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Local History and Genealogy

100 Years Ago, Latonia Jockey Reached Horse Racing’s Pinnacle

The Kentucky Post headline the evening Matt won the Epsom Derby. The win marked a first for anyone from the Cincinnati area in the race and one of the few times to that point an American owner and jockey took the event. On May 27, 1914 a record crowd gathered at the historic Epsom Downs in England for the annual running of the world’s greatest horse race, the English Derby. The dramatic death of suffragette Emily Davison on the track the year prior and the nearly unprecedented 30 horse field drew a large crowd who knew that quite anything could happen at the annual event. [1] The tension mounted precipitously at the post line as the horses waited for the starter’s signal. Matt McGee, an American jockey born and raised in Covington sitting atop of his fine colt Durbar II, stared down the track towards the outside rail and saw the crowd favorite Kennymore growing anxious for the start. At 9-4 odds, and with Europe’s top jockey and future racing Hall of Famer Frank O’Neill aboard, the horse was thought to be shoo-in for victory, even with the crowded field. The other rival for the title, Brakespear, owned by none other than the King of England himself, waited patiently close to the inside rail. The 20 minutes standing at the line must have seemed like an eternity for the horse, however, as he frequently backed away from the starting tape. The signal to go caught Brakespear off-guard and led to a poor start while the anxious Kennymore took off perpendicular to the rest of the field, racing directly towards the inside rail. Matt aboard the winning Durbar II, with H.B. Duryea leading [...]

By frilling|April 8th, 2014|Categories: KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|0 Comments

5 Tips for Researching Your African-American Ancestry

Photograph of the congregation at First Colored Baptist Church in Covington. Courtesy of the collection of Ted Harris and available online at Kenton County Public Library's Faces and Places Historic Northern Kentucky Photograph Database. February is Black History Month, and a good time to focus on researching your African-American ancestry. We've put together a list of 5 tips to help you get started researching your African-American family history. Talk to living family members and write down what you know. Ask for names, birth and death dates, burial locations, obituaries, photographs or anything else that may help you with your research. There are lots of free genealogy forms online, like family charts and group sheets. Visit CyndisList, Ancestry, and Mid-Continent Public Library for free, downloadable charts and group sheets. Visit any branch of the Kenton County Public Library and use our databases! Popular genealogy databases include: Ancestry.com (free inside any branch of the Kenton County Public Library), FamilySearch.org, and the Chicago Defender (African-American newspaper with coverage from 1909-1975). Start with the 1940 United States Census and work your way back. Follow your direct ancestors through the U.S. censuses. If you have trouble finding ancestors in censuses, follow their siblings – you might find a connection to the next generation more easily by searching for their siblings. Getting past the 1870 & 1860 censuses can be difficult, but looking at the families who lived around your ancestors may provide you with clues. Former slaves often did not move far away after emancipation. If you think your ancestors were slaves, look at the white families living nearby your ancestors in the 1870 census. Then, look at those families in the 1860 census to learn if they were slave-holders. You [...]

By Local History|February 6th, 2019|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: african-american genealogy, african-american history, black history month, family history, genealogy|0 Comments

Anti-German Hysteria in Greater Cincinnati

Newspaper article found on microfilm in the Local History and Genealogy Department at Covington. Appeared in the Kentucky Post on September 25th, 1918 on page 1. My ancestor, Louis Lang, then going by the name Ludwig, emigrated from his home in Alsace-Lorraine in 1895 when he was 15 years old. On the passenger list for the ship traveling from Antwerp, Belgium to New York City, his family listed that they were headed directly for Cynthiana, Kentucky, where Louis’s eldest brother was a farmer. Louis lived a normal life: he got married and had two daughters, subsequently divorced his wife, and spent the rest of his life as a farming bachelor before dying at the age of 47. This all seems pretty straightforward, but Louis caused some confusion for me when I started to research him I first read Louis’s name when I found my great-grandmother, at the age of 14 months, with her family on the 1910 census. It was there that I saw Louis was listed as a naturalized American, born in Germany. Since both of his parents were listed as also being born in Germany, I simply assumed that that side of my family was German. But, I noticed on the 1920 census that my great-great-grandfather Louis was no longer claiming his German heritage. This time around, he listed his birthplace as France despite his native tongue still being listed as German. The 1920 census also listed Louis’s parents as being French instead of the previously stated German. Some may argue that the reason Louis changed his country of origin was due to Alsace-Lorraine reverting from German back to French terrain. After all, in 1870, only ten years before the Langs [...]

By Local History|May 27th, 2016|Categories: Featured Post, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Cincinnati, German-Americans, immigrants, WWI|0 Comments

Baseball and Beer: A Look at the Wiedemann Baseball Club

Summer is almost here and with it comes a lot of baseball and fine beer. After all the two go hand and hand. So lets visit a local baseball team from the past, that was closely related to the beer industry. During the early 1900s baseball was played everywhere and by everybody even women! There were often police ordinances established to prevent youngsters from playing ball in the streets in towns and cities across the area. Many businesses had their own teams, sometimes comprised of employees while others had experienced players on their teams. Several Breweries in the Northern Kentucky area aside from being in the beer making business also dabbled in the world of baseball. Breweries such as the Bavarian Brewing Company, Heidelberg Brewery and the George Wiedemann Brewing Company all at one point in time fielded baseball clubs. The Wiedemann Club and Heidelberg club played around the same time and even faced each other on several occasions. The most prominent though was the Wiedemann Baseball Club also known as the ‘Brewers’ They were a Semi-Pro team that played baseball in Newport, Kentucky. According to team letterhead from 1909 the club was organized sometime in 1903. Photograph Courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum @ www.baseballhall.org The above letterhead from the August “Garry” Hermann papers obtained from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Hermann owned the Cincinnati Reds from 1902 to 1927. He also had a stint as the president of the National Baseball Commission. This particular letterhead was part of a note sent to Hermann from Wiedemann manager Arthur Nieman. Notice how the letter head proclaims the club as being leaders in Semi-Professional Baseball. While [...]

Bygone Buildings: Covington’s Changing Cityscape

D. H. Holmes' grand home was located where Holmes High School now stands, near Wallace Woods and Levassor Park. Have you ever driven past an empty lot and wondered what was there before the asphalt and crabgrass? A surface lot, or even a new building in the heart of Covington, was likely erected upon the spot where another building once stood. Covington’s built environment has many intact and preserved buildings dating back as far as the early 1800s, but you might find a photo of a building in Faces and Places that you don’t recognize that was lost to development, fire, or perceived obsolescence. Here are a few examples of buildings of historic and stylistic distinction that once stood in Covington, but are now gone. Holmes’ Castle is likely the most well-known example of lost architecture in Covington. This palatial home was the second location of Covington Public High School. The high school was originally located on Russell Street, near 12th Street, and was also torn down. Holmes’ Castle was built by Daniel Henry Holmes, a wealthy retailer. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style, which can be identified by its pointed arch windows and church-like details. With its sprawling grounds and lavishly appointed interior, Holmesdale was not D. H. Holmes’ only residence, and in 1915 (seventeen years after his death), his surviving family sold the property to the Covington School Board. The high school was moved into the residence until 1936, when it was razed and a new building constructed in its place. The décor and furnishings that remained were auctioned, and what didn’t sell was unceremoniously burned in the football field. Covington does not have many residential Gothic Revival [...]

By Local History|December 3rd, 2014|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|0 Comments

Celebrate Family History Month at KCPL

We are spooktacularly delighted that October is coming (and it's not just because of cooler weather, fall leaves, pumpkins, or Halloween)! Family History Month is our favorite part of October in the Local History and Genealogy Department. To celebrate, we've got a month full of programs to help you with your family history research and learn more about the history of our area. Learn more about the sensational stories in the Licking Riverside neighborhood this month at KCPL. Photograph courtesy of Faces and Places. www.kentonlibrary.org/genphotos On Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, attend our Scandals & Mayhem: A Historic Walking Tour of Licking Riverside and Governors Point neighborhood. We'll recount the grim stories of the neighborhood's prior inhabitants and share some of the scandals that rocked the neighborhood. You have two chances to take the tour, once at 2 PM and then again at 6 PM. The tour will depart from the Local History and Genealogy Department at Covington. The Kenton County Historical Society is sponsoring an Antiques Appraisal Fair on Saturday, October 13 from 11 AM - 2 PM. Always wondered what that old vase was worth? Talk with antiques appraisal experts to see if you might be sitting on a pile of antique "gold." Photographs of large furniture pieces are preferred. The fair will take place in the BB&T meeting room at the Covington Branch. Are you researching your ancestors who might have served in the American Revolution? Interested in joining the DAR? Then mark your calendars and plan to meet with members of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Tuesday, October 16 @ 9 AM at the Covington Library. Members of the DAR will discuss the necessary steps toward [...]

By Local History|October 10th, 2018|Categories: Featured Post, History, Local History and Genealogy, Programs|0 Comments

Celebrate Your Heritage During Family History Month – October 2014

October is Family History Month, and what better time to celebrate your family’s heritage! Tracing the heritage of your family can produce so many insights into the struggles and the accomplishments of one’s ancestors – the story of why your family came to live in a certain place, how family members learned a trade, what religious, fraternal or civic organizations your ancestors belonged to, what sort of awards and recognitions your ancestors received, who might be your distant cousins. With the ever-increasing amount of information available in print and online, researching the lives of your predecessors has never been easier – and more complicated at the same time! So, where to begin? The best way to begin a family history project is to start in the present and work backwards in time – from the known to the unknown. Gather up any family documents, talk to older relatives, and peruse family photographs. Look for birth, marriage, and death information on your family members, as these are the “building blocks” of a family tree. As you work your way backwards in time, also take note of family friends, neighbors and associates. Knowing about them can sometimes provide clues to your own family’s stories. But what do you do when you finally hit that “brick wall” in your research? What steps can you take to discover more about your ancestors’ lives? To help you with your research and in honor of Family History Month, the Local History and Genealogy department is offering a variety of programs in October to enhance your family heritage sleuthing. The month begins with a program titled, “Did He Say Regiment, Squadron, Battalion, Destroyer or Attack Transport?” presented by Bill Stolz on Thursday, [...]

By Local History|September 29th, 2014|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|0 Comments

City Directories: The Phone Book Before the Telephone

Want to buy a book in 1900? Head to Carrie Mendenhall or Mrs. Wm. Metzger! Researching the history of your house and curious about the former occupants? Or possibly searching for an ancestor that lived and worked in Covington from 1880-1889? A city directory, think phone book before the telephone, is a wonderful resource for genealogy and local history research. The directories, beginning in 1834 for Covington, contain an alphabetical listing of local residents and businesses. Later directories include separate sections for business, advertisements, and streets. City directories are particularly useful for genealogists and other researchers because not only do they list the head of household and home address, but often the first name of the spouse, other members of the household, occupation, and place of employment. In many cases, the directories note when an individual has been widowed and the first name of the deceased spouse. Want to know who lives in Jones Flats apartments? The criss-cross directory was a great way to look up your neighbors. A very useful section, which first appears in the 1931-1932 Covington City Directory, is the Directory of Householders or Street and Avenue Guide. This is a reverse directory that lists the streets alphabetically along with the location, intersecting streets, and the address and name of each resident. This is an excellent resource when researching a building without knowing the name of the former resident or business. Residents of Covington in 1886 had a wide variety of jobs for instance Jane B. Walter was a book sewer. The business directory, later titled the “Yellow Pages,” is another great tool for researchers. The entries are classified by type of business rather than name. [...]

By frilling|July 9th, 2013|Categories: Adults, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy, Online Resources|Tags: before the telephone, phone book, research a building, research history|0 Comments

Cooking with the Library Month – Kentucky Inspired Cooking

July is Cooking Month at the Kenton County Public Library and today’s blog focuses on what’s available from the Local History and Genealogy Department in Covington. Kenton County South 4-H Cookbook In Honor of Kentucky's Bicentennial. We really love the Heritage recipe section with recipes by grandparents. This cookbook can be checked out at the Kenton County Public Library. Do you know how to make jellied chicken? How about hominy puffs? Have you ever had Bouilli soup? You can find recipes for these and other unusual and delicious regional dishes in our cookbook collection located in the local history and genealogy department. Many of our books can serve as historical sketches of the region. It’s interesting to see some of the older recipes like one for Kentucky burgout from The Blue Grass Cook Book that calls for “6 squirrels and 6 birds” or what was included in the book’s recipe for a “very fine omelet.” But, while many of our cookbooks are a glimpse into kitchens of the past, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try to make some of these delicious concoctions in your own home. If you’re looking for a challenge, you might want to try a recipe from The Kentucky Housewife by Lettice Bryan. This compilation uses a paragraph format for each dish instead of the list presentation that is commonly used in today’s cookbooks. It also calls for measurements and techniques that are atypical in today’s modern kitchen, but don’t let that scare you. In fact, we highly recommend the “plain potato soup” on page 24. Why not give one of the books below a try (or another from our four shelves of cookbooks in the local history department)? The Blue Grass Cook Book – K 641.5975 [...]

By Local History|July 1st, 2014|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|0 Comments

Covington Renovation Celebration

Excitement is building in Covington! The newly expanded and remodeled Covington Branch of the Kenton County Library is nearly completed. This project is the culmination of a decades-long plan. Phase one was to replace the overcrowded and very busy Erlanger Branch. This was done in 2001. Phase two consisted of building the new William E. Durr Branch, just south of Independence, to serve the quickly growing central part of the county (opened in 2007). Phase three is the Covington Branch. Covington is the flagship branch of the system with roots going back to the late 1800s. The current building, constructed in 1973-74, needed major upgrades and enhancements. As an example, the stairwells and fire alarm system were not up-to-code, the heating and cooling system was original, the building had no sprinkler system and the roof needed replacing. The building also lacked many of the amenities our patrons have grown accustomed at the other two branches. So what’s new at the Covington Branch? First of all, you will encounter a new three-story entry pavilion. This space is flooded with natural light and houses our new Circulation Department. The Children’s Department has tripled in size and has its own activity room and reading garden. This colorful area also includes a new piece of public art specifically designed for the space: A large mosaic featuring a river scene with a child fishing surrounded by native flora and fauna. The mosaic includes pieces of pottery and other elements donated to the library by our patrons. The children’s area has also been decked out in kid appropriate furniture and comfortable seating for their parents. The building now also has a separate computer lab to assist the staff in teaching technology [...]

By frilling|October 1st, 2013|Categories: at the library, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Cincinnati Zoo Visit, covington library, Elementz studio, free event, genealogy workshops, library renovation, renovation celebration, tim watson trio|0 Comments

Covington Walking Tours Available During #92daysofSummer

The Covington Bicentennial is in full swing and the Local History and Genealogy Department is ready with a new FREE walking tour! Join a member of the Local History and Genealogy Department each Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a tour of the neighborhood around the library. The tour highlights and explores the people who lived in the neighborhoods around the Library 100 years ago in 1915. You'll learn about Covington's northern and southern heritage, architecture, and diverse commercial history. We'll also explore some of the forgotten and lost buildings that once proudly stood in the neighborhood. The tour is roughly a mile long, and comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Large groups, and anyone requiring special accommodations should contact the Local History and Genealogy Department a week in advance of the program at 859-962-4070. Here is a sneak peak into one of the stories you'll discover during the tour. The Lovell-Graziani house at 326 E 2nd Street, formerly 174 E 2nd Street Lovell-Graziani House 2015 Benjamin F. Graziani occupied 174 E 2nd Street in 1915. The house dates to the late 1870s, built in French Victorian style by Howell Lewis Lovell, of the tobacco business. Graziani was born in 1858 in Cold Spring, KY, the youngest of nine children to Italian immigrants. His father died in a steamboat explosion when Graziani was only eight years old. He attended Cincinnati Law School and graduated in 1882. In time, Graziani grew to be one of the most prominent attorneys in Covington during the late 19th and early 20th century, often appearing in the newspapers as a “promising young lawyer” at the start of his career. He worked as a criminal attorney, keeping an office building [...]

By Local History|June 16th, 2015|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: #92ddaysofsummer, #cov200, covington, History, kentucky|6 Comments

Craig Street Burying Ground: Gone But Not Forgotten

From the City Atlas of Covington, Kentucky 1877 on page 22. Atlas is available in the Local History and Genealogy Department. “The cemetery is a memorial and a record. It is not a mere field in which the dead are stowed away unknown; it is a touching and beautiful history, written in family burial photos, in mounded graves, in sculptured and inscribed monuments. It tells the story of the past- not of its institutions, or its wars, or its ideas, but of its individual lives, of its men and women and children, and of its household. It is silent, but eloquent; it is common, but it is unique. We find no such history elsewhere; there are no records in all the wide world in which we can discover so much that is suggestive, so much that is pathetic and impressive.” –Joseph Anderson Autumn is here, and while we listen close for the things that go bump in the night, there is no better way to spend the bright hours of a crisp fall day than a stroll through a cemetery in the fresh October air. If you missed our Linden Grove Cemetery Tour in September, the cemetery is always open until five for a self-guided experience. While it holds great historical significance, Linden Grove is not the oldest cemetery in Covington. Few remember the town’s first graveyard: The Craig Street Burying Ground. Now an unassuming plot of land, anchored into the background by the 6th Street underpass and zipped shut by the old C&O Railroad Bridge approach, it was once the final resting place of those first to call Covington home. Let us then relate these distant memories, lest we forget something so [...]

By Local History|October 6th, 2015|Categories: Featured Post, History, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Cemeteries, covington, Craig Street Cemetery, kentucky, Local History|0 Comments

DIY Sock Snowmen of Kentucky Historic Icons

There are Craft People™, there are those who craft, and there are those who do not. I am one of those who do not. On the rare occasion I find myself artistically afflicted, I look for projects that are easy and fun, with little-to-no clean up required. Since winter in Northern Kentucky can often feel never-ending, a snow-themed project sounds like the perfect way to break up the monotony, while celebrating the season. For my chosen craft, I decided to make no-sew sock snowmen, modeled after well-known Kentucky figures: Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States), Colonel Sanders (founder of the always delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken), Loretta Lynn (award-winning country singer and coal miner’s daughter), and Simon Kenton (legendary pioneer and county namesake). This project is simple enough to construct, appropriate for people of all ages (as is the case with most crafts, I’d recommend adult supervision for younger kids). You’ll need white socks, scissors, polyester stuffing (rice or beans work better, though), thread, buttons, markers, ribbon, and any other supplies you deem necessary to bring your snowperson to life. Let’s begin! Turn a sock inside out and cut it into two parts, just a few inches below the heel. (Hold on to the toe-end of the sock – we’ll make a hat out of that piece later!) Take a piece of thread, wrap it around the newly cut end of the sock, and tie a knot. Turn the sock outside in (back to the way it was originally packaged; the knot is hidden this way). Fill the sock full of polyester stuffing (or rice or beans) and shape along the way in to a snowman silhouette. Then separate the two spheres of [...]

By Local History|February 19th, 2018|Categories: Featured Post, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: abraham lincoln, colonel sanders, craft, diy, genealogy, History, kentucky, Local History, loretta lynn, simon kenton, sock snowman|1 Comment

Expanded Local History & Genealogy Dpt at Covington Library

The Local History and Genealogy Department has opened in its new space at the Covington location of the Kenton County Public Library. The department is now located on the top floor, and is staffed all hours when the library is open. The department’s collection includes Kentucky Biographies, Kentucky Fiction, Kentucky Non-Fiction, Kentucky Reference (containing numerous books on many Kentucky counties), city and business directories dating back to the 1830s, maps, and many more resources for doing genealogy and history research. Come enjoy the quiet workspace and dig deeper into your family history! Looking south in the Local History and Genealogy Department. The chairs and tabletops from the Carnegie library were refurbished and used in the new space. Beth uses one of the microfilm machines to look up newspaper articles. Need a map? The department has city, county, regional and state maps of Kentucky. If you’re interested in accessing online databases such as Ancestry.com, geNKY, or Faces and Places, we have eight new computers dedicated to this purpose. Staff members are readily available to assist you with using these resources. Check out our video of the new department! Have you visited the new department yet? Let us know what you think!

By frilling|May 14th, 2013|Categories: Adults, at the library, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy, Online Resources|Tags: ancestry.com free, Covington Library renovations, free computer use, genealogy resources, kentucky history, microfilm, photos of northern kentucky, research family tree|0 Comments

Expanded Online Access to the Kentucky Post Available

The Kenton County Public Library is proud to offer for a limited time expanded coverage of the Kentucky Post. The new database offered through NewsBank is keyword searchable and includes digitized images of the paper between 1895-1962. The database is available for free from inside any branch of the Kenton County Public Library system. Also, the database can be accessed from home for free with your Kenton County Public Library card. To access the Kentucky Post database follow these instructions: Visit: www.kentonlibrary.org/genealogy Click on Research Tools Click on Kentucky Post If you are outside of the Library - enter your Library card number Under the Heading "America's News - Historical and Current" click on "Kentucky Post Historical and Current" From this screen you can search the database. This search also covers the text only access for the Kentucky Post from 1990-2013 Questions or comments? Contact the Local History and Genealogy Department at (859)962-4070 or via email at history@kentonlibrary.org

By Local History|November 6th, 2018|Categories: Featured Post, History, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: genealogy, kentucky history, Kentucky Post, Newspapers|0 Comments

Faces and Places of Kenton County

My name is Cierra and I work in the Local History and Genealogy Department at the Kenton County Public Library. I assist patrons with finding answers about their ancestors and researching our vibrant history of Northern Kentucky. One of the parts of my job that I enjoy is assisting in the scanning, indexing, and uploading of photographs to the database Faces and Places Northern Kentucky Photographic Archive (commonly known as Faces and Places). There are so many great stories that have been uncovered and told from photographs in Faces and Places. This photograph database contains a wide range of topics covering schools, businesses, buildings, people and events. I enjoy reading the comments that are left by all of you explaining the people, places and meanings behind photographs that are unknown or unidentified. I would like to encourage everyone to leave a comment or two on the photographs in the collection. You never know—you may find a picture of yourself in our archive! You can search the Faces and Places photographs and leave comments. Amy Whittlesey (5), Brigette Rambo (5), Donald Powell (5), Brian Hibbler (4), at Beechwood Elementary Thanksgiving on November 24, 1977. In honor of Thanksgiving I thought I would share one of my favorite Thanksgiving related photographs from Faces and Places. You can leave a comment on the photograph. Are you friends with the Local History and Genealogy Department on Facebook? Post your favorite Faces & Places photo there. Written by Cierra Earl, Library Associate, Local History and Genealogy Department - Covington

By frilling|November 13th, 2012|Categories: Around the Community, at the library, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy, Online Resources|Tags: ancestors, Beechwood Elementary, Faces and Places, genealogy, History, history and genealogy, Kenton County Library, Northern Kentucky photo, photo database, photographic archive|0 Comments

Family Oral History — The Power of Stories, Rituals and Resilience

Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year we spend a lot of time thinking about family, planning get-togethers, cooking and buying gifts – all for the ones we love best. As Americans we tend to focus on the future and not the past. But this is a great time of year to slow down and remember -- and learn from -- those we love. There’s research that shows that children who know their family’s history – both the happy times and the challenging ones – are more resilient, confident and happy than children who don’t (see The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler). He calls it a “…strong intergenerational self. They know they belong to something bigger than themselves.” Mr. and Mrs. Gisellie Baker with (left to right) Cindy (2), Priscilla (3), Paul J. (2), Richard (2), Anthony (5). Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places. “The most healthful narrative … is the oscillating family narrative. ‘Dear, let me tell you we’ve had ups and downs in our family. We built a family business. Your grandfather was the pillar of the community. Your mother was on the board of the hospital. But we also had setbacks. We had a house burn down. Your father lost a job. But no matter what happened we always stuck together as a family.’” --Bruce Feiler Should you decide to take part in a Family Oral History, here’s a few things to consider: Keep others involved Starting a family oral history project takes a bit of preparation and time. There’s a lot of things you need to think about so take some time to put together a plan. But you can do [...]

By Local History|December 5th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post, History, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: genealogy, History|0 Comments

The Fort Ancient Mound Builders of Northern Kentucky

If you grew up on a farm in rural Northern Kentucky, you may have seen prehistoric stone artifacts that were churned up out of the earth by a plow prior to planting. We are fascinated with prehistoric peoples and their ways of life, and burial mounds are no exception. Mounds are quite common in the region and can be found throughout many Northern Kentucky and Southeast Ohio counties. With the help of archaeology, we have gotten to take a peek back in time into the daily life of the peoples who inhabited the region prior to European settlement. One of the many cultural groups that had a prehistoric presence in the Ohio Valley region was the Fort Ancient, believed to be an offshoot of the widespread Mississippian culture that dominated the Midwest and Southeast United States. The Fort Ancients lived in the region during the Late Prehistoric Period between 1000-1750 CE. Fort Ancient habitation sites are divided into three temporal spans (3): Fort Ancient prior to 1200 CE Middle Fort Ancient 1200-1400 CE Fort Ancient after 1400 CE They lived in small villages and relied on farming to cultivate most of their food, but also engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering of wild plants (3). Fort Ancients organized their societies differently than the Mississippians, which is why we find fewer mounds of Fort Ancient origin (3) than Mississippian. Though the Fort Ancient were not the only ones, they were the most recent to build mounds in this region. Most notably, the Fort Ancients are known for their construction of the Alligator Mound in Licking County, Ohio and their modification of the Serpent Mound in Adams County, Ohio. Mound building may have served a number of functions for the Native Americans, including protection, observation, shelter, in addition ceremonial or sacrificial purposes and [...]

By Local History|January 5th, 2016|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Fort Ancient, kentucky history, Mound Builders, Northern Kentucky, Prehistory|0 Comments

Genealogy and Local History Events This Winter and Spring

Winter is a great excuse to stay inside and research your roots! The Local History and Genealogy Department, located on the 2nd Floor of the Covington branch, is sponsoring a variety of family history events in the upcoming months. The fourth Monday of each month, with the exception of December, is our Congenealogy meeting held at 6:30pm in Meeting Room 3. The meeting is open to everyone interested in local history and genealogy. Each month we have a speaker from the area presenting on a topic related to family and/or local history. Upcoming topics for February-April include using online resources to locate your ancestors, information on the Boone County Barn Quilt Tour, and a presentation on separating fact from fiction when it comes to family myths. For further information on Congenealogy, please visit the web page: https://www.kentonlibrary.org/genealogy/congenealogy. For those of you interested in the architecture of Northern Kentucky, be sure to “tune in” for the “Grand Facades: 19th Century Architectural Styles in Northern Kentucky” Webinar on February 26 from 10am-11am. Kaira Simmons, Local History Associate, will help you identify architectural features and historic building styles of Northern Kentucky. The link to the webinar will be available through the events calendar on the day of the event. Craig Scott, nationally known genealogist and military records expert. If you are interested in Military History, you will certainly want to attend our Military Research Workshop on Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-4pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the Covington branch. Nationally-known genealogist and military records expert Craig Scott will provide information on how to research ancestors who served in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Registration is required, so visit our web [...]

By Local History|February 10th, 2015|Categories: Local History and Genealogy, Uncategorized|Tags: ancestry, genealogy, Local History|0 Comments

Historical Online Photo Database Celebrates a Decade of Service

This March 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of Faces and Places (www.kentonlibrary.org/genphotos) , a unique online historical photo album that highlights the people, places and events of Kentucky (and some Cincinnati). Since its inception a decade ago, the Faces and Places website has received over 9.2 million views. There are nearly 85,000 photos, 6,435 subject headings and nearly 2,000 comments. This online album was created when the history staff at the Kenton County Public Library started digitizing some of its resources. They were digitizing documents and family files so that genealogy researchers around the world could obtain the information they needed without having to incur the cost of travel expenses. The staff then added photos to the mix, therefore creating Faces and Places. The popularity of the photograph collection easily lent itself to a digital format. As such, staff scanned and the photos and staff and volunteers did the indexing. When the Kentucky Post, a daily newspaper, ceased publication they donated over 60,000 photographs to the Kenton County Public Library. Staff and volunteers began adding those to the database, using keywords and subject headings to make searching easier. Faces and Places is searchable by surname, address, city, or subject. As the database became more well-known in the community, other area residents began donating photos to the library. One of the more significant collections was a local photography studio who donated over 1,000 photographs of greater Cincinnati scenes from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. Because of the accessibility of the photographs through the database, many have been used by local authors, in local history books, by the media, by teachers and students and by museums and local businesses. With images of Riverfront [...]

By Robin Klaene|December 1st, 2015|Categories: Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Cincinnati Reds History, history and genealogy, kentucky history, Press Releases|1 Comment

Licking Riverside Historic Walking Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP3aw2E0r2Q An eclectically-styled multifamily home on Garrard. Look for the two decorative panels with owls on the facade. Perhaps you’ve driven through Covington’s Licking Riverside neighborhood many times, but have you ever taken the time to stroll along tree-lined Garrard Street or admired the slate shingles and ironwork on the homes of Greenup Street? This summer, the Local History and Genealogy department is presenting weekly tours that highlight the structures and stories of this historic neighborhood. The Licking Riverside Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The district has many examples of different types of historic architecture that date from the mid-1800s to the early 20th century. The tour passes homes of the Greek Revival, Italianate, Bungalow, and eclectic Victorian Vernacular styles. Over a hundred years of architectural history often mingle on a single picturesque block. This victorian vernacular home on Greenup has Queen Anne inspired detailing such as the fish scale wall cladding and asymmetrical profile. Licking Riverside has been home many of Covington’s elite, including legislators, local political figures, doctors, and mayors. Many of the beautiful homes were also built as multifamily residences, apartments, and duplexes. It is also the home of the historic Covington Ladies Home at 702 Garrard, which was built in that location in 1894. Education and the arts are also prominent in the neighborhoods’ history. The Rugby at 622 Sanford Street began as Reverend William Orr’s Covington Female Seminary. Founded after 1856, the current building at 702 Greenup that was once La Salette Academy. Down the street, the Baker Hunt campus includes the former Covington Arts Club building and still continues the tradition of art instruction today. Along [...]

By Maura Lambert|June 9th, 2016|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Architecture, covington, genealogy, House History, kentucky history, Local History, programs, summer, Walking Tours|0 Comments

Local Music Legend Series: Adrian Belew

Over the years, Greater Cincinnati has quietly been a boundless source of musical talent. Whether it has been from the birth of contemporary rock and roll from King Records, underground hip hop from the acclaimed Scribble Jam festival, or indie rock mainstays the Afghan Whigs, Cincinnati has maintained an important role in a wide variety of musical genres in the US. This is the first installment of blogs exploring the local talent from the area. Adrian Belew, most famously of the prog-rock band King Crimson, is a Northern Kentucky native and Boone County High School graduate. After picking up the guitar as a child, Belew became one of rock’s most critically acclaimed singer/songwriters and guitar virtuosos. Besides being the longest member of King Crimson alongside founder Robert Fripp, he has recorded and toured with Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Talking Heads, and Nine Inch Nails. He is also a founding member of the Tom Tom Club (with members from the Talking Heads), the Bears, GaGa, as well as a successful solo musician. Belew is known for a distinct guitar sound, often making his guitar mimic the sounds of animals and machines. His art direction and guitar work have proved invaluable to dozens of records over the years. Belew, born in Covington in 1949, spent his childhood performing in Ludlow’s Marching Band and formed his first band with friends while attending Boone County High School. During a short time in his teens when he was unable to perform in the marching band due to illness Belew taught himself to play guitar. A natural talent, Belew understood the complexity of the guitar and immediately picked up playing the instrument. Belew’s first band was called the Denims, [...]

By Local History|November 11th, 2015|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|0 Comments

Love in Faces and Places

There is plenty of love in our Faces and Places Photograph Archive. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I thought I would share some of the love and Valentine’s Day inspired photographs in our online archive. Anniversaries –Faces and Places contains many Silver, and Golden Wedding Anniversary photographs like this one of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith of Park Hills on May 5th, 1974. Engagements- It was very popular in the 1960s and 70s for women to publish an engagement photograph in the local newspaper. Pictured is Judith Ann Stephens of Union, on June 3, 1965 who was engaged to Richard Lee Hammitt. You can search for engagement announcements in our Northern Kentucky Newspaper Index. Weddings- A lot of happy couples on their wedding day can be found by searching Faces and Places. I especially enjoy this August 2, 1981 wedding of Helen Buschard 75, to Charlie Williams, 81. Buschard is wheeled down the aisle by Robert Williams (Lakeside Place Administrator) who gave her away at the ceremony. Sweet Shops- Chocolates, candy, cakes and pies are all popular tokens of love on Valentine's Day. Faces and Places has photographs of local sweet and candy shops, like this picture of Katherine Hartmann. Hartmann was the owner of Lily's Candies at 9th and Madison, and she is ready for for the Valentine's Day rush on February 12, 1982. Also, we've added local sweet shops to our Historypin account! These are just a few of the images of love and Valentine's Day we found in Faces and Places. What is your favorite love inspired picture in the Faces and Places collection? Have you found a relatives engagement, anniversary or wedding photograph? Tell us in the comments below! Written by Cierra Earl - Library Associate in the Local [...]

By frilling|February 11th, 2014|Categories: KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: Anniversaries, Engagements, family history, genealogy, Local History, Love, Valentine's Day, Weddings|9 Comments

Made in Covington: The Aqua-Cycle

The Aquacycle was covered in a 1949 issue of Popular Science. Via: http://goo.gl/X3nseR Twenty-five year old Phyllis Brawley was installed as a living window display at Cincinnati’s Hotel Sinton on the day of Aquacycle’s debut. Clad in a “beach costume,” the blonde model peddled the newly-patented marine invention that allowed users to propel boats and canoes by foot power. Spectators congregated around the window in such numbers that Cincinnati patrolman, Charles Ray, ordered that the live window display to cease--a proclamation that was met with jeers. Ultimately, the authorities demanded that manager of the Aquacycle Company, Earl Metcalfe, either stop the demonstration or be cited for interfering with pedestrian traffic. Metcalfe, a self-employed business consultant and manager of the Aquacycle Company of Covington, stated that he intended to defy police orders to meet public demand for the demonstration continue the next day. Arguably, their interest was likely inspired more by the visible shins and shoulders of Miss Brawley than the newfangled contraption upon which she was perched. Metcalfe, who lived on a farm in Morning View in southern Kenton County, was not the inventor of the Aquacycle, but was assignor to the company when the trademark was registered in 1948. He was involved with the contraption as early as 1947, when the Aquacycle Company of Covington was chartered and valued at an eyebrow-raising $100,000 (over $1,300,000 today). The design for the “pedal or mechanically propelling and steering mechanism for boats” was the work of Dr. Byrel Billman, a physician of physiotherapy and proctology, educated at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. Billman created the Aquacycle as a device to propel and steer boats in places where motorized watercraft were either outlawed or impossible operate. Sportsmen [...]

By Local History|March 31st, 2017|Categories: Featured Post, History, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: aquacycle, covington|2 Comments

New Year, New Resolution! Getting Started with your Genealogy

Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places: Northern Kentucky's Online Photograph Collection. If you’ve gotten away from your genealogy for a while or if the holiday gatherings this season have sparked your interest in your family’s history, look no further. KCPL has a dedicated Local History & Genealogy Department and staff ready to assist you with your goal of discovering your family’s story. The Local History & Genealogy Department is located on the second floor of our Covington branch at 502 Scott Boulevard in Covington, Kentucky. Our department is full of all kinds of resources that can help you to discover your family history: from books to microfilm, to maps and vertical files, and let’s not forget online databases! First things first: where to start? We recommend starting to write down what you already know about your family. Start with a basic family tree (we like this one via Mid-Continent Public Library’s Midwest Genealogy Center) and fill out what you know starting with yourself. Start talking with your relatives – parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, cousins - to fill in as many details as you can. Ask for names, dates (birth, marriage, death), and places where they lived or may have come from. Check out our blog on ice-breaker questions here. Once you’ve done that, look for any gaps you might have in your tree – that’s a good place to start! Start looking for basic information in birth indexes, death records, and censuses, which often give you clues as to parentage (thus helping you take your tree back a generation!). We like starting our searches online because many of these records are being digitized by companies such as Ancestry, FamilySearch, and FindMyPast, just [...]

By Local History|January 3rd, 2019|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|1 Comment