Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Feature photographs from Elizabethtown 2010

Hundreds of thousands of Americans know Elizabethtown, Ky., the place made famous by the movie of the same name. Folks around here could tell you, though, that most of the movie was made down the road in a town called Versailles. Pronounced ver-sales, whether or not you speak French.

Horror movie actors live beneath a façade of fear.

Terry Wimp explores his freedom and mentors those who have lost theirs.

Everybody gets invited to her party.

Father and son have differing views on whether their way of life can continue.

Pam Harper does not call or send emails. She goes to see people when she needs to get something done.

Mary Kate Elliott overcame illness to dance again.

David Willmoth, three-term mayor and lifelong resident of Elizabethtown, arrived last to a lunch meeting of the Hardin County United Governance Subcommittee.

Matt Black reflects on being a minister and musician.

For the past four months, the Beverly family has lived in Elizabethtown hotels.

Brittany Ford has a passion for music and teaching.

Every weekday evening, Lara Beard, a special education teacher, walks the trails hidden within the trees at her home in Elizabethtown.

Mother-of-three Brandy Bumpas didn’t expect her life to speed up once her career slowed down.

In 1971, Kenny Albert climbed up in the big chair at Estle Vowels’ barbershop.

Chris Jensen prepares for his fourth deployment and its stress on his family.

When Jonathan Knight starts talking about his son, his demeanor turns calm, and his voice dials down — quiet, slow, contemplative.

Jodi Johnson and her grandmother, Oneta Brooks, have a close bond.

Ted and Darlene Zaehringer have been married for 43 years.

Single father Jamie Gray and his daughter form a close bond through adversity.

Michelle Bowen grew up enjoying the deep-fried fries, cheesy burgers and creamy milkshakes the community cherishes.

Cosmetology student Jason Langley works to rebuild his life.

Before the rising sun cuts through autumn’s morning chill the Hale household is abuzz with activity.

Richard Groeling encouraged his wife, Debbie, to follow her passion.

“Let’s go defense!” echoes from the stands at Central Hardin High School stadium.

Teofilo Pino ministers to Elizabethtown’s Hispanic community.

Regena Senay, a widow for 25 years now, searched for a “place” in the world for seven years after her husband’s death.

Mike Cummins runs The Whistle Stop restaurant in Glendale.

Roger and Anne Lawson have owned Elizabethtown Flying Service Inc. for 38 years.

High School senior B.J. Ball is making a career in music.

This is a fabric junkie’s fantasy, a quilter’s dream come true.

Matthew Pinkham builds a country music career while battling bone disease.

Hardin County offers nearly endless opportunities to explore the beauty nearby.

Margaret Hamilton finds comfort through music.

Mitchell Henry wears number 85 when he plays wide receiver for the Elizabethtown High School football team.

Diane Shoffner and Judy Drake build a business with their love of dogs.

Delores Copelin, 61, is now her own boss. She took over the family business about a decade ago.

High school student Terry Skaggs finds refuge in music.

Johnnie and Francis Simpson are more than just barbers.

Isaiah Watkins gets long-distance support from his mother, Tricia, an Army medic in Iraq.

“Getting Carissa was about me becoming a mom and fulfilling my dream.”

Penny Edwards runs the Animal Refuge Center in Vine Grove.

The oil was all over the place, but Steve Rogers smiled.

People always remember their best teacher.

Like many 10-year-olds, Talon Spell likes playing outside, riding bikes, and video games.

Steve and Debbie Caswell knew something was different about their daughter.

Sister Michael is the principal of St. James School, Hardin County’s only Catholic school.

Ten years ago, Russell Hargan began to assemble the frames of the caskets that will eventually hold him and his wife.

Surrounded by towering objects and daunting distances, Joshua explores with earnest and wonder.

Family is important to Grace Deaton.

Elizabethtown High School senior Hillari Caso and her mother Lari Caso savored every moment leading up the the school’s homecoming football game.

The barn that Steve Wooden and his father built 20 years ago still stands, just like the one his grandfather built years before.

For Janice and Austin Cook of Hardin County boredom is not a familiar concept.

Pam Adams, 54, operates a dog kennel and training school at her 11-acre farm in Rineyville.

After an erratic career as a young freelance artist, Rich Griendling found success.

Masayo Emke takes a piece of origami paper and begins folding a crane.

When Thelma Willow makes the rounds to All Of Us, a Vine Grove restaurant that is one of her regular hangouts, eating isn’t necessarily her priority.

Michelle Sharp’s day begins before the sun rises.

On past Christmas Eves, about 75 people would squeeze into Mamie Sallee’s small, White Mills farmhouse to celebrate as a family.

To her students, Jan Raine is a focused and attentive guide, connecting them to a world of learning.

Unlike other 9 year olds, Matthew has had to overcome odds stacked against him.

Gertrude broke her right hip on her 90th birthday, the night before her big party.

The halls of Lincoln Trail Elementary School in Elizabethtown ring with one name – Erin. Teachers, bus drivers, custodians and schoolmates of all ages greet her with happy shouts and high-fives.

Upton is a community where people wave to each other and to those just passing through.

It took being laid off for Sherri McIntosh to explore her dream career. Tireless and passionate about teaching, Sherri opened Art Smart on North Mulberry Street in Elizabethtown in 2008.

“Brandon! Brandon! Can you please help me, Brandon?”

Richard Ray learned Wednesday his best friend is dying.

In the cold, in the dark, 10 feet from a roaring stream of northbound trucks, Jo Emary commenced another day of campaigning.

After learning the piano when she was younger, Lorinda wanted to know more.