10/04/2026
Princeton’s own Newsom’s Country Ham has been officially recognized in the US Congressional Record with an entry from Sen. Rand Paul. “It is truly a great honor for me, our business and our community. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Sen. Paul to place this wonderful acknowledgement on the national record. And, he went a step further, taking the time to come to Newsom’s Old Mill Store in person on Saturday afternoon to present a beautifully bound copy of the recognition in person. Again, thank you,” Nancy. Sen. Paul visited with the Newsom’s staff, Nancy and granddaughter Kyndle. The senator was treated to Newsom’s hospitality with a taste of ham, a guided tour of the store and was presented with a Newsom’s gift basket.
The following was entered into the United States Congressional Record on September 29.
RECOGNIZING COL. BILL NEWSOM’S AGED KENTUCKY COUNTRY HAM AND NEWSOM’S OLD MILL STORE —
Mr. PAUL. Madam President, as a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I enjoy highlighting Kentucky businesses that represent the very best of the American entrepreneurial spirit. Today, I am proud to recognize Col. Bill Newsom’s Aged Kentucky Country Ham and Newsom’s Old Mill Store of Princeton, KY.
Western Kentucky has a tradition of doing things the old-fashioned way, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better example than Newsom’s Old Mill Store in Princeton. The shop opened its doors on New Year’s Day back in 1917, founded by H.C. Newsom. More than a century later, it is still right where it started—serving the local community and curing some of the finest hams in the country.
Today, the shop is run by H.C.’s granddaughter Nancy Newsom Mahaffey, though most folks around Caldwell County simply know her as The Ham Lady. Nancy learned the trade directly from her father Colonel Bill Newsom, and she hasn’t varied the original blueprint. In an era where most food production is rushed, Newsom’s still does it by hand: pork, salt, brown sugar, slow hickory smoke, and the patience to let the seasonings do the heavy lifting.
In 2009, one of Nancy’s 2-year-aged hams was invited to hang in Spain at the famous Jamon Museum, the first and only American country ham ever given that distinction. Their dry-cured ham and prosciutto have fed guests at Presidential inaugurations and earned praise from food critics across the country.
When you walk into the store at 208 East Main Street today it feels like stepping back in time. The shelves are packed with local sorghum, homemade chow-chow, jams, and candies. More importantly, when you call to ask a question or place an order, Nancy and her team still pick up the phone themselves. Her guiding rule has always been simple: ‘‘We make service personal.’’
Congratulations to Nancy Newsom Mahaffey and everyone at Newsom’s Old Mill Store. Thank you for keeping a great Kentucky tradition alive, and I wish you many more years of success.
