"Historic Places at the Crossroads"

6th Annual Preservation Week 2004 Photo-Essay Competition

Second Place: John Michael Jeffries

Title: Historic Stone Row Greensburg, Kentucky

Standing steadfast on the town square, Old Stone Row watches over sleepy downtown Greensburg. Old Stone Row is a collection of three separate buildings arranged in a row. Each building has a story to tell. Together they weave a fabulous tale of Greensburg and its history.

The land Old Stone Row sits on was either owned or later sold by Mr. James Allen. James Allen was a very influential man in his time. He was also somewhat of a Renaissance man. Some of his many professions are those of statesmen, teacher, lawyer, owner of the Independent Bank of Greensburg, senator, and representative. He shares a connection to each of the structures on Old Stone Row.

The Old Clerk's Office sits on the edge of the square. It was built in the year 1818, it is unique in the fact that it is one of the few detached clerk's offices. Whereas most clerk's offices were attached to the courthouse, or were located inside the courthouse, this one is separated several yards from the courthouse used at that time. It also served as Greensburg first classical school, the New Athens Academy, where James Allen taught. Though it is a simple one room, fifteen by eighteen foot structure, it holds a wealth of history. A few years ago, an archaeological excavation was performed under the footsteps of the building. Several artifacts were discovered, many of which were simple utensils or personal items. These artifacts are now on display in the office. In addition, according to local lore Reverend Howe helped slaves escape via Green River along the Underground Railroad, using the Clerk's Office as a safe haven.

Allen's Inn is the next building in the series. As the name suggests, it was owned by James Allen. It was built long before 1831, the year in which Allen bought the building. Its most celebrated guest, President Andrew Jackson, stayed here the night of Sept. 26, 1832, as he traveled from Washington to Nashville along the L&N Turnpike.

The Independent Bank of Greensburg, or Bank of the Commonwealth, was built in 1819. It was one of forty banks chartered in 1818. Sadly enough, it closed one year after opening. It did later serve as a branch of two other banks. James Allen served as President of the bank in its short tenure. He deeded the land to the bank for only one dollar. Together with Allen's Inn, the two buildings actually served as the Vaughn family's residence from 1877-1944. The white section between the buildings served as a connector between the two, and still stands today.

The preservation of Old Stone Row is essential. Along with the Old Courthouse, the buildings stand out because of their facades which are fashioned from local limestone. Of the three buildings, only one is owned by the city, that being the Old Clerk's Office. The architectural originality of the other two has been comprised somewhat as a result of private ownership. Allen's Inn is now a doctor's office. The Independent Bank is now a beauty salon. None of the original interior remains except for the bank vault. A doorway has also been sealed up through the years. By making these alterations, the historical dignity is corrupted somewhat. The buildings, especially ones of this age, no longer appear historic. Soon enough, they will go up for sale. Already Greensburg has had to purchase a property to save it from destruction. It is my hope that this will not be the case for Old Stone Row. At what cost does development come? It is my belief that we can always build new structures, but can never replace old ones. Only through the continuing efforts of those who care for the historical value of their towns can we preserve the memories of those that came before.

This essay and photograph(s) are the property of Preservation Kentucky, Inc. and Kentucky Heritage Council and that any use of the photo or essay must be approved by PK and KHC.