Hazel is a life-long resident of the North Logan community of Spa. She has chronicled the comings and goings of its people for decades.
Here's a look at the history of Spa, at least the parts I know and remember.
I have a copy of a picture of the first store that was built in Spa in 1895. It was a grocery-department-hardware store, according to the article. It
was built by Matthew Mitchell, and that's all I know about him. In the picture, part of the construction was done with trees showing in the background
and a team of horses and a wagon in front with 14 men ready to work.
An article written by Mark Griffin states that the origin of the name Spa is unkown, but that the community was established Oct. 3, 1890.
I well remember the store building. It had a big porch in front, and as you walked onto the porch and down to the end of the building, there was a slot
on the wall where you inserted your mail, as that was where the post office was located. I have two envelopes and a postcard that have the postmark
"Spa, Ky."
To get to the store if you were coming from the Russellville area, you turned left on KY 106. From Lewisburg, turn right on 106 West. When you get to
what is now known as Green Ridge-Spa Road, you turned left. On your right was the cemetery donated by Simon and Martha Danks as a free burial spot. On
the edge of the cemetery stood a big pole with a bell. This was rung to let people know a death had occurred, and this meant the men of the community
were to come and dig the grave. The bell later disappeared.
Back to the store: The earliest store owners I remember were Mr. Thad and Ms. Bette Howerton. After them I remember Mr. Shelby and Ms. Etta Whitson,
but I may have missed someone. The next I remember were David and Shirley Ballard. The original building burned in 1964; it was rebuilt and sold to
Claude and Leola Wilcutt, who then sold it to Thurmon and Marvine Borders. The next owner was Jerry Hart, who used it as a cabinet shop. It is now
owned by Mark and Kay Thornberry.
In earlier times, at the side of the store was a blacksmith shop. Nearby was also a cream station. In those days people sold cream, brought chickens
and eggs to the store owners to get some money or to trade for needed supplies. At this time there was also a store across the road from the church,
which still stands. Virginia Hart owns it. This store had a gas station as well as merchandise, groceries and hardware.
Both stores were used as voting precincts. This second on was named Ballard and Fleming Merchantile Company and was owned by my husband Bob's uncles,
Robert Ballard, who had married Bob's aunt Lillie Fleming, and by Bob's uncle Johnny Fleming. Helping in the store was another uncle, Rufus Fleming.
In those days, when you purchased $50 worth of 'stuff,' you were given either a bowl, pitcher, plate or platter. I have three different pitchers with
the designs. They included beautiful flowers--red and white roses with the greenery, and one with fruit. This was china and inscribed on the back was
"Sharing the profits with you. Ride in and trade with Ballard & Fleming, Spa, Ky." Later his Uncle Robert and Aunt Lillie sold their interest to
someone else. Later a Mr. Lee and Ms. Evie Williams owned the the establishment. Later it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Paul page, whose surviving
daughter, Mary Lee Page Fields, now lives in Tuscon, Ariz. Near this store was a building called "the mill." I do not remember ever being in it.
The last I will mention is our very active church, Elk Lick Missionary Baptist Church. Older people told the story of how the name of the church was
chosen. The property was then owned by Mrs. Erma 'Doobie' Whitson. It had a spring where the elk came to lick the salt rocks and to drink. Services are
conducted each Sunday morning and night and each Wednesday night. We have other activities. The GA's and their leaders prepare.supper every fourth
Friday night for us older citizens, and we appreciate it very much. We also have an active Sunday school with many classes. A young couple, Steve and
Heather Cross, who are very active with younger groups. We have a very supportive pastor, Brother Art and Ms. Jane Hatfield.
One thing that has changed much is when in the past a loved one passed away, the body was kept at home and usually some four or five people sat with
the body, while the family tried to rest some. Today the deceased remains in the funeral home. We used to know all who lived around here. In today's
society that is not true. Whose fault is that? I guess we do not visit as the older ones did.
Spa once had a very good baseball team, but it seems the church people were not at all pleased, as they thought it was sin. In the late forties the
church again had a ball team. This was in the church league softball in Russellville. Bob had the privilege and pleasure to coach this team a few
years, and his request of them was when he passed away for them to be his pallbearers. Bless their hearts, this they did, and we as the family really
did appreciate their honoring his request.