Paducah's Accidental Preservationists
Our personal home was the beginning. The idea was sound, the plan was naive. Let's buy this old empty house and fix it up, just like on TV! We had no idea what we were starting.
First, we were reminded that TV is not reality. Not even reality TV. Our house restoration was a 2 year process of trial and error, bruised thumbs and egos. But we did it, and we did it pretty well. We learned what most old house owners learn about old plaster walls, wood floors, and wavy glass. We learned about plumbing and electricity and myriad building codes.
But even more importantly we learned new words and ideas: some of the things we learned were big and nebulous like urban infill and green space and city zoning ordinances. Some were much smaller, like how to pick the right height for a banquette.
We learned how every old wood window sash is secretly a piece of art. Hand built by a craftsman, just for your house. We learned that lime plaster can heal itself, breathe out water, and last for hundreds of years. We learned that everything moves in a house, just a little, whether you give it room or not. We learned that old houses are the most sustainable houses, if you just give them a chance.
We learned that we are not house flippers, or remodelers, we are historical preservationists. We are ok with that.
We have taken all those skills and resources and ideas and words and are putting them to use in Paducah. Our big project right now is a building know locally as the Smedley Yeiser.
This is the first time we re-remembered it, back in 2012. Before the vines took it over. Before the city gave up on previous plans for it and offered it for sale for $10,000. Then $1. Before we submitted a proposal and bought it with a golden dollar.
This house is one of the oldest freestanding residences in Paducah and we are the proudest owners we can be. We hope to use the skills we've developed to do it justice. We are approaching it with respect and thoughtfulness. The energy it took to build this house was invested 165 years ago. That's forward thinking and sustainable. We plan to preserve and restore all original features, including the copper roof, and update it to modern standards so that a business could rent it.
We were surprised to find the original chandeliers still work.
While we've been working on this project, a revered public building has become the source of much controversy in Paducah. Although not nearly as old as the Smedley Yeiser, it is no less significant. Paducah City Hall was designed in the 60s by Edward Durell Stone, a world renowned architect, and was meant to be Paducah's sign to the world that we were progressive. The materials and style harken to the time period and post WWII feelings. It was a time of great innovation, enthusiasm, and optimism and we were presenting ourselves to the world. In many ways it is incredibly ironic because we seem to be at a similar impasse.
City of Paducah administrators are looking at options for City Hall. We know that with time and passion and hard work Paducah City hall can be restored to it's original beauty. It is a shining example of classic Mid Century design. It has an open layout, a beautiful atrium, and fantastic woodwork. A quick walk inside will reveal a lack of proper maintenance.
This building sorely needs some preventative care and basic upgrades. We are happy that by getting our friends and community involved, we have convinced our city leaders that this building is worth saving. What remains to be seen is how our city's grand remodel scheme will compare in cost to a new build, and if the public will accept this cost difference. We are concerned they are trying to do too much at once, updating earthquake codes, completely remodeling the interior so that it is a ghost of what it once was. What if we staged the project, fixed it incrementally over several years, and took advantage of the current classic midcentury design that has already come back in style?
We believe this building does not need a full gut renovation, it needs thoughtfulness and creativity. Paducah is a UNESCO creative city. There are twelve in the world and three in North America. Surely we can use some of that noted creativity in this situation.
We have learned from experience that it's often less expensive and easier to take care of what you have, to make updates, and it's definitely the most sustainable option. We believe that with smart choices this is a building we can be proud of for years to come, and it's a more financially responsible project if we are conservative with our choices.
The bottom line: Buildings CAN and SHOULD last hundreds of years. Whether they are pre-Civil War, built in 1917, or even in 1962, we must cherish and preserve our buildings that form the fabric of our history.
So look out, Paducah! Your newest accidental young preservationists are on a mission!
If you agree, let our city leaders know.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-paducah-city-hall
Lauren and Levi
Follow along on Instagram: @desertmountain @ljax
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
It's National Dessert Month and HerKentucky has teamed up with Wholly Wholesome to talk about desserts! This morning, I stopped by WTVQ in Lexington to talk about National Dessert Month and share this delicious gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake pie recipe!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
• 1 9" Wholly Gluten Free Pie Shell
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix cream cheese and condensed milk together until smooth.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and eggs. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into pie shell.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. Serve warm.
Check out Wholly Wholesome's selection of health-conscious, gluten-free desserts, pie crusts, and pie shells at your local Whole Foods and Fresh Market. In Louisville, they're also available at Rainbow Blossom and in Lexington at Good Foods Co-Op.
Butter Pecan Toffee
It's National Dessert Month and HerKentucky has teamed up with Wholly Wholesome to talk about desserts! This morning, I stopped by WTVQ in Lexington to talk about National Dessert Month and share this delicious butter pecan toffee recipe!
Butter Pecan Toffee
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 20 tea biscuits
- Chopped toasted pecans
Directions:
1. Combine 1 stick butter, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown (305 degrees F on a candy thermometer).
3. Arrange 20 tea biscuits side by side on a large buttered, foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Pour sugar mixture on top and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans. Chill until firm; break apart.
The folks at Wholly Wholesome sent me this recipe to try, and it is fantastic-- a great mix of salty and sweet and crunchy. Of course, it wouldn't be a recipe from the HerKentucky kitchen if we didn't work in a little Kentucky bourbon, so I made one batch with a little Old Forrester. No surprise, it was pretty tasty!
Check out Wholly Wholesome's selection of health-conscious, gluten-free desserts, pie crusts, and pie shells at your local Whole Foods and Fresh Market. In Louisville, they're also available at Rainbow Blossom and in Lexington at Good Foods Co-Op.
The HerKentucky List of Fall Activities You'll Actually Want to Do
It's fall, y'all. There are so many fabulous things to do. But, let's be honest. Corn mazes and apple orchards aren't enough to get me off the couch. I mean, there's A LOT of college football to watch, and picking out a pumpkin just is never going to be as interesting as SEC games. You've seen plenty of fall lists with (sort of) interesting seasonal activities that (kind of maybe) make you want to turn off the game and enjoy the season. Here's HerKentucky's list of Fall activities you'll actually want to do.
- Sunrise Trackside at Keeneland. I've always wanted to do the trackside Saturday breakfast and jockey Q&A. What a unique, intimate way to experience the track!
- Sample the Cask Strength Maker's 46 at Maker's Mark. Maker's 46 is such a delicious bourbon; it's got these spicy caramel notes that taste like the best creme brûlée you've ever eaten. Sample the Cask Strength variant at Maker's this fall!
- The Breeders' Cup + UK football weekend. Possibly your last chance to see American Pharaoh run. Your best chance to see Kentucky defeat Tennessee. An epic Lexington weekend.
- YWC Fashion Show. Drink champagne and see the latest fall fashions while raising money for Louisville charities.
- Sundy Best Live at Mercury Ballroom. Eastern Kentucky's favorite roots duo will be cutting a live album at Louisville's Mercury Ballroom on Halloween weekend!
- Haunted Bardstown. The Shadows of Federal Hill tour on October 23rd and 24th tells the story of Judge Chambers, uncle of My Old Kentucky Home composer Steven Foster, in the hours following his fatal dueling wound. “Tragedy, sickness and mystery can be found lurking in the history of My Old Kentucky Home,” said Johnny Warren, managing artistic director of “The Stephen Foster Story.” “This ghost tour provides a peek into the darker side of the historic mansion. So many people enjoy the spirit of the Halloween season and we believe Federal Hill is a fantastic place to get spooked while celebrating the history of a Kentucky treasure.”
What are your must-see fall activities?
What to Wear to the YWC of Louisville's Fashion Show
Tomorrow night is one of my very favorite charity events of the season, the Younger Woman's Club of Louisville's Fashion Show. This is such a fun event that offers a preview of the season's top fashions from local boutiques and always raises so much money for the YWC's Charity Campaign.
You always see guests in a variety of looks at the YWC Fashion Show, from cocktail to casual. I find that a little bit of glam and a lot of sass are your best bet. I've put together a few of my favorite looks below.
Hope to see you at the YWC Show; visit bit.ly/YWCFashionTix for tickets!
Pink and White Kentucky Football Patchwork Quilt
The Wildcats are two wins away from Bowl eligibility, y'all. So, it only seems fitting that this week's quilt of the week is a Kentucky Wildcats football themed quilt. It's just a regular patchwork quilt, made special with the unique fabric. My granny surprised me with this one for Christmas one year. I just love it!
Make-a-Wish Day at Keeneland
There's really nothing better than a day at Keeneland's Fall Meet. Lexington is at its prettiest this time of year, you're likely to run into plenty of friends at the track, and there are great races to watch. The only way it can get better is if you have the opportunity to help others. Tomorrow, you have the chance to do that at Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland!
The thoroughbred industry and Keeneland are working together to help grant the wishes of local Kentucky kids through Make-A-Wish® Day at Keeneland!Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations (Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Ashford Stud, Darley, Shadwell Farm, Lane's End Farm, Flaxman Holdings, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Shawnee Farm and Gainsway Farm) will help grant wishes for nine deserving children. The Keeneland Kidseven get the opportunity to present the trophies after each race!
You can support Make-A-Wish and enjoy a day at the races by purchasing a Wishing at the Races Ticket Package for $25, which includes a general admission ticket, reserved seating in the Grandstand, a Keeneland program and a limited edition t-shirt designed by a wish kid! 65% of ticket sales benefit Make-A-Wish.
To purchase tickets, please call 1-877-206-9474 or visit HTTP://MAKEAWISHKY.KINTERA.ORG/KEENELAND.
If you can't make it to the track tomorrow, follow along on HerKentucky's Instagram for photos from the event!