Nancy O'Malley collection of research and architectural drawings for the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears House

Abstract

The Nancy O'Malley collection of research and architectural drawings for the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears House (dated 1895-2018, undated; 0.5 cubic feet; 2 folders, 1 flat file folder) comprises photographs, papers, and architectural drawings that document the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears house located at 221 Stoner Avenue in Paris, Kentucky.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Nancy O'Malley collection of research and architectural drawings for the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears House
Date
1895-2018, undated (inclusive)
Extent
0.5 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Architecture, Domestic.
Architecture, Domestic -- Kentucky -- Bluegrass Region
Historic buildings -- Conservation and restoration
Historic preservation -- Kentucky.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by format.
Finding Aid Author
Carol Street
Preferred Citation
2018ms045 : [identification of item], Nancy O'Malley collection of research and architectural drawings for the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears House, 1895-2018, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Woodford Spears (1869-1953) and his wife, Elizabeth Stephens Spears (1875-1975) were given the plot of land at 221 Stoner Avenue in Paris, Kentucky, at the time of their marriage in 1895 by her father, Charles Stephens, who lived adjacent to the property. The Spears hired architect John H. Erion (1859-1898) to build a stately, two-story, brick, Richardsonian Romanesque house on the site. The house was built in 1895 and the Spears family resided in the house until Elizabeth's death in 1975. The house was then kept in the family, but used as a rental property. In 1999, the house was sold to Stephen Wayne Estes and Nancy O'Malley Estes, who donated this collection of original architectural drawings, restoration photographs, and research on the Spears and the house. After extensive restoration, the Estes sold the house in 2014.
Woodford Spears was the son of Edward Ford Spears (1840-1907) and ran the family blue grass seed and agricultural business named Woodford Spears & Sons.
Scope and Content
The Nancy O'Malley collection of research and architectural drawings for the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears House (dated 1895-2018, undated; 0.5 cubic feet; 2 folders, 1 flat file folder) comprises photographs, papers, and architectural drawings that document the Woodford and Elizabeth Spears house located at 221 Stoner Avenue in Paris, Kentucky. The earliest materials in the collection are the original architectural drawings for the house that were drawn in 1895. These contain elevation and floor plans, as well as detail drawings for interior and exterior woodwork, such as porch railings, doors and door moulding, and window moulding and millwork. The more recent photographs and research notes were created by Nancy O'Malley, who bought the house in 1999. Photographs document the condition of the house and also specific renovation projects, such as the complete renovation of a bathroom. There is also a modern print of an older photograph, likely taken in the early 1900s. Research notes contain a brief history of the house, photocopies of information found online, Sanborn map photocopies, and photocopies of deeds related to the property.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Research notes and photocopies of documents concerning the property at 221 Stoner Avenue, Paris, Kentucky, 1895-2018

  • Box MS-45, folder 1
To top

House and property photographs of 221 Stoner Avenue, Paris, Kentucky, undated

  • Box MS-45, folder 2
To top

Architectural drawings by John H. Erion for 221 Stoner Avenue, Paris, Kentucky, 1895

UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.

UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

Requests

No items have been requested.



Submit a request for SCRC materials.




You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.