Unit II. Basic Research of Place: The Conrad-Caldwell House

Unit II. Basic Research of Place: The Conrad-Caldwell House

In the first unit my essence of place was St. James Court, this is the place that truly lets me relax and gather my thoughts. I discussed many of the historic mansions around the court giving a brief visual and historical summary. One house mentioned that seems to acquire the most attention is The Conrad-Caldwell House. The hosting house to many social events in Old Louisville. There is the annual Spirit Ball, the annual garden tour, weddings, lectures, and a museum on the very site. Needless to say this house gets a lot of action, but its massive castle like structure is only one appeal, the history that surrounds the house is the true story that attract people from all over the to view its beauty.

St. James Court back in 1883 was part of the site of the Southern Exposition, an event which attracted millions around the world to come and see the modern technology and agriculture displayed. Louisville is said to have hosted the largest display of incandescing light bulbs at one time, one of Thomas Edison’s greatest achievements. The Conrad-Caldwell House was built for Theophilus Conrad around the late 1880s early 1890s after the exposition closed in 1887. Conrad was a Frenchman who made his fortune in the tanning business and only spent 35,000 dollars on the construction of the house. Late after his death the Caldwell family bought Mr. Conrad’s castle and resided there for 35 years. Following the passing of the Caldwell’s the house was then the Rose Anna Hughes Presbyterian Retirement Home for the next 40 years. In 1987, The St. James Historic Foundation purchased the home and restored it. The house is now a museum, and also hosts many events and is the center of attention in the court.

The Annual Spirit Ball will be having its 6th annual event at the Conrad-Caldwell House this year. The spirit ball is held the eve of Halloween celebrating the spirit of the holiday as well as local spirits. Guests dress in costume and experience a grand time; gourmet food, expert bartender, dancing, live music, and silent auction. "There couldn’t be a more appropriate location to recall the spirits of yesteryear at a time such as Halloween." Tim Valentino stated in the article "Old Louisville Spirit Ball." in Louisville Nfocus Magazine.  During the story telling portion of the event locals tell the tales of the local spirits around Old Louisville such as Widow Hoag. The spirit of Widow Hoag resides in the shadows around the fountain in the court waiting for her lost son to come home. The ghost, Avery, of the "Pink Palace" is the son of the first family that owned the house and has appeared every time right before a resident has faced an unknown danger to give them warning for their benefit. Finally, there is the story of the lost spirit of a red haired young girl in white who haunts the neighborhood at night. All proceeds from the ball go to the historic foundation for restoration and preservation of the homes including the Conrad-Caldwell House.

The Conrad-Caldwell House is a Richardsonian Romanesque structure known for its massive exterior, brick and stone work, large arched openings, stained glass windows, and oversized carvings of figures and patterns. This gives the house its castle appearance and overall appeal to the public. Old Louisville is one of the largest areas of Victorian architecture in the nation. Grand walking tours are held every day except Sundays. More explanation of the vast history of the neighborhood the tour starts with The Conrad-Caldwell House which the guide explains and history says was the beginning of the neighborhood expansion.

Weddings are also held regularly at The Conrad-Caldwell House, reservations for such events need to be booked almost to a year in advance do to the mansions popularity. The house can accommodate 50-150 guests and offers flexibility to personal caterers and decorations, bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners and complete personalized services, giving the ultimate experience for a fairy tale wedding. They also provide local references to artists around the area offering additional services such a photography, caterers, and event planners.  

The annual garden tour starts off the preview gala and the kick off to the tour at The Conrad-Caldwell House. The Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour is now in its 18th year and gives guests the tour of the private greens of the residents of the historic area which is quite an experience for garden lovers. Great time and effort goes into these gardens and into this tour to make things entertaining. There is also an artist walk where artists come to create and display pieces for purchase. This year there will also be an ice cream social serving as an intermission during the tour. In the article "The 18th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour." of the Old Louisville Journal June is referred to as “bustin’ out all over” due to the substantial amount of rain Louisville has gotten, the sponsors of the event state that rain or shine the tour will still take place.

Finally it is clear that there is plenty going on in Old Louisville, it is also clear that most events begin with the Conrad-Caldwell House making this house a diamond to the community. In unit 1 I stated that these houses had history pouring out of the windows The Conrad-Caldwell House especially. From the land it was built on going back over a century where there were technology altering discoveries made at the Southern Exposition, to starting explosion of the Victorian architecture era in the the community during the 1890s making its district nationally know. To the descendants that passed down the mansion Theophilus Conrad, the Caldwell family, the people living there while it was a retirement home. Some spirits never left still here with us lurking around waiting for something or someone. Lastly the house is left to a historic site and museum to be enjoyed by all during any type of festivity. Letting everyone experience the history the artwork and the overall emotion etched in this house as well as the neighborhood any time of day or night. It could be a day tour, attending a late night spirit ball, or simply just taking a walk around. This place is just enchanting and such a pleasure to be able to enjoy.