February 24, 2025
Douglass Elementary class moved, 1955
Mrs. R. A. Buford’s second-grade class from Douglass Elementary School began attending classes in the old Russell School building in January 1955 because their school was destroyed by fire on Jan. 1. Published in the Lexington Leader Jan. 6, 1955.
First day of school, 1959
First-graders at Leestown School met their teacher, Mrs. Joseph W. Webb, at the start of the school year in August 1959. Published in the Lexington Leader Aug. 28, 1959.
Toyota plant, Georgetown, 1986
This aerial view showed construction of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Scott County near Georgetown on Aug. 6, 1986. The plant, Toyota’s largest manufacturing plant outside of Japan, began production in May 1988, building the 1989 model four-cylinder Camry. Photo by Charles Bertram | Staff
“Bear” Bryant’s first Kentucky coaching staff, 1946
University of Kentucky head football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, left, with his first UK staff in spring 1946. From left, Bryant, Frank Moseley and Carney Laslie, all products of Alabama football; former Tennessee end Mike Balitsaris; and former Vanderbilt guard and team captain Joe Atkinson. The caption published in the Leader on April 16, 1946, said, “This is the first photograph of the complete lineup of the Wildcats’ new pigskin professors.”
UK Wildcats in Hawaii, 1985
In November 1985, the University of Kentucky basketball team traveled to Hawaii to play two games during Thanksgiving week. On Nov. 25, the off day between games with Chaminade and Hawaii, freshman Irving Thomas and junior Paul Andrews competed in a hula contest. Andrews was named the winner. Photo by Ron Garrison | Staff
Seized slot machines, 1948
Lexington patrolmen Gilbert Hay, left, and Jesse Williams Jr. stood with slot machines that had been seized on Aug. 8, 1948, in a raid at 401 East High Street.
Fayette County courthouse dome, 1944
In 1944, the interior of the Fayette County courthouse dome was repaired and painted. Workers put up scaffolding before making the repairs. Construction of the fifth Fayette County courthouse began in July 1898 and was finished Feb. 1, 1900. The courthouse was a Richardson Romanesque style, a three-story stone masonry building, with a dome, clock and cupola (with weather vane). In 1960 and 1961, the interior of the courthouse was extensively renovated to provide more courtrooms and offices. Those renovations included removing the interior “Y” stairs and closing off the dome. The last trial was held in the courthouse in 2002, and the Lexington History Center opened in 2003. During 2012, the courthouse was closed to the public because paint and asbestos were found in the upper floors. Proposals are under consideration to restore the courthouse to the original design. This photo was published in the Lexington Leader on June 29, 1944. Herald-Leader Archive Photo
Raglin family, 1983
The Raglin family on Dec. 15, 1983. John H. Raglin (center, seated) was the father of seven sons and one daughter. Six of his sons were ministers. Seated from left: Floyd B. Raglin, John H. Raglin and Earl B. Raglin. Standing from left: Robert L. Raglin, Thomas E. Raglin, Bennie O. Raglin, John C. Raglin and James E. Raglin. Photo by Frank Anderson | Staff
Millersburg Military Ball, 1960
Millersburg Military Institute cadets held their annual ball on April 9, 1960. The Grand March brought all cadets and their dates to the dance floor. The Military Ball was held annually by MMI Junior School, and music was furnished by the school orchestra.
Show pigeons, 1945
L.F. Rue, a Lexington grocer, with his trophy from the Jasper Pigeon Club and his champion Modena show pigeon. Published in the Lexington Leader Nov. 1, 1945.
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