before wal mart in fern creek once stood a mansion (Bardstown: rental, houses)

[Desolate America]

Hello All,

I'm wanting to know if anyone has any information about a certain house that once stood where the wal mart now exists in fern creek off the Snyder and Bardstown Road. I know that this structure was razed quite some time ago, but any information on it would be helpful.

I grew up in the area and had a keen interest in the building and was heartbroken when they tore it down to build a Applebees and a Walmart. It really was one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen, and now wish I would have photographed it before it's demise.

I scoured the internet as best I could, but all I could come up with was this map of the area from 1913:
[url=http://digital.library.louisville.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/maps&CISOPTR=206&CISOSHOW=166]CONTENTdm Collection : Compound Object Viewer[/url]

The structure stood around where Cedar Creek forks shortly before it intersects with Bardstown Road. There are three Estates that it could have belonged to: Baker, Groves, and Bates. Internet searches on all these names have turned up nothing.

If anyone has any information it would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[WildBill1971]

If you live in Fern Creek, I would go to the library and look up the history of Fern Creek. Perhaps a historian may be able to help you out.

[Ralph Aldridge]

I believe the mansion you refer to is the Schmidt Estate. When I was in high school I worked for Mrs Schmidt as a grounds keeper. She and her late husband owned Coca-Cola in the tri-state area. The property ran from where the Walmart is currently to where the Gene Snyder ramp is currently.

There was the main house, A log cabin ballroom, and three green houses. A creek ran through the property and came out onto the edge of Bardstown road. The cabin could be seen from bardstown road. There was also a rental house that was on the far end. (Which would be right where the Gene Snyder expressway is now)

The rental house was used by the main grounds keeper. His name was T. Poole.

If I can help with any additional info, you can e-mail me at: [email]rets_ra@hotmail.com[/email]

I hope this helps.