Membership is not required to establish a Kentucky Colonel Branch or to be listed in the Kentucky Colonels Handbook

Kentucky Colonels Association

An effort initiated by three, then 13, and 33 to bring together the Kentucky Colonels since the beginning of the Kentucky Colonelcy in 1875.

The Kentucky Colonels Association: A Vision Lost, A Legacy Reclaimed

In the annals of Kentucky's vibrant history lies a forgotten chapter: the Kentucky Colonels Association (an independent body formed by Kentucky Colonels in the 1920s. This organization, conceived in the spirit of camaraderie and civic duty, sought to unite Kentucky Colonels and harness their collective influence to promote the goodwill and general welfare of the Commonwealth. However, its promising trajectory was abruptly cut short by a fictitious militia, its legacy overshadowed by the rise of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) a name and idea developed by Governor Ruby Laffoon.

Newspaper article three months prior to the creation of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

A Gathering of Leaders

The year was 1931. The Great Depression cast a long shadow over the nation, and Kentucky was no exception. Yet, amidst the economic hardship, a spark of hope flickered. A group of distinguished Kentucky Colonels, driven by a shared vision of service and progress, convened in Frankfort to formalize their association.

Their goals were ambitious:

To revive the "grandeur and sentiment" of the original Kentucky Colonel, harkening back to the pioneers and leaders who shaped the state's foundation.
To forge a "non-political brotherhood" dedicated to the advancement of Kentucky and its citizens.
To establish a unified organization with shared principles, bylaws, and even a distinctive uniform.

The enthusiasm was palpable, the potential immense. The Kentucky Colonels Association was poised to become a powerful force for good in the Commonwealth.

A Vision Interrupted

However, fate had other plans. The 1932 gubernatorial election brought a new administration to power, and with it, a shift in priorities. The Kentucky Colonels Association, still in its nascent stage, found itself overshadowed by the newly formed Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) in 1933, an organization championed by Governor Ruby Laffoon.

The HOKC, with its focus on fundraising and political patronage, quickly eclipsed the Association, its vision of a united and independent body of Kentucky Colonels fading into obscurity. The names listed in the 1930 "Kentucky Colonels Handbook," a testament to the Association's early membership, became footnotes in history, their collective aspirations overshadowed by the HOKC's well-defined dominance.

Reclaiming the Legacy

Today, the Kentucky Colonels Association remains a poignant reminder of a vision lost, a legacy interrupted. Its story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of grassroots movements and the power of political influence.

Yet, even in its absence, the Association's ideals continue to resonate. Its commitment to unity, service, and the betterment of Kentucky echoes the true spirit of the Kentucky Colonel.

As we strive to reclaim the authentic history of the Kentucky Colonelcy, let us also remember the Kentucky Colonels Association and the vision it represented. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of collective action and the unwavering commitment to serving the Commonwealth.

We invite you to share any information or memories you may have about the Kentucky Colonels Association. Together, let us piece together the fragments of its history and ensure that its legacy is not forgotten.

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