MADISONVILLE, KY – A new book will soon be released about the history of Hopkins County.  “Images of America – Hopkins County” is set to be released on November 23.

Hopkins County was created in 1806 and named for General Samuel Hopkins, a Revolutionary War veteran and surveyor.  The Evansville, Henderson and Nashville Railroad was completed in 1871, opening transportation for the coalfield.  The county became the first to produce more than one million tons of coal per year and has remained one of the top producers ever since.

The book is co-authored by Lisa D. Piper of Nortonville and J. Harold Utley of Madisonville.  The book contains over 200 vintage photographs as it pays tribute to an area that has been home to many well-known celebrities including two Kentucky Governors. Ruby Laffoon and current Governor Steve Beshear.  Also, Hopkins County residents have included; Frank Ramsey of the Boston Celtics, Jim Roberts, vocalist on the Lawrence Welk Show and former Miss Kentucky Mitzi Jones.

The book highlights the hardships, tragedy, and workmanship of Hopkins County coal miners.  It contains photos of vintage postcards from the Historical Society and from Utley's personal collection.
The grand hotels that once stood in the early 1900's in the Dawson Springs area are also featured as are military photographs portraying the patriotic nature of the county and the selflessness of Hopkins County residents who gave their lives for their country.

Piper is a Christian fiction author, speaker and member of the Hopkins County Historical Society.  She currently serves on the ministry staff of The River Church in Nortonville.

Utley currently serves as the President of the Historical Society of Hopkins County and a member of the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort.  He is a 1957 graduate of the Madisonville High School and attended the Madisonville Community College.  He retired from the mining industry in 1994 after working as an engineering technician, geological draftsman, professional registered land surveyor and Federal Coal Mine Inspector.

The book, “Images of America-Hopkins County” will be available starting Nov. 23rd at area bookstores, independent retailers, and on-line.  You can also contact the publisher, Arcadia Publishing at, 1-888-313-2665 or at, www.arcadiapublishing.com

Tim Moore- News Director – iSurf News

 

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