The Binghams

For almost the entire 20th century, the Bingham family was Louisville's version of the Kennedys. They were rich, good looking, well-bred, and educated at the finest prep schools and Harvard; had connections all over the country and internationally; served in the armed forces, delved into politics, pushed liberal causes; traveled extensively; and were deeply involved in the arts and philanthropy. The root of their power was owning an almost monopolistic media empire: The Courier-Journal and Louisville Times newspapers, WHAS radio and TV, and Standard Gravure, a printing company. However, also like the Kennedys, the Binghams had their fair share of intrigue, secrets, internal strife, and tragic, untimely deaths. In the mid-'80s, Barry Bingham Sr. sold off the family business. The move was stirred by controversy and produced even more - people in Louisville still talk about it today. Even though their name is somewhat diminished now, the Binghams' influence cannot be denied. A lot of books have been written about them. I think the most informative, unbiased account is Patriarch: The Rise and Fall of the Bingham Dynasty by Susan E. Tifft and Alex S. Jones, 1991. If you can find a copy, grab it.

I recently took some photos of the family's graves at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Section 13, Lots 101 and 102...

https://plus.google.com/photos/109696896928848305229/albums/6064329573126398721

The Binghams are also tied to some noteworthy Louisville architecture. First, there's the Courier-Journal Building on 6th and Broadway, opened in 1948 - wonderful late art deco.

Then there's the Binghams' estate, Melcombe, at 4309 Glenview Ave. on the east side of Louisville. Built between 1909 and 1911, it features 11,800 sq, ft. on four levels, a beautiful entry, tennis courts, about 10 acres of neatly manicured property, and views of the Ohio River. The family refers to it as the "Big House" because there's another wonderful but less massive home on the estate called the "Little House." Interestingly, at the time of this post, the "Big House" is for sale. It can be yours for a cool 4 million dollars :)

UPDATE 10/18/14
Melcolmbe ("The Big House") has been sold. Reports say Molly Bingham, daughter of Barry Bingham Jr., the last Bingham to run the empire, is the buyer. So the home is staying in the family for now - great news.