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The history of Winchester goes back many years.

Along Beckner Street, one location brings much of that history to life.

Holly Rood, sometimes referred to as the Governor James A. Clark Mansion, welcomes young and old to its festivities and surrounding environment.

“We spend a lot of time in that house. We love it, and I do think it shows”, said curator Debbie Barnes. “What I really hope is to just give [others] a taste of the history of our area and Kentucky.”

Holly Rood has a distinguished history, with construction beginning in 1813.

The establishment has seen much development, built initially as a home for the 13th Governor of Kentucky, James Clark, and his wife.

However, that nearly wasn’t the case.

In the 1970s, serious consideration was taken to demolish the home and convert it into a school bus garage.

Yet, with community support, including visits to the Clark County Fiscal Court, the mansion was maintained.

Along with Clark, other prominent families to live at Holly Rood included the Wheeler family, with sixteen-year-old Mattie writing a diary of her experiences during the Civil War.

Judge William Morgan Beckner, a former U.S. House of Representatives member, also lived at Holly Rood.

Floyd Day, a wealthy man once known as “the timber king of Kentucky,” also was a resident.

The families were influential to the local area and Kentucky, with Clark involved in public education and Beckner advocating for women’s right to vote.

Individuals can also learn about others, such as Black Hoof, an influential Shawnee chief.

Yet beyond the historical figures, which lend their way to several interesting stories, the home is set up to accommodate others and allow individuals to learn and enjoy themselves.

The outside and inside tours are free, with a picnic area in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The grounds are really part of our park system,” Barnes added. “You can picnic on the grounds with no charge. You can go up through the grounds and then over to the library [that’s] right behind us, so it’s part of a really good walk; we just need a phone call and we can assist you.”

They can also rent Holly Rood out for small parties, dinners, and other events.

In doing so, guests can dine and enjoy leisure in an atmosphere pleasantly different from what they might be used to.

Though Holly Rood is no longer an official home, it’s been kept up as though having been lived in continuously.

As such, furnishings from a period starting in the 1790s and lasting up to the 1920s fill the room.

Its location and ample parking has additionally received positive feedback.

“Many people like the outside because we’ve got a huge lawn, so it’s good for people to play with the kids on. A lot of people walk their dogs there”, Barnes added. “As for the house, what [feedback] we get is that it’s a beautiful house, but it’s also a warm and friendly house…you don’t get that feeling of a grand, cold mansion. It really feels like a home that someone can live in.”

With early fall events as well, including the Pig Pickin’ for the Past Fundraiser Dinner and Heritage Awards, Holly Rood looks to continue providing services for Clark County residents.

For more information visit www.hollyroodevents.com or call (859) 745-6664,