Winter 2009 Program – Luther Draffen, Long Time Jackson Purchase Journalist
Held at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville, Kentucky – Lanette Thurman introduced the program on Luther Draffen, presented by JPHS member Bobbie Foust, a long time journalist in the Jackson Purchase area. Luther Draffen was a visionary who worked tirelessly to locate Kentucky Dam where he thought it would benefit the most people, business and industry. Mrs. Foust talked about the early years of Luther Draffen’s life which formed his character that later served him well as he shared his vision with others. After the disastrous 1937 flood, Mr. Draffen was finally able to see the Kentucky Dam project begin in 1938. On October 10, 1945, President Harry S. Truman addressed a crowd of people gathered below the dam on the Tennessee River dedicating Kentucky Dam. Other dignitaries on the platform included Senator Alben Barkley of Kentucky (who later became Vice President Alben Barkley) and Luther Draffen, President of the Lower Tennessee Valley Authority. JPHS was pleased to have as guests members of Luther Draffen’s family in attendance at this meeting.
