Secrets of Old Louisville

by N. David Williams

What scandal rocked Louisville, Kentucky, during Christmas 1900? Where was one of the city's most popular speakeasies? What was the worst thing ever done to Louisville's St. James Court fountain? Why is St. James Court's famous "Pink Palace" painted pink? More books have been written about Old Louisville than any other neighborhood in Kentucky. Its stunning architecture annually draws thousands of visitors. But few have explored its human stories, its more colorful residents, its notorious scandals and murders, hidden treasures, forgotten lore. The lives of the people who have made it their home have often been obscured by its imposing facades and massive doors. In Secrets of Old Louisville , David Williams has uncovered a wealth of stories no other book has explored. Along the way, he punctures a few urban legends that until now have been taken for granted. Secrets of Old Louisville answers questions no other book has posed. Filled with historic and contemporary photographs, it is a colorful look at what makes Old Louisville one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the country.

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[Janice Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! Many secrets and since I work in Old LOUISVILLE and walk here at lunch everyday I pass a lot of the homes in the book. It is great reading this history and learning so much!! A must read!!

[David Allen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating collection of one- or two-page vignettes about one neighborhood in my home town. The only thing missing is a map.