The Spillman Reunion was held at the Sugar Bay Golf Course on September 11th. It was also a birthday party for Ruth Spillman Erham — who turned 96 years old. Lucille Spillman Hutcherson (Bruce and Carol Ann’s mother) was one of nine children born to Minnie and Joe Spillman of Sligo, Kentucky — seven girls and two boys — Ethel, Anita, Lucille, Reva, Joey, Wilma, Glen, Jimmy and Ruth. A total of 28 adult cousins and five children attended. A good time was had by all! Those attending included: Ruth Spillman Erham and daughter Susan Ochs of Louisville; Bobby and Jo Ann True of Bedford, Kentucky; with Bobby Knox, Katrina, Ben, Tracey, Daphne and Porter, Colyn True, Wright and Allison True Cook, Mark, Karen and Steve, Dee and Aaron from Louisville; Brandi Spillman-Madison Schupert from Louisville; Marissa Spillman Brainey-Brett and Resse from Louisville; Jill Hutcherson, Kim and Sean Jansen from Patriot; Carol Ann Armstrong from Patriot; Angie Hoagland and Emmy Jo from Eckerty, Indiana; Dan Ahrman from Aberdeen; and Betty Lusby from Owenton, Kentucky.
Continued prayers for Connie Adams of Crestwood, Kentucky, mother of Marlene Jones. She is home now and Marlene and her sister Sharlene have been staying with her and their father, John.
Rosa Jones is staying busy with the Switzerland County High School Marching Band. They performed in the Versailles Pumpkin Show Parade on Saturday, and after the parade they traveled to Pleasure Ridge High School in Louisville for competitions. The Switzerland County Band placed second in the competitions in Louisville.
I hope to report some Patriot History in our column from time to time. I will start by highlighting some businesses of the past. Dickerson’s 66 Station was located on Third Street (250) where the Town Flag Park is now. It was owned by Bill and Judy Dickerson and was a full service gas station, selling tires, mechanic work, as well as soft drinks, candy and other food items. I used to love stopping in with my father or grandfather and of course, always wanting to get a cold coke, candy bar or a box of Cracker Jacks! It was also a good place to pick up the latest town news!
Next week, I will talk about the Patriot Roller Skating Rink! Feel free to message me about other businesses you would like to see highlighted! If anyone has memories of the Skating Rink, let me know!
Sad to hear of the recent death of Darrell Hansel. Darrell was a long time educator and veteran leader in our county and across the state. I worked with him for many years, and served with him on the Switzerland County Council. He was the speaker last year at the Patriot Baptist Church Veterans Service.
The new sign went up in front of the Patriot General Store this week. It is a great addition to the town. The sign has a patriotic theme, very appropriate for the town of Patriot.
Thanks to Leona Adams for coming to the Patriot Baptist Church to play the piano on Sunday morning. Her brother, Bob Stutzman of Rising Sun, came to the service to visit. Bob is a 1957 graduate of Patriot High School.
The Long Run Baptist Church Association held its annual business meeting and service on Sunday. Mike and Patrick Jones were representatives from the Patriot Baptist Church. Tyler Mullins, Bluegrass musician from Gallatin County was the special musician for the evening service. Mike Barnes and Tommy Wingham also played music in the service.
Barrie Watters shared memories of the Jim and Minnie Bailey family, formerly of Patriot. A kind family with three beautiful daughters, all of whom graduated from PHS: Betty 1955. Donna 1959 and Joyce 1963. Door never locked, coffee pot on,a fresh pie, and of course, a deck of cards already shuffled!
Barrie enjoyed visiting with fellow classmates of PHS 1962 at the Patriot Alumni: Steven Scott Allen, Janet Bennet Kent, Berniece Thomas Koons and Janice Romans Meadors. Hey Stevie, how about some of that Patriot info in that bright mind of yours? You too Janice, Peachie and Niecie!
Each month, I will highlight a present or former Patriot resident. This month it is Kathryn Koons Gurley Turner.
Kathryn was born on Goose Creek in 1934 to Clinton and Waunita Koons. She started school in Moorefield and moved back with her family to Patriot in 1944 when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Patriot High School in 1952. Her first husband, George Gurley lost his eyesight in the Korean War. She went to the Clearcreek Baptist College with George and her kids in 1962 after his call into the ministry. George was an ordained minister and served in the community for many years. George and Kathryn had five children, Betty Shon, Waunita Kay, Timmy, Ruth Marie and James Michael. Ruth Marie died as an infant in 1962 and Timmy died in 1981. Kathryn worked at Plastic Molding in East Enterprise for 25 years. George died in 1991. Kathryn married Billy Don Turner a few years later. Billy Don passed away in 2015. Kathryn gained another daughter, Rhonda, who still lives with her. I asked Kathryn what she enjoyed about living in Patriot, her answer was “the quietness and beauty of the town and the friendly people.” Thanks to you and your family Kathryn for helping make our community a better place to live!
Joey Hite and Whitney Chipman were married on Saturday night in a beautiful ceremony at the Aurora City Park. Pastor Mike Jones performed the ceremony. Joey and Whitney are living in their new home on top of Patriot Hill next to his grandmother Shirley Gould Hite. Joey is the son of Joe and Gwen Hite, and Whitney is the daughter of Scott and Leigh Chipman of Ohio County.
Don’t forget to send news to:
• Mike Jones: (812) 290-3088; or mike1405@earthlink.net.
• Barry Watters at (828) 335-8270 or barrieleewatters@charter.net.
• Drop off your news at the Patriot General Store.
And until next week, don’t forget to show a little kindness, and shine your light for everyone to see!