German-Paristown Neighborhood

I grew up in the suburbs, but my dad worked Downtown, and my mom took me to art lessons Downtown. That's probably part of the reason why I am so nostalgic and protective of the history of Louisville. I loved going Downtown with my dad on Saturdays. He took me down to his office to pick up a few things, and I was mesmerized by the tall buildings and the different way everything looked. To me, "working" meant going Downtown. Today, I own a house near enough to Downtown that I'm happy, and I also understand some of the risks. Crime is everywhere. No matter where you choose to live or work, you can't assume you're safe.

Super Bowl Sunday, someone tried to break into my house. My burglar alarm stopped them-- they ran at the sound, and the police wre automatically dispatched. But, whoever they are, they haven't been arrested, as far as I know. Today, one of the local papers published the latest crime report.



--I'm the first one under "Cherokee Triangle".
I've taken some extra precautions, sad as it is that I must. But, no matter where you live, I think you need to keep an eye out. Don't ever assume you're ok. Leave It To Beaver days are gone.

Louisville has recently enacted an ordinance aimed at reducing car thefts. Leaving your car running to keep it warm in the winter is common for most of us. But, it's the best and easiest way for that car to be stolen, too. The City of Louisville Police will now ticket anyone whose car is seen idling unattended. Common sense tells us we should be more careful. But in a hurry, in our own little comfort zones, we let our guards down. I'm 100% in favor of the latest law. If it takes a ticket to teach the lesson, it's far less painful than the alternative.

Please be careful, and never assume that where you are is completely safe.

This is where I call home. German-Paristown is an old working-class neighborhood nestled within the huge Victorian houses of Old Louisville and The Highlands, and close enough to Downtown to see the skyline. My house was built circa 1900, in what is referred to as the "shot-gun" style. In the usual arrangement, each room conjoins the next in such a way, that a bullet could be fired from the front door straight through to the back. This particular house was remodeled and modified, but it's basically of that architectural heritage.