Old Louisville Journal, December 2007

(L to R) Mike Tyree, Nancy Waters, Kelly Creagh, Rhonda Williams, Nancy McCormick, Jessica McCarty and Charles Zoeller hosted the Ghost Walk.

2007 SPIRIT BALL ANOTHER SMASHING SUCCESS!

Victorian Masquerade Ball Has Become an Annual Neighborhood Celebration

Louisville, KY (October 31, 2007) — Elegant ladies and gentlemen in beautiful Victorian attire and masquerade could be seen strolling the gas-lit walkways of the neighborhood last month. On Saturday evening, October 27, party-goers in Old-Louisville turned out in colorful regalia and period costumes for the second annual Spirit Ball at the Conrad-Caldwell House on St James Court. Outside, a black, lacquered horse-drawn carriage clip-clopped its way around the court as guests arrived in festive disguises and dressed as various Old Louisville characters from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Inside the beautiful 1895 mansion, a talented trio with piano, violin and cello delighted guests in the ladies’ parlor with moody strains of classical music. On the third floor, patrons of the Brown-Forman VIP Spirit Lounge enjoyed the elegant entertainment provided by accomplished harpist Nancy Stagner. In Caldwell Hall, party-goers danced the night away to spirited tunes performed by the Doug Finke Quintet. The festivities began at 7:00 p.m. and came to a close at midnight after almost two hundred revelers danced the night away while sipping cocktails and sampling gourmet fare from Masterson’s. "It was a perfect pre-Halloween weekend," said Maitlin Ross, a southern Indiana resident who came for the second year in a row. "The costumes and period attire were absolutely fabulous, and the Conrad-Caldwell House was just perfectly decorated with black bunting and fall foliage. I had a great time, and I can’t wait to come back again next year."

Aside from live music, dancing and mingling, attendees also had the opportunity to bid on some 30 items and packages at a silent auction. A knowledgeable instructor from 610 Magnolia conducted an informative wine tasting in Haskins Hall, and Penny Brisson, a resident of Floral Terrace and employee of Brown-Forman Corp., gave a very enlightening Finlandia Vodka tasting near the open bar as attendees helped themselves to tasty appetizers and fall-themed entrees. Visitors to the neighborhood also visited haunted hotspots mentioned in David Dominé’s haunted Old Louisville books during the 4th Annual Victorian Ghost Walk sponsored by the West St. Catherine Street Neighborhood. Association. Deb Riall, director of the Conrad-Caldwell House, said the event was another huge success for the neighborhood and that it will be a highlight on the Old Louisville calendar for years to come. According to Dominé, the official host of the event, "The Spirit Ball and the neighborhood ghost tours draw hundreds of visitors to the streets of Old Louisville for the Halloween season." Gary Kleier, the chairman of the committee that organized the event said: "We hope to eventually turn the weekend before Halloween into an annual fall festival that celebrates the Victorian heritage of the neighborhood." Next year will see the addition of a pumpkin walk and other events that will grow the festival into a major attraction for Old Louisville, he said.

The Spirit Ball has come about as a result of many months of dedication and hard work by friends and residents of Old Louisville. Integral to the success of the ball were Gary Kleier, chairman of the Gathering of the Spirits Committee, Deb Riall, David Domine, Susan Coleman, Rob and Margaret Young, Aaron Lucas, Rob Crady, and Herb and Gayle Warren. Many local sponsors also contributed to the successful event, including Brown-Forman Corp., Masterson’s, Happy Balls!, and Gary Kleier and Associates. Proceeds from the ball will benefit the Conrad-Caldwell House and Museum. For more information about the Spirit Ball or to purchase your tickets for next year’s gala, call 502.636.5023 or go online at www.spiritball.com. Tickets purchased in advance will receive a special discount.

4th Annual Victorian Ghost Walk drew hundreds of Spirit Seekers to Old Louisville

On the weekend before Halloween, Old Louisville was filled with spirits from the past when the West St Catherine Street Neighborhood Association hosted the 4th Annual Victorian Ghost Walk. According to Rhonda Williams, president of the association, hundreds of visitors flocked to the popular yearly event that took place on October 26, 27 & 28. "It’s a great way to celebrate the Halloween season and learn about the haunted history in our wonderful Victorian neighborhood," she said. "Tour leaders in colorful period attire guided groups on a two-hour jaunt through the gas-lit streets and walkways, and various phantoms and ghostly characters along the way told their stories.

Deb Riall, director of the Conrad-Caldwell House, and Susan Coleman

Participants also had the opportunity to enter some of the area’s supposedly haunted homes, something that is always especially popular." This year’s tour took people inside Susan Shearer’s and Linda Gregory’s home on Sixth Street, Jeff Perry’s famed Pink Palace and Herb and Gayle Warren’s Inn at Central Park, where Susan Coleman regaled the crowds with the sad tale of Annie Whipple. Other ghosts who returned from the netherworld for the 2007 ghost walk included the Widow Hoag, Lady Ross and the Stick Witch, just to name a few. Plans are already underway for next year’s tour, which will mark the fifth anniversary of this beloved neighborhood event, so mark your calendars now. The 5th Annual Victorian Ghost Walk will take place on Friday, October 24, Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 of 2008. Groups will meet in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House at 1402 St James Court and will depart every 15 minutes from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 when purchased in advance. Call 635-5244 for more information.

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