Sayings going round town...
“She runs like a scalded ape.”

Our History

24 January 2007

history of the rabbit hash general store
The town's name, "Rabbit Hash" is said to have originated during the flood of 1847 when the abundant local rabbit population was driven to higher ground and became a food staple in a special stew called "hash." Little documented history of Rabbit Hash actually survives, primarily because devastating Ohio River floods in 1884, 1913 and 1937 deluged the little town and ruined many records.

The Rabbit Hash General Store was completely submerged during the 1937 flood that crested at an unheard of 79.9 feet. There is still mud in the store's attic crawl space from the historic 1937 flood, and the only reason it has survived the river's often angry waters is that it is anchored securely to the ground by a series of iron rods which run through the entire structure. Much of the rest of Rabbit Hash was not so fortunate during the historic flood. Several residences, outbuildings, the creamery, a tobacco warehouse and the blacksmith shop were washed away in 1937.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Comments (14)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

unchanged history

love old history

debbie ,
Jan 18, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Town Records

Hello all,

I actually visited this site a couple of years ago looking for information about Rabbit Hash. My grandpa was born in Rabbit Hash in 1913. The family name is Rayls. I am not sure how long they lived in Rabbit Hash as they later relocated to east-central Illinois. Please let me know where to access more info regarding records.

Thanks!

Tammy

Tammy ,
Aug 24, 2009 at 2:18 pm

ms.

One of my ancesters was elizabeth van ness who married into our satterlee family. Just wondering if they're related.

gloria ,
Aug 20, 2009 at 8:04 am

Professor

My great Grand Mother lived in Rabbit Hash most of her life. Cse dies there at age 102 Her family name was Van Ness. You will find the name on the list of early settlers. My Grand father Charlse Gant married Bessy in the chutch in Rabbit hash. I spent the summers of 1946 and 1947 in Rabbit Hash. My what fond memories.

William Evans ,
Jul 19, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Reader

I found the article and responses very enjoyable.Makes me want to visit the town sometime.

rmerkle ,
Nov 11, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Humor

The canine mayor is a great idea!!
We are a small rural community 5 miles from Loch Ness in Scotland and our famous monster would make a great Provest (Scottish name for Mayor)!!
Glad a sense of humor and good community spirt is as alive and well in the colonies as it is here in the old world.
Good luck with the collie.
Mirren

Mirren ,
Aug 31, 2008 at 7:37 am

1958 MAYOR OF RABBIT HASH, KY

Hi,

I have a post card dated June 26, 1958 from the Craig's General Store that was sent as "Best wishes" from "Herbert" and "Chester" -"Mayor of Rabbit Hash" to my mother Ruth Forrest who they called their "friend". They did not leave their last name. I was wondering what their last names were and if they still have family living in the area.

Thank you,

Elaine

Elaine McGlothen ,
Oct 27, 2007 at 4:04 pm

| url

Being There

Terrie, you are so sweet!

I almost feel like I have been to Rabbit Hash and down to the store. I would like to come to Rabbit Hash. I actually saw (and then bought) your movie Rabbit Hash - Center of the Universe and I was so delighted both by the town and the people that I have joined your Historical Society as a supporter. I really think you have the right idea. I live in the worst city in the country, Cleveland, Ohio. So Rabbit Hash looks like heaven to me! I have a plan to build a yurt down the road a piece.

Hugs all round,

Aileen

Just wild about Rabbit Hash...

Could we have the impeachment there?

:grin

Aileen Terra ,
Jul 07, 2007 at 2:01 pm

| url

Our history...

Thanks Aileen for your comments. I went on a trip to the northeast a few years ago and was so disappointed in not finding old general stores like ours in Rabbit Hash. I think I was working when you came in and was pleased you took interest in the little kids and their wonderful imaginations. I am glad you had a nice experience in Rabbit Hash and am thankful for people like you that can appreciate it. Hope to see you again.

Terrie

Terrie Markesbery ,
Jul 07, 2007 at 9:40 am

| url

Community and General Stores

I think we are missing something big in not having local general stores. I remember reading Zora Neale Hurston and her stories about the general store in another unique town in Florida that she grew up in and left in her mid-teens. It had so many kinds of activities going on...almost like a town crossroads.

I really enjoyed seeing Rabbit Hash in the movie. I loved that the younger people had so many creative activities under the store.

I hope to come back and cybershop. You have some wonderful things. You are some fascinating people.

Wishing the whole town well...

Aileen Terra ,
Jun 30, 2007 at 3:19 pm

| url

more historical info coming real soon

Beverly,

Thanks for your comment. I hope you can visit one day. It will be worth the trip especially if your family is from here. Please feel free to call us at 859-586-7744 if you need more information or contact the "Rabbit Hash Historical Society" at www.rabbithashusa.com

Thank you,

Terrie

Rabbit Hash General Store ,
May 12, 2007 at 6:39 am

| url

...

I believe from old family pictures and history that the Rabbit hash General Store was at one time called Stephens Bros Store. Part of the Stephens family came west by wagon and as good merchants set up two other Stephens Bros stores, One in Sheep Ranch and one in Murphys CA during to gold rush. i am part of the Stephens family on my mother's side and grew up hearing my grandmother tell stories about the family and the civil war in that area. There was a Milton and Benjamine Stephens and Earl and Ray, my grandfater. Go to Murphys CA website and I believe there are pictures of the store there. The one in Sheep Ranch, run by Hayden Stephens is still standing but has been closed for many years. Would love to talk to someone about the Stephens family. there are still decendants in the Murphys area and yes, some of them run stores too. Hope one day to be able to pay a visit to where that part of my family originated from. sincerely Bev Tooker

Beverly Trackwell-Tooker ,
May 11, 2007 at 3:24 pm

More historical info coming real soon

Hi Tammy! What a coincidence... I just received two articles on the history of Rabbit Hash from the Historical Society and will get those up later this week. Glad you enjoyed what we have so far! -- Webmaster

Jeanne Sheridan ,
May 06, 2007 at 11:07 pm

More Historical Info

I enjoyed the article; however, I would love to know how I could learn more on the history of this town. My grandpa was born there in 1913. Any information is appreciated!

Tammy ,
May 05, 2007 at 5:33 pm

Write yer comment

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites: