Death of a National Landmark

For one last opportunity to help save this national landmark, please contact local Cynthiana officials! For more info about the house: friendsofridgeway.org

Cynthiana Board of Commissions: (859) 234-7150 

Cynthiana Fiscal Court: 859-234-7136 or hcjudge@harrisoncountyfiscalcourt.com  

Representative Tom McKee: Tom.McKee@lrc.ky.gov  or (859) 234-5879 

On Veterans Day, the Cynthiana Fiscal Court chose to ‘honor’ the memory of one of its most prominent Veterans by voting to demolish his residence, Ridgeway (aka The Handy House), just 3 years shy of its 200th birthday. For those of you who wanted a pool to be built in the place of this national historic treasure, congratulations, you have quite a victory on your hands. Since there is no money to construct a pool, and since the demolition of a house on the National Register removes the possibility of federal money helping in said construction (or completion of the park), you will be the proud new owners of a hole in the ground – with only the memory of the opportunity and heritage that just slipped through your fingers.

Out of all the wonderful memories I have of Cynthiana from my childhood, none quite compare to the recent memories I have of Cynthiana’s people, fighting to save one of the most important pieces of history left in the community. I watched dedication and love of community in action. Years of tireless work, acts of love, in the vain hopes of preserving a piece of our heritage to pass on to future generations.

With each temporary victory, political winds would blow once again, pressuring those who gave an oath to preserve history until they violated said oath and gave up the hard won victory before its allocated time was fulfilled. Despite the 2000+ signatures of community members expressing their support, and despite the thousands of dollars continually raised to save the house, those who wanted a pool had a more powerful voice, sometimes whispered in the right ears instead of expressed outwardly in open dialog.

As I cherish the memories of new friends made, and proud moments witnessed, there are a few memories I will gladly try to forget: the easy disregard for historically significant properties expressed by a few local officials, and the sarcastic comments of a county magistrate who was of the opinion that we should just pick another house to “waste” our time and efforts on – namely his house – as he thought this was just another “Money Pit” waiting to happen - Despite the fact that no city or county money was to be used for restoration. Well, I have an answer for that comment made out of ignorance: history and the heritage of a community are not interchangeable nor fabricated. They are tangible elements of a community’s narrative that we, as wise stewards, have a responsibility to preserve for the future generations.

Just what kind of history is Cynthiana voting to erase? The kind that solidifies its place of prominence among our statewide and national histories. When we point to significant accomplishments of this community, should we forget the earliest foundations of pioneer accomplishments? The same foundation that built educational institutions, fought to keep our independence, governed through the Missouri Compromise, built an agricultural success story that inspired a new generation of pioneers that traveled west. From these accomplishments grew a struggle with slavery, freedom, more war, a split state, and an indelible connection to one of the most beloved Presidents of U.S. history.

When our students learn about the Civil War, and they read the words spoken by Lincoln: “I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game” (1861), will Cynthiana students be taught about their community’s connection to this important moment in U.S. history – Lincoln writing them to a native Cynthiana boy from Ridgeway? Wouldn't it have been a remarkable lesson learned if they could walk the hill up to a restored and beautiful landmark in their community, and could proudly point to it as evidence of Cynthiana’s rightful place in our national history? Sadly, that opportunity has passed. But hey, maybe in a decade or so, some of the kids of the community might be able to go swimming, and isn't that more important anyway?

For those of you who have not followed this issue with rapt attention: Despite the house’s cosmetic appearance, it was inspected and deemed structurally sound by a top Cincinnati architect. After producing a sound business plan by real estate developer and Brown descendant, as requested, and as favorably received in late July by both the Fiscal Court and City Commission, the finances necessary to restore the house were within grasp. Since the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, simply allowing interested parties to raise the money for restoration, federal funding opportunities would be available for the park’s completion. However, this disgraceful decision by the Fiscal Court has denied the future generations a national historic treasure in their community they can look upon proudly, a new community space which has been greatly needed, and a completed park they were promised over a decade ago. The plan proposed was a sound one and a benefit to all in the community as it also included provisions for the pool next to the house. Now that this landmark is passing, just how many 200 year old structures with city, statewide, and national prominence do you have in Cynthiana to make this one obsolete?

Raising a glass in final farewell to a great and beautiful monument of history not worthy of a community not willing to allow able hands to save it within the proposed few years. “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” ― George Orwell

Our Cincinnati Union Terminal

Some places on planet earth have the ability to transport the living back through time as they envelope us in waves of sensory memory. With a look, a touch, a reflection of light off of a surface, we physically sense time. Not just seconds or minutes on a clock, but the emotions and heavy presence of life that came before us. The lives that built our present still resonate in the structural echos.

When the Museum Center asked "why" we love this museum, my mind immediately passed over dozens of scenes from more than one lifetime. With the building's construction in 1928-33, I saw my great grandfather, Clyde Daniels. Family tradition has always proudly remembered him as not only a railroad employee, but one that was employed and on-site when the building opened. 

His son Charles followed in his footsteps, working at the terminal, monitoring and maintaining train cars for over 25 years. When the flood waters of 1937 rose steadily, it was Charles that was in the lower levels that night (Black Sunday), witnessing the flood waters come up through the sewer system as the lights began to fail in this part of the city. His call to authorities began mobilization in his area.

"I was a young man of twenty five years of age and was employed by the Cincinnati Union Terminal Company and a First Sergeant of Company C 147th Infantry Ohio National Guard....On Friday night, the water started to back up onto Freeman Avenue near the ball park and around the Union Terminal. All activity stopped at the Mail Building at the Terminal and I was left there to watch the property. I was in the basement of the office and just outside of the door the lid blew off the sewer and water started to bubble up into the street. I called the Master Mechanic and suggested he get some people to start moving the material up stairs. He laughed at me and said I was just being excited. Soon the water got so deep I went upstairs on the first floor. I went to the water fountain for a drink and there was no water. I tried to use the telephone and it was dead. Then the rising water in the basement hit the generators and the lights went out. I then started down the platform toward the Coach Yard. When I reached the end of the platform I could see that the water was several feet deep. So I turned around and went toward the passenger station. I was able to get to the station and stayed there until my time to quit at 7AM. The water by this time had backed up in front of the Terminal and it was necessary for a high bed truck to take us out. I was told not to report to work that night." Charles C. Daniels, Sr. 1985

I saw the many travelers, especially in wartime. My grandfather and his brother would have been among the many men who had to say goodbye to their families as they were called to serve their country. I saw the women in the USO, providing comforts of home to weary soldiers. I saw tearful partings and reunions. It was under these colorful arches of the semi-dome that many said final goodbyes. 

I saw my father Charles Jr. as a boy, following his father around the terminal, getting glimpses of the nooks and crannies rarely seen by the regular visitor. Years later, he applied his profession of photography to the back tracks with his father as the subject, chronicling his retirement. I saw generation after generation of parents teaching their children to talk in the far corner of the front entry as they were given a magical lesson in acoustics.

I saw the fast paced buzz of train travel in the 20th century, and the busy cabbies driving through the circular underbelly to transport new arrivals or drop of the departing passenger. 

Fast forward to the lean years of indecision and trepidation. I saw shoppers and a whole room of suits as my parents took their time, shopping and savoring the palpable remnants of the past. 

I saw rebirth. A new generation of visitors. Some train passengers, the rest time passengers as they were transported through Cincinnati's history. Children exploring and learning at every turn. My brother and I screaming and laughing in the sink hole cave exhibit. Dad taking a picture with a flash, and blinding us all. The train of twinkling lights stretching across the iconic clock each Christmas as a bright and joyful treat coming down the expressway.

I remember ice cream in the soda shop and marveling at the Rookwood tiles inside. I remember weddings, theatre, and flying over the Grand Canyon. I remember walking the plaster statues of WWII, having a bowl of Skyline in the rotunda, and being transfixed with wonder every time I see the massive murals of colorful glass that tell a story all their own: Seriously, EVERY SINGLE TIME. 

Today, we talk about uniqueness, aesthetics, and sense of place as necessary building blocks of a happy and satisfied community. How do we draw them in and make them want to live here or stay here? Give them a unique experience unlike any other, so they say. There is no more unique place in this city than the Museum Center at Union Terminal. Where else can you get a healthy dose of art, culture, history, and architectural wonder? It has no equal in the entire country, let alone in this Queen City. Union Terminal is not just a building, an Art Deco echo, filled with exhibits and theatre, it IS Cincinnati. This temple of time, this holy place, tells OUR story as no other could.

For more information, including how you can help support this American treasure in trouble, visit the Museum Center website. or @CincyMuseum on Twitter

Laurel Court Welcomes NGS Attendees!

For those of you in Cincinnati for the NGS Conference next week, there is a special historical treat waiting for you on Friday night should you need another fun evening activity! Laurel Court, the palatial gilded age mansion of North College Hill will open its doors for NGS attendees at a special reduced rate. Built in 1907 by Paper Mill owner Peter G. Thomson, this amazing home has had a long and varied history yet retained its original decor and turn of the century grandeur. For over a century this estate, modelled after Marie Antoinette's country house, Le Petit Trianon, has remained a private residence in North College Hill, just a few miles north of downtown. However, under the current ownership, this historic treasure is occasionally opened up to the public for fundraisers, special events and a handful of tours throughout the year. In honor of the NGS Conference and the love of history flowing through its attendees, the gracious owners have agreed to open their home for a two hour stroll through the house and grounds on Friday evening!

From 7:00-8:00 PM, there will be a guided tour of the inside of the house - with self-guided strolls through the garden one half hour before and after the tour. Admission is at a discounted rate of $10 per person for NGS attendees - payable at the door. However, space is limited, so if you or a group would like to come out, please send an RSVP e-mail to: info@laurelcourt.com Getting there and parking are both easy. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.laurelcourt.com/index.html

If you are wanting to come away with a really special historic memory from Cincinnati - or if you are having serious Donwton Abbey withdrawal - come travel back in time and immerse yourself in the splendor that is Laurel Court. "The home features a grand staircase imported from Europe, inlaid marble floors, and a music room finished in gold leaf. The dining room is adorned with sterling silver light fixtures and ornate carved trim. The library is paneled in rare African rosewood, and the billiard room is paneled with figured African mahogany. In the center of the home is an atrium with a removable glass dome. Complementing the property are French Château-style cottages, a French country-style carriage house, and expansive gardens. The grounds include a formal French garden with marble statuary and carved stone balustrades, perennial gardens, a Japanese garden with Koi ponds, and a pool lying just beyond a wisteria-covered pergola."

Hope to see a lot of you there!
Oh! And for all you gardeners out there, this is usually the time of year when the grand pergola's wisteria is in bloom - which is a must see! I have only seen it once, but it was breathtaking!
C