Berry Hill Mansion

10/27/2023

Another history lesson brought to you by Berry Hill! Back in the 40s, checks looked the same as they do now (almost) but were processed a lot different! Now, we see our check image via our mobile banking app. Then, the bank cashing/depositing the check would stamp it paid with the date, along with their stamp on the back where it was signed. The checks were then mailed back to the person who wrote the check. There a whole stack of these from the month of December!

10/25/2023

With the Governor announcing new ownership and hopeful renovations to the Capital Plaza Hotel, I thought it would be fun to revisit what once was! Below is the New Capital Hotel after it was rebuilt following a fire that destroyed what once was the original Capital Hotel (built around 1900). The new hotel was finished in 1922 by famous architect Leo Oberwarth. Currently still standing, it is the home of Whitaker Banks downtown office.

10/20/2023

As mentioned in my previous post, the Berrys adopted daughter Cornelia married Mr. James Roberts (below on the right). James Roberts and his siblings, Holbert and Marion, owned many store front buildings in Utica, New York. At least one of these store fronts was rented to the Neisner Brothers, owners of Neisner Brothers Inc who opened a general store there. Their yearly rent for a storefront in Utica was $6000. 🤯

10/20/2023

Packing some more of my office today for our big upcoming renovations and you all know what that means! A little history lesson!
The Berry’s never had children of their own. They adopted Mrs. Berry’s niece, Cornelia, who was born in Juniper Hill, when she was around the age of seven. Cornelia went to private school and grew up to marry a prominent lawyer named James O. Roberts. Before building a house on Juniper Hill, they live in the Ziegler House at 509 Shelby Street. This picture is, right to left, Cornelia Roberts, G.F. Berry and Mary Berry (back), Cornelia’s sons, and an unknown couple (possibly Mr. Roberts parents).

10/19/2023

Some older pictures of Juniper Hill from when the Berry’s lived in the home. The first is the stone wall that line either side of the driveway. The original entrance to the Mansion started on what we know as Taylor Avenue, went up Louisville Hill where guests then entered Juniper Hill Estate at the gates we currently use today. Guests were then driven to the back entrance of the house and were let out at the back entrance on the “carriage step”. You can still see the original stone work from the drive way on Louisville Road.
The other pictures below show friends and family gathered in the back yard (what we consider the front) along with a photo of Mr. Berry and his daughter Cornelia. It’s interesting to see how it was used then compared to how it is used now. Many of my brides have made their way out of the “back” door, down the aisle to wed their partner on that same lawn.

10/19/2023

Preparing for taxes in the 1930’s meant keeping a hand written record of your employees and their earnings. Listed below was their YTD earnings.

Fun fact: Mr. And Mrs. John Buckner worked for the Berry’s the majority of their lives. The Berry’s Juniper Hill home included living quarters for the Buckner’s and their family. When the city purchased Juniper Hill and it’s 400+ acres in 1952, they allowed the Buckners to continue living on the property and taking care of the home that became a tourist attraction. While the Buckner’s had their own home, John Buckner was noted for saying that they had “never spent a night away from the Big House.”

10/19/2023

As I’m packing my office, preparing for our upcoming renovations, I am finding some of the coolest stuff! The first picture is a poem, I suspect written on a whim as it lies in the back of an invitation book. The second picture is a newspaper clipping noting the “first large entertainment of the holiday season” at Juniper Hill. The last is the beginning of the invitation list of those invited to the Music Room debut in 1912. The Berrys were known throughout Frankfort for their parties and where known to invite Frankforts elite at the time. James E Pepper and his wife, former Governor McCreary and his wife, and for Governor Crittenden and his wife are just a few of the noted guest of these events.
Also, Berry Hill’s name used to be “Juniper Hill” because of the numerous Juniperous Virginias on the property. It wasn’t until the city purchased the home and land that it was renamed “Berry Hill” in ode to the Berrys. Our park that rests right beside the property, “Juniper Hill” carried on the original name of the land that Mr. Berry had so graciously given it.The last I found interesting as they named the rooms their house guests would be occupying. Which is currently the offices some of our state workers occupy now!

10/06/2023

Hello all! Berry Hill is getting ready to undergo an extensive renovation!! Historic Properties is excited to have this project underway but also sad that we won’t be able to book your events for an extended period of time. We are set to reopen in summer/fall of 2024, however, as for now, we will no longer be taking reservations for 2023 through mid 2024. If your event is already scheduled, don’t worry! We will be honoring those that have not already received notification of cancellation. We want to thank you all for your support and for making Berry Hill come to life with your events! Our lines will still be open (502-564-3000) to discuss any current events and any potential bookings once we reopen so don’t hesitate to give us a call or email us at [email protected]! Thanks again for your understanding and support during this time. We will notify everyone when our renovations are complete and when we open bookings back up!

10/04/2023

Last night we hosted a wonderful church group from Texas through our own Frankfort Tourisim! Before leaving, they sang a beautiful hymn, filling the music room with sounds of it’s past that are still ever present today.❤️

10/04/2023

Wonderful meal tonight from one of our local caterers, Terri’s Catering!

09/27/2023

DJ Junie is a legend around these parts! He did an awesome job Saturday!

09/25/2023

Everyone sees the picture on the left, not the one on the right…which is what the maintenance crew wants. Want to give a HUGE thank you to them! This crew consist of three people, a maintenance supervisor with two employees under him. They work so hard to make sure the house is clean and the venue is setup for your special events. They will pack up all these chairs later today just to bring them out again this weekend! Not only do they take care of our building, they have multiple others that they clean and maintenance weekly. THANK YOU for all you do! They keep this place shining and deserve all the kuddos!!

08/22/2023

ATTENTION COUPLES!! Kris Long’s Art did this amazing art piece of a beautiful wedding! What a special idea for your big day! You can message him here on Facebook for any inquiries you may have!

08/11/2023

Happy 5th anniversary! Also, check out Alyson Biggs Films! She did an amazing job here!

06/25/2023

What a great idea!

We’re so excited to now offer bouquet preservation!! A magical way to save your bouquet and have a forever memory of your special day!!!

06/01/2023

These sweet babies are waiting on their momma under the shade tree! Berry Hill has numerous wildlife hiding on the property. And sometimes, we’re lucky enough to see it!

05/09/2023

Good afternoon all! I’ve had quite a few inquiries regarding the availability of Berry Hill for prom photos this weekend, May 13th. Unfortunately, we will not be available. We have an event scheduled for that day and will not be open to the public. Thank you for understanding and everyone have a safe and fun prom this weekend!