Many people have made the journey to see, touch, or hear, what is left behind of the legendary Bill…read moreMonroe.
Bill Monroe's Homeplace, on top of Jerusalem Ridge, is located off U.S. 62 East near Rosine, Kentucky. Visitors pass over a gated bridge to climb a winding little road, which leads up to a lovely white farmhouse trimmed in green.
If you ever get the chance to go, roll down your windows, quiet down, slow your pace, and deeply draw in the fresh air.
The winding little road will take you way up on top of the Ridge, twisting you about the woods, showing you where young Bill was raised.
While there, you may be greeted by these fluttering, small, beautiful, yellow butterflies, which the Cousins say have always been there. In some cultures, the yellow butterfly is revered for bringing all things positive. Some even declare yellow butterflies carry the whispers of souls long gone.
We reached the top of the Ridge, winding around an older home of Bill's relative, through the woods until the trees finally opened up revealing the graceful little farmhouse.
As we stepped out of the car, we immediately began to feel the importance of where we were, almost like we were about to step on spiritual ground.
Some say they can hear music without anyone there. It's like the rocks and timber have retained it all these years, waiting to release it to those who can listen. Some Homeplace attendants say they hear music while working on the Ridge when there's no possible way for it to be playing.
The Cousins revealed that part of the house partly burned and Bill's father had rebuilt the home. They also confirmed Bill himself came and picked the colors of the house to be painted at the refurbishment.
The Cousins revealed the story of Bill coming to see his home place and how sad he was to see there was no one at home and no light in the window. He went back and wrote the song, "I'm On My Way To The Old Home."
The Cousins showed us a beautiful quilt depicting Bill's songs: the light, the little girl with the snake, the "Grand Ole Opry" with one Cousin telling us the museum has a hat from Minnie Pearl with the tag on it.
On the front porch, we were told they had sawn off the bottom of the rocking chairs so they wouldn't rock, that's why their chairs were so short. Bill, Charlie, Birch and the Boys, with Uncle Pen, would ride the wagon on those chairs and go down the road singing and playing music where everyone could hear.
We walked on outside and stopped at the tree in the front yard. Standing at the tree, the Cousins said they have seen people, from all over the world, stand at that tree, drop to their knees, and cry, for they hear singing.
We walked to the back porch, I liked this best. The view of the woods with the slight breeze coming up the Ridge, I could spend a lot of time rocking on the porch.
Editor's note: The Bill Monroe Homeplace is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 270-363-9501.
In the summer, the Monroe Homeplace hosts "Pickin' on the Porch," the second Sunday's of the month from 2-4 p.m. The Bill Monroe Foundation and Ohio County Tourism encourage everyone to bring their instrument and lawn chair.
Donations are always accepted for the Cousins do all their work voluntary on touring and upkeep of the grounds.
-Excepts from a published version in OC Monitor by myself, Angie Hudnall
