Lewis Butler's Stuff: Beulahland

Beulahland

There is a settlement northwest of "greater Carthage" on the old Monoville Road known as Beulahland. The residents are descendants of river folks who lived on “unclaimed land” along the Cumberland River. These hearty souls were "spirit filled" most every night and especially on weekends. The term "spirit filled" has two distinct meanings that relate to two very different human conditions: I am referring to both.

I am not a member of any organized religious group: I am a Methodist. For all I know the Holy Rollers in Beulahland may be more organized than I can imagine. The sounds of raucous singing and shouting, accompanied by guitar, tambourine, banjo and an drum resonate in the hollow below. The din from the clapboard church proves that the worshipers truly are "spirit filled".

The winding road through Beulahland is barely wide enough to allow oncoming traffic to pass without sideswiping. However, more frequently than not, an individual who is more than sufficiently filled with spiritus fermenti will sideswipe a car parked along the narrow road.

The houses in Beulahland at one time could be categorized as run-down shacks. Having the status of “a shack” is bad enough, but “a run-down shack” is one that was constructed from packing boxes and corrugated tin roofing blown off an old barn and found along the road. There was a family squatting on Jerry Gardenhire’s property just above the river. Their run-down shack had dogs, chickens, adults and children all living together. The abode became such a mess that instead of cleaning it up someone just set fire to it.

My father, Huber Butler served on the Carthage City Council in the 1960's and '70's. During those days the good people of Carthage clamored for improvement. Somehow the word got out that the Beulahland shacks were to be razed and the residents moved to public housing!

Beulahland property titles are unclear to say the least, but to live independently no matter the circumstances is cherished. Not long after the rumor went forth a few members of the Carthage City Council appeared in Beulahland wearing white shirts and dark ties, carrying clipboards, and making occasional notes. No council person said anything to any Beulahland resident they just looked around and jotted stuff down.

Without any further ado the shacks of Beulahland began to receive paint, stabilization of the foundations, and even aluminum siding in a few cases. Beulahland was drastically transformed! Flower beds were constructed and "yards" were cleared of tires, junk cars, batteries and broken toys. Even the church received a new roof and a coat of gleaming white paint.

The routes to Monoville, Pleasant Shade and points north and west were changed to by pass Beulahland. But Beulahland remains in pretty good shape some forty years after the city council made its foray. You can surely bet that joyous worshipers still make the Beulahland hillside ring with spirits on hot summer nights!