Walton in Boone County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Nicholas & Gertrude Blau House
c. 1931
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2024
1. Nicholas & Gertrude Blau House Marker
Erected by Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.
Location. 38° 51.995′ N, 84° 36.788′ W. Marker is in Walton, Kentucky, in Boone County. It is on Alta Vista Drive west of North Main Street (U.S. 25), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Alta Vista Dr, Walton KY 41094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ohio River Valley. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Walton Vernona Purple Heart Monument (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walton Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); Walton-Verona Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); C. Scott Chambers House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Walton CCC Camp Bean Ridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mayhugh-Hartman House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Richwood Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); Major John P. Gaines (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Abner Gaines House (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Skirmish at Snows Pond
this page online
Regarding Nicholas & Gertrude Blau House. Excerpts from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the house:
It is a distinctive example of the bungalow, the countys most popular house type of the early 20th century, which is notable for its low profile, pyramidal roof and arcaded porch. The house was built by George Nicholson, Boone Countys master builder of the early-to-mid-20th century, who constructed many residential, commercial and institutional buildings in Boone and Kenton counties during the 1920s through 1950s.
It was built c.1931 for plumber Nicholas S. Blau and his wife, Gertrude E. Blau. In 1931 the Blaus purchased Lots 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the Alta Vista Subdivision from George Nicholson, ostensibly for $1.00. The couple continued to own the house until 1944, when they sold it to C.S. and Kleo Vallandingham. The deed carried the restriction that no house could be built on the property valued at less than $4,000. C.S. Vallandingham owned an automobile dealership in Walton where Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and De Soto automobiles were sold. He was also a real estate developer active in buying and selling property in the Alta Vista and High School Court subdivisions during the 1910s and 1920s. Following her husbands death,Kleo Vallandingham asked for, and was granted, the right to take over the business, becoming the first woman in the county to run an automobile dealership.Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 20242. Nicholas & Gertrude Blau House Marker
Also see . . . Nicholas S. and Gertrude E. Blau House (PDF). National Register nomination for the house, which was listed in 2005. (Prepared by Margaret Warminski; via National Archives) (Submitted on July 3, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
