Click here for the January 2002 newsletter (in Adobe .pdf)

Victorian Architecture Experience: A Continuing Education Class offered at the Information Center

Learn more about the grand Victorian-style homes from a guest architect, a Landmarks representative, a member of Louisville Historical League, have a private tour of the magnificent Conrad/Caldwell House on St. James Court, and be treated to one of Tom Owens’ famous walks! The National Historic District of Old Louisville contains one of the largest and oldest collections of Victorian architecture in the country. Learn more about the history and preservation of the city’s “crown jewel of neighborhoods” in this fun class! Class meets at the Old Louisville Information Center, in Central Park starting on Wednesday, January 30 from 6:00 to 7:45PM, class fee is $69. To register, call JCPS Adult and Continuing Education at 485-3400.

5th District: BLUECOAT Award

In 1957, W. George Matton along with nine other prominent area business men started the BLUECOATS Award. This award was begun as a way to provide tangible recognition by commitment of the exceptional nature of responsibilities and special risks encountered daily “By the Men and Women in Blue” in the performance of their daily duties. Civic Leaders and other City Representatives now make up the ten board members who choose to honor one of Louisville’s Finest for their extraordinary performance and commitment to duty.

This year the Fifth District is honored and privileged to have the BLUECOAT recipient in their midst. Officer Terra Long was nominated by Sgt. Doug Sweeney and then selected by Colonel Greg Smith in conjunction with the BLUECOAT Board to receive this honor.

Terra is tireless in her efforts, dedicated to her work, and goes far above and beyond what I have seen the average officer do in the performance of his or her duties. I have learned exactly what “Community Oriented Policing” is supposed to be about. While watching Terra, she truly embraces and practices the principles that are the embodiment of Community Oriented Policing – and the citizenry love her for it!

Terra is a 15-year veteran of LPD. She has served as the first female member of the Honor Guard. She has worked as a FLEX Platoon Officer, and was one of the original Detectives assigned to CIS’s Domestic Violence Unit, helping to draft and write that unit’s Policy and Procedures. She currently is on the Smoketown/Shelby Park Task Force, is Co-Chair of the SHALOM Team, a member of the Old Louisville Business Association, the East Broadway Business Association, the Bed and Breakfast Association, and the St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Association. Additionally, she attends dozens of meetings every month with various neighborhood associations and organizations.

The Fifth District is fortunate to have such a dedicated and genuinely committed officer.

Administrative Sgt. Doug Sweeney
Fifth District

 Neighborhood Associations in the News

Holiday Parties & Elections:

The Third Street Association enjoyed cocktails and dinner at The Columbine Bed and Breakfast. Over 50 neighbors and members enjoyed the festivities at this annual event. Thanks to Anne for hosting this gracious event!

Third Street Association also held elections for 2002 officers. They are: President– Anne Eppinger, Vice President– Mary Martin, Secretary– Pam Takayoshi, and Treasurer– Joe Martos.

Ouerbacker Court Association also held elections for 2002 officers: They are: Chair– Gary Burdette, vice-chair– Joan Stewart, Secretary– Roz Fishman, and Treasurer– Mo Anderson.

Filled with holiday spirit, over 100 people attended the Second Street Neighborhood Association’s annual holiday party. Guests from many Louisville neighborhoods shared in the joy of the season. One unusual guest seemed to be the real hit of the party. This guest, a jolly gray haired man with a long gray beard, came dressed in a large red suit trimmed in white with a hat to match. He was even nice enough to bring holiday treats to around 25 children in attendance. To all our treasured guests who attended, thank you for sharing the true spirit of the holiday season.

Let us know what your associations are up to by e-mailing us prior to the 10th of each month at OLIC@oldlouisville.org.

 

Old Louisville Business & Professional Association

This coming year I will be planning some work sessions to help businesses become aware of city funding and services available to them. On January 9th, at 2PM at Haskins Hall, I will have Gordon Melton of OBS (Office of Business Services) give a presentation of the “Enterprise Zone,” what funds are available, and FACADE loans. Please call Arnold Celentano to RSVP: 585-3060

The “Oak Street Corridor” task force has met with Bruce Traughber of LDA and his staff to discuss the Vision and Goals for Oak St. businesses. I plan on a joint meeting with the OLNC and LDA to finalize these goals and set up procedures for implementation.

I am putting together a joint effort on tourism with OLIC, Gayle Warren of OLB&PA will be heading this effort.

This last year I saw what can happen when all the Associations work together for a common cause. The efforts of the traffic task force is coming to fruition with parking restrictions lifted on designated streets in Old Louisville. The three big clean-ups headed by PIC chairman Herb Fink pulling together over 200 people along with the city cleaning up Oak Street, Central Park, and the Fourth St. underpass.

The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council is the core of this community’s strength. Numbers count when we ask for help from the city, or any government body. I feel it is important to support the Council and OLIC as much as we can. Additional funding is needed to keep the Center open more than just during the present hours. The Center would be more tourist friendly if open on weekends. More can be accomplished in Old Louisville if we had the money and staffing. Right now Marianne Lesher is doing an outstanding job with what is available. Associations should consider a percentage of their net income as a contribution. If we do this the city would be more inclined to increase their funding.

OLNC Chairman, John Sistarenik and I will be working together this coming year as Dick Callaway and I have in the past year.

We have OLB&PA decals for members to display on their store front. Call Jo Ann at 585-3060 to have one mailed to you.

I am looking forward to working together to benefit the community.

Arnold Celentano,
President - OLB&PA

 

Belgravia - a walking court

Belgravia Court is one of the most beautiful of Old Louisville's "walking courts." This quaint neighborhood of Victorian homes face each other across a green space. At night, gas lights provide the illumination to take one back into another time. The homes were built in the 1890s after the demolition of the Southern Exposition buildings, and the area was named after London's most fashionable districts.

All of the homes on Belgravia Ct. are on the National Historic Register.

Life on Belgravia Court - Remembered:

Early one blustery spring morning several years ago, a dark storm blew in and shut down all power on Belgravia Court. I wanted to read the morning paper, so I gathered every candle I could and set them lit on top the bookcase that stands against the wall in our living room that faces the French doors. That morning, I opened the doors onto the court so I could hear the rain while I read by candlelight.

A few days later, my neighbor, Milton Moore, told me how lovely the candles had been during the storm. He lived directly across the court and looking out that morning had seen the open doors and the candlelight.

Milton had lived in our house for over thirty years before he moved across the court. The first person to live in our house, after Milton, traveled a great deal and never opened the French doors. The house was frequently dark and it seemed no one lived there. When David and I moved in, we opened the doors. It seemed so natural to open the house to the elegance of the court.

In the years he lived across from us, when I’d wake early, it was always reassuring to find Milton’s light on, too. We would call to one another in the predawn darkness as we both ventured out to check for the paper. In that stillness, our voices carried so easily.

Milton died on Good Friday a couple of years ago, and his funeral was filled with neighbors. His ashes are buried in the small plot at Calvary Episcopal. When his priest, Ben Sanders, called to inform us of Milton’s death, he said, ”Let us give thanks for Milton’s life.”

Now, when I rise in the early hours, his house across the court is dark. I do miss him. Sometimes I pretend he’s still there, reaching for his bedside lamp, readying himself to step onto the front porch to check for the paper. I think of him as one of the blessings of Belgravia Court. Sometimes I still light a candle, just for him.

Deborah Stewart
Belgravia Court Association

 

January Chair Notes:

Turn-of-the-century has a new meaning for Old Louisville. Yes, we are a turn-of-the –century Victorian neighborhood, but as we hurdle into 2002 we are living in our own turn of the 21^st century with who knows what promises and challenges.

One challenge is on the horizon: 2002 is the last year for the existence of the City of Louisville. The merged government that comes into existence on January 1, 2003, will be a new ball game with new rules and many new people. We will work hard, of course, to make our voices heard in that new arena (no pun intended!), but it is crucial for us to complete as many unfinished projects as possible under the current government which has been very responsive to the needs of our urban neighborhood.

Aldermanic approval of the new Old Louisville Plan, the return of two-way traffic to Oak and Saint Catherine Streets, additional period lighting and new sidewalks for Central Park, and funds for improvements of the Oak Street business corridor are just some of the goals I hope we can accomplish in the coming year.

To insure our success we need as much help and participation from you, the residents, as possible. Feel free to attend any of the meetings of the Old Louisville Information Center Board or the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council. The meetings are publicized on our website (www.oldlouisville.com) and in the newsletter. Call (635-5244) or e-mail (OLIC@oldlouisville.org) with questions, comments, and concerns. I hope to visit all the block associations early in the year to talk with people.

I am looking forward to a great, fun year. I hope you are too.

Happy New Year!

John Sistarenik
2002 Chair OLNC/OLIC

 

Herb Finks accepts a “gift” from Major Dan Assef, the gift was a sign recently removed from the street in front of Herb’s house which indicated parking restrictions. All of the signs in Old Louisville restricting parking at certain times are being removed. This will help slow down traffic through our neighborhood. Thanks Herb, Bob Bajandas, Debbie Powers, and all others who wrote letters to accomplish this goal. Please be aware of the “No Parking” signs still in place. Most are for driveway access and TARC bus stops.

 

 

January 2002

The Old Louisville Journal is published monthly by the Old Louisville Information Center, Inc. COLIC), a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated in 1984, for the purpose of receiving tax deductible contributions. OLIC is affiliated with the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council (OLNC), a non-profit association incorporated in 1976 to serve as the recognzed voice of the Old Louisville Neighborhood. Submit Journal contributions to the Editor, Old Louisville Information Center, 1340 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40208. Phone: (502) 635-5244 E-mail: OLIC@Oldlouisville.org

January 2001 newletter is also available in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format.  Requires Acrobat Reader.
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