Thinking about Audience

Thinking  about Audience

-          Whom do you want to reach?

In my piece I wish to reach residents of the old Louisville area.

-          What is your audience’s background-education and life experience?

Most residents of the old Louisville area are young adults attending University of Louisville and surrounding colleges. Age ranges from early 20’s to mid 30’s their life experiences probably growing up around the Kentuckian area and leaving home and coming to college and living on their own for the first time in their lives.

-          What are their interests?

From my own interests as a young adult living in the old Louisville area, and knowing many of my neighbors living in the same area and about the same age range, our main interests are having fun, doing good in school, and working

-      What is their demographic information and what should you keep in mind? 

                The demographic of the residents of old Louisville are a range of white, black              Asian, and Indian college students ages ranging from early 20’s to mid 30’s

-      What political circumstances may affect their reading?    

 I believe the community has a good mix of residents that are both conservative and            liberal. However I don’t believe their political views bias and etc. will affect their reading my piece about the community.

-          What does your audience already know- or believe- about your topic? What do you need to tell them? What is the best way to do so?                                                                                                                                          I believe my audience doesn’t know much about the history of the community especially in specific the Conrad-Caldwell  House. I would like to teach my audience about the  history of the house and how it restoration of all the homes in the area affect them in one way or another.

-          What’s your relationship with your audience and how does it affect your language and tone?                    

                 My relationship with my audience is in a way a familiar one. I know I will have to write

 as if I am speaking to someone unknown  just so my points will get across.

-          What does your audience need or expect from you?                                                                                                      

      I believe my audience will need me to be specific about my information and I believe              they will expect me to show them why my information is important and why it should be important to them.

-          What kind of response do you want?                                                                                                                                    

     The response I am looking for is just for the residence to have awareness and maybe want to reach out in the community and become more involved to further funding of                         the restoration and up keep of the community.

                How can you best appeal to your  audience?                                                                                                                      
  My best appeal to my audience is that this is the community that they live in and share  the same problems as the rest of the old homes such as the Conrad-Caldwell house share. This should be important to them because without the proper funding and help from the community

Audience and Genre Jun 29

Audience is who the writing is speaking to, and genre is the format that it is in. For example familiar audiences to the writer, stated in the text are friends, relatives, classmates, teachers and whose needs and expectations you understand. There are also unknown audiences. Another audience is multiple audiences are used for a wide range of writing as well used in such genres as business memos or reports for a supervisor. Genres are the particular conventions for presenting information. 

Proposal brainstorming

Who Cares? The historic society of st. james court
Who should care? The yonger generation and other residents of old louisville
Why should they care? They should all care because it is their history that is in jeopardy

Blog for Mon 27

Yes I do believe Church's example of a topic proposal was adequate. Church states the issue the loss of biodiversity, then goes to show who it should be important to. Humans are the number one cause of loss of biodiversity in the world. Then church explains so what, telling the audience why it is important for human to quit destroying biodiversity and the effect it has on the medical field and the eventual harm it will play on humans. Church discusses cures that could be found from different plants but if we continue to destroy these plants we destroy the chance of finding a cure to diseases.

Hw for Fri Jun 24

Blog June 24th

The angle in of Holson's questioning i believe was by getting the perspective of the individual. She attended the festival and was looking for the reaction of the town’s people as well as people that had traveled to attend. She seemed to conduct her research in person it seemed at least to me like she actually attended the event and made contact with the people she had referenced in her essay. She talk to the people that resided in the town and focused on how the movie had affected them and their lives, she also focused on outsiders and how they perceived the movie and the places it was from and how they felt about it.

In the second reading the second angle, Present the experiences and/or perspective of the individual best fits this piece. She focuses on the experience and the how the experience affected the individuals she had talked to

HW Wed Jun 22

A few questions I have been thinking about asking my sources are

1.       How long have you worked within the community?

2.       How have you seen the community/ St. James ct. grow in the past 20 years

3.       (For guide) Have you ever experienced the haunting of the Mr. Conrad in the house?

4.       (For guide) Have you been in attendance to the spirit ball if so, how was your experience?

5.       With the many events that take place in St. James ct. how are the preceeds spent?

HW Mon June 20

In unit II I focused on The Conrad-Caldwell House. In unit I, I focused on St. James Court. I chose to focus on the Conrad-Caldwell House because of it interesting history and popularity it has in the community. After visiting my place again the problems i saw where just how old the house actually is, the cost for regular restoration. This will definitely be a question I ask in my interviews. Unit III I’m still going to be focusing on the Conrad-Caldwell House. I've decided that I will take a tour of the mansion and call ahead to make an interview with the guide. I plan on also going to the old Louisville office building and speaking with a member of the historic society council. Last I also plan on getting a hold of a member of the St. James ct. historic committee as well hopefully I can gain more oral history from these sources.

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. 

The 18th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour

The 18th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour

Plunkett, Linda. "The 18th Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour." Old Louisville Journal 33.6 (2011): 8. Web. 19 Jun 2011. http://www.oldlouisville.org/OLJ/June2011Journal.pdf.

It is almost time for the Annual Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour which will take place this year July 9th and 10th. This article is just a basic summary of the events agenda; refreshments, silent auction, and plant sale will start the beginning of the tour at The Conrad-Caldwell House. DuPont Mansion will host Art in the Garden where local artists come to create and show their work. Kling Center will also be having an ice cream social in the middle of the tour serving almost as an intermission to the tour. There will be a Garden Tour Preview Gala benefit also hosted at the Conrad-Caldwell House on the 8th as the kick off before the tour. More background information about the garden tour is available its website http://www.oldlouisvillegardentour.com/ 

Linda Plunkett is the editor of The Old Louisville Journal; all article contributions are sent to Ms. Plunkett and are subject to approval. The actual know writer of this entry is unknown. Presumably I would say the Second Street Neighborhood Association released this information.

In the article 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. This event means a lot to many people and a great deal of planning goes into making everything come together. Most of these historic houses have advanced booking up to a year, even longer. Rescheduling in most cases isn't possible so because of this there are no rain dates and refunds are not available.

Articles such as this one really shows the social action that happens around the Old Louisville area, more importantly for "my place" this article shows that the Conrad-Caldwell House is a center point to the event. I would like to dig a little deeper into the garden tour and ask a few questions about the overall planning that goes into this event. I would also like to learn more specifically about the Conrad-Caldwell House gardens. I believe a great way to gain this information is to just take the tour, or if there is time restraints get in contact with the neighborhood association.

Old Louisville Spirit Ball

Old Louisville Spirit Ball

Valentino, Tim. "Old Louisville Spirit Ball." Louisville Nfocus Magazine (2010): 1. Web. 19 Jun 2011. http://nfocuslouisville.com/story/old-louisville-spirit-ball.

The Spirit Ball as described in this article by Tim Valentino (the primary photographer for NFocus Magazine's Louisville edition and honored guest at the event,) is a masquerade party celebrated Halloween eve. Hosted at the Conrad-Caldwell House now for the 5th year, the function is open to anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket. The festivities include a silent auction, gourmet food, expert bartender, local artist and sisters Kelly Toon and Molly Peters who paint faces for the event and a live band. All proceeds go to the St. James Court Historic Foundation for restoration and preservation.

"There couldn’t be a more appropriate location to recall the spirits of yesteryear at a time such as Halloween." Valentino is describing the house as he enters. The Richardsonian Romanesque structure was built in the 1890s and features include massive structural appearance, built from stone giving the house a castle feel, arched openings, large stained glass windows, and oversized carvings of gargoyles making the perfect setting for this event.

This article is a great review of the Spirit Ball held at the Conrad-Caldwell House it describes one of the main social events held by the St. James Historic Foundation and also captures the beauty of the location which it was held. With the funds going to the Historic Foundation where are the funds actually distributed; which houses? How much actually goes towards the Conrad-Caldwell House? The article mentions that the Historic Foundation runs a museum inside the house. I think this would be a great place to get some answers to my questions and get a chance to speak with members of the foundation.

How I plan to add the information I have gained from my sources to my narative is by describing The Conrad-Caldwell Mansion for the piece of history it is. The stories that I have heard from my sources truly touched me. The weddings, the balls, the family history and the emotion will truly show in my next post.

Black Men in Public Spaces

Staples included the quotation from Normans Podhortezs essay "My Negro Problem-- and Ours" into his piece "Black Men in Public Spaces," he integrated the quotation into his own text as he compares Podhortezs writing about the uneasy feeling felt towards black men givin a certain situation such as walking alone at night. He introduced it telling his story about moving to New York and remaining a avid night walker and what he has obsevered from other around him. He ties the quotation to his own narrative when he states that he witnesses the same reactions from people on the street, the hunch posture he says. Personally I don't feel comfortable enough with quoting to make suggestions, to me the writing was clear and easy to understand I thought his quoting the way it was was fine.

The Conrad-Caldwell Mansion

ghost village

I have desided to pick the Conrad-Caldwell Mansion to do additional research on. The Mansion holds a ton of annual events that have been around for a long time and the house it self has been around since the mid 1800's.

The Essence of Place: St. James Court

                                                                                                                                                                   picture referance
Walking down the old wooden steps I hear the same familiar creaks and splits. As I reach the main entrance I look out of the withered glass of the antique front door, the sun is slowly rising and fresh dew is covering the bright green grass. It is not quite dawn yet, but only in a few short moments will the east be awakened and begin a new day. I open the door and softly close it behind Lucy and I keeping it from slamming and disturbing our sleepy neighbors. Lucy soars off the stoop with excitement! This is my pup’s favorite part of the day. Every morning like an alarm clock she wakes me by hopping in my comfy oversized bed and washes my face with her slobbery kisses. Lucy doesn’t believe in the term “sleeping in” and this has become our daily routine since she discovered her senses. With her ears perked upright and nose stuck to the ground I check the latch on her neon green leash for security. Reaching for the morning sky above I stretch and shake off my last bit of sleepiness. Here we go; our goal is a few laps around old St. James court. The ancient mansions stand majestically; history pouring out the windows, each one has a story. The “Conrad Castle” built of stone stands guard at the beginning of the neighborhood while the gargoyles eyes are constantly watching keeping everyone safe from harm.   

The “Pink Palace” a towering pink bricked palace sitting at the south end of the grand court. Rumor has it that it’s haunted and truthfully I believe it. The palace was first a gentleman’s club and later was owed by many private owners. The ghost, Avery, 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.

Lastly, one of my personal favorite houses is actually on Belgravia court, the “walking court” known for its no street access and island gardens that runs horizontally at the southern end of St. James Ct. 400 Belgravia is best known for its two front doors and romantic dual staircase. The house of the day I think of it as when I recall the stories of the many generations of doctors who once lived in the fashionable home. The family was only able to live there from the profits made not from their practice but from the family distillery. It is said that they would give grand parties and that would attract high society from all across the land.

The court is so peaceful; the ultimate tranquil place to just relax and let your worries go away. Now what’s in it for Lucy one may ask, she doesn’t pay any mind to the beautiful houses around her, but she does in fact however pay very close attention to the many squirrels sprinting from tree to tree. The court itself is lined with tall wondrous trees, hundreds of years old standing almost as large umbrellas enhancing the magical presence overall. During our journey, we always take a moment at the middle of the court at the enchanting water fountain, a fountain that’s beauty is so touching it brings tears to your eyes. But my simple adventurous puppy enjoys the mist of the water splashing on her as she dares to inch closer and closer until distracted again by another scurrying creature. As our quest continues we travel across the sea of grass chasing each other around as we have time and time again. At times like this when there is no one around, I begin to take Lucy off her restrictive leash and set her free, free to run and chase as much and as fast as she can while I sit melancholy on the soft lawn watching her effortlessly. This place is most valuable to me; my diamond in the rough. My time here to me is the best spent; we can always earn more money, but we cannot earn more time. As I sit on the soft blades of perfect green grass, I begin to feel the morning sun upon my cheek I listen to the birds chirping, the wind whistling through the giant noble trees, the sound of splashing water from the mesmerizing fountain. I stare out at the clear blue sky and then back to this utopia I have an ultimate sense of relief. I have reached a complete enlightened state of peace and serenity these emotions washing over me like the rays of sun now washing over the east to begin this new day.

The first car starts, the engine roars from its slumber. Lucy runs back to me in fright and places herself in my lap burrowing her little head into my side. I gently pick her up and hold her as if she is my own child. She has taken my mind away from this heavenly place back to reality. I pet her golden coat gingerly and soothe her rapid heartbeat. This place may have my mind, but this little furry pup has my heart. As I carry her home my mind wanders back to memories of the first day I met Lucy, her big bright eyes caught me from the moment I walked in the room all the other puppies had woken up and I helplessly played with all of them till they were all tuckered out again and returned to their naps. Lucy however stayed awake and sat there patiently watching me waiting for me to pick her up, as soon as I did I knew we would be together forever and from that point on she has never left my side.

Back in my apartment now my bed is calling out my name, it would be rude not to oblige to its request so naturally I curl back under my covers and welcome Lucy too. As I run my hand over her head and neck coaxing her back to sleep I really start to uncover that this place, my place, St. James Court and all its glory wouldn’t mean as much to me if it wasn’t for Lucy. Honestly maybe this was her gift to me, she knew what this place had to offer and she opened a whole new chapter for me. A chapter that is most welcome in my life and a chapter I wish to never close and to continue enjoying with my pup.

"The Stone Horse"

The section I was most drawn to in this short story is on page 10 section 3 paragraph 36. In this paragraph Lopez is sitting in his car gathering his thoughts and writing down everything he had seen and his reactions or in his words "drained my memory of the details it had fastened itself upon."  As he was sitting in the car he began to notice all the elements around him, the birds (the only movement in the desert he says) he hears to voices of children and the barks of dogs and at 7 in the evening the unwinding of a long day. I would consider this part to be the imagery part of descriptive writing, in my opinion i felt as if i was sitting right there next to him in the front seat listening and watching the same things he was.

A main cave in my life i would say was the group i hung out with in highschool. We did the same things everyday, and when we graduated from highschool I began to want to do other thing like go to college and move away. When I return home for break and visit my old friends I find them doing the same things we were doing back then.. nothing has changed for them while everything has changed for me. I find that they look at me different now they ask me questions about school, and ask me about living on my own and away from home. It's crazy to them to even think about them doing such things as going to college and moving away that they hang on my every word almost.
I believe since i have started researching my place that i do look at it in a different light, the memories i relive when i go there and the pictures that i take my mind places me in them from months ago. The sounds, the smells, the people I dont think i ever paid so close attention. now that i am it honestly makes me appreciate it even more than i had.

"Better to be the poor servant of a poor master, and to endure anything, rather than think as they do and live after their manner."
I believe what Socrates meant by quoting Homer was that he would rather live satisfied with what he had rather then value something that didnt matter. or vis versa

My Place

St. James Court is the place I have picked. The court is magical, and it holds a lot of wonderful memories for me I cant wait to share the beauty with everyone!

About Me!!

Good Morning U of L!!

My name is Jessica, I am currently a communication major here at the university. I am 20 years old, I love life and everything it has to offer. I am a very out going person and am not afraid of anything. I always look at the positive side of any situation and appreciate the small things in life. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio but have had the wonderful chance to move all over the east and midwest. Most would view this as a hassle or a strain on a childs development, however I loved these experiences. I really believe I wouldn't be the person I am today if it hadn't been for all the moving around, and I wouldn't change myself for anything or anyone. As for my future 5-10 years from now I see myself working up the ladder and becoming a anchor for CNN. Current events, politics, world issues and anything the pertains to national and international news I have a passion for. My writing background I believe is fairly good, there is always room for improvement and I am always willing to learn more to better myself.

My definition of place would have to be a space where anything can come together and share an interest in something.