Nancy was a daughter of Sarah "Sallie" A. (Stine) and Dyer SHIELDS.
"Samuel" Joseph TATAM/TATUM/TATHAM was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1844. His father "Joseph" TATAM (1819 – ?), mother "Martha" ? (1816 - ?), brother "Joseph" TATAM/TATHAIN/TATUM (1839 - ?), sisters "Maria" (1845 - ?) and "Mary" A. (1847 - ?) were also born in Baltimore. After 1860, Samuel (1844 - 1924) went from Baltimore, Maryland to the mountains of Kentucky in Washington County.
On March 30, 1865, Samuel TATUM married "Nancy" Catherine SHIELDS (1845 – 1927) at Washington County. Their children were Sarah "Sallie" (1866 - 1881), Joseph "Joe" (1869 – c 1953), and "Ida" Ellen [Keeling] (1872 -1934).
After 1875, Samuel and Nancy became some of the original investors for a great HOTEL. The HOTEL may have built on property from the division of Dyer SHIELDS' estate. Samuel and his son, Joe, helped to build the huge HOTEL with 53 rooms and a SPA. It is a two story building, built in the shape of a huge letter "E". The top (spine) of the "E" runs perpendicular to the Chaplin River which is less than 100 yards away. The ends of the three branches of the "Es" is near the creek. Surrounding the HOTEL were large trees around an artesian SPRING near the River. Huge verandas were all around the building. In behind the HOTEL there was a recreational areas, a shelter, and tennis courts. This became known as TATHAM SPRINGS and the HOTEL and SPA.
Well-known nineteenth century spas included Crab Orchard Springs in Lincoln County, Blue Licks Springs in Nicholas County, Cerulean Springs in Trigg County, TATHAM SPRINGS in Washington County, Paroquet Springs in Bullitt County, and Graham's Springs in Harrodsburg, which all became the most fashionable spas in Kentucky. Any number of smaller watering places were scattered across the state, each boasting of a particular mineral water guaranteed to promote health.
TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA catered with the affluent Kentuckians and northerners who bathed and/or "took the waters" to escape the yellow fever and malaria of the warm days. The gay social season lasted from June to September,
with a variety of entertainment and recreation offered the guests. In its prime, the TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA has been host to General George C. Patton, Franklin Roosevelt and other famous travelers. The most colorful and controversial general of World War II, Patton, stayed at TATHAM SPRINGS while he bathed in the river, "took waters", swam, canoed, and danced during his stay.
The TATHAM's also bottled the water and sold it in major cities of the area.
Joe married "Mary" Elizabeth Nicholson in 15 Sep 1889. They had five sons born in Tatham Springs and played around the HOTEL; William "Bill" Merritt (1890 - 1979), "Hertle" Manfort (1894 - 1973), Samuel "Hans"ford (1898 - ?), "Joseph" Proctor (1902 - 1943), and "Will"ard Louis (1902 - 1989).
With the advent of the automobile and The Great Depression, most of Kentucky's spas closed between 1905-1920. TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA stopped as well.
Joe and Mary's five sons liked to carry guns on their hips. Joe moved the family to Clinton, Illinois and became an employee of the Wabash Railroad. His son, Bill, was also an employee and a boxer. Later, Joe became the Clinton Police Chief and the other sons became employees of the railroad. Bill moved then to Ohio and was a farmer, Mayor, Marshall, Constable, and stationary engineer in the Jackson School in Hoytville, Ohio. Later, Bill's son, William J., became a teacher and principal in that school.
The TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, nearly a century later - and with good reason. The old HOTEL was popular with more than politicians and generals. The crack of many a bat and the cheers of the hometown team have echoed across the grounds as well. People drove their buckboards and horses from all over to watch the games.
Over the past 100 years the HOTEL has also been a doctor's office, allegedly a house of "ill repute" for a brief time, and after the 40's the Washington County 4-H camp.
And, people didn't have to be famous to enjoy the property. When there was a doctor's office on the site, people would line up. They would stay out in the yard, under the trees near the springs or go down by the river while they waited. The HOTEL was also the site of the first 4-H Camp in Kentucky in 1940 and many children then enjoyed the place as much or more than the generals and politicians once did. According to the Washington County Extension Office, many parents and grandparents in Washington County had their first camping experience at the 4-H Camp located in the old TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL.
The HOTEL is said to be haunted. A little girl died in the creek (which runs around the HOTEL on three sides). Her ghost has been photographed in a HOTEL window with an old man standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder.
Sometimes bicyclers come through TATHAM SPRINGS in the summer. (They prefer 'TATUM SPRINGS'.) They know the SPRINGS is in northern Washington County, just below the Bluegrass Parkway. The way to approach it from the
Louisville side is through the little burg of Fairview, which occasionally see a rider going through on Lickskillet Road. The road goes across the BG Parkway there on a bridge, then descends to TATHAM SPRINGS.
In 1989, the Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tatham Springs (Building - #88003399) North of Willisburg on Hwy. 1796. Historic Significance: Event; Area of Significance: Commerce; Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924; Owner: Private; Historic Function: Domestic; Historic Sub-function: Hotel; Current Function: Domestic, Religion; Current Sub-function: Camp, Religious Structure.
TATHAM SPRINGS lives up to its name, as there is an old, crumbling hotel in the valley where the spring presumably are located. It's almost certainly a turn-of-the-century relic, from the days when folks used to take the cure in bubbling springs.
Pastor Charles Ransdell purchased the property in c. 2000 after he saw vandals and time destroying the HOTEL; the building was home to bees, squirrels, birds and rodents — all of which live among the crumbling structure. He was disgusted and saddened by the vandals who continue to set fire to the building, steal wood and timbers and punch holes in the walls. He just wanted to preserve a part of Washington County's past, but he couldn't do it alone.
Someone else purchased the HOTEL in 2006. I hope they will restore it well, and quickly. The survival of this historic landmark depends upon somebody helping to fix it up before vandals destroy the HOTEL or burn it down.
There's so much history here. It's such a shame to see it destroyed.
ON MAY 2006 THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE HOTEL. All of it is gone except the fireplace and the shelter. It might have been arson. It's so sad!
L. Renee Tatham Salomone
with
William Junior Tatham
Vernon & Judy Tatham
Lynn (Shields) Eddington
Pastor Charles Ransdell
Becky Blanton
Various internet news
Revised 5-1-2007
∼Nancy Catherine Shields married Samuel Tatum on March 30, 1865 in Washington County, Kentucky. The bride was ther daughter of Sarah Shields . This marriage is recorded in Marriage Book #5 on page 79 in the County Clerk's Office in Springfield, Kentucky.
"Samuel" Joseph TATAM/TATUM/TATHAM was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1844. His father "Joseph" TATAM (1819 – ?), mother "Martha" ? (1816 - ?), brother "Joseph" TATAM/TATHAIN/TATUM (1839 - ?), sisters "Maria" (1845 - ?) and "Mary" A. (1847 - ?) were also born in Baltimore. After 1860, Samuel (1844 - 1924) went from Baltimore, Maryland to the mountains of Kentucky in Washington County.
On March 30, 1865, Samuel TATUM married "Nancy" Catherine SHIELDS (1845 – 1927) at Washington County. Their children were Sarah "Sallie" (1866 - 1881), Joseph "Joe" (1869 – c 1953), and "Ida" Ellen [Keeling] (1872 -1934).
After 1875, Samuel and Nancy became some of the original investors for a great HOTEL. The HOTEL may have built on property from the division of Dyer SHIELDS' estate. Samuel and his son, Joe, helped to build the huge HOTEL with 53 rooms and a SPA. It is a two story building, built in the shape of a huge letter "E". The top (spine) of the "E" runs perpendicular to the Chaplin River which is less than 100 yards away. The ends of the three branches of the "Es" is near the creek. Surrounding the HOTEL were large trees around an artesian SPRING near the River. Huge verandas were all around the building. In behind the HOTEL there was a recreational areas, a shelter, and tennis courts. This became known as TATHAM SPRINGS and the HOTEL and SPA.
Well-known nineteenth century spas included Crab Orchard Springs in Lincoln County, Blue Licks Springs in Nicholas County, Cerulean Springs in Trigg County, TATHAM SPRINGS in Washington County, Paroquet Springs in Bullitt County, and Graham's Springs in Harrodsburg, which all became the most fashionable spas in Kentucky. Any number of smaller watering places were scattered across the state, each boasting of a particular mineral water guaranteed to promote health.
TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA catered with the affluent Kentuckians and northerners who bathed and/or "took the waters" to escape the yellow fever and malaria of the warm days. The gay social season lasted from June to September,
with a variety of entertainment and recreation offered the guests. In its prime, the TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA has been host to General George C. Patton, Franklin Roosevelt and other famous travelers. The most colorful and controversial general of World War II, Patton, stayed at TATHAM SPRINGS while he bathed in the river, "took waters", swam, canoed, and danced during his stay.
The TATHAM's also bottled the water and sold it in major cities of the area.
Joe married "Mary" Elizabeth Nicholson in 15 Sep 1889. They had five sons born in Tatham Springs and played around the HOTEL; William "Bill" Merritt (1890 - 1979), "Hertle" Manfort (1894 - 1973), Samuel "Hans"ford (1898 - ?), "Joseph" Proctor (1902 - 1943), and "Will"ard Louis (1902 - 1989).
With the advent of the automobile and The Great Depression, most of Kentucky's spas closed between 1905-1920. TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA stopped as well.
Joe and Mary's five sons liked to carry guns on their hips. Joe moved the family to Clinton, Illinois and became an employee of the Wabash Railroad. His son, Bill, was also an employee and a boxer. Later, Joe became the Clinton Police Chief and the other sons became employees of the railroad. Bill moved then to Ohio and was a farmer, Mayor, Marshall, Constable, and stationary engineer in the Jackson School in Hoytville, Ohio. Later, Bill's son, William J., became a teacher and principal in that school.
The TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, nearly a century later - and with good reason. The old HOTEL was popular with more than politicians and generals. The crack of many a bat and the cheers of the hometown team have echoed across the grounds as well. People drove their buckboards and horses from all over to watch the games.
Over the past 100 years the HOTEL has also been a doctor's office, allegedly a house of "ill repute" for a brief time, and after the 40's the Washington County 4-H camp.
And, people didn't have to be famous to enjoy the property. When there was a doctor's office on the site, people would line up. They would stay out in the yard, under the trees near the springs or go down by the river while they waited. The HOTEL was also the site of the first 4-H Camp in Kentucky in 1940 and many children then enjoyed the place as much or more than the generals and politicians once did. According to the Washington County Extension Office, many parents and grandparents in Washington County had their first camping experience at the 4-H Camp located in the old TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL.
The HOTEL is said to be haunted. A little girl died in the creek (which runs around the HOTEL on three sides). Her ghost has been photographed in a HOTEL window with an old man standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder.
Sometimes bicyclers come through TATHAM SPRINGS in the summer. (They prefer 'TATUM SPRINGS'.) They know the SPRINGS is in northern Washington County, just below the Bluegrass Parkway. The way to approach it from the
Louisville side is through the little burg of Fairview, which occasionally see a rider going through on Lickskillet Road. The road goes across the BG Parkway there on a bridge, then descends to TATHAM SPRINGS.
In 1989, the Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tatham Springs (Building - #88003399) North of Willisburg on Hwy. 1796. Historic Significance: Event; Area of Significance: Commerce; Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924; Owner: Private; Historic Function: Domestic; Historic Sub-function: Hotel; Current Function: Domestic, Religion; Current Sub-function: Camp, Religious Structure.
TATHAM SPRINGS lives up to its name, as there is an old, crumbling hotel in the valley where the spring presumably are located. It's almost certainly a turn-of-the-century relic, from the days when folks used to take the cure in bubbling springs.
Pastor Charles Ransdell purchased the property in c. 2000 after he saw vandals and time destroying the HOTEL; the building was home to bees, squirrels, birds and rodents — all of which live among the crumbling structure. He was disgusted and saddened by the vandals who continue to set fire to the building, steal wood and timbers and punch holes in the walls. He just wanted to preserve a part of Washington County's past, but he couldn't do it alone.
Someone else purchased the HOTEL in 2006. I hope they will restore it well, and quickly. The survival of this historic landmark depends upon somebody helping to fix it up before vandals destroy the HOTEL or burn it down.
There's so much history here. It's such a shame to see it destroyed.
ON MAY 2006 THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE HOTEL. All of it is gone except the fireplace and the shelter. It might have been arson. It's so sad!
L. Renee Tatham Salomone
with
William Junior Tatham
Vernon & Judy Tatham
Lynn (Shields) Eddington
Pastor Charles Ransdell
Becky Blanton
Various internet news
Revised 5-1-2007
∼Nancy Catherine Shields married Samuel Tatum on March 30, 1865 in Washington County, Kentucky. The bride was ther daughter of Sarah Shields . This marriage is recorded in Marriage Book #5 on page 79 in the County Clerk's Office in Springfield, Kentucky.
Nancy was a daughter of Sarah "Sallie" A. (Stine) and Dyer SHIELDS.
"Samuel" Joseph TATAM/TATUM/TATHAM was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1844. His father "Joseph" TATAM (1819 – ?), mother "Martha" ? (1816 - ?), brother "Joseph" TATAM/TATHAIN/TATUM (1839 - ?), sisters "Maria" (1845 - ?) and "Mary" A. (1847 - ?) were also born in Baltimore. After 1860, Samuel (1844 - 1924) went from Baltimore, Maryland to the mountains of Kentucky in Washington County.
On March 30, 1865, Samuel TATUM married "Nancy" Catherine SHIELDS (1845 – 1927) at Washington County. Their children were Sarah "Sallie" (1866 - 1881), Joseph "Joe" (1869 – c 1953), and "Ida" Ellen [Keeling] (1872 -1934).
After 1875, Samuel and Nancy became some of the original investors for a great HOTEL. The HOTEL may have built on property from the division of Dyer SHIELDS' estate. Samuel and his son, Joe, helped to build the huge HOTEL with 53 rooms and a SPA. It is a two story building, built in the shape of a huge letter "E". The top (spine) of the "E" runs perpendicular to the Chaplin River which is less than 100 yards away. The ends of the three branches of the "Es" is near the creek. Surrounding the HOTEL were large trees around an artesian SPRING near the River. Huge verandas were all around the building. In behind the HOTEL there was a recreational areas, a shelter, and tennis courts. This became known as TATHAM SPRINGS and the HOTEL and SPA.
Well-known nineteenth century spas included Crab Orchard Springs in Lincoln County, Blue Licks Springs in Nicholas County, Cerulean Springs in Trigg County, TATHAM SPRINGS in Washington County, Paroquet Springs in Bullitt County, and Graham's Springs in Harrodsburg, which all became the most fashionable spas in Kentucky. Any number of smaller watering places were scattered across the state, each boasting of a particular mineral water guaranteed to promote health.
TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA catered with the affluent Kentuckians and northerners who bathed and/or "took the waters" to escape the yellow fever and malaria of the warm days. The gay social season lasted from June to September,
with a variety of entertainment and recreation offered the guests. In its prime, the TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA has been host to General George C. Patton, Franklin Roosevelt and other famous travelers. The most colorful and controversial general of World War II, Patton, stayed at TATHAM SPRINGS while he bathed in the river, "took waters", swam, canoed, and danced during his stay.
The TATHAM's also bottled the water and sold it in major cities of the area.
Joe married "Mary" Elizabeth Nicholson in 15 Sep 1889. They had five sons born in Tatham Springs and played around the HOTEL; William "Bill" Merritt (1890 - 1979), "Hertle" Manfort (1894 - 1973), Samuel "Hans"ford (1898 - ?), "Joseph" Proctor (1902 - 1943), and "Will"ard Louis (1902 - 1989).
With the advent of the automobile and The Great Depression, most of Kentucky's spas closed between 1905-1920. TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA stopped as well.
Joe and Mary's five sons liked to carry guns on their hips. Joe moved the family to Clinton, Illinois and became an employee of the Wabash Railroad. His son, Bill, was also an employee and a boxer. Later, Joe became the Clinton Police Chief and the other sons became employees of the railroad. Bill moved then to Ohio and was a farmer, Mayor, Marshall, Constable, and stationary engineer in the Jackson School in Hoytville, Ohio. Later, Bill's son, William J., became a teacher and principal in that school.
The TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, nearly a century later - and with good reason. The old HOTEL was popular with more than politicians and generals. The crack of many a bat and the cheers of the hometown team have echoed across the grounds as well. People drove their buckboards and horses from all over to watch the games.
Over the past 100 years the HOTEL has also been a doctor's office, allegedly a house of "ill repute" for a brief time, and after the 40's the Washington County 4-H camp.
And, people didn't have to be famous to enjoy the property. When there was a doctor's office on the site, people would line up. They would stay out in the yard, under the trees near the springs or go down by the river while they waited. The HOTEL was also the site of the first 4-H Camp in Kentucky in 1940 and many children then enjoyed the place as much or more than the generals and politicians once did. According to the Washington County Extension Office, many parents and grandparents in Washington County had their first camping experience at the 4-H Camp located in the old TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL.
The HOTEL is said to be haunted. A little girl died in the creek (which runs around the HOTEL on three sides). Her ghost has been photographed in a HOTEL window with an old man standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder.
Sometimes bicyclers come through TATHAM SPRINGS in the summer. (They prefer 'TATUM SPRINGS'.) They know the SPRINGS is in northern Washington County, just below the Bluegrass Parkway. The way to approach it from the
Louisville side is through the little burg of Fairview, which occasionally see a rider going through on Lickskillet Road. The road goes across the BG Parkway there on a bridge, then descends to TATHAM SPRINGS.
In 1989, the Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tatham Springs (Building - #88003399) North of Willisburg on Hwy. 1796. Historic Significance: Event; Area of Significance: Commerce; Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924; Owner: Private; Historic Function: Domestic; Historic Sub-function: Hotel; Current Function: Domestic, Religion; Current Sub-function: Camp, Religious Structure.
TATHAM SPRINGS lives up to its name, as there is an old, crumbling hotel in the valley where the spring presumably are located. It's almost certainly a turn-of-the-century relic, from the days when folks used to take the cure in bubbling springs.
Pastor Charles Ransdell purchased the property in c. 2000 after he saw vandals and time destroying the HOTEL; the building was home to bees, squirrels, birds and rodents — all of which live among the crumbling structure. He was disgusted and saddened by the vandals who continue to set fire to the building, steal wood and timbers and punch holes in the walls. He just wanted to preserve a part of Washington County's past, but he couldn't do it alone.
Someone else purchased the HOTEL in 2006. I hope they will restore it well, and quickly. The survival of this historic landmark depends upon somebody helping to fix it up before vandals destroy the HOTEL or burn it down.
There's so much history here. It's such a shame to see it destroyed.
ON MAY 2006 THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE HOTEL. All of it is gone except the fireplace and the shelter. It might have been arson. It's so sad!
L. Renee Tatham Salomone
with
William Junior Tatham
Vernon & Judy Tatham
Lynn (Shields) Eddington
Pastor Charles Ransdell
Becky Blanton
Various internet news
Revised 5-1-2007
∼Nancy Catherine Shields married Samuel Tatum on March 30, 1865 in Washington County, Kentucky. The bride was ther daughter of Sarah Shields . This marriage is recorded in Marriage Book #5 on page 79 in the County Clerk's Office in Springfield, Kentucky.
"Samuel" Joseph TATAM/TATUM/TATHAM was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1844. His father "Joseph" TATAM (1819 – ?), mother "Martha" ? (1816 - ?), brother "Joseph" TATAM/TATHAIN/TATUM (1839 - ?), sisters "Maria" (1845 - ?) and "Mary" A. (1847 - ?) were also born in Baltimore. After 1860, Samuel (1844 - 1924) went from Baltimore, Maryland to the mountains of Kentucky in Washington County.
On March 30, 1865, Samuel TATUM married "Nancy" Catherine SHIELDS (1845 – 1927) at Washington County. Their children were Sarah "Sallie" (1866 - 1881), Joseph "Joe" (1869 – c 1953), and "Ida" Ellen [Keeling] (1872 -1934).
After 1875, Samuel and Nancy became some of the original investors for a great HOTEL. The HOTEL may have built on property from the division of Dyer SHIELDS' estate. Samuel and his son, Joe, helped to build the huge HOTEL with 53 rooms and a SPA. It is a two story building, built in the shape of a huge letter "E". The top (spine) of the "E" runs perpendicular to the Chaplin River which is less than 100 yards away. The ends of the three branches of the "Es" is near the creek. Surrounding the HOTEL were large trees around an artesian SPRING near the River. Huge verandas were all around the building. In behind the HOTEL there was a recreational areas, a shelter, and tennis courts. This became known as TATHAM SPRINGS and the HOTEL and SPA.
Well-known nineteenth century spas included Crab Orchard Springs in Lincoln County, Blue Licks Springs in Nicholas County, Cerulean Springs in Trigg County, TATHAM SPRINGS in Washington County, Paroquet Springs in Bullitt County, and Graham's Springs in Harrodsburg, which all became the most fashionable spas in Kentucky. Any number of smaller watering places were scattered across the state, each boasting of a particular mineral water guaranteed to promote health.
TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA catered with the affluent Kentuckians and northerners who bathed and/or "took the waters" to escape the yellow fever and malaria of the warm days. The gay social season lasted from June to September,
with a variety of entertainment and recreation offered the guests. In its prime, the TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA has been host to General George C. Patton, Franklin Roosevelt and other famous travelers. The most colorful and controversial general of World War II, Patton, stayed at TATHAM SPRINGS while he bathed in the river, "took waters", swam, canoed, and danced during his stay.
The TATHAM's also bottled the water and sold it in major cities of the area.
Joe married "Mary" Elizabeth Nicholson in 15 Sep 1889. They had five sons born in Tatham Springs and played around the HOTEL; William "Bill" Merritt (1890 - 1979), "Hertle" Manfort (1894 - 1973), Samuel "Hans"ford (1898 - ?), "Joseph" Proctor (1902 - 1943), and "Will"ard Louis (1902 - 1989).
With the advent of the automobile and The Great Depression, most of Kentucky's spas closed between 1905-1920. TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL and SPA stopped as well.
Joe and Mary's five sons liked to carry guns on their hips. Joe moved the family to Clinton, Illinois and became an employee of the Wabash Railroad. His son, Bill, was also an employee and a boxer. Later, Joe became the Clinton Police Chief and the other sons became employees of the railroad. Bill moved then to Ohio and was a farmer, Mayor, Marshall, Constable, and stationary engineer in the Jackson School in Hoytville, Ohio. Later, Bill's son, William J., became a teacher and principal in that school.
The TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, nearly a century later - and with good reason. The old HOTEL was popular with more than politicians and generals. The crack of many a bat and the cheers of the hometown team have echoed across the grounds as well. People drove their buckboards and horses from all over to watch the games.
Over the past 100 years the HOTEL has also been a doctor's office, allegedly a house of "ill repute" for a brief time, and after the 40's the Washington County 4-H camp.
And, people didn't have to be famous to enjoy the property. When there was a doctor's office on the site, people would line up. They would stay out in the yard, under the trees near the springs or go down by the river while they waited. The HOTEL was also the site of the first 4-H Camp in Kentucky in 1940 and many children then enjoyed the place as much or more than the generals and politicians once did. According to the Washington County Extension Office, many parents and grandparents in Washington County had their first camping experience at the 4-H Camp located in the old TATHAM SPRINGS HOTEL.
The HOTEL is said to be haunted. A little girl died in the creek (which runs around the HOTEL on three sides). Her ghost has been photographed in a HOTEL window with an old man standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder.
Sometimes bicyclers come through TATHAM SPRINGS in the summer. (They prefer 'TATUM SPRINGS'.) They know the SPRINGS is in northern Washington County, just below the Bluegrass Parkway. The way to approach it from the
Louisville side is through the little burg of Fairview, which occasionally see a rider going through on Lickskillet Road. The road goes across the BG Parkway there on a bridge, then descends to TATHAM SPRINGS.
In 1989, the Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tatham Springs (Building - #88003399) North of Willisburg on Hwy. 1796. Historic Significance: Event; Area of Significance: Commerce; Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924; Owner: Private; Historic Function: Domestic; Historic Sub-function: Hotel; Current Function: Domestic, Religion; Current Sub-function: Camp, Religious Structure.
TATHAM SPRINGS lives up to its name, as there is an old, crumbling hotel in the valley where the spring presumably are located. It's almost certainly a turn-of-the-century relic, from the days when folks used to take the cure in bubbling springs.
Pastor Charles Ransdell purchased the property in c. 2000 after he saw vandals and time destroying the HOTEL; the building was home to bees, squirrels, birds and rodents — all of which live among the crumbling structure. He was disgusted and saddened by the vandals who continue to set fire to the building, steal wood and timbers and punch holes in the walls. He just wanted to preserve a part of Washington County's past, but he couldn't do it alone.
Someone else purchased the HOTEL in 2006. I hope they will restore it well, and quickly. The survival of this historic landmark depends upon somebody helping to fix it up before vandals destroy the HOTEL or burn it down.
There's so much history here. It's such a shame to see it destroyed.
ON MAY 2006 THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE HOTEL. All of it is gone except the fireplace and the shelter. It might have been arson. It's so sad!
L. Renee Tatham Salomone
with
William Junior Tatham
Vernon & Judy Tatham
Lynn (Shields) Eddington
Pastor Charles Ransdell
Becky Blanton
Various internet news
Revised 5-1-2007
∼Nancy Catherine Shields married Samuel Tatum on March 30, 1865 in Washington County, Kentucky. The bride was ther daughter of Sarah Shields . This marriage is recorded in Marriage Book #5 on page 79 in the County Clerk's Office in Springfield, Kentucky.
