Abandoned Businesses in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the remnants of abandoned businesses echo the state’s economic trials and the impact of shifts in the coal and manufacturing sectors. These deserted establishments, once bustling centers of activity and community livelihood, now symbolize the ongoing quest for economic diversification and revitalization.

Table Of Contents

Campground
Farmers Bank
Lakewood Village
Resort Park
Other

Campground

Rough River Lake, situated in central Kentucky, was created through the impoundment of the Rough River. This process involved the construction of a dam between 1955 and 1961, which led to the formation of the lake. The lake is a popular destination for various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping, and it plays a significant role in the region’s ecosystem and water management. In the 2010s, the dam underwent structural improvements, which unfortunately led to the closure of the nearby campground. These enhancements were essential for the dam’s safety and longevity, but they temporarily affected the recreational use of the area. Despite this, Rough River Lake remains an important and scenic feature in central Kentucky, offering a range of outdoor activities and natural beauty to residents and visitors alike.

Farmers Bank

The Farmers Bank of Clintonville, Kentucky, was established by William F. Heathman in 1903. ¹ The modest one-story building featured a pretentious parapet across the top with the name of the bank displayed in Art Nouveau lettering. The bank was robbed in a violent attempted robbery that left the teller, Mr. Buchanan, dead in 1924. Farmers Bank closed shortly after, and the building was reused as a grocery.

Lakewood Village

Lakewood Village, located in Boyd County, Kentucky, was the state’s first ski resort, ⁷ established on the highest elevation point in the area. ⁵ It commenced operations in 1979, boasting three ski slopes facing north, each with an elevation gain of 340 feet. The resort was equipped with a rope tow, a T-bar tow, and snow-making machinery. ^{5 6 7} The slopes included two for advanced skiers and one for beginners. Additionally, the resort featured a lodge that served as a ski shop and coffee shop in summer. A 50 by 100 feet ice skating rink was situated at the base of the slopes. ⁵

Apart from winter sports, Lakewood Village offered summer recreational activities such as canoeing and fishing on a nearby small lake. ⁵ Initially, the resort operated as a private entity, but non-members were allowed to ski if they stayed overnight at Carter Caves or Greenbo Lake State Resort Parks, or if they were part of a group of 10 or more. The resort opened to the general public in the 1980 season. ⁸

By 1980, the resort had expanded to include 56 housing units over 300 acres, which comprised 40 A-frame structures. ⁵ Out of these, 24 units were available for rent, while the rest were sold.

the ski slopes ceased operations after the 1982 season.

Resort Park

Developed by a flamboyant individual who worked in the oil industry, this resort park opened in 1968. ² The park has undergone changes over the years, which included the addition of the 749-seat Good Time Theater in 1983, the closure of the swimming lake in 2004, and the shuttering of the on-site restaurant in 2010. The park still features numerous camping and RV sites and a swimming pool, among other amenities.

Other

Sources

Langsan, Walter E., and William Gus Johnson. Historic Architecture of Bourbon County, Kentucky. N.p.: Historic Paris-Bourbon County, Inc., 1985. 166.
Lawrence, Keith. “Diamond Lake being sold.” Messenger-Inquirer [Owensboro], 16 May 2021.
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Finley, John. “Skiers can go to the high country right in Kentucky – at Ashland.” Courier-Journal, 4 Jan. 1980, p. C1.
“Slopes ready for skiers whenever the temperature falls.” Lexington Leader, 8 Jan. 1981, p. D3.
“Skiing slopes a short distance away.” State Journal, 30 Dec. 1980, p. 6.
“What’s happening?” Lexington Herald, 8 Feb. 1980, p. B1.