European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - May 4, 1963, Darmstadt, Hesse Al time of statue in Lexington by. Editor s note Derby we Etc in Kentucky i the time or another Bio event the annual reunion of the honorable order of Kentucky colonel. Inthe following dispatch a Vii correspond ent recalls the venerable tradition of the Kentucky col Nelcy a much a part of the lore of the Blue grow state As the big race the mint Julep and the Doln of Ole Danl Boone by Carole m. Martin up staff writer e Goatee gentleman to Rock Al coat who symbolizes hospitality in the Blue Gran state has been the object of de Lilon the Center of legislative feuding and on innocent bystander in political Duel ing. The Kentucky colonel s curious history officially began on a note of nepotism 171 years ago when the stale first chief executive commissioned hts son in Law Charles s. Todd As an aide to the during his second term gov. Isaac Shelby also made Kentucky colonels of All the men who had enlisted and fought wit him in the War of 1812. In the Early Days of statehood the Brav est Kentuck Lens end on rare occasions people irom other states who brought Honor to the Commonwealth were commissioned once a year and were entertained by the governor at an annual Din Ner. Even As late As 1915, colonels sometimes appeared in resplendent dress uniform on special occasions. Colonels a Sre commissioned in strict conformity with military requirements and membership in the elite group was highly esteemed. Commissions were reserved for those who rendered noteworthy service or Friendship to Ken a lapse of Many years gov. Ruby Laffoon revived the commissioning prac Tice in 1032 in an Effort to make the colonel reap dividends in Goodwill for the state. At the urging of Charlie Pettyjohn of Rye. N.v., and Anna Bel word of Lexington ky., Laffoon established the honorable order of Kentucky colonels with each incumbent governor to be designated commander in chief. Pettyjohn was named general of the or Der. Und miss Ward became its first Sec apparently had much Faith in the Goodwill to be gained through commissioning colonels for he still holds the record for inordinate creation of colonels with 10,450 during his four year term
