If Everything Is Thrown Away, What’s Garbage?  Desda, Clinton County, Kentucky

Early 20th Century Commericial Building, Desda-Wells Bottom Road (State Highway 3063) and Route 127, Desda, Clinton County, Kentucky

Whatever glory or charm that might have embodied Desda, Kentucky, has long since been thrown away by its more recent, miserable occupants.  The rural settlement is located on Route 127, which runs along the northwest part of Lake Cumberland.  Despite the economic vibrancy created by the lake and also by the Army Corps of Engineers, the area between Beaver Creek Damn and Aaron, Kentucky is a taxing array of rude dwellings and other “fomerlies”.  And aside from the Blue Ridge Market there is not a trash can in sight.  And while the most bleeding of hearts would chastise use for ranting upon “the poor”—we know that it doesn’t take a penny to pick up garbage.  In fact, the only thought is that there is obviously some disposable income.   

Probably always  a minor agricultural crossroads in Clinton County, Kentucky, Desda apparently had a post office.  At the juncture of Route 127 and County Road 1325, the building is near the entrance to State Highway 3063—Desda-Wells Bottom Road.  Perhaps it was the post office among other commercial uses., but we don’t know nor are there plans to find out through local research.  We do know that the appearance of the building is that of former commercial use, dating back to the first or early second quarter of the twentieth century.  The shed porch is charming enough in its rural setting, as are the three-over-one craftsman inspired/era wood windows along the primary facade.  No doubt the original paneled wood door, the fenestration of the primary façade is set with a cladding composed of either one of two materials, “stone-looking” cinder block or some kind of early synthetic siding.  Probably, its cinder block as was commonly used in the early 20^th century in rural areas. As usual in buildings of this form and style, a simple parapet rises above the porch and the main block’s roof line to give a greater feeling of stature—a touch that obviously did not transcend upon the greater community. 

Primary Elevation of Old Highway Commericial Building at Desda, Kentucky Crossroads, Near Lake Cumberland in Clinton County, Kentucky.

The only historical references at our electronic fingertips in regards to Desda was in finding that at some point in the mid-19^th century certain local drilling led to the area to become associated with Matilda Gabbard Well—apparently, a great 19^th century, local epoch in the Kentucky context of advancements in oil and gas.  We don’t doubt that the local economy was ever that great, but we certainly know that certain early settlers, like Adison Aaron, the physician for whom Aaron, Kentucky is named, would not be amused at the disregard for this building, among others in the greater realm of Clinton County and especially along Route 127. 

Contextual View of Rural Commericial Building, Thrown Away or Trashed Out at Desda, Kentucky...

We ask again, is it so hard to take pride enough to pick up garbage or perhaps the problem is that one cannot even tell the difference???

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