This image shows the bed and associated furniture used by one of the daughters of the Rowan family in the building known as My Old Kentucky Home.

The description states:
The Girls’ Room
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME
Bardstown, Kentucky
–This bed appears to be even wider than the one used by the mother in the previous posting, and includes a trundle bed shown emerging underneath the foot of the larger bed. Such beds were commonly used for younger siblings.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the elaborate and expensive two-poster bed that was used by Mrs. Rowan during the antebellum era.

The description states:
Mrs. Rowan’s Room
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME
Bardstown, Kentucky
–While the bed shows two pillows side-by-side, the bed is too narrow to accommodate two adults trying to sleep.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the kitchen of the building known as “My Old Kentucky Home”. It is not part of the larger “Federal Hill” structure, but is part of the original structure which was used while the more imposing home was constructed. It was attached to the newer building as construction was completed.

The description states:
Kitchen
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE SHRINE
Bardstown, Kentucky
Original wing, which includes this kitchen, was built in 1795 by John Rowan, Sr.
–The logs shown are considerably more massive than necessary for a proper cooking fire, as it was more common to position the pots above the flames instead of in front. The long handled spoons allowed stirring without close exposure to the open flames.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the dining room of Federal Hill, the building now known as “My Old Kentucky Home”, as it might have looked during the ante-bellum period when the song was composed.

The description states:
Dining Room, My Old Kentucky Home State Shrine, Bardstown, Kentucky.
Color Photo by Frank Shannon
–Since this time the mansion has been renovated twice, most recently in 2006, which included new wallpaper and other decorations which simulate the look of the house in the early 19th century.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the first floor parlor with a period piano on display in the building now known as “My Old Kentucky Home.”

The description states:
PARLOR AND PIANO
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Bardstown, Kentucky
The song “My Old Kentucky Home,” written by Stephen Collins Foster, was first played and sung in this room in 1852.
Color Photo by W. Ray Scott
–Many of the historical attributions, such as the one above, are poorly documented and may not have happened at all.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the front and side of the main building at the My Old Kentucky Home State Park. It was immortalized by the famous songwriter Stephen Foster in the last few years before the American Civil War.

The description states:
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE SHRINE
BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY
Federal Hill, known all over the world as “My Old Kentucky Home”, was built in 1795 by Judge John Rowan. The beautiful old mansion, now a state shrine, is open to visitors the year ’round.
In 1852, while a guest here, Stephen Collins Foster, a relative of the Rowans, was inspired to write his immortal [s]ong, “My Old Kentucky Home.”
Ektrachrome by Brock
–As the song is about the plight of African slaves, it has lyrics which are now considered insensitive, and have been expunged by order of the Kentucky Legislature.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the back yard and gardens behind the main building known as My Old Kentucky Home, after the song of the same name.

The description states:
Flower Garden
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME
Bardstown, Kentucky
–The building and grounds are now a state park.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This is a colored version of a famous photograph taken of the former President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who was President during the American Civil War.

The description states:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Sixteenth President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky in a log cabin on the Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgen’s Mill. From 1811-1816 he lived on the Knob Creek Farm near Hodgenville, Ky. From 1816-1830 grew up in Spencer County, Sother Indiana and moved to Illinois in 1830. In 1831-1837 spent six years in New Salem, where he was elected to the Legislature.
From 1837 to 1861 Lincoln lived in Springfield, Illinois, practiced law, served a term in Congress and in 1860 moved to the White House in Washington, D. C. and died on April 15, 1865.
–Oddly, the description does not note that his death was by assassination. This postcard was used and is dated 17 June 1961, but the original photo is from a century before.

This is an aerial image of the Bluegrass Lodge, located near Shepherdsville, KY. It is unusual in that it was constructed on the median between the lanes of traffic on the Kentucky Turnpike, now also known as Interstate 65.

The description states:
BLUEGRASS LODGE
15 Minutes South of Louisville
Between the Lanes of Kentucky Turnpike (I-65)
In Service Area
P.O. Box 601 – Shepherdsville, Ky.
Phone: (502) 543-2991
Each room completely soundproof, combination tub shower, twin double beds, TV, central heating and air-conditioning individually controlled. Large terraced swimming pool. Restaurant and service stations adjacent. Open 24 hours.
–Soundproofing was critical, as traffic noise was constant so near the turnpike. This lodge appears to have been affiliated with the Quality Inns chain from the sign at the left. It seems that this business has been replaced by another motel chain. This card dates from the 1950s.