Kentucky

"Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.
Daniel Boone

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Adams-Thompson-Gabbard House Near Lancaster in Garrard County



CIRCA 1798

Colonial brick house on Crab Orchard Road five (5) miles from Lancaster.One of the early owners was a John Q. Adams (1811-1865) who is believed to have been related to the famous Adams family of Massachusetts,possibly a nephew.

Adams, a Southern sympathiser and slave holder,was ambushed by Unionists on his way to Crab Orchard in 1865.

Farmington: Joshua Speed House, Jefferson County



Built in 1810 by John Speed from a Thomas Jefferson design, this Federal style house has 14 rooms, and twin octagon rooms. The house is furnished in period.

This restored brick Federalist style mansion was the childhood home of Joshua Fry Speed, considered to be Lincoln's closest friend. His parents, John and Lucy Speed, built the house in 1810 (the year after Lincoln was born) with plans from Thomas Jefferson. The architecture features typical Jeffersonian touches, with its classic symmetry and two octagonal rooms.

Joshua was born here in 1814, the fifth of ten children (including his older brother James, who became Lincoln's second Attorney General). Like scores of other Kentuckians, Joshua went into business in Springfield, Illinois. He recalled that Lincoln walked into his store on April 15, 1837, looking for bedding. "As I looked up at him I thought then, and think now, that I never saw a sadder face."

Joshua offered him free lodging above his store and their friendship flourished. After Joshua returned to Farmington, he invited Lincoln to visit in 1841. Lincoln's six-week stay was intended as an antidote for depression following his break-up with Mary Todd, who became his wife in 1842.

During Lincoln's visit, Joshua's mother Lucy gave him an Oxford Bible. Lincoln later wrote to Joshua's half sister Mary, "Tell your mother that I have not got her 'present' with me; but that I intend to read it regularly when I return home. I doubt not that it is really, as she says, the best cure for the 'Blues' could one but take it according to the truth."

Patti's 1880s Restaurant: Grand Rivers, Kentucky



From the Maysville Ledger-Independent:

Grand Rivers is a small town with a population of a little over 400 and is located in the western part of the state of Kentucky.

The two rivers, the Cumberland and the Tennessee, join at Grand Rivers. At Grand Rivers you will find one of the best restaurants in Kentucky -- Patti's. Patti's restaurant is a popular stop for the locals and tourists. It has been the recipient of many awards throughout the years. I was most impressed with the establishment being voted number one restaurant for tourism by the state of Kentucky and number one Restaurant Association by Southern Living Magazine's Reader's Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast United States.

Patti's opened as an ice cream shop in 1977 and it seated 20 people. It featured hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches and homemade ice cream. The most expensive item on the menu was $1.95. How times change! Now the restaurant Patti's 1880 Settlement Restaurant has expanded to include antiques, a gift shop, farm animals out back, stained glass, Indian Joe, shopping and gazebo. It is very family oriented and a great place for wonderful food. When we were there a few years ago, their pet pig out back was a favorite spot for the children to visit. Calvin was a miniature African pig who lived in total luxury. He had his own house, his own wardrobe, drank lemonade and sometimes took leisurely walks around town on a leash. He also walked in the town parades on holidays. He was truly spoiled.

In the restaurant specialties include 2-inch grilled pork chops, flower pot yeast bread with strawberry butter and pie piled a mile high with meringue. It is estimated that they prepare over 200,000 pounds of pork chops per year.