Telling the Story: The Ball Fork Monster

In the land of the Hatfields and McCoy’s, we have many stories. Some are true, some not. A nearly famous tale told in the mountains of eastern KY at this time of year is of The Ball Fork Monster. There are many versions. This is the one I know.

“Blue Eyes” was a likable fellow with a good personality. He was well-known in the community. Something else that was well-known: Blue Eyes loved to drink. When he was under the influence of alcohol, he made terrible decisions.

Years ago, when coal was big in eastern Kentucky, Blue Eyes came into the possession of a gorilla suit. His not-so-genius idea was to don the costume and jump out in front of coal trucks that frequently traveled over Ball Fork Mountain. Many trucks traversed the steep, winding road. He spooked countless drivers. Word spread of a monster on Ball Fork Mountain. It even made the paper.

After several near misses by coal truck drivers, local hunters made a plan to shoot the creature. They armed themselves and marched as one into the woods, searching for the menacing beast. When pinned in and close to being shot, Blue Eyes ripped off the gorilla mask and yelled, “Hey, boys. It’s me. It’s me. Blue Eyes.” The crisis was averted, and to my knowledge, Blue Eyes never did it again.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can take anyone down a dangerous path. Every week at the jail and a local rehab, I meet men and women whose lives have been destroyed by both. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter encouraged: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” To be truthful, we are all under the influence of something or someone. If we stay under the influence of the Lord and His Word, it will keep us out of trouble. Or from being just plain dumb.

When Solomon was under the influence of the LORD, he was the wisest man that ever lived (I Kings 3:12). When he was under the influence of other people, he made poor decisions (I Kings 11).

While it’s hard to fathom that a man would pretend to be a gorilla in the mountains, in this day and time, we, too, often pretend to be things we are not. Just like Blue Eyes, the truth will catch up to us. In Genesis 27, under the influence of his mother, Jacob put on his brother Esau’s best clothes. Then, with goatskin on his arms and neck, he pretended to be his hairy brother so he could trick his blind father into giving him a blessing. Jacob paid a high price for his dishonesty.

The Ball Fork Monster incident begs personal reflection. What/who influences me? Are they influencing for the good? In life, my Christian walk, or on social media, am I pretending to be something I’m not? If I take it to the Lord, He can show me the truth.

Blue Eyes passed away several years ago, but the legend of The Ball Fork Monster lives on.

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