Site + Research students at Kentucky College of Art and Design spent three weeks in Louisville’s Shawnee and Portland neighborhoods, researching the histories of people and places that inform the area’s social landscape.
Tag: Portland History
Portland NOW Five-Star Reviews
“At first it felt like a piece of candy, rough on the outside, sweet on the inside. As you linger, it becomes like chocolate wine; something you thought weird but just might be the best experience of a lifetime.”
Honoring Andy Janes of Janes Bros. Hardware, Presented by Portland Save A Lot
I don’t know what it is, but I love a good hardware and I have been in many. None of them come close to the charm, friendliness, knowledge and sheer variety of inventory that makes up Janes Bros. I love it!
Portland Pride in Motion: Join the 52nd Annual Festival & Parade!
The tradition is back and bigger than ever! The Portland Festival is a 100% volunteer-run celebration created by the community, for the community. Now in our 52nd year, we are working hard to showcase the energy and heart of one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods.
The Portland Festival Is Back: Let’s Build Our 52nd Year Together
If you’ve lived in Portland for any length of time, you know that the Portland Festival is the heartbeat of our neighborhood. For over half a century, it’s been the weekend where we all come together, catch up with old friends, and celebrate what makes our community special. After a short break, we’re proud to bring this beloved tradition back for its 52nd year this June.
The Bridge Over The River: K&I
The Kentucky and Indiana Bridge, shortened colloquially to K&I, opened in 1886 as one of the first bridges to cross the mighty Ohio’s 981-mile run. It was designed to be multi-modal, meaning it would function as a crossing for trains, streetcars, stagecoaches, and pedestrians alike. Construction began in 1881 with private funding from the efficiently named Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Company. In a business move that would’ve made the late Steve Jobs beam with pride, the K&I Bridge Company also owned the ferry operation that would be cannibalized by the bridge’s construction and subsequent obsolescence of boat travel as a necessity for river crossings.
A Jolly Good Time, Presented by Portland Save A Lot
Mary Jolly works for the city at the Health Department and loves to support new and expecting parents. Her career wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for her Portland friends and family being there for her as she was raising her children. Support and love helped spark a passion to make sure every family had what they needed to thrive. Paul is a stay-at-home dad that volunteers in the community, is involved in the kids’ school and helps out the neighbors when he can.
Bank Street Turret Building: A Story of Rebirth, Vision and Courage
The beautiful old “turret” building on the northeast corner of 26th and Bank Street has stood abandoned and neglected for years. Her age was showing. Now, she has been reborn.
Honoring Local Leaders Judy Schroeder and Gary Watrous, Presented by Portland Save A Lot
Gary & Judy met at UK when he was teaching architecture and she was studying community development. Eventually, after they got married (nearly 54 years ago!) she persuaded him to move back home to Louisville and Portland where they happily raised their three kids, and did much more along the way!
The Louisville and Portland Railroad Company: Louisville’s First Transportation Token
To unravel the mystery of Louisville, Kentucky’s first transportation token you have to go back to the early 1830’s. Louisville developed into a major commercial center and river port because of its location above The Falls of the Ohio River. Boats were forced to stop, unload their cargo and then carry it around The Falls in order to continue their trip South. Portland, Kentucky grew up just South of The Falls because the lucrative transfer business provided the foundation for a strong economy.