Vendome stills have been used in distilleries around the nation. | Photo via WHAS11.
The votes are in for the LOUtoday historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.
Winner: Vendome Copper and Brass Works
It was a close race for your top pick, but with 35% of the vote, Vendome Copper and Brass Works took the No. 1 spot. Reader Ken P. nominated this Butchertown manufacturing facility as being worthy of recognition. In business since 1903, the outfit has supplied the equipment for several distilling operations throughout Kentucky and beyond, including the including its iconic copper pot stills. These can still be found inside local staples like Copper and Kings + Rabbit Hole. The facility survived the flood of 1937, when the water reached “the shop rafters before receding.”
During WWII, Vendome shifted from creating spirit distilling equipment to making equipment for industrial alcohol — think: antifreeze, plastics, and medical supplies — as the US government halted beverage spirit production. After the war, the company expanded into equipment for beer, chemical, pharmaceutical, dairy, and confectionery manufacturers.
Events
Events
Friday, Dec. 13
“The Brown-Forman Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 13-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Louisville Ballet | $36+ | You’re invited to join Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince on a magical journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy during Louisville Ballet’s performance of this beloved holiday classic.*
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine | 8 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $29 | Hear the singer-songwriter duo perform classic tunes + their own music from the last 25 years.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Connect the Dots: “Happy Holidays Mary Ingalls!” | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Jeffersontown Branch Library | Free | Learn about Laura Ingalls-Wilder’s sister at this event about the history of blindness that encourages children to create a more inclusive world.
Vegan Social | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Abol Coffee + Food (a.k.a. Abol Cafe) | Free | Mingle with other plant-based Louisvillians + enjoy some good food and drink.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” | Saturday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $23+ | See the story of the Herdmans, the worst kids in the whole history of the world, live on stage.
Jim Brickman — Comfort and Joy | 7:30 p.m. | The Brown Theatre | $39+ | See the songwriter and pianist on his annual Christmas tour.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Southern Sunday Roast | 12-4 p.m. | North of Bourbon | Price of purchase | Make a reservation to enjoy a special Sunday roast pop-up menu inspired by Louisville’s own Lawrence Weeks.
Joke-Off | 7-8:30 p.m. | TEN20 Craft Brewery | $10 | Watch as 24 comics go head-to-head telling their best jokes, and help decide the winner.
Treat your loved ones(or yourself) to an unforgettable time, featuring fine dining and tasting room experiences, at this luxury-style chophouse from Log Still Distillery located on Whiskey Row.
Simply buy a $100 gift card and get 20% off with code GCHoliday20 at checkout. Enjoy this sweet holiday deal now through Tuesday, Dec. 24.
The Brown Hotel’s breakfast and lunch eatery J. Graham’s Cafe has a new chef de cuisine. Allen Heintzman is a Louisvillian who cut his teeth working at De La Torres Restaurant under chef Miquel De La Torre. He’ll launch a new menu for the restaurant — make your reservations now.
Trivia
Finish this tune: “I’m mister green Christmas, I’m mister...” If you know the answer, you should join Butchertown Brewing’s Christmas Animation trivia night on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy pizza + beers while you show off your Rankin/Bass knowledge.
Outdoors
What better way to ring in the new year than with a hike? Head to E.P. Tom Sawyer state park on Wednesday, Jan. 1 for a staff-led hike through the park at 11 a.m., followed by hot apple cider in the Sawyer Hayes community center.
Number
15%. That’s the discount you’ll get on Bernheim Forest memberships through the end of the year. Members get discounts on Bernheim events + free admission to the 16,000-acre arboretum year-round. It’s a great gift for the outdoorsy friend on your list.
Louisvillian
A new comic about The Greatest is hitting shelves next year. “Tribute: Muhammad Ali” will release on Jan. 17 to celebrate Ali’s birthday. Bonus: It’s not the first time Muhammad Ali has graced the pages of a comic book. (Courier Journal)
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals’ men’s basketball team held off the UTEP Miners, 77-74, on Wednesday. Are they ready for the Kentucky rivalry game at 5:15 p.m. tomorrow? 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 in full swing, we’re sharing tips + tricks to help you navigate your next trip out of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). Safe travels, Louisville.*
We can help get you connected with the best local talent. | Graphic by 6AM City
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A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
As we reach the end of the year, I can’t help but look back at my favorite stories I wrote this year. As it happens, one of my favorites of 2024 was the new historical marker unveiled on Saint James Court this summer, marking the meeting place of the Louisville Gay Liberation Front.
What was your favorite LOUtoday story of 2024? Drop me a line and let me know.
