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The Elliott County Fund: For Positive Change
The water's pure here. We're at the top of the watershed," an Elliott countian explains.
But, that's not the only thing that is pure in this unspoiled eastern Kentucky county. "Pure" may also define many of the county's cultural aspects, from its heritage of music and crafts to its people's love of the land, honesty and decency.
It also explains much of the effort and purpose of the newly-created Elliott County Fund, one of the diverse funds of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., in nearby Ashland. "Our fund is very broad-based, with a broad purpose," explains County Judge Executive Charles Pennington. "We want to build a fund that supports the best of our county."
Elliott County is located just minutes from Interstate 64, a few miles from the Kentucky-West Virginia border. Its natural beauty competes with that of much better known sites in states in the region, with roads that offer scenic by-ways, fall foliage that brightens autumn days, breath-taking natural gorges with shirred cliffs, and fields filled with native wildflowers in springtime.
"The fund is a result of a countywide grassroots effort," says Gwenda Adkins, county extension agent "It is a vision for the county. Local citizens have contributed to this vision, and we need everyone in the county to be involved in and supportive of The Elliott County Fund."
"We want the county to grow, but not to change," say residents Nancy and Alan Kuehner. The Kuehners are excited about a new welcome center that is being built overlooking one of the county's natural landmarks, Laurel Gorge. It will celebrate the area's cultural heritage, provide for arts and crafts making demonstrations and classes, and be a countywide resource center. Plans call for a trail to be built near the center and an authentic log cabin will be moved to the site and renovated.
"The welcome center is certainly one thing the fund can help," says Brett Dickerson, a pharmacist and native of the county. "But, we're not going to limit our support to just the center. We're open to ideas, because we're still evolving."
"I think the fund exemplifies our county's bright future," says Allen Gillum, general manager of Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative. "It will compliment what is already in place and add to the stability of the future. We're seeing real progress in Elliott County, from an improved infrastructure to new, enlightened leadership."
"Elliott County's rich in history," Linda Jarrells, who is very active in the county's arts and crafts activities, explains. "Our Irish heritage has strong story-telling traditions, including our music. Perhaps we've been somewhat isolated, so maybe some of our story telling has remained a little more pure. Those who have stayed in Elliott County have had to be very industrious, with a high degree of self-sufficiency – much like our ancestors. Arts and crafts have become a cottage industry in the county."
One very successful artist in the county is Minnie Adkins, a self-taught whittler who has won several national and state honors for her work. She found support for her work from others interested in folk art. Now, she wants to do the same for other Elliott County artists. She believes the welcome center and the county fund will be instrumental in assisting her achieve her goal of helping others.
Music gives "roots" to the county. Its musical traditions continue – from the late, native son Keith Whitley to award-winning Bluegrass artist Don Rigsby. "The county is 'home' to me," says Rigsby. "I've sung and recorded around the world and learned from every experience. But, what I learned here at home is the basis of all that I am."
"Here in Elliott County, we see our county as 'people,' not our county as a 'place,'" says Adkins. "The Elliott County Fund is about people."
The Elliott County Fund has a special niche in the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., for several reasons.
First, it is geographically focused; it covers an entire county. Secondly, it is not funded by a single person, or even a group. Anyone, whether they live in the county or not, can make contributions to the fund.
However, like all the other dedicated funds in our Foundation, it has the loyal, committed backing of its organizers and supporters. To them, Elliott County is very special and they want to share the county's unique attributes with others. Some, like singer Don Rigsby and folk artist Minnie Adkins, have found a world eager to share in the earthy, down home nature of the county.
Some would describe Elliott County as a place bypassed by Interstate highways, shopping malls and cineplexs – and the lifestyle of metropolitan communities.
Others, such as I, would describe Elliott County as a county with its own share of special attributes. Elliott County is filled with a spirit that drives it into the 21st Century with commitment and resolve, but, at the same time, honors and reveres the sturdy, self-sufficient pioneer spirit of the past.
I'd like to encourage you to visit Elliott County, a very special place.
Sincerely,
Mary Witten Wiseman
President
