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Remember the Drive-In Theater with metal speakers to hang on the inside of your car so you could hear the movie? During "intermission" the car was filled with announcements of concessions available. Following the announcements, the latest songs were played until intermission was over and the movie resumed. On rainy evenings, a "rain pass" was issued so you could return free at another time. During the winter months, the drive-in theater would close and there wouldn't be very much to do, or many places to go.....except to cruise by the drive-in and watch for the opening date to be announced on the marquee. This page will contain more stories from the past...as we stroll down memory lane....
Click your mouse button on the photographs to enlarge!
| Donnie
Shields is trying to locate a family car. This car is a 1952
Chevy 2door Hardtop with Powerglide transmission. This car
was last seen in Pikeville in 1983 at Hillbilly Days. This car
was owned by Carl Parker and was originally from Mt. Sterling,
KY. If anyone knows the owner of this car, would you have them
please contact Donnie Shields at 606-498-7984 or 606-497-2855 or write
Donnie at P.O. Box 1091, Mt.Sterling, KY 40353. Cruisers,
we need your help.
Donnie Shields--Mt. Sterling, Kentucky |
| Janice
Risgby, Tammy, and Steve Rowland have gone all out to sell Cruisin
Shirts. Janice's motivation goes back to when she was
seventeen. It was at this tender age when she lost her mother to
cancer. Janice wants to have a huge amount to give to Dream
Factory of Lexington this fall. Her wish is that the Dream
Factory will continue to help children see their dreams.
Janice Risgby-Lancaster, Kentucky |
| Charlie,
back in 1961, I was 16 years old and I had a 53 Studebaker, 2door hard
top. It was just like Chuck McFarland's except it was baby blue
with red leatherette interior. Man back in those days I was a
cool cat man,
6 foot 4 inches tall and weighed about 165 pounds. I had to
jump around in the shower to get wet. I wore my hair all greased
back
in a duck tail, and I mean I was cool Baby! Well back to the
studebaker. You see, the car had a bad door latch on the driver's
side and had a bad habit
of coming open by itself some times. I had gone to the junkyard
and
picked up a latch for the door, but I never put it on. It was
lying in the tray in the back window. One Saturday afternoon, I
was coming home from a day of shooting pool down town. If I
remember correctly, I had a hot date that night. I lived on Winn
Avenue in Winchester
and to get home I had to go north on main street and cross the railroad
tracks, then make a right on Winn Avenue to my house. Well, as
you
know, back then all cool cats drove with their left arm on the window
sill,
turned slightly to the right in the seat and hunched over the steering
wheel. Well that's exactly the position that I was in when I
crossed
the tracks and made the right on to Winn Avenue. (running way too
fast but I was cool man). I fell into that corner with tires
screaming
and the car leaning. Just then that bad latch that I told you about at
the start of this story decided to let go. I came out of that car
in a hurry man. I rolled, I flipped, I skipped like a big flat
rock,
and after what seemed like about 3 days later I ended up on my back
right
in the front door of a store that stood there then. When I opened
my eyes, I looked up and saw that I was laying right at the store
owner's
feet. He looked down at me and said,"@#$~&*son, are you
hurt?"
I heard a rata-tata-tata sound, jumped up and saw my beloved
Studebaker
countersunk into a telephone pole still running, and the fan eating up
the
radiator. I hobbled up to the car, reached in and cut it off,
then
sat down on the curb, licked my many wounds and cried over my beautiful
car. I don't remember if I made my date that night, but I doubt
it,
because I wasn't very cool looking then, what with all the road rash
that
covered me from stem to stern. Now, 40 years later, I rarely go
around
that corner that I don't think about that skinny boy with all that
brill-creamed
hair that rolled out of that old Studebaker that warm summer day a
lifetime
ago, back when I was cool, baby... Wayne Riddle, Winchester, Kentucky |
| Reunion Pictures
Permission was granted for the following story by Johnny Rennaker of Corinth, Kentucky. This story began in Johnny younger days. Johnny was a record salesman over several states. He went from town to town pedaling 45RPM records. During this job he met a woman. They had a brief relationship. Due to family problems, Johnny was ask to never return. He did just that. It was in October 29, 2000 that Johnny received the most wonderful shock of his life. A man called his house. He identified himself as Paul Davis of Pikeville, TN. He questioned Johnny about his past and verified his work record. Paul, feeling comfortable that this was indeed Johnny Rennaker, revealed to Johnny that his wife was his daughter from many years ago. Paul arranged with Johnny to meet his daughter the following day. As Johnny told this story at Northpark Wal Mart, I sat there with tears in my eyes. Johnny and his daughter, Denise, will leave the past behind. They have both focused on what's left, the future. You can see Johnny's wonderful, understanding wife Brenda, Denise, the daughter from a relationship, and Johnny a very proud father below. |
| Ott
Ratliff has a 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible that was assembled in
Dearborne, Michigan, May 10th, 1964. The car went to a Dealer in
Cincinnatti, Ohio and from there it went to a dealer in KY.
The Car was located in Nicholasville, KY, August 1977 and was restored by Joe Estep, of Thelma, KY. The Outstanding features are: 260 V/8 engine, a generator, and the front driver's seat is adjustable. It is the only seat that is adjustable. It has double red lined tires, 3 speed transmission, an autolite Battery, the color is Chantilly Beige with the interior being a Palmetto Beige. Thanks Ott |
It's early 1975. Pete Stamper was working with Dolly Partin. Virgina Bray was manager of WRVK radio where Pete and Charlie worked. Pete said in his book that this day affected Charlie in some way or the other. He really looks quite happy! |
Being a DJ was one of Charlie's Greatest dreams. He always took a very serious approach to his job, but always found fun in the moment. Pat Boone had arrived in town for the dedication of Red Foley Drive. |
This was the last Band Charlie played in. Jerry "Chicken Man Isaacs" was band leader and won 2nd place on World's Funniest People. |
It is now March 5, 1977, in the home of Gary Smith, located behind the Renfro Valley Lodge that Charlie and Carolyn said their wedding vows. Times were hard, but their love prevailed. |
Charlie was Master of Ceremonies of several special events at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. This Show was the annual talent search conducted by John Lair each year. At this moment a decision is about to be made for the winner. |
 Christmas 1988,
as this group gathered for the last
time on the stage not knowing we would never spend Christmas together
on the Renfro
Valley Barn Dance again. Seen from left to right in row standing
is
Al Ballinger(Barn Dance Emcee), Ann Henderson(Daughter of John Lair and
owner in 1986), Country Charlie Napier(Other Barn Dance Emcee), right
behind
Charlie are Marg and Debbie Rhodes(Duets-Mother and Daughter) Edith and
Coy Priddy(Coy was one of John Lair's finest acts, Jerry the Chicken
Man
Isaacs, Old Joe Clark(Comedian for the Barn Dance and Founder of the
Old
Joe Clark Bluegrass Festival, next in the blue checkered shirt I don't
know,
and last is Jim Gaskins who was one of two fiddlers for the Barn Dance
in
1988. We always gathered together after the show to fellowship in
food
and sang Christmas Carols. This was my other extended family that
I
will never forget and always love. We worked together for more
than
a dozen years. |
 Featured here
is
Coy Priddy as he sang Blue Moon of Kentucky. Coy Pruddy and his
wife Edith came to Renfro Valley by way of a Grayhound Bus from
Louisville every Saturday night. Someone would see to it that
he got on down to the Barndance to be on the show. In the later
years, Susan Tomes, a school teacher from Louisville, now Rockcastle
Tourisn Director, drove her car and brought Coy and his wife to the
barndance. It really didn't matter how he got there, but it was
his country boy smile, Kentucky Hillbilly look, and that high pitch
voice that brought all the crowds to
their feet asking for just one more. Coy's kind of act is what
made
the Renfro Valley Barn Dance famous today. Also in this picture
is
fiddle player, Bee Lucus, Country Charlie Napier, and Jo Nel Fisher
playing rythm. This group entertained ten of thousands of people
from all over the US and Canada. If you're one of those who came
to see us, I will repeat my opening line....Howdy Folks and Welcome to
the second half of the
Renfro Valley Barn Dance....Country Charlie...Here Coy with Old Rattler Thanks to Kathy
Priddy(Coy's Daughter) for the two above pictures in the Valley where
time stands still. |
Being taught that country truly does come first, Charlie had entered Eastern Kentucky University in the year of 1971 from Somerset Community College. On his mind were two things, getting prepared to be a teacher and preparing to go to the US Army if duty called him to go. Today, Charlie is Serving the military as a civilian member of the United States Selective Service System. That 55 Chevy in the background was his main ride. Don't know why it doesn't have any caps. Suppose the tire had to be rotated too often. |
This Picture was recently taken in Oneida, Ky in May of 2001. The guy with the red scarf around his neck is "Fiddling Little Ralph Marcum" a former Renfro Valley Barn Dance Star. I was the emcee that usually had the pleasure to bring on Ralph. When he walked up to the microphone, he gave the audience their money's worth. One of this favorites fiddle tunes was Black Mountain Rag. The fiddle hair would fly and the audience would scream for more. There's not many of the original cast left. Maybe we'll be able to get them together sometimes for our website. Ralph actually came to Renfro a little before I did, but we left together in 1987. Ralph continues his museum in Jackson County collecting relics to place there for generations to come. On this day Harvey Conner brought him a cannon ball and some civil war pictures. We're going to get up to Jackson County and visit. It is just out of Berea, Kentucky on highway 421. When you get to McKee, just ask anyone where Ralph Marcum's museum is located. |
We have had the pleasure of working with many entertainers in our Renfro Valley Career. Below is a Picture of Donnie Riddle who played with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Osborne Brothers, Country Charlie, and many others. In Donnie's words, "I played with most of theses guy when they were just starting. Donnie is currently on tour with a Bluegrass band. |
David Pelzer, who's story will touch anyone's
life, has been on the Best Seller's list for seven years. David
was a survivor
of a horrendous childhood. Dave has dedicated his life helping
others to help themselves. |
 One of the highlights of my music career was being
hired by Mr. John Lair as a member of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and
having the opportunity of working with Charlie Napier. Thanks Charlie, Jake Kessinger RENFRO VALLEY DOCUMENTARY THE SONG CALLED RENFRO VALLEY LET’S GO TO RENFRO VALLEY |
In 1987, this reunion was the last time Charlie performed on the stage
at Renfro Valley. Pete Stamper hosted this event, and we had one
super show. Many of the greats in this picture are gone now, but
will be remembered and loved by many around the country. Bob and
Jesse
Baker, Old Joe Clark, Coy Pruddy, Virgina Bray (Sales Mgr.) are among
those
missing. Renfro Valley during those years did indeed seem like a place
that
time would stand still. That's what John always said. The
cast
there varied some, but the likes of Old Joe and Terry Clark, Pete
Stamper,
Curt Caldwell, Al Ballinger, Goober, Virginia Sutton Bray, Kellie and
Jan
Cummins, Patty Fly, Country Charlie Napier, Marge and Debbie Rhodes,
Red
Creech, Jim Gaskin, Susan Tomes, Vernon Rainwater, Graddy Hockett were
among
the group that the Lair Family Counted on for the Saturday night
Barndance. Our comedians, who were Old Joe, Pete Stamper, and
Goober kept crowds wiping tears from laughter every Saturday
night. The Lair Barndance
was simple, but known around the US and Canada. It was indeed a
great
privilege to work for Mr. Lair and be a part of the group that
pioneered
the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Question? Do you know what was used
as
the bell on the Sunday Morning Gathering? On radios across the
country
it sounded just like a bell. Email me with an answer at
cenapier@kih.net
with an answer. It will surprise you if you don't have a clue. |
| Dr. Carl Hurley(Picture) On this cold dark November night as Carolyn and I headed in the barn for the 62nd homecoming of the former Renfro Valley Entertainers, I glanced over to my right and saw a very familiar face. A teacher I had in College in 1982. Dr. Carl Hurley, who now is one of America's Funniest Professors, was awaiting his next show. As I approached Dr. Hurley, he stood there with his usual grin and a great big howdy. The class he taught was one of his final classes before starting his new career in comedy. I reminded him of how much I enjoyed his class. He reminded me that he was preparing on us to get his material ready for the road. Dr. Hurley takes stories from his life and tells them like it is. In a sense we all have the stories, but Dr. Hurley has the gift to tell the stories. Dr. Hurley was the headliner tonight for the new barn, and there was a sold out crowd to see him. Dr. Hurley grew up in the hills of Rockcastle and Laurel Counties near Renfro Valley. |
| Old Joe
Clark (Photo) Wow, Old Joe Clark was one of the best friends a boy could ever have had in Renfro Valley. I first met Old Joe when I was but a very small child. I was on a field trip, and we stopped by the radio station that day. Old Joe wanted someone to talk on the radio, and I stepped up. Little did I know that I would be a disc jockey for WRVK in the future. I was excited to meet such a famous man. As time had it, Old Joe moved out of the radio to pursue his singing career as I had just begun my teaching career. Old Joe and his son Terry were among the most popular acts on the Bluegrass circuit. Any time Joe wasn't on the road, he and Terry would play the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Joe and his sons started a bluegrass festival that remains to this day one of the best in the USA. The Old Joe Clark Bluegrass Festival is held annually in July at Renfro Valley, just off I 75 near Mt.Vernon, KY. Being one of the great Icons of Renfro Valley, the above statue was erected of Old Joe Clark in the center of Renfro Valley, KY.....Here's a conversation between Old Joe and I in 1985.....Click Here |
| Reunion of Renfro Valley
Entertainers Pete Stamper headed up the reunion of the Renfro Valley Entertainers. We had a lot of fun, but as this picture shows, my mind was racing back in time. The valley where time is supposed to stand still. The clock stopped on me there in 1987. It was a strange blessing, because that was when I decided to hit the trail doing car shows. It was strange sitting there on that bale of hay. I was used to being the guy talking, setting up the acts, and making sure my half of the Barn Dance was going strong. I liked to hit the stage running, and always felt a bit excited just before I greeted the crowd. As I pondered in time, it suddenly occurred to me that the best thing that ever happened to me was in Renfro Valley. Here I met a girl that I fell in love with and married. Carolyn was an usher, and she said she didn't even like me.....Yea! Right! I got proof 26 years later that she was wrong. Like the car shows, I had an extended family here. Pete Stamper was one of my very best friends, and my boss at the little radio station, WRVK. We worked very well together and ran a great country music radio station. I was the advertising manager. I remembered the reason how I got to Renfro Valley. I was Pete's son's teacher. We met at a parent teacher conference. Pete invited me to come down to the station. I remembered when John Lair came into the radio station that cool gray Saturday moring and ask me if I could sing. I told him I could. He invited me to be a guest on the barndance that Night. That would lead me to several guest appearances, before landing the $10 a show for performing. Mr. Lair always had very high expectations. I tried to reach them. John's daughter, Ann Henderson, would later ask me to be the last master of cermonies of the Lair Dynasty. What a legacy the Lair Family left for us. I remembered the SPRING. Bob and Jesse Baker took me to the spring every Saturday night for a drink. Yes, I had a nip or two with the boys. That was their turff I was on. Mr. Lair ask us one weeknight to play for a group from Nottingham, England. We took them all to the spring. We had a jolly ole time that night. Needless to say, Mr. Lair was a bit unhappy with this matter. Reg Cooper, BBC Broadcaster, would later exchange radio program with me. His audience was in the hundreds. He said mine was a quarter of a million. They really enjoyed their stay in the STATES, especially Renfro Valley. I thought of how lucky I was to have been a part of this incredible place called Renfro Valley. There is a huge story here I may in time share, but today time will stand still once more. |
| Emery and Linda Lou Martin
Plays Banjo with his feet Linda Plays the Fiddle What a treat to be entertained again by these two. Emery was known as a the man who picked the banjo with one arm or better yet his feet. The fact that he had one arm never hampered the vast talent Emery had. His wife Linda was blessed with talent as well. Linda could fiddle with the best of them. We salute these two veterans of days gone by. |
| Judge Ray Korns Ray was a judge who made a difference in Kentucky's Educational System. Well, I knew this part of Ray as the teacher in 1990, however, I knew Ray as the Comedian. From time to time The Lair Family would call on Judge Ray Korns to fill for the resident comedians. Judge Korns could keep tears in your eyes with his funny stories and stand lines. It was indeed a pleasure to see the great Renfro Valley Blast from the Past. |
| The Chicken Man I first met Jerry Isaccs when we were out playing the circuit. Junior Anglin had told me about him, so we hooked up on a show together. He was a hoot. Jerry and I soon became good friends and I joined Jerry's band better known as the Red Hen Boogie Band. We traveled over three states picking and trying to break even on gas and food. I remember Mr. Ronnie Cash asking us to play for the RCHS student body. I told the band we were in for a long hour and a half. We opened the show with and bang and left a student body standing screaming for more. I fortunately made a video of that event which is now precious to us. Jerry came and went a couple of times in the Valley, but his Chicken Song would be enough to hold him a spot in the current shows in Renfro Valley. |
| WRVK DJ HISTORY Here a historical picture of three guys who spent a lifetime working together in Renfro Valley and at WRVK. The fellow on the left is Pete Stamper, who first brought me on my own radio show at WRVK. It was around 1974. Pete was resident comedian at the show, Emcee of Barn Dance, and morning disc jockey in the little Renfro Valley Radio Station. The fellow on the right is Al Ballinger, who worked his day job, had his own Saturday radio show, singer, and Emcee of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. The other fellow is the cowboy who is in the middle. He too sang, played, disc jockeyed, and Emcee The Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Each one has a complete history on the other. Pete has a book out called, " It All Happened In Renfro Valley". This picture was taken as history was once again being made in Renfro Valley, August 16, 2006. WRVK , under the management of Charles and Bobbie Saylor, was getting ready to kick off the first ever live band singing radio show on the Station. It went well. If you want to listen in on Tuesday evenings, turn to www.wrvk1460.com...from 6:00pm till 8:00pm. |
Tell us us your memories of the 50's/60's.
Send comments
by e-mail and we will post them here, where oldie songs and
classic or
antique automobiles go hand in hand. If you have comments or
suggestions
for this web
site, email me at cenapier@alltel.net
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