Crescent Hill Community Council

2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Cynthia Thomas, President
Barry Creech, Secretary
Taylor Mayer, Treasurer
Mark Gaff, Past President

Crescent Hill Neighborhood History

The history of CRESCENT HILL can be traced back to the original pioneer road of the 1780s. Upgraded as the Louisville-Lexington Turnpike in 1817, it is today’s Frankfort Avenue. With the coming of the Louisville Frankfort Railroad line in 1849, Crescent Hill became a true suburb. Early structures were joined by splendid homes as many prominent Louisvillians chose the area as the location for their “summer residences.”

In 1853, at the site of the current Crescent Avenue, the Fairgrounds were constructed and for 20 years hosted state and national expositions. The stately Crescent Hill Reservoir and Park were constructed in 1879 and are still a mecca for residents today.

By the time of WWI most of the homes in Crescent Hill as well as the churches, the firehouse, the library, the water tower, St. Joseph’s Orphans’ Home and Emmet Field School had been built. Later construction included the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Crescent Movie Theater, Ursuline College, the Crescent Hill Golf Course and Barret Junior High School. By 1922, all of Crescent Hill had been annexed into the City of Louisville.

Crescent Hill residents have always been dedicated to their community. As early as 1908 the Crescent Hill Improvement Club published the illustrated Beautiful Crescent Hill as a prospectus to encourage others to buy homes in the rapidly growing suburb. Six years later, the Crescent Hill Forward Club was formed to address neighborhood problems. Community spirit was promoted by the Crescent Hill Community Club which was active for many years.

The early work of these groups is being continued today through the efforts of the
CRESCENT HILL COMMUNITY COUNCIL.

CRESCENT HILL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Incorporated in 1966, the Council is dedicated to the preservation of the neighborhood atmosphere. Following the devastating tornado of April 3,1974, the Council coordinated the successful efforts by residents to renovate, restore and replant their beloved community.

More recently, the Council republished Beautiful Crescent Hill with current photographs accompanying the original illustrations, replaced the bricks on historic Peterson Hill, acquired the PetersonDumesnil House to serve as the center for neighborhood activity and also acquired six wooded acres adjoining Peterson Hill to be preserved in their natural state. The Council distributes newsletters regularly to over 3,200 homes and businesses and sponsors a number of neighborhood events.

The Crescent Hill Neighborhood Plan, developed by the Crescent Hill Community Council and adopted by the Board of Aldermen in 1987, insures that the current character of the neighborhood will be preserved and maintained for future generations.

Yesterday’s Summer Home - Today’s Gathering Place

The Peterson-Dumesnil House, located at 301 S. Peterson Avenue, in the heart of Crescent Hill, is rich in local history and a stately asset to the community. Of ltalianate design, the Victorian home was the summer residence for the Peterson and Dumesnil families for six generations.

The House, built in 1869, was purchased by the Board of Education in 1948 and leased to the Crescent Hill Community Council in 1977. In 1982, the newly formed Peterson-Dumesnil House Foundation Inc., a 501c3 corporation, raised over $165,000 to purchase the home. The Foundation continues to manage the home making it available to community, corporate and civic groups. The House may be rented at reasonable rates for seminars, meetings, weddings and receptions, day or evening hours, with all profits being used for continual restoration.

The House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Louisville Landmark.

The Peterson-Dumesnil House could be the perfect setting for your next special event. Enjoy yesterday’s grandeur today. Call (502) 895-7975(502) 895-7975 for rental information.  http://www.petersondumesnil.org/

Email Website Coordinator: Barbara Koch- McGee
historian@crescenthill.us