The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1918-03-07
AN ACCOUNT
OF The Lancaster Graded School Propert,
Prior To Its Acquisition For Edu-
cationaI Purposes.

The clearing was made for Lancaster,
Ky, in 1876. One Paulding Of Lsncas-
ter. Pa. laid out the plan of the virgin
village. designing it after the pattern
of. and naming it for. his native city.
The property ON which stands the
Lancaster Graded School building from
earliest records has been worthily as
ISOLATED with the towns best aims,
first as a home and then as seat Of
education.
This property, then comprising fifty
acres, was acquired in 1918 by Judge
George Robertson. later Chief Justice
of State. a man who declined among
other positions Of national honor that
of Chief Justice of the United States.
On the site now occupied by the High
School Judge Robertson built a house.
first burning the brick on the place, his
family living during the time of its
erection in log cabin on the grounds.
There were memories Of Judge Robert
son playing his fiddle" here while his
young neighbors danced upon the green.
In that era Of log cabins and frame
buildings the new house seemed pal
ace. IL was a charming. rambling
house in Colonial style, Of red brick
and white trim. and with graceful fan
lights above door and windows. Each
owner added to the charm of the place.
Forest trees and Towering shrubs en-
powered the sweep of lawn. and every
fruit and berry and vegetable possible
to the climate grew in orchard and
garden.
James Kinnaird, Esq. a prominent
citizen of the town was the next owner
He IN turn disposed of the place in
lSis to the Hon. George w. Dunlap,
Congressman, and delegate to the Bor-
der State convention held in Frankfort
in 1861 His wife, Mrs. Nancy Jen-
nings Dunlap. of Revolutionary ances-
try, was Of superior intelligence and
culture and of many social graces; as
neighbor, friend, and woman Of light
and leading. her personality was i'm.
pressed upon the social life Of the
town. Her personal courage and pres
ence of mind made her a heroine in
irving situations during the Civil War.
Her home was known for its hospitality.
in the large way OF the old South. and
for its air Of elegance, and was rally
ing point for those of the town who
would advance education. Her library
was open to her friends, and the love
for literature with which she inspired
the young people of the classes that
met under her for instruction passes on
from generation to generation. This
was the home also of Mrs. Eugenia
Dunlap Potts, the elder daughter Of
Mr.. and Mrs. Dunlap. woman of much
personal charm. literary. and Of many |
an inspirer of youth.
She was a pioneer among women in
newspaper work in Kentucky, and
prolific writer of verses and stories.
Upon the death of Mr.. Dunlap the
property was occupied by Judge George |
Denny, husband Of Mr.. Dunlsp's sec
ond daughter. Mary. Judge Denny
held numerous Offices in the gift of the
county. and upon his removal to Lex
ington became foremost lawyer Of
that bar, and received national recog- |
milton as one Of the leaders Of the Re-
publican party in his State. Judge
Denny was first cousin to the Hon.
Lewis Y. Lesvell, benefactor Of the
Lancaster Graded School.
At the removal Of the Denny family
from Lancaster, the property closed its
history as home ana marked its be-
ginning as a seat Of education passing
in 1884 into possession OF syndicate
organized for the establishment Of
Garrsrd Female College.