Photojournalism
Below is a collection of written stories and their accompanying photos.
Community Strong
In downtown Frankfort, a friendly trolley driver invites riders aboard, regulars order their usual, a dog eats pizza scraps, witches cross the street, musicians jam together.
“It’s visiting grounds,” Kelsey Damron said. Damron, a tour guide at the Old Capitol, said downtown Frankfort is a welcoming place. “[There are] opportunities all around.”
On Main Street and the surrounding roads, there are coffee shops, bakeries, small businesses, bourbon shops and more. Downtown is home to many events: In just three days, downtown Frankfort boasted a musicians’ jam fest at Sig Luscher, a Witches’ Night Out Friday the 13th celebration, and the city’s annual Pride festival.
“All roads lead here,” Damron said, standing in the rotunda of the Old Capitol.
That was historically true: General James Wilkinson, who owned most of the land that became Frankfort, wanted all roads in the city he was co-founding to lead to a town square. Later, the Capitol was built there because of its position in the middle of town.
“It’s impressive, it’s historic,” Damron said.
And it’s friendly— because the business owners and residents are.
Bill Kirkland and his wife live in a house on Crown Point Drive that gives a panoramic view of downtown Frankfort. The couple is happy to share the view with others.
“I just own the property,” Bill said. “I don’t own the view.”
A Vet’s Life
When Dr. Josh Brown passes someone on the street in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, he likely knows their name— and their dog’s name, too.
After 10 years as a veterinarian at The Animal Clinic off North Main Street, Brown has treated many of the pets in Lawrenceburg.
One was Kylo, a black labradoodle who needed surgery for a twisted stomach. After doing the surgery, Brown kept Kylo overnight to monitor his recovery. When Brown arrived at the clinic the following morning, Kylo had died. As he does with all the patients he loses, Brown signed a sympathy card for Kylo’s family.
In addition to the smaller animals at the clinic, Brown also treats larger animals, such as goats at Kentucky State University’s farm and animals at Salato Wildlife Center. Lawrenceburg appealed to him because of its proximity to Salato; Brown once wanted to be a wildlife veterinarian.
Soon, Dr. Brown will take over the clinic from his mentor Dr. Keith Jacoby. Brown is excited but apprehensive.
He balances his vet work with a busy home— a wife, three kids, two dogs, three cats, and eight head of cattle.
“If you would have asked me at age 20 if I’d be where I am right now 20 years later, I think I’d be very pleased with a wife and kids and a veterinary practice and a house and a small farm— and somewhat managing it all,” Dr. Brown said with a laugh. “So, yeah, I’m very pleased at where we are.”
The Bookstore that Survived
For 43 years, Poor Richard’s Books has been going strong on West Broadway Street in downtown Frankfort. Mrs. Elizabeth “Lizz” Taylor, 71, moved from New Jersey to Kentucky in 1975 and opened Poor Richard’s in 1978. Poor Richard’s inventory includes calendars, cups, tea, plushies, magnets, finger puppets, gift books, mints, bookmarks, postcards, gift cards… oh, and of course books of all kinds. The bookstore’s attic is full of old books with a variety of topics. A kids section with picture books for little ones to read includes a fish tank in the back corner.
Taylor is very involved in the downtown area and the people in it. She is part of a group that talks about upcoming downtown events and how they will affect business in the area.
The last book she read was The Beatryce Prophecy, a young adult novel by Kate DiCamillo. The book begins with a monk’s prophecy that a young girl will come unseat the king and everything will change. No one believed it because she was a girl. Taylor said she is hopeful because this kind of writing supports young girls and helps shape their future.
“It is a perfect book for girls coming of age,” she said. “After I finished it, I sent it to a young 12-year-old I know.”
