Oldham County History Center

Oldham County History Center. . Rob Morris Educational Building – The Rob Morris Educational Building was constructed in 1880 as a Presbyterian church with land donated by Amanda Mount. Amanda's son, John, married Ruth Electa Morris, daughter of Rob and Charlotte Morris. Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Freemasonry of the 19th century and founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, attended this church saying: “There are two things dear to my heart, Freemasonry and my little Presbyterian church.” Morris gave lectures and sermons of the church and composed lyrics for hymns that were sung here. He came to LaGrange in 1860 as Professor of Ancient History for the Masonic University of Kentucky, located one block east of the church., Dahlgren Pioneer Barn – The Dahlgren Pioneer Barn was built in 2018 as an event center. It was designed by architect Gant Jones as a “dogtrot” structure. A dogtrot house historically consisted of two log cabins connected by a breezeway or “dogtrot,” all under a common roof. This design was used in southern states for cooling homes in hot summer months. The chimney is an example of an early American hearthstone fireplace made from hand-cut local limestone by Oldham County native and fifth generation stonemason, Jody Edgerton. The hearth is reflective of early “pioneer” cooking style, including a bread oven., – Thanks to the generosity of Nancy and Ken Dahlgren -, [Captions (clockwise from top left)] , . Dr. Rob Morris circa 1860 , . Rob Morris Educational Building circa 1880 , . The Masonic University of Kentucky in LaGrange circa 1841 , . Dahlgren Pioneer Barn interior