The event was a huge success and drew large crowds all day.
Street signs announcing the event drew many to the Theatre |
Hundreds of people enjoyed the historic displays throughout the day |
Midway Living History Day was an informal ‘show-and-tell’ affair, with displays showcasing a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents primarily from the private collections of citizens. Over 20 organizations and individuals set up tables and shared their collections with an appreciative crowd.
Helen Rentch, founder of the Midway Living History Committee, displayed her collection from Parrish Hill Farm |
(L to R) Dan Roller, Adele Dickerson,
Donna Farmer, and Helen Garner review
a row of historic displays
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The displays included Midway’s African American schools and churches, Midway College, the cemeteries, the railroad, the Midway Historic District, Parrish Hill Farm, audio and video history projects, and much much more. See the complete list below.
Sarah Wilson, Director of Public Relations at Midway College, hugs historian Margaret Ware Parrish. (Sarah brought 'Wilson' to be autographed) |
Doris Leigh, incoming City Council member, visits with Coach Ed Allin, the first Midway Living History Honoree
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FREE on-site scanning services were offered during the event ~ creating digital images of photographs and documents to establish an inventory Midway's historical items.
Gretchen Portwood offered her skills in scanning historic documents |
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the first annual Midway Living History Award. Coach Ed Allin, the first coach in Kentucky to put African-American basketball players in a varsity game in 1956, was honored in a ceremony that included presentations from his former players along with Resolutions from state, county, and city governments congratulating him on this honor.
Ken Alexander (with microphone) presenting the first Midway Living History Award to Coach Ed Allin (center) |
Woodford County Judge Executive John Coyle (L) presents the County's Resolution of Congratulations to Coach Ed Allin (R) as a current Woodford County High School player looks on |
(L to R) Lonnie Jackson, Herbert Bush, Coach Allin, William "Peaches" Bland, and Fred "Jumping Jack" Jackson - former players
returned to celebrate with their Coach |
(L to R) William Bland, Herbert Bush, Fred Jackson, WCHS player John Miller, Lonnie Jackson, and Coach Ed Allin.
Mr. Jackson read a poem written by his daughter,
Desiree Jackson, and dedicated to Coach Allin
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Enjoying the Award Presentation are (clockwise from right) Brenda Jackson, Cora Emma Washington, Drucilla Darneal, and Helen Garner |
Ken Alexander, who organized the Award Presentation to Coach Allin, also shared his collection of memorabilia from the
1937 State Championship Basketball Team. Mr. Alexander is writing a book about Midway and Kentucky Basketball. |
Following the Award Ceremony, visitors continued to browse and share on this historic day.
Burnie Wall (L) shares his collection of historic books and documents with Phil Dare (center) and Bill Penn (R). Bill, a local historian and author, had a display of artifacts from the Midway Museum, Inc.,
on whose board he serves |
Drucilla Darneal (L), a founding member of Midway Renaissance, chats with Cora Emma Washington, whose oral history video interview was presented throughout the day. |
Betty Ann Voigt (seated at left) and Reverend Mary Weese discuss the history of Midway Presbyterian Church with a young visitor. |
Doris Leigh (L) and Carolyn Logan shared a display of artifacts
from the Midway Public School |
Amy Perry and Bob Rouse presented a display of images and documents related to the Midway Historic District's National Register status, a project their mother guided to success in 1978. |
A small sign on the display above reads, "It’s been 30 years since the Midway Historic District was placed on the National Register. Updating the nomination and expanding the district will put the potential of tax credits within reach of many people who right now are not eligible or whose eligibility is sketchy. Kentucky Heritage Council staff is available to guide the process
if the community is interested."
Are YOU interested?
Members of the Midway Living History Committee may elect to pursue this important project. Contact Becky Moore, Committee Chair, if you would like to participate.
Special Thanks and Appreciation go to:
John & Jim McDaniel for generously hosting this event at the historic Thoroughbred Theatre
The Board of Midway Renaissance, Inc. for their guidance and support
Helen Rentch for giving birth to this initiative
The Midway Living History Committee for their great ideas and volunteer time
Becky Moore, Committee Chair, for her tireless enthusiasm and organization
Ken Alexander for organizing the Award Program
honoring Coach Ed Allin
Marcie Christensen for her talent, time, and help
with advertising, design and distribution
Danna Estridge of the Woodford County Historical Society for her advice on appropriate
handling of historic documents and artifacts
Our Elected Officials — Representative Ben Chandler, Senator Julian Carroll, Representative Carl Rollins, Woodford County Judge Executive John Coyle,
Magistrate Larry Craig, Midway Mayor Tom Bozarth and Versailles Mayor Fred Siegelman
with Extra Special Thanks to All Our Presenters!
Woodford County Historical Society
African American Schools in Midway
African American Churches —
St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal
Pilgrim Baptist
Second Christian Disciples of Christ
Cora Emma Washington - a Video Interview
National Register—The Midway Historic District
Parrish Hill Farm
Midway Museum, Inc.
Midway College
Midway’s Sports Program
1937 Basketball Champions
Memories of Walter T. Bradley
Midway Woman’s Club
Margaret Ware Parrish, Historian
Weisenberger Mill
Midway Public School Alumni
Steele Davis, Historian
Midway Presbyterian Church
Midway Christian Church / Burnie Wall
Jim Curtis Photographs
and Midway Renaissance, Inc.
with gratitude to Randy Thomas, President, for all the photos above
The Committee always welcomes your participation!
Contact Committee Chair - Becky Moore (846-4237) or
Helen Rentch (846-5065) |
