Recently I acquired a large platter with the Phoenix Hotel Lexington logo on the front.  The back lists the supplier or manufacturer as J.D. Purcell Home Furnishings, Lexington, Ky.  From the web I discovered the Phoenix was razed in 1987, but couldn’t find any information on the J.D. Purcell Store as to [...]

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What can you tell me about the stone fences that line the rural roads surrounding Lexington? The signs on them note the approximate dates and that they were constructed by Irish craftsmen, but I was curious about their history, and whether they are protected in any way like homes in historic districts. [...]

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Question: How did the street called Jaggie Fox Way get it’s name?
The Mystery is solved and is noted below.

The Jaggie Fox name was derived from Mrs. Jaggie and Mrs. Fox who are sisters and there maiden name was Burke. The property where the initial Jaggie Fox Way is located (South side of Sandersville [...]

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Question:  In old pictures of UK, there’s a pretty big pond at the corner of what is now Limestone and Euclid…I was wondering if you knew when it was dredged and why…I’ll attach a picture I found on one of UK’s websites.

Answer:  I found a description of the lake in the publication “The University of [...]

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Are back issues of the Herald available on the Internet? Searchable? I’m interested in the years 1950-1954.

The only place to find the information you’re looking for is through the Lexington Public Library. Our online archive only goes back to 1983. The public library has a free, online index of our paper that [...]

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Where is the highest point of elevation in Fayette County? I was told once that it was near winchester and New Circle Roads. The view from the overpass is awesome.
In the 1979 Kentucky Geological Survey publication Topography of Kentucky, by Preston McGrain and James C. Currens, the highest elevation in Fayette County is listed as [...]

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Question: Who were the Mason Headleys? I know something of the Beaumont Farm Southwest of Lexington and the Headley family - but who were the Masons? Can someone provide information on both of these families?
Answer: The Headley family owned Beaumont Farm, which included hundreds of acres in what is now south and southwest Lexington, according [...]

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Question: On the outside of the building at 351 W. Short where the Jesters store used to be is a vintage sign that says something like “Quickie Biscuits.” What is this?
Answer: The name of the company is probably “Uneeda Biscuit Company.” The sign also says “soda crackers sold only in packages.” Uneeda Biscuts were flaky soda crackers [...]

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Question: This question was not asked by a reader but I’m know you’re thinking about it. What is Kentucky’s experience

with Nobel Peace Prize winners? I’m glad you asked!
Answer: The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 95 individuals and 20 organizations since 1901.
In light of Al Gore’s Nobel Peace Prize win, we decided to list [...]

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Question: There’s a building at 1099 S. Broadway called The Gate House. I would like to know it’s history.
Tom Dixon
Answer: I found the answer in Clay Lancaster’s book “Vestiges of the Venerable City: A Chronicle Of Lexington, Ky. “Where South Broadway turns into the Harrodsburg Road stands the much altered gatehouse (No. 1099) of Ingleside, [...]

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