Liberty

"It was great to hear from Hazard. I recorded it on my computer for memories." Ken Combs

"What an honor to be invited back to ones home town for recognition. (We) the Liberty family are forever grateful to the Mayor of Hazard (Bill Gorman), the City Commissioners, and School Board of Education, Rev. Hudson also to be graciously received by the Hazard Bulldog basketball team and cheerleaders. It was very special!" J.C. Collins, San Jose, CA

"I have fond memories of all the friendly people I met and got to know on Liberty Street. From 1948-1951 I delivered the Louisville Courier Journal in Big Bottom while I was a student at Hazard High School and later Combs High School. One family I remember well was that of an elderly man in a wheel chair who, weather permitting, would often sit on his front porch having a smoke. He would always invite me to come on to the porch and visit for a while. I don't remember his name although I had it in my paper route book; but unfortunately, it was lost in my parents home in the 1957 flood." Jack (Don) Gross, Huntsville / Madison, AL

"Seeing this picture really brought back memories and tears to my eyes. You see I lived right behind the Bakery in Hazard on Liberty Street, born and grew up there. Even though there was segregation back then my family taught me that I was no better than another person because of the color of my skin. Thank God for that teaching because some of my best remembered friends were from Liberty High School. Professor Puryear tutored me through my math years and Algebra and without his help I would not have made it, I am sure. I was invited into their home and felt at home with them. There were no better people in all the world. The Godfreys had a little grocery and treated me very kindly. The Handys, Ethel and Britt and their children were much loved by my family. My Dad would take me to some of the Liberty High activities and through the halls of that school walked many children who were guided along their way by teachers of the highest caliber. I cannot list here all the names I remember fondly because it would turn into a big list. I just want to say I remember Liberty High, its educators, its talented students, and recently I went back up Liberty Street with my son and all I found was a small marker where Liberty High stood and together we stood there and cried because progress had taken another old memory from us. I thank God for my memories of Liberty High School." Ida Lee Hansel, Spartanburg SC

"Reading the feedbacks, I am wondering if this year, 1948, was the year Liberty High's gym burned. I was going to Combs High School and they rented our gym to practice in. I kept the keys and Prof. Puryear would come and get me and we would ride to the Combs Gym where his team would practice. A few times he would let me practice with them and I remember how strict Prof. Puryear was and how good he got along with his boys and I especially remember how well mannered they all were." Tommy Hansel, Spartanburg SC

"I am one of the basket ball players honored at the game on 14th January. Several of us traveled together from Ohio to Hazard. We had a great time at the reception at City hall and the game. Thanks Much !!! Hazard is a special place for all who have lied there." Kenneth Combs, Warrensville, Hights, OH

"It is great to see my hometown on the website. I went to Liberty School for two years. The Cornett Family and Friends Reunion has been in Hazard for 30 years and we hope to keep the Reunion in Hazard for the years to come for the next generation. The memories of my time at Liberty School remain in my heart, and also the love I have for my home town." Cheyenne Cornett, West Carrollton, Ohio

"I grew up in Hazard, KY, during those years when the schools were segregated. However, I got to know most everyone in town since my family operated a grocery store. It was the only store in town in the 30s and 40s where the races could enjoy each other's company. In one section of our store, the coal miners (both black and white) could drink soda pop and beer and enjoy a sandwich together. On the other side of our store were the meats and groceries. Everyone was welcome in our store. My parents were Italian immigrants and knew very little about segregation. I doubt if anyone is still alive who remembers all this. If anyone out there remembers those years, I would love to hear from them. I remember Professor Walker very well. He was in our store numerous times." Billie Reda Sowers, Dayton, OH

"It brought tears to my eyes. I'm proud to be a part of it. My father was Lucien [L.C.] Cornett Jr. He graduated in the early '40s. I don't know the year but I remember seeing a picture of his class. I went in the early 50s grade school one year. If anybody have that class picture please email me a copy or mail to Joe Cornett,, 2379 Edenburgh Dr. So. Columbus, Ohio 43219. THANK AND I LOVE YOU. Keep up the good work."

"It brought tears to my eyes to remember those days of near total separation of the races, then in 1956 the tentative reaching out on both sides for friendships at HHS. I attended the Broadway schools and then HHS from 1st thru 12th grades, so I saw black children mostly from a distance, except at Little League Games that began when I was about 13. To realize, long after, that something akin to a parallel universe existed almost within shouting distance of my home was rather stunning. Parallel dreams, parallel challenges, parallel successes and regrets." Nancy Jo Cornett