GUIDE TO THE MADISON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECORDS 1729-1993 Compiled by Kevin Keefe and Crystal Ramsey Eastern Kentucky University 1996
R.G. 187 Madison County Historical Society Collection Records, 1729-1993 8.55 cubic feet 14,250 items 17 boxes 96A1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the Madison County Historical Society Records History of the Madison County Historical Society Timeline/Significant Dates of the Madison County Historical Society Bicentennial Publication Series Boonesborough Series Madison County Bicentennial Series Newsclipping Series Photograph Series Subject Series INTRODUCTION TO THE MADISON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION
The Madison County Historical Society donated its records to the Eastern Kentucky University Archives in 1988, with periodic additions over the years. At that time, all the records were contained in six boxes and loosely arranged into subjects, although many of these were later thrown out, mixed into another subject, split into more subjects, or given their own series. The latter was done with the Boonesborough and Madison County Bicentennial records.
The collection spreads out over two centuries, although all materials pre-dating the twentieth century exist as photocopies of the originals. Information within hints at the beginnings of Madison County as well as the workings and accomplishments of the Madison County Historical Society.
HISTORY OF THE MADISON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) is a group of people dedicated to the preservation of the many historical sites and buildings in Madison County, whether it is of an educational, religious, or social base. The MCHS has been instrumental in the placing of bronze historical markers around the county and the city of Richmond, which denote and explain the historical significance of the site.
The Madison County Historical Society was founded in 1891 by a court order of the Madison County Court in its April session of said year, for "the purpose of collecting and preserving in some suitable form the relics of the Pioneer Days," and the "erection of proper memorials to mark important historical events and places in such a manner as to perpetuate and preserve them." The Madison County Historical Society still lives by this tenet today.
The first meeting of the Madison County Historical Society, then known as the Madison Historical Society, was on May 21, 1891. John W. Caperton was appointed as the first president of the organization by the court order. Several prominent citizens of the time were also included in the charter, including Judge French Tipton, Major Curtis Field Burnam, the Honorable J.A. Sullivan, Dr. William Jennings, Dr. L.H. Blanton, Captain P.P. Ballard, Colonel Clifton R. Estill, and J.W. Bales, Esquire. These men served Madison County as the first preservers of county history.
In 1934, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the creation of Madison County, the Madison County Historical Society was formed to replace the inactive Madison Historical Society. Dr. Jonathan Truman Dorris, professor of history at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College, was selected as chairman. A committee then drew up by-laws and Article of Incorporation for the newly named Madison County Historical Society.
In 1957 the MCHS reorganized, and in 1974 the Society became incorporated and acquired a 501 c (3) tax-exempt status as a non-profit corporation.
Beginning in the late 1960s, the Madison County Historical Society was reinvigorated under the dynamic leadership of Richmond lawyer James J. Shannon Jr. Since that time the Society has continued to sponsor a great variety of events and activities. In 1968, the Society began publishing the periodical Kentucky Pioneer, which contained articles on the Madison County area. The serial was published on a semi-quarterly basis until 1978, when it was discontinued. In 1971, the Society aided in the restoration of White Hall State Shrine, the birthplace and home of famous Kentuckian Cassius Marcellus Clay. In 1974, the Madison County Historical Society participated in the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Fort Boonesborough.
In 1977, Mount Pleasant, a historical residence, was donated to the Madison County Historical Society by Betsy Smith Toy Hall of Indianapolis, the owner and descendant of the original builder and owner, Solomon Smith. The house was restored and is now held by the Madison County Historical Society. This was a major victory in the preservation of historical sites, for Mount Pleasant, erected around the year 1840, served as a hospital for both sides during the 1862 Civil War Battle of Richmond. The Madison County Historical Society was also instrumental in the restoration of the Miller House, which at one time served as Madison County's jail.
Members of the Madison County Historical Society were also very active during the bicentennial celebration of the establishment of Madison County in 1986. Many members of the MCHS served on various committees overseeing the festivities. Also in 1986, the Madison County Historical Society published Madison County: 200 Years in Retrospect, by William Ellis, H.E. Everman, and Richard Sears. This 450-page book recounted Madison County's beginnings and traced its long history and progress to the 1980s.
MCHS members also played large roles in the downtown revitalization movement in Richmond, as well as in the placement of the time capsule in front of the Madison County Courthouse. In 1988 the Society published Madison County Rediscovered: Selected Historic Architecture by Lavinia Kubiak. Both the bicentennial county history and the county's architectural history volumes were very popular and are now out-of-print. In cooperation with the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, the MCHS instituted the BGT Plaques program. The Society, with a grant from the Kentucky Heritage Council, helped sponsor an archaeological dig to locate the exact site of Fort Boonesborough. With a grant from Kentucky Educational Television and the Kentucky Humanities Council, the MCHS also assisted in the production of a video presentation on the life of women's rights leader Laura Clay, daughter of Cassius M. Clay. In 1989, the Madison County Historical Society began the publication of the newsletter Heritage Highlights, featuring articles on the region as well as on the histories of local families and genealogical notes.
The Madison County Historical Society celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 1991, and in 1995 began publishing Madison County Connections, a periodical based exclusively on genealogy articles, requests, and other genealogical information for those trying to track down their family's past. Today the Madison County Historical Society remains as active as ever, and continues its ambitious publications program with its 1996 publication of Berea College history professor Warren Lambert's book-length manuscript detailing the history of the Battle of Richmond.
TIMELINE OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
1891-- Court order issued founding for the Madison Historical Society
1934-- Reorganization and taking of the name Madison Co Historical Society:
150th anniversary of Madison County
1957-- Reorganization, more solid by-laws written
1968-- Publishing of Kentucky Pioneer (until 1978)
1971-- Aid in restoring White Hall
1974-- Incorporation of Madison County Historical Society
1977-- Acquisition of Mount Pleasant/Hilltop Place from Betsy Toy Hall
1986-- Publication of Madison County: 200 Years in Retrospect:
Bicentennial of Madison County
1989-- Publication of serial Heritage Highlights
1991-- 100th anniversary of Madison County Historical Society
1995-- Publication of serial Madison County Connections
*BICENTENNIAL PUBLICATION SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: The Bicentennial Publications Series is a collection of the paperwork, advertising, pledges, and book orders for the MCHS publication Madison County: 200 Years in Retrospect, by Everman, Sears, and Ellis. The series consists of three archival boxes, with three subject headings. Book orders make up most of the material in this collection.
There is some undated material in this series, which is arranged by key words and placed at the back of each subject folder. The book orders are arranged alphabetically by state, then by name. Pledges are arranged by name. All dated materials are arranged in chronological order.
INVENTORY
BOX 1
Book Orders folder one, AL-CA
Book Orders folder two, CO-FL
Book Orders folder three, GA-IN
Book Orders folder four, KY A-F
Book Orders folder five, KY G-O
BOX 2
Book Orders folder six, KY P-Y
Book Orders folder seven, KS-MN
Book Orders folder eight, MO
Book Orders folder nine, MS-NY
Book Orders folder ten, OH-SC
Book Orders folder eleven, TN-WI
BOX 3
Correspondence, 1985-1986*
Deposits, 1985*
Madison County: 200 Years in Retrospect, 1985-1987*
Pledges, 1985
Receipts and Invoices, 1985-1986*
*contains undated material
*BOONESBOROUGH SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: The Boonesborough series contains materials on the State Park, the archaeological dig, and many other subjects. The series consists of two archival boxes, with five subject headings. Also included is information on the famous pioneer Daniel Boone.
All dated materials are arranged in chronological order, and undated material is placed at the back of each subject.
INVENTORY
BOX 4
Fort Boonesborough Archaeological Study folder 1, 1974-May, 1987
Fort Boonesborough Archaeological Study folder 2, June 1987-Oct 1987
Note: contains undated material
Fort Boonesborough Bicentennial, 1971-1985
Fort Boonesborough Historical Walking Trail, 1987
Note: contains undated material
Fort Boonesborough Publications, 1970-1975
BOX 5
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder one, 1840-1969
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder two, 1970-1973
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder three, 1974-1978
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder four, 1982-1986
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder five, 1987-1989
Fort Boonesborough State Park folder six, undated
*MADISON COUNTY BICENTENNIAL SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: The Madison County Bicentennial series follows the preparations for and the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Madison County in the year 1786. It contains mostly memos and notes from the various committees, as well as bills. The Madison County Bicentennial series consists of two archival boxes and twelve subject headings.
All dated materials are arranged in chronological order, and undated material is placed at the back of each subject.
INVENTORY
BOX 6
Beautification Committee, 1985-1986
Note: contains undated material
Bicentennial Commission folder one, 1971-1987
Bicentennial Commission folder two, undated
Bicentennial Logo, 1986
Note: contains undated material
Celebrations, 1973-1986
Note: contains undated material
Cemetery Survey, 1986
Note: contains undated material
Downtown Revitalization, 1985-1986
Note: contains undated material
Finances, 1986
Note: contains undated material
Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award, 1985-1986
BOX 7
Memorabilia folder one, May 18, 1986
Memorabilia folder two, Aug. 16, 1986-Aug. 22, 1986
Miscellaneous, 1804-1987
Note: contains undated material
Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 1985-1986
Note: contains undated material
Scheduling Committee, 1975-1986
*NEWSCLIPPING SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: This series is a collection of newspaper articles concerning the Madison County Historical Society, its members, or information on either the history of Madison County or relevant to the future history of Madison County, such as the articles on the proposed nerve gas incinerator at the Blue Grass Army Depot. The Newsclippings series consists of one archival box, and nine subject headings. The series covers the years 1965- 1993.
All dated material is arranged in chronological order, and undated materials are arranged by key word. All newspaper clippings are photocopied, and the photocopy is filed; the original is discarded.
BOX 8
Bicentennial, 1972-1987
Note: contains undated material
Fort Boonesborough, 1965-1987
Note: contains undated material
Historic Buildings, 1971-1987
Note: contains undated material
Meetings, 1969-1982
Note: contains undated material
Military, 1984
Miscellaneous, 1970-1993
Note: contains undated material
Mount Pleasant, 1977-1986
Sesquicentennial, 1973
Note: contains undated material
White Hall, 1971-1975
Note: contains undated material
*PHOTOGRAPH SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: The Photograph series contains all photographs found while arranging this collection. The series consists mainly of photographs taken during the Madison County Bicentennial celebration and photos of the furnishings of White Hall State Shrine, presumably for insurance purposes. The Photograph Series consists of one archival box and seven subject headings.
All photographs are arranged by number. All dated photographs are arranged chronologically, while the others are described in the inventory below. All photographs are retained during collation; as a result, there may be multiple copies.
BOX 9
Boonesborough, 1810-1987
Note: contains undated material
1. Map of Fort Boonesborough
2. James Shannon Jr., 1987
3. James Shannon Jr., 1987
4. Vic Bloomfield, Dr. Thomas Clark, et al., 1987
5. Children, 1987
6. James Shannon Jr. and girl, 1987
7. James Shannon Jr., et al., 1987
8. Groups of unidentified people, 1987
9. James Shannon Jr. and girl, 1987
10. Judge James Chenault, 1987
11. Transylvania Legislature (first legislature of Kentucky)
12. Transylvania Legislature (first legislature of Kentucky)
13. Daniel Boone's account of Boonesborough and surrounding area
14. Interior map of original Boonesborough (taken from Rank's Boonesboro)
Cassius M. Clay/Green Clay, undated
1. Young Cassius Clay
2. Cassius Clay Dagguereotype
3. Unveiling of Portrait of Green Clay-- Betsy Toy Hall,
James Shannon Jr., Jack Hodgkin, Mrs. Field Blanton
4. Unveiling of Portrait of Cassius Clay-- Jack Hodgkin,
Ester Bennett, James Shannon Jr., Bill Bennett
5. Portrait of Green Clay-- Jack Hodgkin
City of Richmond, 1898-1969
1. Map of Richmond, 1898
2. Map of Richmond, 1898
3. Madison County Courthouse, 1969
4. City Hall
5. Plan of the City of Richmond
6. Plan of the City of Richmond
7. Plan of the City of Richmond
8. Plan of the City of Richmond
9. Plan of the City of Richmond
10. Miller House Renovation, window view
11. Miller House Renovation, window view
12. Miller House Renovation, window view
13. Miller House Renovation, fireplace view
14. Miller House Renovation, fireplace view
15. Miller House Renovation, fireplace view
Fort Boonesborough Dedication, 1974
1. Governor Wendell Ford chopping down first tree, 1974
2. Governor Wendell Ford chopping down first tree, 1974
3. Governor Wendell Ford chopping down first tree, 1974
4. Governor Wendell Ford chopping down first tree, 1974
5. Governor Wendell Ford chopping down first tree, 1974
6. Governor Ford is congratulated, 1974
7. Governor Ford's address, 1974
Madison County Bicentennial Parade, August 13, 1986
1. Madison Central High School Marching Band
2. Madison Central High School Marching Band
3. Madison Central High School Marching Band
4. Berea Community School Marching Band's Flag Corps
5. Horse and wagon
6. Storefront-- Bicentennial Headquarters
7. Bicentennial Headquarters
8. Postal worker and woman
9. Man and woman eating
10. Float
11. Bill Robbins, speaking
12. Mr. and Mrs. Bicentennial-- Martha Adams and Eric Arden
13. Paul Patton running for Lieutenant Governor
14. Centel Cable float
15. AARP float
16. Cloggers
17. Dr. Robert Martin, Grand Marshal
18. Nursing Homes of Richmond float
19. Berea Community School Marching Band
20. Float-- "We've Come This Far By Faith"
21. Johnson family
22. Horse and wagon
23. Twirlers
24. Wallacetown Homemakers float
25. Speaker-- unknown
26. Bicentennial cake
27. Crowd of people eating
28. Crowd of people eating
29. People on Courthouse steps-- Dr. Robert Martin included
30. Richmond Rotary Club car
31. Madison Central High School Marching Band
32. Nursing Homes of Richmond float
33. Miss Madison County-- Jill Scribner
34. Bicentennial Headquarters
35. Dr. Martin and others
36. Dr. Martin and others
37. Bicentennial Headquarters
38. Float-- "Parade On, Madison County"
39. Crowd
40. Philips Lighting float
41. Crowd and Judges' stand
42. Hardee's float
43. Little Miss and Mr. Madison County Neff & Grant
44. Fancar
45. Ronald McDonald truck
46. 1939 tractor
47. Bicentennial cake
48. Model Laboratory High School Band (in truck)
49. State Bank and Trust float
50. Postal worker and woman
51. Horseback riders
52. Speaker-- unknown
53. Old black car
54. Mr. and Mrs. Bicentennial-- Martha Adams and Eric Arden
55. Old black car with trundleseat
56. Clown pulling child in wagon
57. Berea College Mountaineers coach Roland Wierwille
58. Mother and children
59. Philips Lighting float
60. Rip Van Winkle float
61. Float-- "We've Come This Far By Faith"
62. Kentucky Department of Education float
63. Bicentennial cake
64. Float-- "School Days"
65. Dr. Robert Martin and others on courthouse steps
66. Speaker-- Bill Robbins
67. Closeup of Bicentennial cake
68. Kentucky Department of Education float
69. Float-- "Never Too Old To Dream"
70. Mr. and Mrs. Bicentennial-- Martha Adams and Eric Arden
71. Several Horse-drawn buggies and wagons
72. Crowd
73. WKXO van
74. Rip Van Winkle Float
75. Placement of the time capsule
76. Placement of the time capsule
77. Vehicle
78. Judges' stand
79. Ambulance and Marine color guard
80. Madison County Judge Executive Harold Botner
81. Richmond Chamber of Commerce float
82. Truck
83. Currier's Music World truck
84. Hank Everman, Bill Ellis, and Richard Sears
85. Marine color guard
86. Kentucky's State Homecoming Queen-- Jami Arden
Personal, 1972-1977
Note: contains undated material
1. Richmond Rotary Club, 1972
2. James C. Klotter, 1977
3. Dallas McKeenan, "Cincinnatus," with gun, behind rock wall
4. Dallas McKeenan, "Cincinnatus," with gun, behind rock wall
5. Dallas McKeenan, "Cincinnatus," firing from behind stump
6. Dallas McKeenan, "Cincinnatus," poking at tree
7. Mrs. Beulah Nunn
8. Mrs. Beulah Nunn
9. Mrs. Beulah Nunn
10. Unveiling of Portrait of Green Clay-- Betsy Toy Hall,
James Shannon Jr., Jack Hodgkin, Mrs. Field Blanton
11. Unveiling of Portrait of Cassius Clay-- Jack Hodgkin,
Ester Bennett, James Shannon Jr., Bill Bennett
12. Unidentified Negatives
White Hall, 1971-1972
Note: contains undated material
1-14 part of 1972 production pamphlet
15-58 White Hall inventory of furnishings
1. White Hall, 1971
2. Chandeliered Room
3. Hallway
4. Cassius M. Clay, Dagguereotype
5. Chandeliered Room
6. Hallway
7. Hallway and stairs-- curios with Clay's glass liqueur set
8. Parlor of Clermont
9. Showcase room
10. Four-poster bed
11. Clermont parlor
12. White Hall
13. Portrait of Cassius M. Clay
14. Hallway and stairs-- curios with Clay's glass liqueur set
15. Rocking Chair
16. Grand Piano and Candelabra
17. Sofa and Booktable
18. Footstool and table
19. Table, lamp, and vases
20. Chair and desk
21. Bureau and mirror
22. Dresser with mirror
23. Four-poster bed
24. Bureau
25. Writing desk
26. Small table and clock
27. Dresser
28. Grandfather clock and sculpture
29. Mirror and sculpture
30. Dish cabinet and clock
31. Large mirror
32. China cabinet and china
33. Grand piano
34. Bed
35. Looking-glass and mantel
36. Portrait-- unknown
37. Silver tea set and bureau
38. Chandelier
39. Canopied bed
40. Bed
41. Mirror
42. Sculpture on stacking tables
43. Chair and bureau
44. Mirror and table
45. Piano stool
46. Grand piano
47. Tablecloth
48. Bed
49. China cabinet
50. Wickerwork chairs
51. Old foot-operated sewing machine
52. Display case
53. Small sofa
54. Painting of three women
55. Straight-backed chair
56. Clock and dresser
57. Vanity mirror
58. Chair
*SUBJECT SERIES*
DESCRIPTION: The subject series is a repository for myriad subject matters of the Madison County Historical Society. There are eight boxes in the series, with twenty-nine subject headings. There is a sizeable correspondence section, most of which is between MCHS president James Shannon, Jr. and others. There is a large miscellaneous section as well, containing those subjects that do not have their own folder.
In this series there is a great deal of undated material, which is located in the rear of each folder. All dated materials are arranged chronologically, while undated materials are arranged alphabetically by key words.
INVENTORY
BOX 10
Bulletin (Kentucky Historical Society publication), 1970-1977
Note: contains undated material
Cemeteries, 1993
Deeds, 1798-1898
Note: contains undated material
Filson Club, 1958-1986
Financial Statements, 1968-1986
Note: contains undated material
Genealogical/History Requests folder one, 1907-1973
Genealogical/History Requests folder two, 1974-1986
Note: contains undated material
BOX 11
General Correspondence folder one, 1965-1969
General Correspondence folder two, 1970-1973
General Correspondence folder three, 1974-1978
General Correspondence folder four, 1983-1990
General Correspondence folder five, undated
BOX 12
Historic American Buildings Survey, 1982-1984
Income Tax Statements, 1972-1977
Note: contains undated material
Insurance Policies, 1977-1988
Note: contains undated material
Kentucky Bicentennial Celebration, 1970-1977
Note: contains undated material
Kentucky Department of Parks/Ewart Johnson, 1972
Kentucky Department of Parks/James Host, 1970
Note: contains undated material
Kentucky Pioneer, 1968-1978
Note: contains undated material
BOX 13
KY Historical Resources Inventory/Landmark Certificates, 1981-1985
Madison County: Rediscovered Publications, 1982-1987
Note: contains undated material
Madison Co Historical Society Articles of Incorporation, 1891-1974
Note: contains undated material
Madison Co Historical Society Meetings (news releases, agendas, and
minutes), 1957-1991
Note: contains undated material
Madison County Historical Society Membership Lists, 1977
Note: contains undated material
Miscellaneous folder one, 1729-1897
Miscellaneous folder two, 1922-1961
Miscellaneous folder three, 1971-1973
BOX 14
Miscellaneous folder four, 1974-1976
Miscellaneous folder five, 1977-1990
Miscellaneous folder six, undated A-H
Miscellaneous folder seven, undated I-Q
Miscellaneous folder eight, undated R-Y
BOX 15
Mount Pleasant/Betsy Toy Hall folder one, 1804-1979
Mount Pleasant/Betsy Toy Hall folder two, 1983-1990
Note: contains undated material
National Register of Historic Places/Landmark
Certificates folder one, 1969 A-F
National Register of Historic Places/Landmark
Certificates folder two, 1969 G-W
National Register of Historic Places/Landmark
Certificates folder three, 1972-1977
BOX 16
New Jersey Historical Commission, 1972-1973
Restoration of Old City Hall/Miller House, 1973-1975
Restoration of Old City Hall/Miller House, undated
Richmond Rotary Club, 1922-1986
White Hall/Cassius Clay/Green Clay folder one, 1825-1969
White Hall/Cassius Clay/Green Clay folder two, 1970-1972
White Hall/Cassius Clay/Green Clay folder three, 1973-1986
White Hall/Cassius Clay/Green Clay folder four, undated
BOX 17
White Hall Review folder one, 1972 A-G
White Hall Review folder two, 1972 H-M
White Hall Review folder three, 1972 N-Y
Note: contains undated material
Wilderness Road/Berea, 1972-1978
Note: contains undated material
Ida Lee Willis/Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award, 1987
Note: contains undated material
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