Beech Tree News Network

On Saturday, May 12, Rochester Pride Day was held.  It's theme was "Celebrating Our Rich Past & Bright Future."  The main attraction was the dedication of the Suffolk Historical Marker on the corner of Ferry Street and Creamery Street. The marker is the 14th in Butler County.

The General Richard Butler KYSSAR Chapter provided a historical reenactment. Local historian, Roger Givens served as emcee for the event.
Maxine Minton, Roger Southerland, and Boyd Truelove have conducted significant research on this community.

 
“A lot of people have worked hard on this for several years,” said Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields.

Rochester Mayor Martha Rowe spoke after Judge Fields.  She thanked everyone for coming out. 

Kentucky Historical Society’s oral historian Carole Smith unveiled the Suffolk plaque. 
From 1776-1780, Kentucky was called a Kentucky county in Virginia.  Then they broke out into three counties: Jefferson, Fayette and Lincoln counties.  That happened in 1780.  In September 1792, Logan County was created out of Lincoln.  When Kentucky became a state, the name "Commonwealth" of Kentucky was retained because Kentucky came through Virginia.
Jason Riddick was a Revolutionary War soldier in the Continental Army. His son inherited a Revolutionary War grant.  Jason was awarded 4,000 acres because he was a captain in the army.  His son exercised a 500 acre Revolutionary War grant. Out of the 500 acres, he created 100 acres called Suffolk and he got his lawyer to go to Logan County to approve Suffolk as a town on July 11, 1803.  Riddick had to sell because of financial problems. Those financial problems were why Suffolk never got developed.  Riddick died in 1839.
Without Suffolk, Rochester would probably never have been developed, as Suffolk came before Rochester.  The dam opened in 1838.  Rochester became a town in 1839.  When Rochester became a town, it annexed the 100 acres of Suffolk. 
Also taking place at the event was the kayak launch ramp dedication, which was given by Judge Fields.  Melanie Hunt gave a Trail Town update. 
Becky & the Butler County Boys and fiddler Mackenzie Bell performed. Everyone enjoyed food and giveaways.