Picnic at St. Thomas: A Journey Back to the Past
These striking, nostalgic photos from the 1940s tell a story of community and summer enjoyment in Kentucky
1940s Bardstown, Kentucky.
Recently named “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by USA Today, this historic place always had southern charm.
The summer always brings together community in an newfound way. As you stroll around the street, you see a sign for the St. Thomas picnic.
After a short automobile ride through the country side, passing by many farms, you see the oldest Catholic brick church in Kentucky, built in 1812, up ahead. You remember your great-grandfather telling stories about his time at the St. Thomas preparatory seminary before he met your great-grandmother.
Taking in the cool breeze, you begin to hear the din of a crowd grow louder and louder.
As you walk toward the huge number of people, all dressed in their finest clothes, children running around at play, you are warmly welcomed by some of the men you went to grade school with.
You give one gentlemen your 50 cent entry fee.
With laughs and chatter, you begin to help them prepare the food. Your job is to cut up potatoes. “Be careful with that knife,” your uncle says more sternly than he means to.
“Would you be so kind as to go get a bag of flour?” an old man asks.
Now, it is time to cook! You’ve never seen so much fried chicken and vegetables. In the sweltering heat, with sweat running down your forehead, mosquitos come from the crop to get their share in the feast.
You hear one older lady, the lead cook, repeatedly tell her two helpers that the tomatoes need more salt. “They ain’t right just yet. Just a little sprinkle of salt.”
Prepare the tables!
The crowd now stops what they are doing and comes closer. Father thanks everyone for coming out, and leads the blessing. One young girl who learned the prayer at school chirps with confidence.
Time to eat! The crowd begins to move toward the food, making a long line.
The children wait their turn to get some cool water out of the barrel.
After most finish eating, the ladies sit back down for some talk while the men gather for axe-throwing.
The evening is spent with happiness and gratitude. As the sun goes down, most of the families leave.
Hoping that the celebration would never end, you walk back to your car, filled with excitement for next year’s picnic at old St. Thomas.
But, there is no rush, you’ll be back here for Mass tomorrow morning anyhow.
