Category: Uncategorized

Pendleton County Courthouse in flood-prone Falmouth, Ky.

Pendleton County Courthouse – Falmouth, Ky.

Pendleton County and Falmouth were one of those counties and courthouses that were a huge hole in my map for a long time. Pendleton County sits right there along I-75, but is so far off the road that it takes a special trip to get there.

This beautiful little courthouse sits perfectly within downtown Falmouth, and is only the second courthouse in Pendleton County. According to John W. Carpenter’s Kentucky Courthouses, this courthouse was built in 1848.

Apparently, the original structure sits to the right in the picture above. Pilasters on the front of that square building indicate construction in the Greek Revival style.

But a huge remodeling took place in 1884. An addition (shown to the left of the photo) and a clock tower were built with the clock tower connecting the original structure with the addition.

The remodeling brought the building up to “Victorian standards” and added trim, carved lentels over the windows, and other Victorian elements.

A further expansion occurred in the 1970s, when a new addition was added and paint was sandblasted off the old brick.

Falmouth has an interesting history. Located at the convergence of Licking River and South Fork, it is at the site of an early Native American settlement. Floods have devastated the community on a number of occasions, including 1937, 1948, 1964 (when more than 75% of homes in the city were flooded), and 1997 (when the river reached 52 feet and 80% of the town was submerged under several feet of water).

This Just Happened, a weekly roundup

Newtown Pike is being expanded to five lanes from West Fourth to West Loudon adjacent to the new location for the BCTC community college (aka old Eastern State Asylum). [H-L]

Bishop’s House
Photo: Michael Monks, RCN.

Covington’s Bishop’s Mansion – a ca. 1830 Victorian owned for most of its life by the Catholic Diocese of Covington – was demolished this week. Fortunately, many interior features were salvaged. Replacing the historic property which is immediately south of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption will be … a Walgreen’s. [RCN]

An exploration of downtown parking woes and solutions for Lexington [BizLex]

A never opened hotel on US 27 in Jessamine County, south of Nicholasville, has been purchased and will be opened as a suite-style hotel. Scratch one off the abandoned list. [Jessamine Journal]

“Very Handsome,” Century Old Fence Removed from Eastern State Hospital Grounds

Remaining Fence at the old Eastern State Hospital – Lexington, Ky.

On Tuesday morning, only about 100 feet of the old iron fence that enclosed the old Eastern State  Lunatic Asylum remained. The great Lexington Land Swap is nearing completion and BCTC will soon be moving into its new campus at Newtown Pike and West Fourth Street.

In early 1905, the fence separating those two streets from the ‘lunatic asylum’ was a “high board fence” … “an eyesore for years” which “obscur[ed] from view the beautiful grounds of the institution.” While one would not ordinarily consider the grounds of an asylum for their beauty, the institution’s 1869 annual report described the “pleasure grounds” as providing “with seats, arbors, flower gardens, swings & ca., are extensive, and are growing more beautiful every day.”

Original Retaining Wall Along Fourth Street

And so it was approved that a six foot high, “very handsome” iron fence would replace it. The contract was awarded to the Stewart Iron Works of Cincinnati at a cost of approximately $3,000.

The beautiful fence on the asylum’s most prominent corner also bordered what would have been the original acreage of the institution. The asylum’s original ten acres were located where Fourth Street joined Newtown Pike (nee Henry’s Mill Road) (Fayette DB W, P158).

A widening, however, of Henry’s Mill Newtown Pike required the fence’s removal. In snapping pictures, I observed that careful attention to detail was being taken in cataloguing the old fence. Neat pallets of iron fencing were stacked along the grass and a forklift was placing them onto a flatbed. The markings on the cab of the flatbed: Stewart Iron Works.

Numbered Post 308
   
Loading onto a Stewart Iron Works flatbed

Stewart Iron Works, “a tradition of excellence since 1862,” confirmed that the fence which the company originally fabricated was being taken to its shop in Erlanger “for sandblasting, repair, E-coating (primer) and powder coat (top coat).” After its restoration, the original fence will be re-installed “in its original condition along a new retaining wall that is to be built.”

It is anticipated that the historic fence will return to the property, along Fourth Street only, sometime in late 2013.

More photos on flickr.

Sources: Asylum Projects.org; KY Archeological Survey; Lexington Leader; Stewart Iron Works

Breckinridge County Courthouse – Hardinsburg, Ky.

Breckinridge County Courthouse – Hardinsburg, Kentucky

Breckinridge County is, of course, named for John Breckinridge, Kentucky’s famous statesman and attorney general under Thomas Jefferson. Breckinridge also served as a U.S. Senator and was the first cabinet-level official from west of the Alleghenies.

This courthouse was built in 1958 at a cost of $260,000. It’s the third courthouse to sit on this site, replacing a quite beautiful courthouse that burned. It’s a pretty simple building that serves its purpose well.

Cloverport, one of the communities in Breckinridge County, was near the site of Clover Creek Tar Springs, a fashionable nineteenth century spa. Cloverport was also the home of Joseph Holt, postmaster general and secretary of war under James Buchanan.

This Just Happened, a weekly roundup

Letter seeking a babysitter from Mary Todd Lincoln
Source: CNN

Lexington native and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln needed a babysitter, just like every other parent. Her request for one, via letter, is going up for auction. [CNN]


“Peanut, peanut butter… and jelly” Lexington already produces most of America’s peanut butter supply, but the city’s JIF plant is getting some upgrades [KY Forward]

Miller House. Source: Richmond Register

Two historic buildings were demolished in downtown Richmond on Friday. The Miller House and the Old Creamery were both in historical zones, but demolition was permitted as the buildings were county-owned.

Good news for food trucks as Lexington is poised to make the regulatory scheme easier for the popular vendors. [Ace Weekly]

“New” isn’t done at Centre College – it’s an institution of tradition, but current students have started a new tradition of placing heads up pennies at the foot of a recently unveiled statue of A. Lincoln. [KY Forward]

In case you haven’t seen it, the proposed Summit Lexington – to be built at Nicholasville Rd. and MOW – has its site design plans online. There goes another farm. Remember the old saying, “growth destroys the Bluegrass forever”? [LFUCG]

Remember to support Lexington’s proposal (its a finalist) as part of the Bloomberg Mayors Challenge. Watch the video below and vote here! [ProgressLex]



Looming sequestration will impact everything, including the national parks. For a look at how much impact Congress’ ineptitude will affect America, take a look. [USA Today]

Brandenburg’s Meade County Courthouse Looks Like a Middle School

Meade County Courthouse – Brandenburg, Ky.
Brandenburg is another of those cities that you have to have a reason to go. Downtown Brandenburg is confusing from the moment you arrive. Homes and businesses seem spread out along a small valley, and as far as I could tell, there doesn’t appear to be a real main street area. As I pulled into town, there was a large empty lot along the main drag that had a historical marker – noting that the lot was the site of the third Meade County Courthouse. However, I didn’t find the current courthouse anywhere nearby. The Meade County Courthouse, pictured above, sits high on a hill, surrounded by a huge parking lot. Meade County’s current house is one of those courthouses built in the 1970s that, unfortunately, looks like a middle school. It’s pretty unfortunate. 

Since I was pretty confused about Brandenburg and its bizarre layout, so I decided to head to the internet to figure out what was going on. The layout of Brandenburg appears to have been caused by the famous April 1974 tornado outbreak. This “super tornado” outbreak hit 13 states, with 178 total tornadoes touching down. One of these tornadoes destroyed downtown Brandenburg and the third courthouse, and took 31 lives as well.

A quick drive out of Brandenburg gives you the amazing view of the Ohio River below. 

Happy 100th Birthday to Grace Brammell

Grace Sammons Brammell
100 Years Young

On February 16, 1913, Grace Sammons was born to William Franklin Sammons and Millie (Rucker) Sammons in Johns Run, Carter County, Kentucky. Over the weekend, Grace’s family and friends gathered in Grayson to celebrate her 100th birthday.

For several hours, Grace “held court” as well-wishers came and greeted the centenarian and life-long Carter Countian. During the celebration, Grayson mayor George Steele gave Grace a key to the city. He also read a proclamation of the city council which declared February 16, 2013 as “Grace Brammell Day” in the city of Grayson. Senator Robin Webb moved the Kentucky State Senate to recognize Grace “upon the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday.”  Governor Steve Beshear commissioned Grace Brammell to the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonel. And the President and First Lady sent their greetings from The White House.

Grace was married to Fred Powers Brammell of Hitchins (also Carter Co.) in 1937; the two had eloped at the Morgan County Courthouse in West Liberty. Fred and Grace had five children and were lifelong farmers until Fred passed away in 1996; Grace has remained on the farm she and her husband built in the 1950s. She continues to be an active member at the Pactolus Methodist Church, of which she was a charter member.

Grace Brammell and her great-grandchildren

Grace and Fred had five children, twelve children, countless grandchildren (including my wife) and greatgranchildren (incuding the lil’ Kaintuckeean and the lil’ Miss Kaintuckeean). And though she does show signs of age, Grace remains full of wit, of beauty, of love, and of faith. She is an inspiration to her family and to all those with whom she comes in contact.

Happy Birthday, Mawmaw! More pictures on flickr.

Update (June 21, 2018): At age 105, Grace “Mawmaw” Brammell left this world behind. Rest in peace, Mawmaw.

This Just Happened, a weekly roundup

An update on Lexington’s Distillery District: an update (updated feasibility study) is coming. [H-L]

An effort is underway to perserve Louisville’s last three remaining Rosenwald Schools (originally, there were 7). The schools – which provided southern African American children an education in the early twentieth century – were named after the president of Sears Roebuck & Co, Julius Rosenwald. He led the charge for funding the construction and operation of these important educational landmarks. [C/J]

The Kentucky State Senate passed legislation setting up a regulatory scheme for the growth of industrial hemp in the Commonwealth. Now Sens. Paul and McConnell (both Republicans, along with Oregon’s two Democratic senators) and Kentucky Reps. Massie (R) and Yarmuth (D) are sponsoring legislation in Washington to legalize hemp nationally (with certain limits). [cn|2]

Covington is gearing up to celebrate its 200th birthday. [RCN]

An Immigrant’s Success: David Ades and the Ades-Lexington Dry Goods Building

Ades Dry Goods Building – Lexington, Ky.

At age 13, David Ades left his native Russian homeland ca. 1895. Born in Kovno in what is modern-day Lithuania, Ades arrived penniless at the port of Baltimore, Maryland but was destined to join his brother in Lexington, Kentucky. Brother Simon owned a wholesale dry goods business and employed his younger brother for $2/day and board.

Signature of David Ades

David thrived. In addition to a full work day, the young Ades attended night school taking instruction from names like Breckinridge, Hunt, Clay, and Gov. Morrow. By the spring of 1908, Simon had announced that he as leaving Lexington for Louisville; within months, it was known that David would succeed his brother in Lexington’s wholesale dry goods market.

Within a year, David Ades had relocated the family business from Short Street to the 400 block of West Main and had broken ground on a four story building at 237-239 East Main Street. Occupation began in August 1910. According to Kentucky History (1922), business growth surpassed all “sanguine expectations.”

Despite his business successes, personal tragedy struck in 1911. Sarah Fox, his wife originally of Baltimore, birthed their first child. Premature and stillborn.  This must have caused much grief and dispair, but it did not appear to shake Ades’ resolve. He and Sarah went on to have other children and he continued to grow his dry goods empire. David Ades also was quite involved in the community, with Masonry, the Odd Fellows, and the Elks. Absent from the laundry list of community accolades in Kentucky History is any mention of Ades having been a founding member of the Ohavay Zion Synagogue or his important role as a leader in Lexington’s Jewish community in the early twentieth century. He also served on the planning commission and later, as a city commissioner of Lexington.

In 1925, Ades acquired a controlling interest in the Lexington Dry Goods Building – and with it, put his name on 249 West Main Street, our subject building. By year end, Ades had consolidated his wholesale dry goods businesses under the name Ades-Lexington Dry Goods Company.

Lexington Dry Goods Building
from the Asa Chinn Collection (KDL)

The original 249 West Main Street – the Ades Dry Goods Building or the Lexington Dry Goods Building – is a 5 story, 5 bay brick commercial building in the Chicago School style. A 3 bay addition was constructed in in 1920. After David Ades died in 1965, the Ades family ultimately closed the dry goods business (1977) as it was out of fashion and converted the building to storage. In 1987, the structure was sold to be redeveloped as a mixed-use residential/ commercial structure.

Ultimately, the residential units were removed and today it is the home of Portofino’s, the Thomas & King Company, and Cornett Integrated Marketing. The redevelopment was completed under the direction of Omni Architects, and representatives of Omni, Thomas & King, and Cornett were all available for questions and to discuss the building during our January 2013 Blue Grass Trust deTour of the building. Each of the occupants, was passionate about being downtown and found terrific benefit in being in a historic structure that had been transformed for today’s use.

Thomas & King Mail Room

In the Thomas & King mail room, as well as other first floor areas, the original tin-stamped ceilings remain visible while the high ceilings make what is normally a tight fitting area seem spacious.

The building rests upon a raised basement with a stone facing above the sidewalk. Above the total eight bays of the first floor are glass transoms which rest below a “masonry band in a simplified running dog motif across the entire façade at the base of the second story windows.” Architects of the original structure were Herman L. Rowe and Arthur Giannini, the former being the “dean of Lexington’s late 19th century architects” and the latter being his partner in later years.

Additional pictures can be found on flickr.

Sources: ancestry.com, Bricks+Mortar, Downtown Building Inventory, Fayette PVA, KDL, Kentucky History, NRHP.


The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation hosts a monthly deTour for young professionals (and the young-at-heart). The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Our March 2013 gathering will be at the Federal Building on Barr Street. Join us there at 6:30 p.m.; learn more details on Facebook! You can see Kaintuckeean write-ups on previous deTours by clicking here.

This Just Happened, a weekly roundup

The last farm on Lexington’s Nicholasville Road is on its way out. Owned by the same family since the Revolutionary War, the Fritz Farm is being turned into a shopping center. A barn on the site dates to 1892. [WKYT]

Proposal for Town Branch Creek (courtesy: Herald-Leader)

SCAPE/Landscape Architecture was selected from finalists to transform downtown Lexington’s Town Branch Creek which flows underneath the busy streets. The Town Branch is Lexington’s historic core, the city having been designed around its banks. The proposal “envisions a linear collection of pocket parks, rain gardens, pools and fountains.” [BizLex]

Disco Kroger is going to be demolished. And replaced with a new, bigger, better Kroger. With parking on the roof. Oh my! [WKYT]

The state legislature is fast-tracking a bill to allow universities to issue bonds for capital improvement projects, including significant enhancements to UK’s Gatton College of Business and Commonwealth Stadium. [cn|2]