As one of Lexington’s first suburban residential developments of the 20th century, the Mentelle Neighborhood has a wealth and variety of period architecture. Come to the Bell House, 545 Sayre Ave., this Sunday, Nov. 5, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to learn more about it.
Janie-Rice Brother, a senior architectural historian at the University of Kentucky who lives on Aurora Avenue, will give a presentation about our neighborhood’s styles. She is a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker who writes the Gardens to Gables blog about vernacular architecture in the region. She will be happy to identify and discuss your house’s style if you bring along a photo.
Here’s a preview:
“The story of suburbanization – the spread of residential communities on the outskirts of a city – in America is a fascinating one. The streetcar suburbs that began forming in the late 19th century formed the foundation for the post-World War II suburbs that spread like wildfire (think ranch house, ranch house, ranch house). The Mentelle Neighborhood provides a perfect snapshot of the types and styles of domestic architecture that swept across neighborhoods in Kentucky from the late 19th century to World War II as cities grew outwards.
I’ve lived in two early 20th century suburbs in Lexington, and the breadth of historic house types in the Mentelle and Kenwick neighborhoods continues to delight me on a daily basis.
Although the rise in homeownership was not as dramatic as would occur in the post World War II period, this neighborhood came of age at a time when scores of people were moving into single-family homes for the first time – and the new housing types and styles seemed tailor made for the occasion. The bungalow, which is the predominant type in the neighborhood, was the antithesis of the Victorian architecture that preceded it. I’ll talk about types, plans, stylistic choices (or the seeming lack thereof), and how these growing early suburbs reflected societal changes in America.”
Light refreshments will be served. See you there.
Past President Shelley Fortune spoke about how she needed to resign the presidency in May after her husband was deployed in the military. She also discussed plans for organizing a home and garden tour in the summer of 2018 as an MNA fundraiser.
My house is a what?
Ninety seven percent of Cardinal Valley’s 700 students are on free or reduced-price lunch. Many students are learning English as a second language and, as such, face language barriers in getting resources.
The meeting will include a recap of the past year’s activities, a discussion of plans for the next year, an opportunity for members to contribute ideas and express concerns, and the election of officers and board members for the coming year.
Don’t forget the annual Mentelle Neighborhood picnic today, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the North end of the Mentelle Park median. All neighborhood residents are welcome: homeowners, renters, association members or not. Hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and the trimmings will be provided by the association and expertly cooked by Eddie Owens. Bring a dish to share.
This year, we will have street games. There also will be live music; neighborhood musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in. And the Lexington Fire Department will have a truck there on display and you can chat with firefighters.
The workshop will cover the