Powersville gets the spotlight at Floyd County Museum

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Floyd County Museum was packed with people on Friday, Aug. 11, for a special dedication ceremony for the Powersville Historical Display.

Celebrating the display of several historical items from the tiny Floyd County community, Powersville native Larry Gabe gave a presentation about the town’s history as highlighted in two books authored by him and his mother, Lorraine Gabe.

“I wanted to tell the story of the people of Powersville,” said Gabe.

He spoke to an engaged audience, many of whom were also residents of Powersville, about what life was like growing up in the rural community during the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s.

“What an era that we lived in,” said one audience member during the shared recounting of stories of softball games and entertainment in the days before television.

Though never a sprawling city, Powersville once supported its own school, creamery, blacksmith, and softball stadium. Softball uniforms, crafted by Powers Manufacturing, are among the items featured in the museum’s Powersville Historical Display.

The crowd enjoyed the event, with several people chiming in about their own experiences and memories of the community.

“This has been so much fun,” said Barb Stewart, a Powersville native who attended the presentation.

Gabe, now living in South Carolina, said he was happy with the turnout, both as a way to support the museum and to reconnect with people who share his fondness for his home community.

“We had a good crowd,” said Gabe. “They’re here because Powersville touched their life sometime down the line.”