A chunk of history returns home 148 years after Kentucky meat shower

BATH COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – There are countless small towns out there that have something that makes them special, and for Bath County, Kentucky, there’s a piece that leaves researchers stumped, and it sets the county apart from the rest.

Bath county, specifically Olympia Springs, is the home of the Kentucky meat shower.

“On March 3rd of 1876, Mrs. Rebecca Crouch was outside with her grandson, and out of the clear blue sky, meat started to rain down,” said Bath County History Museum Curator Brent Frizzell.

“They gathered up what was remaining and they say it was a horse wagon full, and I think everyone knows what that means, and I think people in the area ate it,” said Transylvania University Professor of Art Kurt Gohde.

A slice of the meat was saved from the phenomenon and has been under the care of Transylvania University.

On Saturday, the Bath County History Museum got to return this sliver back to its original meat locker.

“A lot of people left impressed and enjoyed very interesting stories that actually came from other people who had relatives or descendants of people that visited or saw it back when it happened,” Frizzell said.

Godhe explains some of the theories researchers have on what kind of meat it is and how it got there.

“An interesting one includes a weather pattern where winds will pick up small fish and frogs and I think its called an up spout, and then they lay them down in another place. For me, the vulture vomit theory is the only one that feels possible,” Godhe said.

Godhe added while the studying and DNA testing of the meat have been inconclusive, it’s been fleshing out the speculation.

“Just to be in a space where everyone who walks through the door knows the story and many of them feel like a personal connection to the story, is an incredible experience,” said Godhe.

Although the sample is back at Transylvania University, Frizzell said they are already planning to host more events where people can come and view it in person.

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