Current Info: 

 

 

7/2/2007 - New Historical Documents Surface. The  Architect of The Harbor is  Identified.

 

We were aware early on that the National Archives held more than 100 pages of documentation on the planning and construction of The Harbor. Although  firm hired by WDC/Poe to "expedite" the official historical review of The Harbor for the USACE was informed of the existence of these documents, there is no evidence that any of this information was investigated. The official report that ultimately excluded The Harbor from further consideration as a historically significant site ( see A HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEY OF THE LOUISVILLE MUNICIPAL BOAT HARBOR ) clearly indicated that except for a major effort to minimize the impact of the information available at the time; most of which was only available on this website, no serious additional research was performed. We have long asserted that this report was a preconceived instrument designed to invalidate the obvious cultural and historical significance of this valuable public asset, subvert The National Historic Preservation Act, and inappropriately facilitate the destruction and privatization of The Louisville Municipal Harbor. ( see Louisville Municipal Harbor Survey Comment ) It was the best report that money can buy...

 

In an effort to insure that the true facts are known, we contacted the National Archives and secured this information ourselves. It answer many questions surrounding the planning and execution of the original design and brings to light the role of several otherwise unnamed individuals involved in it's conception and implementation. Here are a few of these facts:

 

The project was superintended by J. B. Wilson, Chief Engineer of The City of Louisville. The earliest documents are dated 1934.

 

The design was commissioned by and supervised by Roy W. Burke, Director, Board of Public Works, Louisville, KY

 

The initial design is attributed to the architectural firm Arrasmith & Wichmeyer of Louisville KY who are best known for the numerous Greyhound bus Terminals designed in the art-deco style built in the 30's and 40's. The first of these was built here in Louisville at 5th and Broadway and were among the ultimate examples of this genre. Although the Louisville terminal was demolished in the 70's, at least one surviving structure in Evansville IN is listed on The National Register of Historic Places and many others are now protected as treasures nationwide. The design firm has evolved throughout the years and still exists as Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan.... possibly the oldest and most honored architectural firm in the state.

 

The primary architect was Fred H. Elswick of what was later to become known as Arrasmith, Wichmeyer, & Elswick . A short biography of Mr. Elswick can be seen HERE.

Contrary to the picture painted by Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation and Poe Companies through their well paid contractors, the true value of the Louisville Municipal Yacht Basin (as it was known at the time) to the citizens of Louisville Metro can best be seen in this Letter of Thanks from The City of Louisville to the KY Administrator of the WPA. 

Other documents in this collection are from Harry Hopkins, National Director of the WPA, The U S Corps of Engineers, and The Secretary of the Army... among others. Selected excerpts will be posted on this website as time permits.