedee and Martha (Hubbard) Garrison on 26 May 1923. The couple would have 10 children – 2 daughters and 8 sons – all of which lived to adulthood. Caleb and Nora moved to Boone County sometime between 1960 and 1961 and resided in Florence until their deaths. The Valentine’s were married for over 60 years, signifying true love.
The Munsell for Caleb and Nora’s headstone is 10R 7/4 pale red.
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JANUARY 24, 2025
Unearthing Boone County’s Hidden Treasures: A Tale of Two Coins
This discovery was overshadowed by another coin found about two months later, resting in a furrow about 20 feet from the first find, presumably revealed by recently planted crops poking out of the freshly-plowed earth. This second coin was even older than the first, a Spanish Philip V coin bearing the date of 1721. (pictured)!
Boone County has a history of remarkable coin discoveries, with claims of 18th- and 19th-century treasures making their way into local newspapers. In 1916, Edwin Johnson of Walton claimed to possess a 1795 Liberty silver dollar, reportedly buried in his yard by his grandfather for safekeeping. In 1908, Owen Conner found an 1833 half-dime while digging in his garden in Burlington. By far the most fortunate, unwitting treasure hunter was John Winston, who found multiple 18th century coins on his Constance property in 1883. The first piece, a silver coin dating to 1782, was found in April as Winston was plowing the ground for spring planting.
The discovery was overshadowed by an even older coin found just two months later, a Spanish Philip V coin from 1721, uncovered about 20 feet away by recently planted crops poking out of the freshly-plowed earth.
The Munsell for the coin is GLEY 1 7/1 light greenish gray.
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DECEMBER 6, 2024
Rosella French Porterfield: Boone County’s Trailblazer for Education and Equality
Rosella French Porterfield, librarian, educator and activist, was Boone County’s own Rosa Parks. Born in 1918 in Daviess County, Kentucky, Rosella attended an all-black one-room schoolhouse in Owensboro, was valedictorian of her all-black high school, and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in English from Kentucky State College.
After moving to Walton in Boone County, KY, Rosella started her first teaching position at an all-black school in Elsmere. With no car, Rosella took the bus to work. On one occasion, 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.
Rosella went on to become a lead teacher at the all-black Wilkins High School. After discovering that the school was in dire need of books and supplies, she contacted the superintendent of the Erlanger-Elsmere Schools which quickly met her needs. A year after the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, Rosella was a voice for change once again. She advocated for the integration of the Erlanger-Elsmere Schools and the proposal for a phased-in integration of the district was unanimously approved.
Rosella continued her career as both a teacher and school librarian until her 1980 retirement. A park in Elsmere was dedicated to Ms. Porterfield.
The Munsell for the sign is 2.5Y 8/3 pale yellow.
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
The Incredible Survival Story of Lee R. Frakes
Today, September 20th, is POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring those in the Armed Forces who went missing during their service. In most cases, those declared a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) never returned. But there are the rare instances where the soldier was found and survived! Lee R. Frankes is one of those stories.
Frakes was born in Covington on May 1, 1924. He started school in Covington, but moved to Erlanger with his parents when he was 7 and became a student there. Shortly following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Frakes enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps and was on his way to Randolph Field, TX. Lacking the depth perception to become a pilot, he was soon on his way to St. Louis where he had 6-weeks of training to become a B-17 radioman. Later, back in Texas he had gunner training. From then on he was a radioman-gunner on a Flying Fortress. In the early spring of 1942, Lee married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Ficke.
Staff Sergeant Frakes flew several missions on a B-17 named Good Pickin’. Mission after mission Good Pickin was able to return to its base in England. It collected many ME-109 bullet holes and sustained lots of flak damage, but its crew suffered no injuries. Then came February 8, 1943, Good Pickin’s eighteenth mission. The routine mission turned deadly when a German fighter plane unleashed a hail of machine gun bullets on Frakes plane. Severely wounded, Frakes managed to escape the crashing plane by parachute.
While Frakes made his way through the Belgian countryside, his wife and family back in the states were informed that he was Missing in Action. After some time, he was able to make it to safety and call his family to let them know he was alive and well. Later, he would receive the Purple Heart. For more about his harrowing tale, check this biography written by Asa Rouse in 2013.
The Munsell for Frakes’ hat is GLEY 3/1 very dark greenish gray.
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MAY 3, 2024
Turfway Park
In honor of the 150th Kentucky Derby tomorrow, we are featuring old Turfway Park. Did you know, the history of this racetrack spans three centuries? In fact, thoroughbred racing in the area originally took place at Latonia Race Course (located 10 miles north of Turfway). Opening in 1883, Latonia’s racetrack featured top horses and jockeys while playing host to some of the richest people in the country up through the 1920s. Its major race, the Latonia Derby, outshone the Kentucky Derby for years. The Great Depression and other changes caused the decline in interest at Latonia Race Course, which closed for good in July 1939. Racing would not return to Northern Kentucky for 2 decades.
In August 1959, a new Latonia track was opened in Florence. The racetrack rose in popularity during the mid-1960s and introduced such innovations as winter racing and night racing. In 1982, its major race, the Spiral Stakes, attracted the sponsorship of bourbon maker Jim Beam. After some renovations in 1986, the track was renamed Turfway Park. The racetrack building was demolished to make way for the Turfway Casino, which still features horse racing.
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MARCH 29, 2024
Charles “Chalkie” Fleek
On March 29, 1973, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. In 2017, March 29th was dedicated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We want to honor this day by highlighting one of Boone County’s veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Fleek’s uniform is
GLEY 1 6/2 pale green.
Born in 1947, Charles “Chalkie” Fleek grew up in Petersburg and attended Boone County High School. He was an active member of the Petersburg Fire Department. He joined the army from Cincinnati in 1968. He served as Sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. At the age of 21, he was on his 308th day in Vietnam and in charge of 10 men.
On May 27, 1969, Fleek and his men were in the Binh Duong Province, on the lookout for the enemy. When Vietnamese soldiers were spotted, his platoon opened fire. During the firefight, Fleek saw an enemy-thrown grenade land nearby. He scooped up the grenade with his helmet, but before he could get it away fast enough, it detonated. Fleek had smothered the grenade with his body and absorbed the blast, protecting his men. For his sacrifice, Charles Fleek was posthumously awarded the United States’ highest military decoration – the Medal of Honor.
(Scalf, Amy, “Some gave all: Veteran’s grave marked with honor,” Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Nov. 2015, cincinnati.com.)
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