James Harrod Trust

Featured in the Danville Advocate

2011-08-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a big shout out to Jennifer Brummett at the Danville Advocate for doing such a nice job with the release of our new book. All information in this article is copyright Danville Advocate and Jennifer Brummett.

Bobbi Dawn Rightmyer and Anna Armstrong traveled a circuitous route to get to the publication of their first book together, “Images of America: Harrodsburg.” The pictorial history of Harrodsburg will be released Monday from Arcadia Publishing, which is based out of Mount Pleasant, S.C., outside of Charleston.

Rightmyer’s daughter was friends with the acquisitions editor for Arcadia Publishing, who approached Rightmyer for a book about Owen County. Rightmyer said she didn’t know anything about Owen County but she knew Harrodsburg. That started her on the path to developing a book about Harrodsburg.

Rightmyer said she’d known Armstrong all her life and was aware of her extensive collection of photos of Harrodsburg that date from the 1930s, with some older ones, as well. She sent an e-mail to Armstrong — an e-mail Armstrong never received. So Rightmyer went ahead and signed a contract with Arcadia to do the historical book, figuring she’d get photos from the local historical society. “I signed the contract with no idea of how to write a history book,” Rightmyer explained. In the meantime, Armstrong had been in contact with Arcadia about a postcard she was interested in creating.

“I have a huge archive of photos from my father (Andrew Armstrong), my aunt (Jesta Bell Armstrong Matherly, who also was an artist) and my work,” Armstrong said. She found out about Rightmyer’s work on a book about Harrodsburg, and wondered what she was using for the photographic element, since her own collection of Harrodsburg photos is unparalleled. Rightmyer said she was thrilled when Armstrong called, and the two got together to discuss the book, which was when they figured out Rightmyer’s e-mail hadn’t made it to its recipient.

“I decided to offer the photographs in order for the book to happen,” Armstrong said. She also had experience with writing historical descriptions, as she’d provided the text for a number of historical markers. Rightmyer said she found that experience invaluable, as she considers herself to be more of a “long writer,” focusing more on essays and longer written works.

Armstrong described “Images of America: Harrodsburg” as a “show-andtell” type of a book. The co-authors indicated such a work was needed in Harrodsburg, since the city lacked a recent, updated history-type book. Armstrong said the tome will be a good companion for people who are touring the city.

“It’s one of the first things I look for (when visiting a new place),” Rightmyer added. “It gives me an idea of where I’m at and what I’m doing.”

She added she hopes “Images of America: Harrodsburg” will inspire others “to get this history out there.”

Armstrong said the postcard pictorial history of Harrodsburg and Mercer County should be released about this time next year. The vintage postcards she will use will date through the 1960s.

Images of America: Harrodsburg

2011-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Soon to be released from Arcadia Publishing is Images of America: Harrodsburg, written by Harrodsburg’s Bobbi Dawn Rightmyer (writer) and Anna Armstrong (photography). The book will be released the week of August 8th, but is already up for pre-order on several different websites:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Arcadia

As of this moment, we are not sure when the book launch and signing will be, but we will keep you up-to-date.

Here is an excerpt from Images of America: Harrodsburg:

“Harrodsburg is the oldest permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and was founded in 1774 by James Harrod. Images of America: Harrodsburg covers the city limits from the late 1770s to the early 1960s and provides over 220 images from the Armstrong Collection, the Harrodsburg Historical Society, the Mercer County Public Library and the Kentucky Historical Society. Within these pages, experience and explore Harrodsburg during the pivotal era at the beginning of the great commonwealth – from the settlement of Old Fort Harrod to the “Saratoga of the West” mineral springs and spas. Follow the growth, hard times, and recovery of Harrodsburg, including government and growing businesses, advancements in education, the rise of religious institutions, and local and visiting celebrities. These well-preserved photographs from the entrepreneurs, grand openings, and expert news reporting all the reader to step back in time.”

Sorry for the shameless promotion, but this is a wonderful book about Harrodsburg - the oldest permanent settlement in Kentucky. Please try to buy a copy! This will also be great for tourist who will be visiting our area on vacations.

History in your Backyard

2011-07-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

How many times have you driven down College Street (HWY 127) in Harrodsburg and passed Old Fort Harrod State Park? Have you ever noticed the historic two-story home (now the Mansion Museum), located on the south side of the Park, has two front doors? One door faces College Street and the other faces Curry Avenue. These front entrances even have two different architectural features.

The families who lived there were as interesting as their home. If you would like to learn more about your 1800’s neighbors and take an architectural tour of this unique home, join the Park for “Tea with the Taylors” on Sunday afternoon, July 24thfrom 2:00 – 4:00pm.

In fact, add to the atmosphere by dressing in period clothing (1810-1925). Modern dress is also acceptable with an anticipated donation for an enjoyable afternoon.

There will be four “Teas with the Taylors” held monthly during the Park season. Each one will highlight more local history.

For more information, check the Fort Harrod website.

Louise Dean Poet Laureate Celebration

2011-05-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Poet Laureate Dean

Sunday was a huge day for Louise Isham Dean , and of course for the JHT. There was standing only with over 100 people in attendance for the ceremony. There were more folks stopping in through the afternoon buying books and wishing Louise congratulations. The agenda consisted of

An introduction from Chairman Helen Dedman

An opening prayer by JHT Treasurer Amalie Preston

Judge Executive Milward Dedman read the Poet Laureate Proclamation and presented it to Mrs. Dean.

Louise Dean accepted the plaque and read some of her poems

Book signing and refreshments

JHT membership business at 4:15

Closing

Mrs. Dean was in her element and stole the show with funny stories and her touching poems. All the theme cakes were from Custom Cakes on Main Street and were a huge success. The sale of the limited edition book of Louise's poems was nearly a sell out with only a few dozen copies left over for future distribution. Congratulations Louise on being named Poet Laureate of Mercer County.

Induction of Louise Isham Dean as Poet Laureate of Mercer County

2011-05-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

Louise Dean Honored as Poet Laureate of Mercer County

Please join the James Harrod Trust as we honor Louise Isham Dean as Poet Laureate of Harrodsburg/Mercer County. This event will be held at the Mercer County Public Library, 109 West Lexington Street in Harrodsburg, KY 40330. Times will be from 2:30 until 4:30pm. There will be a collectible and limited edition book with some of Mrs. Dean's favorite poems available for sale. This event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Please come and attend this event and enjoy some of the readings from one of Mercer County's best known poets.

Please call 859.734.7829 for more information.

Fountain Bleu

2011-04-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Fountain Bleu:

Some board members of the James Harrod Trust were invited by owner Pat Davis to come to the historic Fountain Bleu farm a few days ago. This was a brainstorming session to determine what course of actions needs to be taken with the emergency stabilizing of this incredible property. We were very pleased to see first hand this Federal 1816 - 1817 Mercer County landmark. This was one of the first five land grants that were written for the state of Kentucky in the last quarter of the 18th century.

Family-history workshop focused on KHS cemetery preservation

2011-04-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

CONTACT: Laura Coleman at Laura.Coleman@ky.gov or call 502-564-1792

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 1, 2011)— The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the Kentucky Genealogical Society (KGS) will host a free family-history workshop focused on KHS cemetery preservation resources from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort.

Ann Johnson, KHS cemetery preservation program coordinator, will discuss KHS resources available to family historians and cemetery preservationists. These resources include tracking databases, advice on legal issues governing property and descendant rights, stone cleaning and rubbing techniques and cemetery mapping practices.

“It is important to have local groups and individuals who are committed to finding ways to research, rescue and save small cemeteries in their counties, along with family burial plots in larger cemeteries,” said Johnson.

The workshop will also feature Phil DiBlasi, staff archaeologist at the University of Louisville, who will discuss the use of GPS to document cemeteries. There will also be an on-site visit to Frankfort Cemetery for a stone cleaning and GPS demonstration.

Following the close of each Family-History Workshop, at 1:45 p.m. the Kentucky Technology in Genealogy Users Group offers a free program to help support family-history researchers’ use and understanding of technology as it applies to genealogy.

Presented by KHS and KGS, the free Family-History Workshop series takes place each month at the Center for Kentucky History. Topics range from how to begin documenting your ancestry to specialized resources for experienced genealogists. If requested at the time of registration, an optional light lunch is available at a cost of $6, payable at the door.

To make a reservation, contact the KHS Reference Desk at 502-564-1792 or RefDesk@ky.gov. Registration for the April workshop is required before noon on Friday, April 8.

Learn more KHS genealogical resources at www.history.ky.gov.

An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the website at www.history.ky.gov.

John Brown’s Raid

2011-03-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet John Brown’s Raid Focus of History Speaks!

Presentation Frankfort, KY — John had far-reaching repercussions. Join Tim Talbott, coordinator of the Kent Brown’s raid on Harper's Ferry. Kentucky Historical Society’s (KHS) student and teacher outreach programs, as he presents “Principles Opposed to the Public Peace: Kentuckians’ Reactions to John Brown’s Raid,” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 at the Old State Capitol in downtown Frankfort.

In the weeks and months following Brown’s raid, Kentuckians made it well-known that they would not tolerate abolitionist agitation within the state’s borders. Attendees will learn the many ways that this national event affected the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Talbott’s presentation is a History Speaks! event, part of the KHS Highlighting History series which also includes regular Food for Thought programs. History Speaks! presentations are free and open to the public.

Kentucky Historical Society to Resume Regular Hours of Operation

2011-03-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

Kentucky Historical Society to Resume Regular Hours of Operation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lisa S. Cleveland at 502-564-1792 or by email at: LisaS.Cleveland@ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 3, 2011) – Effective Saturday, March 12, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) history campus in downtown Frankfort will resume regular hours of operation.

The KHS history campus, which includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal, adopted a seasonal schedule in 2010 to allow staff time to catalog and digitize artifacts during what has traditionally been a period of low visitation.

However, with the arrival of spring, the KHS history campus will resume regular public hours:

Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5.p.m.

“The winter season gave KHS time to catalog more than more than 3,000 items from the collections,” said Kent Whitworth, KHS executive director. “Work accomplished over the winter ultimately means that KHS has more resources available for teachers, researchers, family historians and the general public.”

Upcoming March events at KHS include:

March 12: Family History Workshop
March 16: “The Social History of Bourbon,” a Food for Thought program
March 17: KHS Film Series, in partnership with the Appalachian Media Institute
March 26: Girl Scout Workshop

More information on these and other events and programs is available - just click here.

Preservation Awards

2011-03-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Kentucky Heritage Council News Release

Nominations sought for 33rd Annual Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Historic Preservation Awards Statewide program honors excellence, commitment to preserving Kentucky’s heritage

The Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation and Kentucky Heritage Council / State Historic Preservation Office are seeking nominations for the 33rd Annual Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Historic Preservation Awards. This signature statewide event recognizes excellence in historic building preservation, advocacy efforts and lifetime commitment to preserving Kentucky’s historic and prehistoric resources.

Nominations are accepted in three categories:

Preservation Project Awards acknowledge outstanding examples of historic building restoration or rehabilitation, or other types of projects that have had a positive impact on preserving Kentucky’s built environment.
Service to Preservation Awards honor those who have had a positive impact or furthered historic preservation activities in their communities, including individuals, organizations, public officials, financial institutions, news media and/or volunteers.
The Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award goes to the individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the cause of historic preservation in the Commonwealth. The 2010 honoree was Clyde Reynolds Carpenter of Lexington, chair of the University of Kentucky Department of Historic Preservation

Nominations must be submitted via mail or in person to the Kentucky Heritage Council, 300 Washington Street, Frankfort, Ky. 40601. Entries may also be submitted via email to kyheritage@ky.gov or by fax, 502-564-5820. All entries must be received or postmarked by Monday, April 11.

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges representing various agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the Kentucky Heritage Council and members of the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation. Winners will be recognized during a special ceremony in May, which is National Historic Preservation Month. For guidelines and a nomination form, visit the Heritage Council website.

During the ceremony, winners of the 13th Annual Statewide Photo-Essay Competition will also be honored. The contest is open to all Kentucky schoolchildren in grades 1-12 and is co-sponsored by the Kentucky Heritage Council and Preservation Kentucky Inc. The 2011 theme is Preservation in Your Community: From Endangered to Enlivened.

The entry deadline is Friday, April 15. For entry forms and contest guidelines or to view examples of past winners, visit Preservation Kentucky

The Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation was chartered in 1979 to honor Ida Lee Willis, the first executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Commission (now the Kentucky Heritage Council) and widow of former Governor Simeon Willis. It was during Mrs. Willis’ tenure that Kentucky’s successful statewide historic preservation program was initiated.

Whiskey Row - Louisville

2011-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Gentle Reminder--

Please tell Mayor Fisher, the Metro Council, the LEO, the Courier-Journal and anyone who will listen to you for 5 minutes how you feel about the plans to demolish Whiskey Row.(If you need contact info, email us (jamesharrodtrust.org) or go to our Facebook page--NPPKentuckiana)

BTW, WHISKEY ROW is what it was, 'Iron Quarter' is what owner Todd Blue calls his proposed development, which will begin as a flat surface parking lot for five years.

Yeh, the mayor said that was OK! Parking for everyone! Nope, not likely.

Seriously, please help us by voicing your opinion and spreading the word.

If you need inspiration, check out the Lexington Herald-Leader articles about CentrePointe. What happens when commitment to preservation is as scant as the capital needed for community altering developments (e.g., CentrePoint and Todd Blue's "Iron Quarter")?

Click below for Tom Eblen's excellent article for a sour reminder, and some eloquent language you may borrow. (e.g. "demolition by neglect") ;0) Lexington should learn lesson from CentrePointe.

No more crocodile tears, we need to make noise.

As always, thanks for your help,

Neighborhood Planning & Preservation, Inc. (NPP)
It is up to all of us!

Kentucky Museum and Haritage Alliance's

2011-02-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

Attached, please find a call for proposals for the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance’s (KMHA) Annual Meeting, to be held in historic Maysville from June 5-7, 2011.

Negotiating the Rapids: Celebrating our Strengths, Service & Stewardship is the theme for the 2011 KMHA Annual Meeting. KMHA is seeking sessions that highlight recent successful programming, capital projects, special events, exhibitions, fiscal plans (fund raising strategies) and how these challenges were addressed by cultural institutions.

KMHA members come from historical and genealogical societies and small and large museums. Sessions will address the theme with examples that show how organizations and institutions have met the challenging environments and circumstances during the past year to continue to provide service and stewardship in our communities. Discussions will leave the attendee energized– ready to tackle the challenges we all face with thoughtful perspectives and professionally-invigorating ideas.

KMHA sessions include panel discussions, forums, workshops, and roundtable discussions. For more information, please see the attached call for proposals.

If you cannot organize a session, please consider attending this great meeting, which focuses on best-practices for museums and local history organizations. Librarians, board members, and staff have attended this meeting in the past and have learned new ideas and important trends related to collections, fundraising, public programming and more.

Sincerely,

Stuart Sanders
Supporting Partner
Kentucky Historical Society

Kentucky Historical Society
Foundation

Family History Workshop

2011-01-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Laura Coleman
502-564-1792 Laura.Coleman@ky.gov

KHS, KGS to Host Family-History Workshop in February

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan.31, 2011)— The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the Kentucky Genealogical Society (KGS) will host a free family-history workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort.

Don Rightmyer, editor of Kentucky Ancestors, will lead the morning session, “Migration Patterns into Kentucky,” from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Rightmyer will discuss the routes early settlers took into Kentucky, and the role migration played in the early history of the state.

KHS staffer Lynne Hollingsworth will host the afternoon session, “Seduction, Deception & Enticement: Historical Déjà Vu,” from 12: 30 to 1:30 p.m. Hollingsworth will present how banking, fiscal reorganization and stabilization, debt relief and other familiar and contemporary-sounding issues affected Kentuckians nearly 200 years ago, and how the issues left a lasting impact on the commonwealth in the 21st century.

Following the close of each Family-History Workshop, at 1:45 p.m. the Kentucky Technology in Genealogy Users Group offers a free program to help support family-history researchers’ use and understanding of technology as it applies to genealogy.

Presented by KHS and KGS, the free Family-History Workshop series takes place each month at the Center for Kentucky History. Topics range from how to begin documenting your ancestry to specialized resources for experienced genealogists. If requested at the time of registration, an optional light lunch is available at a cost of $6, payable at the door.

To make a reservation, contact the KHS Reference Desk at 502-564-1792 or RefDesk@ky.gov. Registration for the February workshop is required before noon on Friday, Feb. 11.

Learn more KHS genealogical resources at www.history.ky.gov.
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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the website at www.history.ky.gov.

What does it mean to preserve?

2011-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Dictionary definition:
1. to keep alive or in existence;
2. to keep safe from harm or injury.

In simple terms that is what the James Harrod Trust for Historic Preservation in Harrodsburg and Mercer County endeavors to do—keep our history, historic buildings, historic sites, cemeteries and stories alive and in existence and safe from harm and injury. How? A few of the ways we have accomplished this are:

*We have tried to raise awareness through newspaper articles and calendars using historic photos of the amazing historic character our community is fortunate to have.

*We have also bought, with grant or gifted money, buildings in poor repair and restored or sold to those who will restore the buildings.

*We have published “Women of Mercer County” which is basically an oral history written by local citizens telling the stories of women from our past who contributed to our lives. We are now collecting stories of Mercer County men.

*We maintain the McAfee Cemetery, early pioneer cemetery as well as Greenville Springs, site of the one of the first medicinal springs of Mercer County.

* We conduct a Cemetery Tour every year in which local citizens portray characters that had an interesting life or story and are now buried in Spring Hill Cemetery. History comes alive!

*We have received grants to survey, or document, historic outbuildings and barns in the northern part of our county. We hope to continue this survey to the rest of the county.

These are just a few of the things we have accomplished but we have so much more to do:

*We need to get into our school systems so that our young people will recognize their history and its importance.

*We need to implement historic zoning so that our historic properties and character will be protected

*We need to sponsor workshops to help homeowners understand how to preserve, maintain and protect their historic homes. As well as workshops on tax credits, window restorations, and general problems with older homes. It is the GREEN thing to do—restoration is the finest example of recycling!

*We need to recognize property owners who continue to love and preserve their properties.

The list goes on and on and you, dear reader, are probably thinking of other ways we could promote preservation. Please share them with us, join our cause; because once we lose our historic character, that which gives Harrodsburg/Mercer County its identity, we can’t get it back. It is a beautiful community with rich history, we need to keep it alive and in existence.

Helen Dedman, Chair, James Harrod Trust
PO Box 158
Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Authors : Stephen King : Author Widget

2010-10-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Authors : Stephen King : Author Widget

Cemetery Tour 2010

2010-10-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Thought that you might like to see some of the photographs from the 2010 James Harrod Trust History Underfoot Cemetery Tour. The JHT had about 150 visitors to come through this year. The brilliant weather, great performers and an organized cemetery tour staff really made this a stellar year. Thanks to Rosalind Turner for these great photos.

Centennial Baptist Church - First Baptist Church

2010-09-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Churches of Harrodsburg, Kentucky ...

Centennial Baptist Church - First Baptist Church

The beautiful stained glass above the sanctuary doors.

Centennial Baptist Church was organized in the 1840s. One of the first pastors changed the name to ...

First Baptist Church. Located on Broadway Street in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, this current church was built in 1873

The original bell that used to hang in the church's bell tower.

Stone plaque built into brick walls of church -

First Baptist Church

A. D.

1873 - 1907

Cornishville Mill

2010-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

The photo is of the Old Mill at Cornishville, Kentucky. Built in the mid-19th century, the Old Mill ground wheat and flour for area farmers. The finished product was often stored in the mill's granary until it was withdrawn, a few bags as a time, by the farmer or his family.

(Photo appeared in the "Mercer's Magazine" with permission of Special Collections and Digital Programs, University Kentucky.)

"The Renovation of Cornishville Mill in 1940" submitted by Kandi Prather Adkinson

Gill/McCoun/Beasley House

2010-09-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

The photo is from the July 2010 edition of Mercer's Magazine in the series by The James Harrod Trust, "This Place Matters."

Gill/McCoun/Beasley House
Main Street, Salvisa
(Photo JHT)

(Click on photo for larger view)

JHT - Celebrating 10 years in 2010

2010-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

All photos and information in this post are courtesy of "The James Harrod Log" - newsletter editor: Rosalind Turner. If you would like more information on JHT, you can do one of the following:

P.O. 158, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Phone: (859) 734-3381
Or e-mail at: info@jamesharrodtrust.org

Parkview Guest House Receive JHT Plaques

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mattingly, owners of the Parkview Guest House at 202 S. College Street were presented with a James Harrod Trust sign in June 2010 to denote the significance of their building. Members of the James Harrod Trust in the top picture include, from the left: Jerry Sampson, Amalie Preston, Jack and Kathy Mattingly - owners of the Parkview Guest House - Helen Dedman, Kandi Adkinson, Anna Armstrong, Charlie Mattingly, Carolyn Cole and Mary Rose Quinn. (Photo by Rhianna Robinson) .

Also in the top picture, the Parkview Guest House was originally built before WWII and served as a hospital until 1949. Owner Jack Mattingly purchased the property in 1996.

There are numerous mills in Mercer County in the 1800s and Brewer's Mill (top photo) is the last one that is still intact. (Photo by Rhianna Robinson)

JHT Members present Floying Thompson with a plaque commemorating his efforts to preserve historic Brewer's Mill, which sits on his property. In the bottom left photo are, from the left, Helen Dedman, Floying Thompson, Kandi Adkinson and Amalie Preston. The photo at the right show the four of them talking about the property.

(Click photos for larger views)

The Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church

2010-09-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

This photos] was shared by James Wheeler and is identified as being The Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Perryville Road as it appeared in 1900. Today's church stands on the same spot, but is not the original building. The gravestones in the photo still exist.

(Click photo for larger view)

Old St. Nicholas Church

2010-09-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

A reader identified this photo as the old St. Nicholas Church on Irish Ridge Road a Rose Hill. The church was used by Catholics. When the building was torn down in 1944, the congregation began attending St Andrew's Catholic Church in Harrodsburg.

(Click photo for larger view)

William McBride House

2010-09-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

The William McBride House at the corner of Chiles and East Poplar streets in Harrodsburg was built in 1822. At the top is the way the house formerly looked and at the bottom is a modern day photo of the house.

William McBride, who built the house in 1822, came to Kentucky with his parents and extended family in the late 1788. They claimed land in what is now Boyle Count in the Faulconer Station/Buster Pike area. As a child, McBride lived in Fort Harrod and at age 11, he lost his father and uncle in the Battle of Blue Licks. Even with his rough start in life, he became a successful planter, businessman, early poster, and trustee of the City of Harrodsburg.

To read more about William McBride and the home he built in Harrodsburg, check out the September 2010 edition of the "Mercer's Magazine" available at "The Harrodsburg Herald."

The Men of Mercer County

2010-09-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your involvement with "The Women of Mercer County." It was a wonderful success, which is why I am so excited to announce that we are accepting stories for "The Men of Mercer County."

I hope you will send us your stories and photos -- memories -- to use in our latest book. We continue to hear good things about the stories in our first book and I know the next one will be just as good.

You can send your stories to me at this address...I am also including the guidelines (pasted below) for stories and photos! Again thank you for your contribution for "The Women of Mercer County" and I hope to hear from you on "The Men of Mercer County."

Rosalind Turner

Guidelines:

No original photos. (Get copies made. No photocopies please).

Photos and stories should include the authors name, address and phone number. If you have email, please include that as well and we will keep you updated on the books progress and let you know when the book is being released.

Photos should also identify people and explain photos if possible.

STRONGLY PREFER stories electronically – by email or on CD.

E-mail to: jamesharrodtrust@yahoo.com.

Mail to: Rosalind Turner at 349 Shawnee Dr., Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Deliver personally to Carolyn Crump at the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission at the Diamond Point Welcome Center.

Please submit stories and photos together, if possible.

JHT will not guarantee the use of all photos when several are submitted

For historical purposes, please try to include a birth and death date, even if it is just a notation for us to use in the headline.

Dry Branch School - 1938

2010-09-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

The photo above is of a second grade class at Dry Branch School in 1938 and was submitted to Mercer's Magazine by James Wheeler.

Students include, front row, left to right, are:
? Beker Doris Traynor Carey, Morris Traynor, Margaret Henderson (deceased), Ralph Ross (deceased), unknown.

Second row, l-r: Margaret Baker Curtsinger, Sara Ross Black, James Wheeler, Beatrice Curtsinger, Morris Baker, and Lowell homas Walters.

Third row, l-r: Alic Traynor, unknown, Bob Baker, William Curtsinger, Cleo Baker (deceases)

Fourth row: l-r, Dorothy Curtsinger, ? Baker, unknown and Vernice Ross. In the back center is the teacher, Dorothy Noel.

The Grave ...

2010-08-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

... of the first white child buried in Kentucky. This first photo is a postcard from 1933 and shows the entire, above ground tomb. This is located in the Pioneer Cemetery located at Old Fort Harrod State Park.

This is a later photo, date unknown, but as you can see, there is a new sign. Also the vandelism to the stone is apparent at the head and foot of the tomb.

10th Anniversary History Tour

2010-08-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

The James Harrod Trust holds history tour to commemorate 1oth anniversary. All information from the September 2010 edition of "The James Harrod Log" edited by Rosalind Turner; photos by Anna Armstrong

The Harrod Theatre

2010-07-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to Jerry Sampson of J. Sampson Antiques and Books for loaning me these vintage photos of the old Harrod Theatre, currently known as the Ragged Edge Community Theatre. If you have never visited Jerry's store, it is located at 107 South Main Street in Harrodsburg.

History Speaks!

2010-07-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

History Speaks! Presentation to Focus on George Rogers Clark’s Relationship with American Indians

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2010)— Jacob Lee, Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) research fellow, will explore the more diplomatic side of George Rogers Clark’s relationship with American Indians at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort.

Lee’s presentation, “George Rogers Clark and the Indians: Race and Violence in the First American West,” examines and explains the complexities in Clark’s frequent encounters with Indians. Clark, the leader of the Kentucky militia during the Revolutionary War, has been portrayed by some historians as an “Indian hater.” Lee concludes that these scholars fail to acknowledge that Clark did not hold the extreme racial views of many of his contemporaries. Instead, Clark made treaties with numerous tribes, expressed a deep interest in Indian culture and even befriended former military opponents.

Lee earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in history at the University of Louisville. He has worked in various positions at The Filson Historical Society, and currently serves as the museum’s associate curator of special collections. Lee has published and presented on a variety of topics in Kentucky and Ohio Valley history. During 2009, he was a recipient of a Scholarly Research Fellowship at KHS. In the fall, he will enter the Ph.D. program in history at the University of California, Davis where he will study early American history.

The KHS Highlighting History series includes History Speaks!, Food for Thought and special Thursday evening programs and offers guests an opportunity to explore a wide variety of historical topics. To find out more about Highlighting History and other KHS programs, visit the Kentucky Historical Society.

CONTACT: Lauren Medley
502-564-1792, ext. 4504
Lauren.Medley@ky.gov

Preservation Louisville Lecture Series

2010-06-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

This promises to be a great on going lecture series for anyone who owns historic property.

Preservation Louisville announces Hands on History workshop and lecture series Learn to maintain a historic home or building - inside and out

July: "Historic Woodwork & Carpentry"

July 10th, 2010 Guest Speaker: Jim Ritchie Preservation Louisville's "Hands on History" workshop and lecture series will continue with "Historic Woodwork & Carpentry." Led by carpenter Jim Ritchie, this workshop will focus on maintaining the woodwork and carpentry of your historic home. Ritchie will discuss with participants ways to restore and renovate woodwork or carpentry in their historic home. Ritchie uses his skills in carpentry and woodworking to regularly help those in need by building houses through Habitat for Humanity.

WHEN: 2nd Saturday of the month from May-November 1pm-4pm

WHERE: The Brennan House Historic Home, 631 S. 5th Street, Louisville

ADMISSION: $25 for Preservation Louisville members $30 for non-members *Register for all 7 workshops for $175, a $210 value REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required-as class size is limited. Register online at www.preservationlouisville.org or by calling Preservation Louisville at 502-540-5146

Pawling House

2010-06-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

The article was originally from the June 2010 edition of "Mercer's Magazine" under
the series by The James Harrod Trust.

Historic tourism is a vital part of Mercer County's economy and with our trend toward a demolition (both active and by neglect) with generic replacement structures, we are rapidly destroying the very things that make us a unique place to visit. We hope that as you red these stories, you will contact us with your thoughts, possible solutions, or additional sites that you think matter. Drop a line to: James Harrod Trust, P.O. Box 158, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

(Click on photo for a larger view)

Sad Announcement

2010-05-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sad Announcement

Everyone,

Brenda Carolyn Devine Sallee passed away on May 23rd 2010 at about 6:00 p.m.
Please lift Brenda's Daughter,Bobbi Rightmyer, in your prayers during this difficult time. Bobbi is a board member of the JHT and is instrumental in pushing the JHT into the future with her managing and creating its blog and facebook accounts.

Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

Parkview Guest House Awarded JHT Plaque

2010-05-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

The James Harrod Trust, on Monday, the 17th of May, awarded Jack & Kathy Mattingly owners of the Parkview Guest on College Street the James Harrod Trust Plaque for outstanding preservation work. Jack and Kathy have done a wonderful job preserving and utilizing a local historic structure. The Parkview Guest House originally started out being the A.D. Price Memorial Hospital which dated from 1915 - 1949. The Parkview Guest House was established in the early 1950's. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication Jack & Kathy.

Root Cellars

2010-05-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

These photos were originally published in the March 2010 edition of "Mercer's Magazine" in an article by Lois Mateus.

The top photo is the only known remaining functional cellar in Harrodsburg, standing in Anna Armstrong's backyard on Lexington Street. Restored in 2004, the cellar has a depression in the floor which would have been filled with water to keep containers of liquid cold

The photo above is a new root cellar built by Tim Peters on Tallgrass Farm in Mercer County.

This deep pit, on the Wilson family farm on Central Pike, is an ice pit used by early settlers to hold ice and snow. Winter's aged ice was a precious commodity for pioneers and was used to heal and starve fevers and save lives as well as to preserve food and cool drinks.

Sad Announcement

2010-05-09T19:41:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

Birdeen White passed away this morning at 2:30 a.m. at Haggin Memorial Hospital.
Please lift Birdeen's son, Terry, in your prayers during this difficult time. Terry White is a founding member of the JHT and Birdeen was a beloved fixture at many JHT events.

Visitation for Birdeen will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday (...5/10) at Ransdell's Funeral Chapel.

Funeral will be held on Tuesday (5/11) at 11:00 a.m. at Ransdell's Funeral Chapel.

Just wanted to let you know.

Just a Hint: Pogue House

2010-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Pogue House:

I had the privilege to have a brief tour of this house last week. The Pogue House which is featured on the tour is a massive work in progress. To the scholar and historian this unassuming house literally vibrates with history. To think that Ann Pogue climbed these stairs and swept these floors makes me ponder the settling of this state.

Mr. Richard Parson's was at first wary about having people to see this structure. He was worried that people would judge it harshly due to its condition. The house retains many details of its earliest fabric. Through its history its had a succession of poorly built and maintained additions. Mr. Parson's plans on removing these in the near future keeping only the 19th century elements. I told him that the people coming on this tour would expect to see the "bones" of this dwelling and would be excited over seeing it. I've included photos of the original garret stairwell, one of the earliest mantels and built-ins and a great shot of the logs supporting the flooring. Though at this stage this house is not a showcase it holds a history that until this date has never been uncovered. Rykon will serve as a wonderland of luxury for those seeking such interests.

This is only a hint of what this house holds.

James Harrod Trust History Tour

2010-04-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

James Harrod Trust History Tour
To celebrate our ten year anniversary, the James Harrod Trust is hosting a bus tour on May 22, 2010.

The tour will follow the timeline of the settlement of Harrodsburg, the oldest English settlement west of the Alleghenies.

The participants will tour:

Pogue House, circa 1780’s
Rocky Point, circa 1810
Morgan Row, circa 1830
James McAfee home and farm, circa 1790
Rykon, circa 1845

Box lunch will be included in the tour.
Tour begins at Lions Park, Factory St. (Behind old Harrodsburg High School)
10:00-4:00
$40 per person

There will be a fair amount of walking during the tour.
Please send check, made out to James Harrod Trust, to PO Box 158, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Bus is limited to 23 people so send your check in today!
For more information please email info@jamesharrodtrust.com
Or call Jerry, 859/734-7829 or Helen, 859/734-3381

This Place Matters - George Passmore House

2010-04-11T21:24:00.001-07:00

The Board James Harrod Trust would like to offer its deepest condolences to the family of Miriam Schoening owner of the George Passmore House on Poplar Street. Miriam passed away Saturday following a brief illness and declining health.

http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/04/11/obi.938436.sto

This Place Matters - George Passmore House

2010-04-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

The George Passmore House at 204 East Poplar Street

The George Passmore House at the corner of Poplar and Greenville Streets has stood there since the early 1820s on property originally owned by the Magoffin family, which gave us Kentucky's Civil War governor Beriah Magoffin.

The lot was sold to George Passmore, who built the house. The Passmores were a long-standing family of businessmen and merchants in Harrodsburg, leaving us other structures such as The Harrodsburg Herald office and the Jane Bird Hutton house. The Passmore house stayed in the family until the 1930s.

Visually, a very interesting structure, the house consists of two sections built at different times. The original building was the west section (the side closest to the corner) and was apparently a one-room two story dwelling. The brick is laid in Flemish bond on both sections, and the windows vary greatly with those on the east facade featuring carved and fluted casings while those on the west section have simple pegged sashes.

Time has taken its toll on the appearance of this home. Deterioration is most evident on a wooden rear attachment, but this well-built old home is structurally sound and with attention can continue as a Harrodsburg landmark for another 190 years.

This place matters!!

(Photos and info copyright James Harrod Trust)

Maple Grove Workday

2010-04-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

The following are some photographs taken while the James Harrod Trust was surveying Maple Grove Cemetery - located on Cornishville Street - under the leadership of Kandie Adkinson, on Saturday, April 10th (photos by JHT member, Jerry Sampson):

Our cemetery leader, Kandie Adkinson

One of the oldest markers in Maple Grove Cemetery

Civil War headstone

Amelie Preston

Anna Armstrong

JHT Chairperson, Helen Dedman

Pat Linton

JHT Volunteer

(Photos by JHT member, Jerry Sampson)

Chistman's Greenhouse

2010-04-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Does anybody remember Chistman's Greenhouse? What a beautiful enclosure card. This chromo-lithograph and embossed card measures in at almost six inches long. This is from back in the day when flowers only came from a florist or greenhouse and not a big box retailer. Flowers like this meant a special occassion.

~~Posted JHT Member, Jerry Sampson

Special Recognition

2010-04-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Please mark you calendars for May 17, 2010 - we will be giving a JHT marker to Floying Thompson at Brewers Mill at 2pm. We will meet at Beaumont Inn at 1:30, then head to the Mill - located off Cornishville Road. At 4pm we will to to Parkview Guest House - located on College Street - give a marker to Mr. Mattingly. The Guest House is the site of the first hospital in Harrodsburg and we will be able to take a tour of the building. The public will be invited.

Maple Grove Cemetery

2010-04-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 10, James Harrod Trust will be surveying Maple Grove Cemetery - located on Cornishville Street - under the leadership of Kandie Adkinson. She has contacted AME, First Baptist and Centennial to help. This is a very exciting project and we need all that can to come help.

Preservation Louisville

2010-04-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

Always been interested in local preservation issues but not sure how to get involved as an advocate for our community's historic resources? Here's your chance! The public is invited to Preservation Louisville, Inc.'s Volunteer Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Preservation Louisville needs your support- as a grassroots, citywide preservation organization, Preservation Louisville relies on the support of our members to provide our resources to the community - and Preservation Louisville needs your membership and your support is critical to our success. Please come to our open house, meet with Preservation Louisville board members, hear about the work of our organization and learn about the different volunteer opportunities available in preservation, such as assisting with events, serving on committees, participating in public advocacy initiatives, etc. Plus, come see our beautiful headquarters - The Brennan House Historic Home - an authentic Victorian treasure in the heart of downtown Louisville.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
6 - 8 pm

WHERE: The Brennan House Historic Home
631 South Fifth Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202

The Brennan House (1868) is a Victorian mansion in downtown Louisville that is filled with an entirely original family collection. It is listed on the National Register and is a local landmark. The building is the headquarters of Preservation Louisville, Inc. a 501 (C)(3) charitable non-profit organization.

SPONSORED BY: Preservation Louisville, Inc.
A membership-based, non-profit organization powered by grassroots participation and contributions from our generous supporters.

As Metro Louisville's citywide non-profit historic preservation organization, Preservation Louisville works in partnership with local, state and national organizations to promote the preservation of our community's historic resources through education and advocacy. Preservation Louisville also provides education, technical information and resources. For more information, www.preservationlouisville.org.

The Women of Mercer County

2010-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated book, The Women of Mercer County is nearly sold out. This is a James Harrod Trust publication that focuses on the lives of departed local women. Fascinating little know stories. This is sure to be, in a short time, a highly collectible book when this edition is sold out. Available only at The Harrodsburg Herald and the Diamond Point/ Tourist Commission, less than 20 copies are currently available now.

Historic Preservation Needs Your Help

2010-03-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

ACT NOW to restore funding for historic preservation programs!

Earlier this month, the FY 2011 budget request was released that would eliminate funding for Save America's Treasures (SAT) and Preserve America (PA), and cut funding for National Heritage Areas by 50 percent. These critical historic preservation programs matter now more than ever - not only because they protect our national heritage but because they are economic development engines and create jobs in the thousands of communities they serve! Save America's Treasures alone has generated more than 16,000 jobs since it was created 10 years ago.

We need you to ACT NOW!

Use the format below to send a message to your representative in Congress asking him to restore funding for Save America's Treasures and Preserve America, and maintain funding for National Heritage Areas and other preservation programs as the House and Senate work on their respective budget bills. It is especially important for those who live in the 6th District to make a direct appeal to Representative Ben Chandler, who is a member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and has long been a supporter of historic preservation in Kentucky.

We need to make it clear these programs have been highly effective and should be continued!

Simply cut and paste the following message, email it to your Representative, and also send a copy Senators Bunning and McConnell using the links below:

1st District - Rep. Ed Whitfield

2nd District - Rep. Brett Guthrie

3rd District - Rep. John Yarmuth

4th District - Rep. Geoff Davis

5th District - Rep. Hal Rogers

6th District - Rep. Ben Chandler, Member, House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Senator Jim Bunning

Senator Mitch McConnell

[NOTE: The website Govtrack recommends personalizing your message when possible. Visit their website for a list of tips for contacting your representatives in Congress.]

Dear ______________ ,

I am asking for your help to restore funding for the Save America's Treasures (SAT) and Preserve America (PA) programs, which are proposed for elimination in the FY2011 Budget Request, as well as to maintain current funding for National Heritage Areas, whose budget has been proposed cut by half.

- SAT is the nation's only bricks and mortar grant program and is one of the federal government's most successful tools for preserving the places that tell America's story. Since 1998, SAT has designated 1,600 official projects, awarded more than $300 million in grants, and through the 50/50 required match, generated an additional $377 million of investment. Clearly the program has successfully leveraged public funds in partnership with private dollars from corporations, foundations and individuals.

- Preservation projects generate economic development and create jobs. For example, Kentucky has received $6.2 million in SAT funds for 24 projects, generating an additional $7.8 million in matching funds and a total investment of $14 million. Of these, it has been quantified that 17 projects created 171 jobs for a total investment of $21,536 per job, compared with statistics showing that jobs generated in Kentucky through federal stimulus funds have averaged $233,839 per job created.

- Preserve America complements Save America's Treasures by helping local communities develop sustainable management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of heritage resources. Kentucky leads the nation in Preserve America designations with 73 communities, neighborhoods and historic districts. Since 2006, 10 Kentucky Preserve America projects have received $705,350 in grants that require a dollar-for-dollar match.

- Kentucky has been successful in Preserve America because of the network provided through the Kentucky Main Street Program, administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council, which for 31 years has promoted economic investment in Kentucky communities. Since 1979, this program has contributed more than $3.5 billion to the state's economy through public-private partnerships, and this network is poised to help Kentucky continue to effectively administer SAT and PA projects.

At a time when jobs creation and supporting sustainable communities are top priorities for Congress and the Administration, it is tragically shortsighted to overlook - or even cripple - the power and potential of historic preservation programs such as Save America's Treasures and Preserve America. As you move forward in developing your spending bills for FY2011, please do what you can to restore funding for these critical programs to their FY 2010 levels and maintain funding for National Heritage Areas, and encourage members of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees to support you in these efforts as well.

Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE .....

2010-03-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

...... AND CELEBRATE WITH US

The James Harrod Trust is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and Preservation Month by hosting a tour throughout Harrodsburg/Mercer County on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Join us for a bus tour with knowledgeable tour guides as we follow our fair city’s development from the 1700’s to late 1800’s. The tour will include home tours, box lunch, and wonderful information. Watch for more details and how to register.

Harrodsburg's "Castle"

2010-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Harrodsburg's "Castle" has been listed on Historic Properties. Check it out:

(Photo copyright Historic Properties)

The Moreland/Ashfeld Manor, circa 1891
42 +/- Acres

This picturesque estate known as Moreland/Ashfeld Manor is located in the Central Bluegrass region in the city limits of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Harrodsburg is in Mercer County and was recently selected by This Old House Magazine as having Kentucky’s best neighborhoods to buy an old house. This particular property is located on the outskirts of the city and contains approximately forty-two (42 +/-) acres of beautiful flat Kentucky bluegrass terrain. The property offers a myriad of uses including a potentially fantastic horse farm. The high-style Romanesque Revival mansion located on the property, which is likely the best example of its style in Central Kentucky, is set far back from the road frontage. The home is accessed by a long drive that splits into two parts encircling mature shade trees found in the estate’s front lawn. Built by Colonel Daniel Lawson Moore in 1891 for his second wife, Miss Minnie Ball of Woodford County, the residence is the largest and one of the most architecturally rich in Mercer County.

A true late 19th century mansion, Moreland is constructed of native limestone and brick, the front of the building being entirely of stone. Each block is carefully tooled, with ribbing or bush-hammering laid with pink mortar. The facade features an impressive veranda of large semicircular arches carried on round pillars of polished granite with elaborately carved limestone capitals. The verandas curve into octagonal forms at either end, of which the south end extends vertically into a four storied tower crowned by an entablature and parapet. The interplay of smooth and rusticated blocks of stone, and careful attention to details, distinguish the house as an architectural standout. The massing of polygonal and curved forms are handled masterfully around the flanks of the building, including an arcaded piazza on the south side and porte-cochere on the north.

An estate of this size and significance in Central Kentucky does not come on the market regularly. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the best.

Specifics:

Exterior
Forty-two (42 +/-) acres in Central Kentucky
30 minute drive to Lexington, Kentucky and 1 hour to Louisville, Kentucky
10 minutes to Shaker Village National Historic Landmark
Formal gardens
Two tobacco barns: One 10-bent barn and one 8-bent barn
Cottage
Cottage located behind the primary residence with 2 bedrooms and one full bath
Historically significant in its own right with a front yard surrounded by a picket fence
Overlooking unspoiled acreage

Interior
10,500 square foot primary residence
Magnificent woodwork and moldings with most rooms containing fireplaces with matching wood and trim.
9 ft doors on first level
French crystal chandeliers in parlor and library
10 fireplaces
Sunroom with gracious Palladian atrium doors
Enclosed back porch
Truly too many incredible details to convey here – must see!

Bachelor's Barter

2010-03-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

(Photo copyright Justice Real Estate)

Bachelor's Barter is a magnificent two and a half story stone house was built in the late 1700's by Captain Samuel Taylor, and it sits one field over from Shakertown. The farm and house were purchased by Captain Taylor's son-in-law John Glover in 1811 at which time two brick wings were added.

The house was restored in 1964 by then-owner James Lowry Cogar with the most recent renovations including the addition of geo-thermal heat and air completed in December, 2008, by the present owner Jim Thomas. The attention to historical detail is seen throughout the house with its original woodwork and hardwood floors.

For more information on this historic farm, check out Justice Real Estate.

Ralph Anderson

2010-03-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

On February 13, 2010, we lost a treasured preservationist with the passing of Ralph Anderson. The following is a tribute written by Helen Dedman:

Much has been said about the loss of Mr. Ralph G. Anderson, but not enough can be said for a great and generous man like him. I dare say there is not an organization or person in Mercer County that has not benefited from his philanthropy—Mercer County Library, Anderson Dean Park, Ragged Edge Theater, Harrodsburg Historical Society, Fort Harrod Drama Productions, Shaker Village, Kentucky Agricultural Heritage Museum, and Economic Development to name a few.

In the world of preservation he endeavored to save the structures and houses that his friend Francis Keightley Moseley told him were important. That preservation started with Walnut Hall, Wild wood, and The Bluefront. After he gave the land for the Park the plans called for the old Victorian house on the property to be torn down, but in the process it was discovered an early brick house was the core of the house. Mr. Anderson stopped the demolition; put a protective roof on the house while the county and the James Harrod Trust worked on the grant to restore the Thomas Logan House. Today one of the earliest brick houses in Mercer County sits on a hill at the Park and houses the Park office.

When the Hat Factory was slated to be torn down he sent Belcan engineers to study the possibility of moving it to another location. Unfortunately, to no avail but he ever denied us the assistance.

Mr. Anderson never stopped preserving—the acquisition of farm property to continue the farming process and not the development of land has protected much of our county, preserving our view sheds.

The latest restoration of the Opera House at the Bluefront was truly a gift to us all. With painstaking research of the correct paint colors to the intricate stenciling he gave us a glimpse of what a Victorian theater was like. It is a gift as he could never open it for a business or events because of the zoning/ADA laws.
Obviously I could go on and on just about his preservation efforts not even touching on the scholarships and major donations he gave to many colleges, not just his alma mater, University of Kentucky, or the many organizations throughout the Untied States that he has helped throughout the years.

But time and word limit will stop me here. But let me say that he was a kind, positive man that we can all learn from—remember where you came from, and never forget your friends. He was a great friend of Harrodsburg/Mercer County, the likes of which we may never see again. I am proud I knew him.

Helen Dedman

Greenville Springs

2010-02-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

Greenville Springs - 1806

(Photo and info copyright James Harrod Trust)

The Rev. Jesse Head, a Methodist clergyman, discovered Greenville Springs in 1806, the year he solemnized the union of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, parents of Abraham Lincoln. Just south of the Harrodsburg city limits lay the community known as Greenville and it was on the property of Captain Lucas VanArsdel that Head first tasted the iron and saline tinctures that were soon to bring fame and the wealthy to Harrodsburg to “take the waters”.

Felix Grundy partnered with VanArsdel to develop the Springs as a tourist attraction and center for therapeutic baths and ebolutions. Many physicians of the day swore as to the efficacy of the springs and the “resort” soon gained a national reputation with many distinguished guests including Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and James Monroe. Aside from the purported medicinal gains offered by the Springs an incredible social life developed around the hotel and cabins on the grounds. Billiards, alcohol, games of chance, orchestras, balls and an occasional duel were a part of the entertainment venue.

Grundy, because of legal appointment in Tennessee, sold his portion of the Springs to Daniel Jennings who later sold his investment to Montgomery Bell of Tennessee. Thomas Eastland, who had purchased the VanArsdel portion of the Springs, and Bell developed a hemp bagging company and “rope walk” on the property for added income.

Nearby, David Sutton, the owner of a hat factory, discovered more medicinal springs and began to exploit their financial potential under the name of Harrodsburg Springs. His son-in-law, Dr. Christopher Graham, realized the full potential of the spas and capitalized on every opportunity, soon turning Harrodsburg into the “Saratoga of the West”. Graham eventually purchased Greenville Springs and permanently discontinued the commercial operation of the springs, eliminating all competition. In redeeding the property he specifies that the springs will never again be used in any commercial manner. He was very generous in the resale, helping to establish Greenville Institute, a Christian Church college. When the main building of the Institute, the old Greenville Springs Hotel, burned in 1851, Graham helped to raise the funds for a new three story Greek Revival building (now operated as Beaumont Inn).

The Springs brought the wealthy from both North and South and great wealth to the central Bluegrass area. The Southerners came to Harrodsburg for the “Season” (summer) to escape the plagues of malaria and yellow fever that riddled the deep South. To this day one can see the Natchez influence in some of the local architecture.

In 1853, Graham suddenly changed the course of his life and sold the Springs to the U.S. Government, ending a venture that had brought great financial success and prestige to the town.

Two local families generously donated the spring owned by the James Harrod Trust. It is one of the last three running springs. The others have been built over or totally destroyed. The old foundation for the springhouse is evident and we know the exact dimensions and appearance of the structure, as all of the springhouses at both Greenville and Harrodsburg Springs were identical. It is the plan of the Trust to rebuild the springhouse and create a bird sanctuary-park for the local residents, to celebrate the quietude and ambiance associated with the enormous parkland that once surrounded the commercial venture.

Dedman's Drugstore

2010-02-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

Dedman’s Drugstore - 1860

(Photo and info copyright James Harrod Trust)

Smith and Dedman Drugstore opened in 1868 at 225 South Main Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Eventually C.M. Dedman bought out his partner and the business was known as Dedman’s Drugstore. The building functioned as a pharmacy until 1983 and had been a gathering place for adults and children for over one hundred years.

When the property went on the market, the Trust sought private ownership and development. This having failed, the property was to be sold to an individual who intended to strip out the interior fixtures and cabinetry. Through the generosity of a local citizen, Dedman’s was purchased for the Trust.

Through community support, low interest loans from local banks and the generous financial help of a local philanthropist the Trust was able to restore the first floor of the Drugstore in 2 years. Soon we were fortunate enough to find a wonderful, hard working couple to lease the building from us. Tim and Jennifer Kazimer opened the Kentucky Fudge Shop in the Dedman Drugstore on January 12, 2006. It has become a staple on Main Street treating its visitors to sandwiches, soups, ice cream, and homemade fudge. Once again it is a gathering place for adults and children.

Rocky Point

2010-02-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

Rocky Point - 1810 (photo and info copyright James Harrod Trust)

In 2000 the Trust bought Rocky Point with gifted money. We had high hopes of restoring the neglected home to its former Federal glory as a house museum. A full calendar of projects and the closing of some funding sources delayed work on Rocky Point until 2006 when worsening structural issues again focused our energies in that direction. We realized we must make Rocky Point our number one goal, but many of us disagreed on its future purpose. We needed outside help, so we applied for and received a match grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to stage a charette, or practicum garnering various ideas on the possible uses of the leaking, vacant home. We received the match for the grant from Cultural Resources Applications, Inc. which also helped in stabilizing one of the chimneys. On a cold, wet Saturday in February, 2008, we hosted 30 people at Beaumont Inn to tour, and then discuss Rocky Point. These participants were preservationists, craftsmen, tourism directors, realtors, and local interested citizens. Three discussion groups were formed and after 2 hours each group reported on their vision for Rocky Point. Independently each group suggested we stabilize and sell the house.

The Trust took the advice of the groups and listed the house on Historic Properties.com for $15,000. We received many, many inquiries but within a week we received the earnest money, sight unseen. An easement was drawn up for the property with help from the Kentucky Heritage Council. In August, 2008 papers were signed and Rocky Point had a new owner willing to restore it and make it home. Work began almost immediately and will hopefully be done by the end of 2009. Not only did the Trust benefit by this sale but the community will also benefit by welcoming these new preservationists to town.

Join the James Harrod Trust

2010-02-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

Save the Dream

Our heritage is the legacy of a pioneer dream of 1774... to Save the Dream the James Harrod Trust Inc. needs the participation and support of every person who values history, architecture and the education of future generations.

Membership Categories:

Individual $15.00
Family $25.00
Student & Senior $5.00
Preserver $100.00
Supporter $250.00
Donor $500.00
Patron $1000.00
Archangel $5000.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Membership Application
I want to be a member.
I want to help save the dream...
(One year with March renewal)

Date:

Name (Individual):

Name (Business/Club):

Mailing Address:

Telephone:

Fax:

E-Mail Address:

Amount Sent:

James Harrod Trust Plaque Program

2010-02-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

To continue our mission to designate significant sites in Mercer County, the James Harrod Trust has developed a plaque program for historic property owners. They may apply for a JHT plaque to be affixed to their property to permanently mark the importance of the site. The application process involves research and photographs documenting the significance of the home or site.

APPLICATIONS
Available at the Harrodsburg Tourist Commission located in Diamond Point on US127 or download from the JHT website.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Property owners must submit a complete application form and photographs of each exterior elevation and payment of $75.00 (checks made payable to the James Harrod Trust). Applications submitted without photographs will not be considered.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
One time per month at the plaque review committee meeting.

PLAQUE DELIVERY
Plaques will be hand delivered. The homeowners will be responsible for affixing the signage.

INFORMATION ON YOUR BUILDING
Information can be obtained from several sources:
Local County Clerk’s Office—County deeds and data can be found at the Clerk’s office.

Public library or historical society
Many libraries have a Kentucky room which has publications and resources relating to the county, history and development. Sometimes information on individual houses and neighborhoods can be found within the collection of a local historical society.

Kentucky Historical Society
100 West Broadway, Frankfort, Ky 40601
502/564-1792 www.kyhistory.org

JAMES HARROD TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
IN MERCER COUNTY PLAQUE APPLICATION
Please fill out application thoroughly
Printable PDF File Format

Location of structure

Name of owner

Address of owner

Phone

Email

Is the structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Is the structure included within a local historic zone or other district?

Present use: agricultural___________, commercial__________,
Residence____________, other_______________

Exterior:
Excellent____________
Good (in good state of repair) ____________
Fair (occupied, but under maintained) ____________
Poor (vacant, in need of major repair) ____________

Interior:
Excellent________________
Good (in good state of repair) _____________
Fair (occupied, but under-maintained) ___________
Poor (vacant, in need of major repair____________

Description of materials: (i.e. brick, stone, weatherboard, tin, concrete) List only materials visible from exterior of structure.

Walls:

Foundation:

Roof:

History

Age of structure

Historic name of structure—that best reflects the property’s historic importance or that has been commonly used for the structure.

Please list any significant individuals either that resided in or were associated with your property.

Please list any significant events or cultural resources associated with your structure.

Architecture

Please list the architect of your structure if known, or builder.

Please choose the architectural classification that closely matches the period and stylistic character of your structure.

Early-Federal

Mid-19th century—Greek revival, Gothic Revival, Italian Villa, Exotic Revival

Late 19th and 20th century revivals—Beaux Arts, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Late Gothic Revival, Prairie School, Commercial Style, Bungalow Craftsman, Art Deco

Please list or describe any significant characteristics or construction techniques employed by your structure.

Do you feel your structure maintains its historical integrity? Please explain.

Interior

Please describe or cite any original interior features in the structure, such as woodwork, lighting fixtures, any outstanding interior features that you feel contribute to the significance of you structure.

What prompted you to apply for a JHT plaque?

Please enclose current photos of all sides of the structure. Also, please submit copies of all information on history of the structure (i.e. deeds, Historical Society information, or other sources).

Enclosed check for $75 JHT plaque___________

Signature_______________________________________________

Date__________________________________________________

The Women of Mercer County

2010-01-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to a

Book Release Party
for
“The Women of Mercer County”
Sunday, Jan. 31
From 3 to 5 p.m. at Beaumont Inn

Join James Harrod Trust as we celebrate the release of
“The Women of Mercer County,”
which features more than 125 stories.
The book will be available for purchase for $20.

(A total of 400 copies of the book will be for sale. After the event, the remaining books will be available at The Harrodsburg Herald, Beaumont Inn, J. Sampson Antiques & Books & Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission.)

The Book Release event will include several authors reading their stories or excerpts from their stories. All authors are encouraged to attend to be available to sign books.
Cake, punch and coffee will be served.

The public is invited.

Bye-Bye Courthouse

2009-09-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

These photos are from the September 2009 edition of "Mercer's Magazine" showing the courthouse as it was and the courthouse being torn town. Another piece of history coming down to the ground.

A local landmark on Harrodsburg's Main Street met its end recently as it was demolished to make way for a new judicial center.