Here’s a partial list of some of the “first things” that took place in Owensboro. First Home A log cabin built by Bill Smothers somewhere between 1797-1798. First Organ Used in Church The first organ used in church was at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on May 22, 1849. Note: An article from Aug 14, 1927 says Cumberland Presbyterian at St …
Old/New Street Names
I’ve been compiling this list of street names that have changed over time around Daviess County. These have come from various sources such as the PVA, newspaper articles, old maps, and contributors like you. If you have one to add, please contact us and help us source it so we can validate it. Don’t forget to join us in the …
Union Station
Built in 1905 and initially completed in 1906, this was the location of the Louisville, Henderson, and St. Louis depot. It represented and agreement between the Louisville, Henderson, and St. Louis; the Louisville and Nashville; and the Illinois Central railroads to provide Union Station for Owensboro. The plans were drawn up by John B. Hutchings and Henry F. Hawes, and …
Elite Pressing Club
It was a popular time for men’s high-end clothing in Owensboro in the 1890’s and early 1900’s. The Elite Pressing Club opened its doors on Dec 17th, 1903. This popular service was located at 303 Frederica St, just north of the current Kurtz Auction building. Rice E. Berkshire, Thomas Monarch, Goe Gens, and Chester A. LaRue were some of the …
Toll Roads Close
120 years ago today at 2pm, the last person passed through any tollgate in Daviess County. Prior to 1881, county roads were just mud and dust. The city started to gravel downtown roads around 1880. The county residents wanted to be included for the main roads leading to the city. Orders were made and work began in 1882. The Daviess …
The Executive Inn
In 1977, Bob Green opened the Executive Inn Rivermont at the foot of Cedar Street. It was the second largest convention center in the state at that time. The Showroom Lounge started hosting big-name entertainment from Nashville, Hollywood, and Las Vegas. Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beach Boys, Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, and former Beatle George Harrison were just a few …
Sts. Joseph & Paul Parish
St. Joseph Church was organized in 1870 by the German members of St. Stephen. Their first building, built in 1871 at Triplett and McFarland (9th) burned by a fire caused by lightning. In 1878, they bought a lot at the southeast corner of 4th and Clay and completed their new building in 1880. When St. Stephen Church couldn’t accommodate the …
Felix Grimes House
Address: 1301 Leitchfield Rd. Built: Early 1870’s Demolished: 2005 Felix Grimes came from Ireland to Pittsburgh, then Owensboro in 1867 and bought this property from a man who left town to go to California. He cut timber on the property about 1870 to build the two-story home. According to a Messenger-Inquirer article, it was a duplicate of his wife’s childhood …
Then & Now – Owensboro Drive-In
The Owensboro Drive-In operated from 1961-1978. It was located where Best Buy, TJ Maxx, AT&T and TGI Fridays once was.
Then & Now – Starlite Drive-In
The Starlite Drive-In opened in 1947. The car capacity was listed at 400 cars. It was initially operated by Anderson Theatres and finally by Malco Theatres. At one time, Malco Theatres dominated the market in Owensboro. The drive-in closed in 1988 when the screen was set on fire by vandals. Aerials below are 1950 and 2021.
