GEORGETOWN AND 
SCOTT COUNTY MUSEUM

Ira Massie, born on November 13th, 1919 in Stamping Ground, Kentucky is one of Scott County's most famous natives. He is most known for his nickname "Mr. Tobacco", derived from his many contributions to the industry through the tobacco field. After serving with the US Marines through World War II,  he graduated from the University of Kentucky and became their extension tobacco specialist. Through this position Massie learned of the need for mass media in agriculture. He soon started interviewing farmers and had several publications in magazines and newspapers. "Tobacco Talk", one of these publications, eventually became a radio talk show, and then TV segment on WKYT-TV, where he advised farmers on how to raise and grow tobacco effectively. As well as working with the University of Kentucky, he was a consultant to several national and international tobacco companies. Massie is well remembered within the Bluegrass as a kind and hard working man, well loved by everyone he met.