Anytime a building was worthy of inclusion on a postcard, as Louisville’s U.S. Post Office and Customs House was here, it qualifies as a landmark. | Image via Wikimedia Commons
The former U.S. Post Office and Customs House was built at the intersection of 4th and Chestnut streets in 1892. The stone structure stood five-stories tall with an ornamental steeple on its southwest corner, which could be seen from miles around. Imagine seeing that from Fourth Street Live! instead of the apartmentsthere today.
At the time, the federal building was considered such a magnificent piece of Derby City architecture that it even appeared on postcards.
It housed government offices and served as a post office for ~40 years. Inside, its towering atrium was used for public events, like galas and concerts.
The atrium, seen here decorated for a concert and gala in 1900, served as a place for public events.
In 1933, with the need for more space, the offices all moved three blocks away to the newly built Gene Snyder Federal Building on Broadway. In the midst of the Great Depression, the old building sat vacant for a decade and became known as Louisville’s most grand pigeon roost, which isn’t exactly postcard-worthy. It was demolished in 1943.
Fun fact: Demolition of the building created materials used in the American World War II effort. Here’s a breakdown:
9 million tons of iron + steel
80,000 lbs of copper
20,000 lbs of brass, bronze, and lead
This corner in downtown Louisville was once occupied by the U.S. Post Office and Customs House, Lincoln park, and a department store.
Following demolition, the land briefly became an urban green space, called Lincoln Park, until 1950. Then it was occupied by department stores through the 1970s and converted into offices through the 2010s.
“Let’s Get Lost” at Speed Cinema | 6 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | $8+ | See a new 4k digital restoration of “the finest jazz movie ever made,” a documentary on trumpet player Chet Baker.
Shrek Halloween Rave | 9 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $22+ | See the viral Shrek hologram live in person at this 18+ Halloween party and rave.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Out of the Darkness Walk | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Waterfront Park | Free | Join others in a journey of remembrance, hope, and support that acknowledges the ways suicide and mental health affect our lives.
Disney Jr. Live On Tour | 4 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $39.50+ | See your kid’s favorite cartoon characters and superheroes come to life on stage.
ColorFest | 10 a.m.-4 p.m | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum | $0+ | Enjoy music, food, and hands-on activities, including mud pie kitchen, giant slides, pumpkin rolling, and more while also experiencing new activities that elevate the science of color in nature.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Hayride in Iroquois Park | 2-5 p.m. | Iroquois Park | Free | Jump on the wagon and take a tour through the park enveloped by the autumn leaves + enjoy lawn games, kids activities, and food trucks.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Northeast Family YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot | 9-11 a.m. | Northeast Family YMCA | $40 | Don’t miss out on this 54th annual local tradition presented by Publix featuring a 5k and Kids’ Trot held rain or shine — all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal.*
Early voting started yesterday and runs through tomorrow, Nov. 2. Read our guide to find your nearest polling location + get a sneak preview of your ballot. Pro tip: Even-numbered Metro Council districts are up for election this year — do you know which district you’re in?
Traffic
After all these years. All lanes of the Sherman Minton Bridge are now open in both directions on weekdays. The project will be complete after a brief inspection later this month, and any remaining construction activites that require blocking traffic will be done on nights or weekends. (WHAS11)
Legacy
Anoosh Shariat, the award-winning chef behind Noosh Nosh and Anoosh Bistro, died this week. Shariat retired in May, after opening multiple LOU restaurant staples. There will be a “Going Away” party to celebrate Shariat’s life at Gilda’s Club on Grinstead Drive this Sunday, Nov. 3, 3-6 p.m.
Cause
JCPS is looking for donors for its Adopt a Family Winter Program. Sponsors are asked to donate $100 worth of gifts or gift cards per child. Gifts can be dropped off at the JCPS Camp Edwards from Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6. Register online to become a sponsor.
Coming Soon
A new soda + mocktail shop is opening on Frankfort Avenue this month in the former James’ Fruit Market building. Fizz District will feature mocktails, homemade sodas, fruit seltzers, lemonade, and espresso, along with breakfast food. (Louisville Business First)
Listen
The Louisville Cardinals are gearing up for their toughest challenge of the season against the Clemson Tigers, ranked No. 1 in the ACC. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Don’t let holiday travel turn you into a Grinch this season. With the holiday travel season about to take off, we’re sharing tips + tricks to help you navigate your next trip out of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). Safe travels, Louisville.*
Sports
The 2024 USL Championship Playoffs are headed to Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2. LouCity will take on North Carolina FC in the the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. — grab tickets.*
Community
ColorFest returns to Bernheim Forest Saturday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 3 (yes, that’s this weekend). Celebrate the season with family-friendly fun, live music, delicious food and drink, and hands-on activities for all ages, including a mud pie kitchen, giant slides, pumpkin rolling, and more. Get tickets.*
Finance
Inflation may be cooling, but car insurance premiums aren’t. Why? All insurance is now priced in real-time — so repair times, parts shortages, and credit scores all play a part in the final price. Take Money’s questionnaire on your best car insurance experience to see if you can save.*
The Buy
The Buy
A whole room space heater. Save $30 on a small but mighty space heater with a focus on safety — it has tip-over protection, a cool touch case, and will automatically shut off if overheated.
If the U.S. Post Office and Customs House were still in operation today, it would be gearing up for its busy season. In 2022, the USPS processed 12 billion packages during the holiday season, and UPS tops out at over 30 million packages per day worldwide during its peak season. No wonder it’s one of LOU’s top employers.
