As a frequent traveler along Interstate 64 eastbound, usually traveling to Virginia and points beyond, I’ve passed through Boyd County, Kentucky at least 100 times. But I’ve spent very little time in Ashland, its largest town, and the downtown streets are definitely worth wandering. Last fall, I played pedestrian for an hour or so in Ashland, and when I came upon the Timothy Fields House, it was all I could do to stay on my feet (if I’d been in my car, I would have stopped in the middle of the road, and who knows what accidents may have occurred?).
The late 19th century Fields House, Ashland, Kentucky.
The tendency of architecture in the Victorian period toward embellishment could find no better pupil of that lesson than this massive brick and stone pile.
Detail of the onion dome roofed tower.
Often, it is a subtle detail on a building that catches my fancy, and the story that compels me to write. Sometimes, though, it is an over-the-top and quite delicious piece of architecture that makes me goggle and stare.
Side elevation.
Fields, the co-owner of the Crump and Fields wholesale grocery business in Ashland, had this eclectic Queen Anne dwelling built in the late 19th century. Constructed at the corner of Winchester Avenue and 17th Street, the three story dwelling was moved in 1919 to its current location.
That’s right. Moved. Wouldn’t you like to see images of that engineering marvel?
The Fields House, circa 1977. Photograph by Edward Chappell; image from the NRHP files at the Kentucky Heritage Council.
Gables, dormers, chimneystacks, dentils, arches, and that wonderful onion domed tower – I may not known much of anything about the story of Mr. Fields and his remarkable house – but I know he was aiming to impress the residents of Ashland.
This would be my favorite nook.
The wrap-around porch was added after the house was moved in 1919 – but you know me and porches…I am never going to complain about adding such a feature!
Ashland is on my list of return trips – who knows what other piece of historic architecture might stun me next time?
The county seat for Boyd County is Cattlettsburgh, rather than Ashland. I was born and raised in Ashland. If you drive down nearby Bath Avenue on the west side of Central Park, you will see other spectacular 19th and early 20th century houses.
Catlettsburg is correct! Sorry about that – I should have been more careful.
WOW!!
Where is this located in Ashland?
Central Avenue and 16th Street
Love it! One of my favorite houses in my hometown of Ashland. I used to get my hair cut and styled there in the 1970s-80s when Carl and Dorothy Crace lived there and ran Carl’s Style Room from the first floor. My mother, also an Ashland native, was the one who told me about how it was moved there. She remembered seeing it done as a child. Ashland is full of beautiful architecture and I never appreciated it until I moved away and discovered that not all towns are as lovely as it is.
Tje house was moved by mule. They were not allowed to move over the railroad tracks and the house sat for some time a half block from current location because of tracks. One morning everyone in town woke up to the house being moved anyway. No one took responsibility for moving over the tracks, that would have been a crime. So instead it was a called a Miracle and unknown mystery.
That is such a great story! Thank you for sharing!
Double WOW!
That thing is a beautiful wonder! I can’t imagine trying to move that, nor can I imagine trying to flash all those shingle/chimney/slate/nook joints to keep the moisture out!
Janie-Rice, do you know anything about those two big Vics on the right side of 627 just outside Winchester on the way to Paris? One it abandoned and I’ve been sadly watching it go down hill for years now…
Yes, actually! Out-of-state owner on the abandoned one – the other one I think is for sale? I should do a post about the slowly moldering one…
The Camayo Arcade between Winchester and Carter and 15th and 16th street is also beautiful
When you are in Ashland go to Camayo Arcade located between Winchester and Carter Avenues and between 15th and 16th Streets. It is a beautiful place
If I’m correct, a Dr. Scott had his practice there at one time. I’m guessing late 50’s early 60’s.
I grew up in this house and continue to have it pop up in dreams pretty consistently even today. I now live in Louisville. My two brothers and I had bedrooms up in the “attic”. Our father and grandfather finished off the space for our rooms and there was still enough space left for an unfinished attic bigger than most homes have. The woodwork was unbelievable. There were spare stained glass windows found stored in the attic. I now have one hanging in my home. It was a wonderful home to grow up in. I also married in the foyer of the house in 1976. Thanks for saying such nice things about our home.
There’s a beautiful home that is on prospect ave and chestnut. Give it a drive by when you’re in town again!