How the Glen Willis Served over 300 People on Oaks Day 2016

Everyone deserves a second chance, right? Why not historic properties too? That’s exactly what Ms. Martha Moore thought of the old Glen Willis House 40 years ago, as it sat as merely an empty shell and headed for the auction block to be torn down by developers for a new strip mall along the Kentucky River.

In 1974 a local group of concerned citizens identified the then forlorn Glen Willis House as the Bicentennial project for Franklin County, and shortly after the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation was formed to take on the project. However, soon after the Trust began, the Glen Willis was to be sold at auction to settle an estate, and was in danger of demolition by developers. Now 40 years later, the Trust succeeded in preserving this historic landmark for our community, and we continue to work to preserve our heritage everyday.

The Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation Inc., was chartered November 27, 1974, for the purpose of preserving and restoring historic landmarks in the area. The Glen Willis was the first endeavor and was purchased at auction on August 23, 1975, with a personal loan that Ms. Martha Moore had taken out to purchase the house. At the time, it sold for a mere $60,000. Although the trust had not raised enough money to purchase the house, they believed “the importance of the house and its former occupants, they had to purchase it and protect it from almost certain demolition.” They began a decade long project to raise funds to restore this historic home.

Fast forward 40 years. The Glen Willis was sold to the state ten years later to complete it’s renovations and be used as office space. It spent 20 years as state offices before becoming a flurry of restaurants. And now, under the ownership of Terri and her husband Jim “Sully” Sullivan, Terri runs her wildly successful catering business from the home, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for weddings, meetings, parties and other notable Frankfort events, including the Riverside Soiree, which was held Friday at the historic Glen Willis. It was truly a celebration of being able to save and salvage such a beautiful piece of Frankfort history!

Photo By April Cole

The night was filled with music, art, food and spirits as 125 people attended the first ever soiree held by the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Partly a celebration of the accomplishments of a community that believes in something, and partly a fund raiser for the trust itself, there was an artist gallery with works by many local artists.

Among the works on display was the photography of Mr. Gene Burch. Locally famous for his compositions, including a calendar he has produced since 1992. Ms. April Cole is Owner, Editor & Photographer at Capital Living Magazine, and Owner/Photographer for Digital Expressions Photography. Her photographic work was also featured that evening, displaying works of Franklin Counties historic places and much more! Many enjoyed the original oil paintings of Frankfort by Cheryl Olds Cheek. Works of art were also displayed by Mr. Richard Taylor, a past Poet Laureate of Kentucky, Kenan Visiting Writer at Transylvania University in Lexington, and co-owner of Poor Richard’s Books in Frankfort. Entertainment during the soiree included music performed by The Stringling Brothers and The Hart Strings.

During the evening’s events, Ms. Moore was presented with a specially made piece of pottery from Broadway Clay. She told the story of how she would drive past the run down Glen Willis and what it took to purchase and renovate it. Terri Sullivan was also presented with a $2,000 grant check to help with further upkeep of the Glen Willis.

It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. For anyone looking to join the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation, contact Eric Whisman, President, at ericewhisman@gmail.com. For more information, log onto http://www.franklincountytrust.org. You can also give them a “LIKE” on Facebook HERE, or find them on Twitter @FranklinCoTrust or by clicking HERE.

Riverside Soiree at the Glen Willis Honors the 40th Anniversary of the Rescuing of a Landmark

05 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Capital Living in History, News

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Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation, Glen Willis, Riverside Soiree, Terri's Catering at the Glen Willis House, The Glen Willis House

Forty years ago, the Glen Willis was just a shell of it’s grand beginnings. The home was built back in 1815. It was shuttered and, like much of the history in Frankfort, was in danger of being bulldozed over. Caring Frankfort citizens created the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation to work together to save this historic gem.

The Riverside Soiree being held this evening at the historic Glen Willis is a celebration of those concerned citizens and their efforts in preserving the historic structures of Frankfort. In a way, it’s a rebirth-day party for the Glen Willis itself! It’s been 40 years. And what a difference!

Come on out this evening from 5:30 to 9:30 and enjoy music and art and help celebrate the wonderful work that this non-profit organization has accomplished and continues to achieve.

Enjoy an artist gallery with works by many local artists including the photography of Mr. Gene Burch. Locally famous for his compositions, including a calendar he has produced since 1992. Ms. April Cole is Owner, Editor & Photographer at Capital Living Magazine, and Owner/Photographer for Digital Expressions Photography and will also be one of the featured artists for the evening, displaying her works of Franklin Counties historic places and much more! Stroll through and enjoy original paintings by Cheryl Olds Cheek. Enjoy works of art displayed by Mr. Richard Taylor, a past Poet Laureate of Kentucky, Kenan Visiting Writer at Transylvania University in Lexington, and co-owner of Poor Richard’s Books in Frankfort while enjoying music performed by The Stringling Brothers and The Hart Strings.

Limited tickets are available for this event that is sure to be historic in it’s own rite!

Order tickets via Eventbrite:

http://riversidesoiree.eventbrite.com/?aff=efbevent

Friday, September 5th Frankfort Highlights

05 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Capital Living in Art & Entertainment, Family Activities, History, News, What To Do In Frankfort This Weekend?, What To Do This Weekend in Frankfort?, What's Happening This Weekend In Frankfort?

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"Sip & Savor" Fridays, American Red Cross, April Cole, “Sip & Savor”, Blood Collection, Brick Alley, Buffalo Trace, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Capital Cellars, Cheryl Olds Cheek, David Harrod, Elk Creek Vineyards, Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery, Frankfort, Franklin County Chapter American Red Cross, Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Franklin County Red Cross, Friday Highlights, Gene Burch, Ghost Tour, Glen Willis, Grand Theatre, Here for the Party, Here for the Party Band, Inside Out Design, Kentucky Senior Games, Kentucky State Senior Games, Larry Gatlin, New Leash on Life Thrift Store, Old Capitol, Old Capitol Lawn, Prodigy Vineyards & Winery, Prodigy Vineyards and Winery, Prodigy Winery, Red Cross, Red Cross of Franklin County, Rhonda Gauthier, Rhonda Gauthier Fine Art Gallery, Riverside Soiree, Sammy Coulter, Senior Fun Day, Shop for the Animals, Terri's Catering at the Glen Willis House, The Brick Alley, The Dragon, The Dragon Pub, The Glen Willis House, The Grand Theatre, The Hart Strings, The Sammy Coulter Show, The Stringling Brothers, Twin Hills Drive-in Theater, What to Do, What to Do In Frankfort, What To Do This Weekend, What To Do This Weekend in Frankfort?, Wine Tasting

Highlights for Friday, September 5th, 2014

Don’t miss a minute of what’s going on this Summer Weekend in and around the Frankfort Area!

Capital Living Covers Frankfort’s Social Scene…BE SEEN By Capital Living!!!

FIND US. FOLLOW US. AND STAY CONNECTED WITH FRANKFORT!!!

Friday, September 5, 2014

8:30 am – 2:00 pm – Blood Collection, at the American Red Cross, 318 Washington St., Info: 223-1795

9:00 am – 5:00 pm – New Leash on Life Thrift Store, Shop for the Animals, 415 W Broadway. Many unique modern and vintage items for sale in a lovely setting. All proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. Info: 352-2229

10:00 am – Senior Games Fun Day at the Old Capitol, 10:00 a.m. Part of the Kentucky Senior Games, which run through September 7 in various places in Frankfort. If your interested in competing click HERE If you are interested in volunteering or have additional questions, call 875-1675.

Table Tennis – Downtown YMCA – 9:00 AM Registration 8:30 AM

Round Robin – Singles followed by Doubles, followed by Mixed Doubles

Shuffleboard – Downtown YMCA – Noon Singles & Doubles

Cornhole – Old Capitol Lawn, Downtown – 10:30 AM

5K Power Walk – Old Capitol Downtown Frankfort – 1:00 PM

Bocce – Old Capitol Lawn, Downtown Frankfort – 3 PM

5K Run – Old Capitol Downtown Frankfort – 6:30 PM Registration 5:00

FUN DAY – Downtown Frankfort – Old Capitol Lawn

Frankfort Yoga Studio, Pilates, 11:45 am -12:25 pm

Original oil paintings by Rhonda Gauthier and Roma! See Rhonda’s art at Rhonda Gauthier Fine Art Gallery, 115 Bridge St. and also at Solaris Art Gallery (Versailles). Info: 320-3856 or www.rhondaartist.com Also, enjoy the talents of a downtown Frankfort-based artist in The Sammy Coulter Show, Friday, September, 12, 8:00-11:00 p.m. at Longshots Lounge, at 765 Holmes St.!

3:00 – 7:00 pm – Happy Hour! all week! at La Fiesta Grande (The Little Monkey), 334 St. Clair St. Info: 352-2359.

4:00 – 7:00 pm – Parent Teacher Night, Wine Tasting, at Capital Cellars, 227 W Broadway. Info: 352-2600… and Wine Art, by Sallie Clay Lanham. Exhibit open Through September. (Info about exhibit: 695-4472)

Friday, September 5th – Sunday, September 7th, 2014 – The Kentucky State Barbeque Festival, Danville, KY, FREE Parking and Admissions, Visit their website HERE for more information and a schedule of events. Or find the event on Facebook HERE.

Friday: 5PM-10PM

Saturday: 11AM-10PM

Sunday: 11AM-5PM

Where: 2nd Street and Constitution Square, Danville, KY

What: BBQ Pitmasters cooking their specialties (Pork Shoulder, Texas Beef Brisket, Ribs and more).

5:30 – 7:30 pm – Live Music on the Patio! at Rick’s White Light Diner, 114 Bridge St. Spend your summer enjoying dinner, drinks, music and art!

5:30 – 9:30 pm – Riverside Soiree, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Cocktail Hour, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dinner and Entertainment. This year’s Soiree includes but is not limited to: Buffalo Trace signature cocktails, selection of local wines, live music, artist gallery and delicious southern fare at the Historic Glen Willis House, 900 Wilkinson Boulevard. Proceeds benefit the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Tickets are $40/$35/member at RiversideSoiree.eventbrite.com

This year’s soiree includes but is not limited to: Buffalo Trace signature cocktails, a selection of locally produced wines, artist gallery, live music and delicious southern fare!

-with live music by The Stringling Brothers and The Hart Strings.

-and unique preservation themed artist gallery featuring: Mr. Gene Burch, Ms. April Cole, Ms. Arts and Etc. by Cheryl Olds Cheek, and Inside Out Design, LLC.

Only 250 Tickets will be sold, so get your’s now!

5:30 – 9:30 pm – Jeff Thomas and Angie Holt. Elk Creek Vineyards, Owenton, KY, http://www.elkcreekvineyards.com/

6:00 pm – 2:30 am – Twin Hills Drive-in Theatre, 1785 Louisville Road, Harrodsburg, KY, Lucy, Starring Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi; and 22 Jump Street, Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube.

An Old Fashioned Drive-In Theatre experience located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Family owned and operated. Providing affordable fun for everyone!

Admission: $5.00 for adult
$2.50 for children (3-11)
Children ages 2 & under are free!
*These admission prices include both movies!

-Lawn chairs allowed.

-Outside Coolers and food allowed for $5

-Tune your radio station to 106.1 FM

6:30 – 8:30 pm – “Sip & Savor” Fridays, Prodigy Vineyards and Winery, winning wines and the glass is included for free. Featured Artist: Brandon Gaines will be playing FREE Live Music at the Tasting Room.

5:30 pm – Here for the Party Band playing on St Clair Mall where you can eat at several places, drink at several more, or just hang. Join Matt Noell, Erik Shields, Lindsay Calvin Olive and David Harrod, plus Jas Barnard sitting in as we have fun in the streets. Click HERE for more info!

7:00 pm – Ghost Tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery, It’s rumored that there are more spirits at the Distillery than those aging in barrels. You will hear legendary stories and get a look at some of the Distillery’s most haunted areas, including Stony Point Mansion, where it’s been said that the ghost of Col. Blanton still resides. FREE. Reservations are required for this tour. 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Reservations: 696-5926

7:30 pm – Larry Gatlin, at The Grand Theatre, 308 St. Clair St. Popular country music singer Larry Gatlin, who gained fame as a member of the Gatlin Brothers, and later became a successful solo artist, will bring his unique “countrypolitan” sound to the Grand. In addition to his singing career, Gatlin has appeared on Broadway and hosts his own radio show.