Rhea Stadium Historical Marker, 10/12/19
On
Saturday, during the Heritage Festival activities, a good crowd gathered at the
base of the RHEA Stadium to witness the unveiling of the newly erected historical
marker. Mr. Sonny Green and Mr. Greg
Owens have clocked in many hours to see this day come to fruition. Mr. Chris McGinnis spoke eloquently regarding
the history of this famous iconic structure.
Home-town
resident, Tom Rhea, was also a Kentucky political kingpin, and his three sons
were all on the Russellville team. Rhea
pulled strings, and the government's Works Progress Administration (WPA) built
Russellville's new stadium. Russellville
High School played its first game in its new stadium November 23, 1939, and
Russellville Schools still play their games in this 1939 stadium.
Chris mentioned our stadium is well-known throughout all of Kentucky. Mr. Tom Noe, grandson of Tom Rhea, shared a few
words on behalf of the RHEA family, and his sister, Jane, and niece assisted
him in the unveiling. Mr. Noe stated
there were grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great, great grandchildren
present for this occasion. We were also privileged
to have Ms. Allie Robic, Community Engagement Coordinator with the Kentucky
Historical Society in attendance. When
you have the opportunity, stop by and see this beautiful addition at the base
entrance of Rhea Stadium.
(See additional photos on our facebook page)