This building on Mary Street was built on top of a 19th century trash dump — aka a midden. | Image via WHAS11
For artist + archaeologist Patrick Donley, the adage, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure” isn’t just a saying, it’s become an avocation.
For the last five years, Donley has been digging through a pile of rubbish buried under a house in the Germantown neighborhood, gleaning bits of history all along the way.
Called the Mary Street Midden Project, Donley plans to turn the building into a museum, once he’s done digging.
Donley purchased the property on Mary Street — located one door down from Phalcha Coffee — in 1995, to house his art studio. He had no idea at the time, however, the treasure trove of artifacts that lay just a few feet below his feet.
Here’s sampling of what Donley has found buried in the dirt:
Ceramic plates
Silverware
Over 1,000 glass bottles
Handguns
Children’s toys, including hundreds of porcelain dolls
Donley has found ~1,000 glass bottles, including those from local bourbon distilleries that still exist today.
Image via WHAS11
Donley estimates that the midden — that’s an old fashioned word for dump — was used for ~50 years, from the 1870s through the early 1920s. Back in those days, the Germantown neighborhood was located on the outskirts of Louisville.
He hasn’t done it all alone, though. Donley had the helping hands — or paws? — of a groundhog named Phyllis who helped to literally uncovered the past. It was Phyllis, in fact, who got the whole project started by kicking up artifacts buried under the basement slab, right as Donley was considering selling the place.
Donley will speak about the project at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Branch on Monday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register ahead of time to get a seat for the free talk.
Scary-oke | 8 p.m. | Hauck’s Corner | Free | Dress in costume and sing your favorite Halloween tunes for the chance to win prizes.
Papadosio | 8 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $20+ | This Asheville, NC-based five-piece jam band has a rabid following — so the atmosphere will be lively at this show.
Friday, Nov. 1
Life is a Carnival | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $49.50+ | Hear hits from The Band performed in the spirit of the legendary group’s 1976 Thanksgiving concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Gnomes and Trolls | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Horine Program Field | $10 | Take your kids on an adventurous hike, where you’ll look for the elusive Forest Troll that guards a bridge along the trail.
The Louisville Out of the Darkness Walk | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Waterfront Park | Free | Come together with others to walk for mental health awareness, then stop at a local food truck for a bite afterward.
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.*
Why this Louisvillian doesn’t take life for granted
Presented by UofL Health
He encourages anyone with a cancer diagnosis to choose UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center for their care: “Why? Because I believe the medical staff there is top notch… The equipment, the doctors, the knowledge, and the research all work very well together. And, it’s local.” | Photo provided by UofL Health
“It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a good one,” Alan Rosenberg recalls.
TARC has discontinued three bus routes, among other service changes, effective Jan. 26, 2025. The No. 22 22nd Street route, No. 52 Medical Center Circulator, and No. 63 Crums Lane route will all be discontinued. Additionally, 12 other routes will see changes.
Development
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, representatives from the Reimagine 9th Street project will present two corridor designs, including roadway and public realm options that are being considered. Offer your feedback at the public meeting at Central High School from 4 to 7 p.m.
Civic
Louisville has been selected for a project aiming to make cities safer for women. Called the City Hub and Network for Gender Equity — aka CHANGE — the program is a partnership between the Louisville Metro Office for Women and London-based urban design group Publica. Project officials are currently visiting LOU.
Pets
Mayor Craig Greenberg has appointed Andy McClinton as the new executive director of Louisville Metro Animal Services. McClinton retired a career in the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2022, where he served as a member of the chief’s executive staff his final five years.
Closed
Mitchell’s Fish Market, a seafood restaurant located in the Paddock Shops, has closed. Here’s the catch: Restaurant officials told WLKY-TV that they were looking for a new location to move the restaurant.
Festival
It’s only been ~one month since Louder Than Life 2024, but we already know one of the headliner’s for next year’s festival. Slayer will return after their set this year was canceled due to weather. Louder Than Life will return to the Highland Festival Grounds on Sept. 18-21, 2025.
Listen
Louisville men’s basketball was led by Kasean Pryor’s 26 points in their exhibition win over Spalding this week. Will he be the Cards’ leading scorer this year? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Sports
Ready for a slam dunk? Youth Jr. NBA basketball is headed to various YMCA locations this winter, including Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Clark, and Floyd counties. Kids ages 3-14 will learn the basics of the game through teamwork and sportsmanship — plus, a Jr. NBA jersey is included. Get the details.*
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Tech
Don’t let password vulnerabilities put your personal data at risk. Protect your online accounts with Keeper Security. New customers can sign up starting at $1.50 per month.*
The Buy
The Buy
A three-pack of NIVEA’s cocoa butter in-shower body lotion — apply, rinse, and go to moisturize dry skin without adding another step to your routine.
