In 1888, the widow Mary Wedekind built a home for
herself and her children at what was then 2517 W. Walnut St. In the decades
since, the home, its families, and the surrounding neighborhood have undergone
numerous changes which both reflect and parallel shifts designed and
experienced by the wider Louisville community. In celebration of Historical Preservation
Month, Dr. Gabe Jones, Jr. and Kaila Washington explore these shifts through
the lens of the aforementioned home they are renovating to become their home in
the Russell neighborhood. The home is a brick Victorian gem with a unique
architectural combination of high Victorian Eastlake and Gothic influences.
Through the process of returning the home to its former glory, Gabe and Kaila
have become enamored with the history of the home, its caretakers, and the
Russell neighborhood. They will be discussing this history, as well as
the victories and challenges they have encountered on their journey to
preserving and restoring the structure and its stories.
Dr. Gabe Jones and Kaila Washington are proud
residents of the Russell neighborhood. Dr. Jones is an assistant
professor and researcher at the University of Louisville School of Public
Health and Information Sciences. Kaila is PhD Student at the University
of Louisville and a flute player in the 100th Army Band.