Natcher Bridge looms high up river from Owensboro

Natcher Bridge – near Owensboro, Ky.

The Natcher Bridge is enormous. Driving east out of Owensboro, the bridge looms before you even miles before you get close to it. It’s modern style is what I really think sets it apart. At the time of its construction, it was the longest cable stayed bridge over an inland waterway in the United States (4,505 feet long including approaches, yet only 67 feet wide). Opened in 2002, it was built to relieve traffic over the Glover Cary Bridge in downtown Owensboro several miles down river. The ultimate goal is for the bridge to be a part of a four lane highway system connecting Interstate 64 in southern Indiana and Interstate 65 at Bowling Green. The connector would utilize the existing Natcher Parkway would allow travelers to bypass Louisville.

Study for the project began in 1983. U.S. Rep. William Natcher and Senator Wendell Ford sought funding for the bridge. In 1988, Natcher secured the millions of dollars required for preliminary work, design and right-of-way acquisition. As with many projects of this size, there were significant construction delays and delays in federal funding. The bridge finally opened to traffic in 2002.

About Rep. Natcher: He represented Kentucky as a Democrat in Congress for 41 years. Natcher was a champion of the freeway system. He holds the record for most consecutive votes in Congress. When he was sick, a vote was delayed so that he could attend. He died in 1994, before construction of the bridge had begun, but even the proposed bridge bore his name before his death.

Lexington Beer Works has great beer selection in its historic downtown location

Lexington Beerworks (213 North Limestone) – Lexington, Ky.

Central Kentucky is quickly advancing its stature in the beer community. Danville has become a local leader on the craft brew scene and Lexington’s scene is improving on almost a daily basis.

Recently, Lexington Beerworks opened at 213 North Limestone – it is simply “the best place to be for craft beer lovers and brewers.” They have what may be an almost infinite selection of bottled beer and a rotating draft list that features the best beers from across Kentucky and around the world. On my first visit, I got my first taste of Danville’s Lore Brewing Company. Lore’s Winter Coatmeal Stout was rich and dark with a strong oaty aftertaste – quite good! The Lexington Beerworks keeps its followers on both twitter and facebook up-to-date with what is on tap.

Embracing social media and good beer aren’t the only things that Lexington Beerworks is up to. They also know how to pick a great, historic location. Built in 1905, the two-story 213 North Limestone has cast iron columns and rough stone lintel and metal cornices that hearken to the earliest days of the building.

In those earliest days, the building housed the Lexington Ice Cream Company which appears to have been the first such creamery in Lexington. Organized in November 1906 by A. L. Calhoun and others, it quickly became popular. By the summer of 1907, Mr. Calhoun had “built up a good business” and sold it to a H. T. Muir. Muir, a “prominent farm residing on the Richmond pike,” operated the ice creamery under the name Muir & Son so that his son, Chester, might become involved in business.

It would be in August of the following year, 1908, that “while engaged in selling cream in his concessionaire tent at the Colored Fair ground” that Henry T. Muier would be “seized with heart disease and drop dead.” By October, Mr. Muir’s estate would sell at public auction the ice cream and dairy plant to W. I. Hughes. Hughes was quite the entrepreneur with interests throughout downtown Lexington in cafes, confectionaries, creameries and more. He and his sweet tooth also represented Lexington in the state legislature and served on the city’s commission.

At some point, the ice cream business departed 213 North Limestone. In 1920, the building was occupied by a plumbing company. Restored in 1996, 213 North Limestone housed the Limestone Club until it closed in 2011. The Limestone Club was a small boutique ballroom that provided a terrific venue with its open space and wonderful “southern” two-story porch. The location (and the porch) were the perfect match for the beer trio Greg, Mike and Jason (the proprietors of Lexington Beerworks). If you like beer, you definitely must head over to Lexington Beerworks (213 North Limestone, Lexington).

Sources: Auditor of Public Accounts; Limestone Club; National Register of Historic Places; Refrigerating World


Lewis County Courthouse in Vanceburg, Ky.

Lewis County Courthouse – Vanceburg, Ky.
(Photo: NRK)

It’s really hard to get to Vanceburg, Kentucky. Like many of the counties I have visited on this Kentucky 120 journey, you really have to have a good reason to visit Lewis County. Vanceburg is one of those great Kentucky river cities that are so tough to reach.

This courthouse is the fourth in the county, and the second to sit on this site. It was built in 1938-40, and was modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Like so many others, it was built with Public Works money. It cost just under $100,000. The rock for the building was quarried only four miles from Vanceburg.

As I believe Peter noted in a previous post, this is the site of one of the few Union Civil War Monuments in the state. (ed. note: the only Union monument on a courthouse lawn south of the Mason-Dixon line!)

An Homage to Chick-Fil-A and the Westboro Baptist Church

After enjoying the Kaintuckeean Special at Columbia’s, I set out for a brief walk before heading back to the office. At Fourth and Upper, I noticed a Transylvania University grease disposal bin and immediately was gave out a hearty laugh.

The folk at Dronex had struck again. The graffiti/street artists had applied their latest appliqué and it was one I hadn’t seen before:

Dronex WBC/Chick-fil-A Cows – Lexington, Ky.

A synthesis of the marketing genius of Chick-fil-A and the hatred, vitriol and bigotry of the Westboro Baptist Church (these are the people that protest funerals). Although there is nothing funny about the WBC or its actions, Dronex captured the essence of both. “God Hates Chicken.” “Chickens Die God Laughs.” “You’re Going to the Drive-Thru.” Verily, I laugh.

The satirical spin is not new to Dronex. They’ve a variety of work (normally applied in various sizes as stickers) that can be seen across Lexington, though a Google search reveals they’ve also struck in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere. Dronex is on Facebook, but for good reason remains rather anonymous.

UPDATE (July 23, 2012): In light of recent remarks by Chick-Fil-A’s CEO being “guilty as charged” in supporting the “Biblical definition of family”, this post quickly became an Internet favorite. Chick-fil-A was quickly linked to the Westboro Baptist Church. Obviously, this Dronex image makes a similar leap. I’ve been accused of a few things by simply duplicating this image on my site. So let me set the record straight.

As a human being with taste buds, I really like Chick-fil-A. Even their lemonade is superior. As a liberal, progressive Christian, I had a knee jerk reaction to join the boycott along with so many others, including those in the faith community. But another article in The Atlantic is even more persuasive by asking if we shouldn’t end all of these issue-based boycotts altogether: “we must resist creating a culture where consumers sort through all their purchases (fast food and otherwise) for an underlying politics not even expressed in the nature of the product itself.”

I don’t mean for this blog to get either political or religious. But I couldn’t resist linking to these well-reasoned positions related to the current controversy.

Restored Parochial School on Lexington’s Short Street is a New Testament to Adaptive Use

W. Short St. Campus, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School – Lexington, Ky.

Old meets new at the main campus of Sts. Peter & Paul School on Lexington’s West Short Street. The two story school at Saunier Avenue (formerly Sycamore Street) first opened in 1915. For seventy-three years, the St. Paul School met educational needs of the parish. Shrinking attendance, however, forced the diocese to close the school in 1988. A few years ago, a resurgence in numbers and a major renovation/expansion of the campus brought new life to the beautiful, historic school.

Sanborn Map (1907); Source: KDL

This two story classical revival building on West Short Street first rose from the ground in 1913. The cornerstone was laid on December 14, 1913 in a ceremony presided over by the Bishop of Covington, Right Rev. C. P. MaesIts brick facade is set back from West Short Street, leaving westward pedestrians (and at one time automobiles) with an undisrupted visual approach to the St. Paul’s church.

This visual approach was a positive change for the parish as the building previously had no set-back as can be seen on the 1907 Sanborn  insurance map of Lexington.

Am. Arch. & Architecture, v. 103

With seven bays atop a high foundation, the building is quite impressive. It was designed by L. K. Frankel, a professor of mechanical engineering at the State University (now the University of Kentucky) at a projected cost of $30,000. Frankel was also a State College alumnus who was underpaid by the College for his work as professor as acknowledged by State College President James Patterson in his annual report to the governor:

State College Annual Report to the Governor, 1903/04

It is clear that Frankel did stay at State College, for it was this project some ten years later which left his name forever etched into Lexington’s architectural landscape. A literal etching exists in the pediment above the West Short Street entrance: “St. Paul’s” with the Roman numerals for 1865 (the year of the church’s cornerstone, MDCCCLXV) and 1913 (the year of the school’s cornerstone, MCMXIII) on either side.

A parochial school, however, did exist on the site before the erection of St. Paul’s. In fact, St. Paul’s was preceded by St. John’s Male Academy which was begun by a Mr. Lamb in 1867. In 1887, the sisters of Charity of Nazareth took over the school and renamed it St. Paul’s. A late twentieth-century merger with neighboring parish school St. Peter’s created the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School.

Lucille Caudille Theatre

For many years, a utilitarian metal awning allowed weather-protected entrance into the parochial school. Fortunately, this awning was removed and the original lamps on either side of the West Short Street entrance were restored in the recent renovation. The renovation also included a major renovation with new classrooms. Many organizations and individuals stepped up to the plate so that this historic building could once again thrive: Knights of Columbus (gymnasium); Alltech (science labs); and the Lucille Caudille Little Foundation (theatre).

Today, nearly 500 students in grades one through eight learn in this modern environment that embraces its historic roots. First floor classrooms retained original hardwood flooring, tall ceilings and enormous windows. A cross in the hallway is made up of tiles painted with student self-portraits; the tiles themselves were from the church’s old baptistry. But even before the renovation, this wonderful institution was in 2006 properly recognized as a Blue Ribbon School.

For more photos from Sts. Peter and Paul, check out flickr.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church & Sts. Peter & Paul School – Lexington, Ky.


The Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation hosts a monthly deTour for young professionals (and the young-at-heart) to a local historic site that has been well-preserved and restored – the group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Details are always available on Facebook! Our next meeting is this Wednesday, February 1, 2011. Please join us outside the Lexington History Museum (the old courthouse) where we will have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes tour! Join us!! You can see Kaintuckeean write-ups on previous deTours by clicking here.

Columbia’s Kaintuckeean Special: Chicken and Waffles, a Southern Delicacy

Chicken and Waffles @ Columbia’s – Lexington, Ky.
Columbia’s Menu Board, Jan. 30, 2012
(Photo: @managerflo)

The North Limestone Columbia’s Steakhouse recently featured on its menu the Kaintuckeean Special. This storied Lexington establishment that already features some of the most traditional of Kentucky and southern fare will add to its menu (for a day, or longer likely depending on success!) the classic dish chicken and waffles. But why the hell is this the Kaintuckeean Special??

When I visited Columbia’s a few trips ago, I had the lil’ Kaintuckeean with me. Now three years old, he had his heart set on some chicken tenders. He ate them up, save one. The next morning, I obliged myself to his leftovers. He wanted a waffle and I thought: why not go for it! I immediately determined that Columbia’s fried chicken tenders perfectly paired with a good waffle and sweet maple syrup. I tweeted @managerflo immediately.

So head down to Columbia’s tomorrow and try the chicken and waffles. You won’t be disappointed!

And wikipedia dishes up some varying theories of how chicken and waffles came to be. Be sure to check out my first post on Columbia’s, its history and its original special: The Nighthawk.

It was really cool to walk in and see my name and persona – The Kaintuckeean – on signage and receipts. Sales were good and I’m thinking it may be on the menu a little more often!!

This post was updated on February 1, 2012 to change verb tense and to add updated photographs!

ThenNow: Parking tickets now paid in the most important surviving building of Victorian period

Berkley, Guthrie & Watson Building (2012)
Photo by Jason Sloan
Berkley, Guthrie & Watson Building (1983)
Photo by Dick DeCamp

As might be guessed, 114 North Upper wasn’t always the office of those who issue and process Lexington’s parking tickets. At one time, you could walk out with more than just a receipt for a ticket. In the National Register nomination form for Lexington’s Downtown Commercial District, preservationist Dick DeCamp called the Berkley, Guthrie & Watson Building “one of Lexington’s  most important surviving buildings of that period [Victorian].”

Lowe Brothers Company (1944); Photo: Robert J. Long

The building can be found in “Jordan’s Row,” which was named after early owner John Jordan, Jr. The Berkley, Guthrie & Watson Building, situated at 114-116 North Upper, was designed by prolific architect Herman (H. L.) Rowe in the high Victorian Gothic Style. Construction commenced in 1885 by Lexington builder and stonemason G. D. Wilgus, one of the largest contractors in the area at the time.

Noticeably, much of the historic exterior integrity remains from the original build, while the interior underwent major renovations in the mid-1970s.

Lowe Brothers Company Interior (1944)
Photo by Robert J. Long

Originally, the building was constructed for the law firm Berkley, Guthrie & Watson. The firm owned the building until a series of events affecting the firm: John Berkley left; Henry Guthrie shot himself (“presumably to death,” as DeCamp notes); and James Watson ultimately sold the building in 1916.  Since then, the building has been occupied by a diverse group of tenants. From 1925-1937, a furnishing and stationary store, Wrenn and King, occupied the site. Lowe Brothers’ paint and wallpaper called 114-116 North Upper home from 1938 until the 1960s. By the 1960s/70s, the deteriorating structure had become known as the Lowe Building.

In 1975, Garvice  D. Kincaid bought the building and renovated both the exterior and interior. Lexington’s Parking Authority’s director Gary Means found the building perfect for his growing agency when it moved into the building in late 2008. LexPark has found an adaptive use that respects both the commercial history of the building, maintains the historic street view, and provides an attractive, effective work space for Lexington’s parking ticket denizens.

For more information see:
National Register (Downtown Commercial District, 1983)
LexPark

ky120: Jefferson County Courthouse (Louisville, Ky.)

Jefferson County Courthouse – Louisville, Ky.

The Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville has probably one of the more interesting stories behind its construction. It’s a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster of historic buildings.

Shryock Design for Jefferson Courthouse
(Photo: Clay Lancaster Slide Collection; KDL)

Construction began on this building – Louisville’s fourth courthouse – in 1837. The original architect was none other than Gideon Shryock, the notable architect profiled on this site a number of times. But Shryock’s original design isn’t really reflected in what you see above. The building was to have a six-column Doric portico, a cupola and additional porticos on the side.

Legend has it that the building was designed to draw the state capitol away from Frankfort, but such efforts were obviously unsuccessful. This movement’s primary proponent was Senator James Guthrie. The ultimate failure of making the building the new state capitol led to the building being known as “Guthrie’s Folly.”

The most interesting thing about this building is how it was affected by financially difficult times, in this instance the panic of 1837. I think it’s easy to categorize financial difficulties in the construction world as some sort of modern invention, but the empty Centrepointe lot in Lexington has historic company. Shortly after construction began, Shryock was either fired or left the project. In financially tough times, construction stalled. The building was only partially finished when the city and county governments took up occupancy in 1842. The courthouse stood unfinished until 1858, when construction was taken over by Albert Fink, a bridge designer and engineer for the L&N Railroad. Fink simplified Shryock’s design and almost all of the current elements are his. When the courthouse was completed, the Louisville Daily Journal called it an “elephantine monstrosity.” Ouch.
Jefferson County Courthouse, ca. 1930
(Photo: Herald-Post; KDL)

It’s amazing how things can change. During urban renewal efforts in the 1940s, there was discussion about demolishing the building. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright offered a defense of the building, stating that though these are not the sorts of buildings that should be built today, it was important to preserve them.

The building was renovated in 1905 after a fire, and another major renovation was completed in 1981, in which many inappropriate architectural alterations were removed. The building was listed on the National Historic Register in 1972.

To me, the most interesting thing about this building is how easily it gets lost in downtown Louisville. Though once stood as the center of the community, it is totally overwhelmed by the skyscrapers that now surround it. I had read about its history years ago, but was confused when I was downtown and couldn’t find it. A couple of months ago, I was in downtown Louisville and realized that I had walked right in front of it. Crazy.

kernel: Use Your Car to Preserve Kentucky’s History

Preservation Kentucky, a non-profit “organization devoted to preserving buildings, structures, and sites in every region and every town in the state” has started an initiative to get a special license plate in Kentucky for those wanting to support historic preservation.

The license plate features PK’s logo – an ionic column capital – atop a black field with the words “preserve our heritage”across the bottom. The background is filled with grey script featuring the names of several historic sites across the Commonwealth, many of which I’ve profiled before:

Ashland – Waveland – Pope Villa – Shaker Village – Pisgah Pike – Farmington – Pauley Bridge – Whiskey Row – Wigman Village – Paris Pike – Mill Springs Battlefield – Hotel Metropolitan – My Old Kentucky Home – Main Street Kentucky – Camp Nelson – Wickliffe Mounds – Russell Theatre – Roebling Bridge – Cherokee State Park

This license plate is damn good looking. Graphic designer, preservationist and Lexingtonian Hayward Wilkirson designed it. Because it is so good looking and because it is for such a good cause, you should  complete the online application to receive this special license plate – once 900 have applied, the state will commence production. More details are available on the PK website. This is a great cause, with $10 of every application (and renewal) going to “create a grant fund to help local communities preserve their important historic/prehistoric places.”

Other states have taken or are taking the initiative to try and get historic preservation license plates on their roads. Among them are Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, and New Jersey. But their plates don’t look as good as ours.

(thanks for the heads up, Broken Sidewalk)

NoD: Sen. Kathy Stein now represents these eight counties

Montgomery County stream – east of Mount Sterling, Kentucky

Late last week, the governor signed the state’s new redistricting law (HB1) into effect which redrew the boundaries of state legislative districts. In a highly political process, many were directly affected. Politicos and pundits have had much to say, with the most contentious move being the transfer of Lexington’s 13th Senate District to nor’eastern Kentucky taking with it Senator Kathy Stein. Lexington has gone all a’twitter and the folk at Barefoot & Progressive have led the charge. But this post isn’t about politics.

(UPDATE 2-24-2012): The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that HB1 was unconstitutional and, as a result, this won’t be Kathy’s new district. She shall continue to repesent the people of Lexington. But keep reading about eight of our wonderful Kentucky counties!

While the Herald-Leader took the opportunity to introduce Lexington its new state senator who lives two-and-one-half hours away in Henderson, no one appears to have yet offered Sen. Stein a tour of her new, very rural district. Having formerly represented a small, compact, urban district, Stein now has a lot of acreage to cover in representing her new constituents in Bath, Fleming, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, Montgomery, Nicholas, and Robertson counties. Off to the new 13th…

Maysville, KY
Maysville, Ky.

Mason County. Kathy may be most accustomed to Maysville (Mason County) which is the district’s largest city, though it still has fewer than 10,000 people. It was here that Rosemary Clooney started her career. In the small hamlet of Minerva, Kathy will find the birthplace of Supreme Court Justice Stanley Reed. As an attorney and ACLU member, Senator Stein will be interested to know that the Justice grew up in a house that was on the underground railroad all of which may have influenced his laying the groundwork for voting rights and ending racial desegregation in Smith v. Allwright.

Montgomery County. On Comment last Friday evening, Joe Gerth of the Courier-Journal noted that though Senator Stein was staying in Lexington, her temptation would be a relocation to Mount Sterling. With convenient access to Lexington via Interstate 64, Montgomery County offers beautiful rural scenes. Mount Sterling’s downtown features excellent examples of historic preservation and its annual Court Days festival is renowned.

Bath County. Getting to Owingsville is challenging, but well worth the effort. The people I encountered were all friendly and all well-informed about their community. The old jail was built in the late 1800s and is almost a miniature of the county courthouse. Quite unique! Civil War heritage is present, but the historical prize is the Owings House which ties political intrigue, fine architectural, royal guests, and a remembrance of the Alamo!

Fleming County. A look at our map shows that I haven’t yet ventured to Flemingsburg, but I can assure Senator Stein that there is something to see here! After all, Fleming County is the covered bridge capital of Kentucky!

Harrison County. When Senator Stein ventures into Cynthiana, she’ll see welcome signage to “a town as beautiful as its name.” Behind the courthouse is a log-house in which Henry Clay defended an accused murderer; at the close of the trial, Clay had given such an impassioned plea that the accused’s wife planted a big kiss on the great orator’s lips.

The AA Highway
AA Highway

Lewis County. The only courthouse lawn memorial to a Union soldier south of the Mason-Dixon line can be found here, in Vanceburg. It is a fine town with a great recognition of its history – more can be learned at the visitor’s center which is located in the restored home in Rep. George Morgan Thomas, a Republican who also received numerous appointments from Presidents Garfield and McKinley.

Nicholas County. A well-known landmark in the county seat of Carlisle is the Doll and Toy Museum. And Nicholas County had no greater ambassador than her native son, the late Gatewood Galbraith.

Robertson County. Without a doubt, Mount Olivet is the most different from downtown Lexington. But it does have its own sense of charm … and its own golf driving range. Robertson County, in terms of both population and square acreage, is Kentucky’s smallest. In history, the Johnson County Covered Bridge reminds of bygone times and the Blue Licks Battlefield State Park and Nature Preserve is a contemplative place that recalls a great incident from the French & Indian War.