Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsWarren County Circuit Judge Steve Wilson and lead singer of Skip Bond and the Fugitives smiles during the dedication of a historical marker for Ernest Hogan on Wednesday at the L&N Depot. The band donated Kentucky Historical Highway Marker #2282.

As they did more than a century ago, people gathered Wednesday at Bowling Green’s train station to celebrate Ernest Hogan.

Around the turn of the 20th century, they gathered to welcome Hogan on his visits home after the entertainer headlined in theaters in Kansas City and Chicago, on Broadway and even overseas.

On Wednesday, they gathered to dedicate a Kentucky Historical Society roadside marker honoring the Shake Rag district native who is credited with being the father of ragtime music.

Born Ernest Reuben Crowdus Jr. on April 17, 1865, in Bowling Green, he gained national fame under the stage name Ernest Hogan. The musician, composer and comedian was reportedly the best-known black entertainer of his day, making $300 a week when other top performers were making about $12 a week.

Reportedly a natural performer who was showcased in a local “boys’ circus,” he left Bowling Green at about age 12 to perform with a traveling minstrel show. He went on to national acclaim and reportedly coined the term “ragtime” for his 1895 composition “La Pas La Ma.”

Despite fame during his lifetime, Hogan remained relatively obscure locally in recent decades until retired attorney and historian Ray Buckberry began researching Hogan’s life more than a decade ago. That research led to the formation of the Ernest Hogan Marker Committee and ultimately to Wednesday’s event.

The committee successfully applied to the Kentucky Historical Society for the marker last year.

Unveiled on the 100th anniversary of Hogan’s death from tuberculosis in 1909, the marker was placed at the depot because of its proximity to his childhood home on Kentucky Street.

Before about 50 onlookers at the Old L&N Depot, various dignitaries spoke about Hogan and the importance of preserving local history.

“Now everyone who comes to Bowling Green will have an opportunity to know about Ernest Hogan. People who lived here many years ago made their marks, not only on our community, but on our culture,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “They deserve their place in history.”

Bowling Green’s Richard Voakes, who has recorded a CD of Hogan’s music, credited him with composing songs that would influence modern musicians and styles – even if they didn’t know it.

“Even though the Beatles didn’t hear Ernest Hogan, they used some of the same chord progressions,” he said.

The marker was sponsored by local band Skip Bond and the Fugitives. Band member and state Rep. Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green, spoke on behalf of the band.

“Until a few months ago, I hadn’t heard of Ernest Hogan,” he said. “I want to thank you for bringing back (his) memory.”

With a notebook full of his research about Hogan at his side, Buckberry emceed the Wednesday sign unveiling.

“This is the culmination of a proud day, for the committee and for the community,” he said.