Thomas Rhea (center) of Russellville, also known as the “Gray Fox,” was in Bowling Green on June 8, 1935, for the opening of his campaign for Kentucky governor with a barbecue gathering on Reservoir Hill.

June 8, 1935

The “Gray Fox,” Thomas Rhea of Russellville, was in Bowling Green on June 8, 1935, for the opening of his campaign for Kentucky governor.

Rhea (1871–1946), a Democrat, had served as Kentucky state treasurer and Logan County sheriff. The event took place on Reservoir Hill and on the verso of the photograph, a handwritten note states “30,000 people present.”

A barbecue featuring more than 1,500 sheep and 500 hogs added to the festive occasion.

– “Way Back When in Warren County” is compiled by researchers at the Warren County Public Library and appears twice weekly in the Bowling Green Daily News. For more information about the library, visit warrenpl.org.