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Post by cak666 on Apr 1, 2008 15:37:18 GMT -5
“In 1901, Victor Vanderdark opened the Vanderdark Morgue at 451 Baxter Avenue. Over the years the morgue became known as a trusted and respected business in the community. The location, just blocks from the city’s largest cemetery, was ideal, and business flourished.
“All was well at Vanderdark Morgue until October 3, 1932, when Victor Vanderdark disappeared. Control of the family business was passed to Victor’s only son, Warren Vanderdark. Over the next few years, business declined as the city investigated reports of bizarre mistakes and unusual business practices. Two years later, Warren’s wife, Lily, also vanished mysteriously, along with their 8-year-old daughter, Diedra. Soon after this, local residents stopped bringing their deceased loved ones to the Vanderdark Morgue altogether.
“In an effort to revive business and remove himself from the controversy, Warren Vanderdark changed the name of the family business to the Baxter Avenue Morgue. This effort was unsuccessful, and the morgue was closed for good. However, the activity in the basement never seemed to stop. Reports of missing persons, vanishing pets, and grave robbery increased about this time, as did the strange smells and sounds emanating from the basement of the Baxter Avenue Morgue. Then, on October 3 of 1951, the basement suddenly went silent. Warren Vanderdark disappeared into local legend—the stuff of children’s nursery rhymes and parental bedtime threats.
“In 1976 the building was condemned. City inspectors were seen entering, but refused to explain what they found inside. However, for reasons still unknown, the building was never destroyed, and the contents remained undisturbed for another 20 years. In 1996 the building was acquired by private investors and the top two floors were restored to commercial retail space. The basement, again, was left undisturbed. Due to the confining, maze-like structures and low ceiling clearance, it was deemed unrentable by commercial tenants.
“In the spring of 2000, renovations began in the basement to prepare for public tours and the Halloween attraction that it is today. It was during this time of renovation that the history of the Vanderdark family was discovered. Most of the history was pieced together through discoveries made by the staff. But since the reopening of the Baxter Avenue Morgue in the fall of 2000, local residents have come forward with many articles and items relating to the Vanderdark family. To date, the majority of these items are on display in the main waiting room of the Baxter Avenue Morgue.”
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Post by Lillian Vanderdark on Apr 1, 2008 15:46:42 GMT -5
Very nice! I've been thinking about doing some work on the story, kind of revamping it a little.
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Post by cak666 on Apr 1, 2008 15:50:41 GMT -5
Well this is a nice little start
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Post by Lillian Vanderdark on Apr 1, 2008 15:57:04 GMT -5
What better to start with than the original.
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Post by anklebiter on Apr 1, 2008 18:01:04 GMT -5
Now if only the entire house fit the bill...if we revamp the story we can make it our own and possibly make the house fit better....
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Post by Lillian Vanderdark on Apr 1, 2008 21:05:45 GMT -5
Or just alter the house to fit the story...some of that shit in there just needs to go, and you all know what I am talking about!
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Post by Warren on May 7, 2008 9:57:24 GMT -5
Historical factoid: At the time of the Morgue's opening, the street out in front was known as "Von Borries" Avenue, named after a once prominent local family. The name was changed to Baxter during the wave of anti-German sentiment during World War I. (which also gave us such ludicrous acts as sauerkraut being renamed "Victory Cabbage".)
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Post by jamie on May 7, 2008 12:29:59 GMT -5
Amazing that you know this! Actually, Von Borries ran right between our buildings. An appeal to change the name to Baxter was filed in 1908, and it passed. But the small stretch of gravel road (where our events are held) still is named Von Borries, this small section name change did not pass. The street sign is long gone and since it's now private property, the city will not replace the sign. I have a copy of the appeal down in the morgue. The reason this section next to our morgue did not change to Baxter is Von Borries was Lillian's Grandmothers name. Apparently the Grandmother had some political pull for a lady during the turn of the Century.
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Post by jamie on May 7, 2008 13:00:21 GMT -5
OK, I found the appeal, and read it again. I'm no lawyer but I think I'm right on this, the appeal was filed by Rosalinde Von Borries (Victors Mother-In-Law, Lillian's Grandmother - we call her Granny Vanderdark) and that would mean she was the property owner, not Victor, and not later to Warren when he took over. Would seam Rosalinde was looking out for her Daughter and Granddaughter (I bet she did not like her son in law, it always happens that way).
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Post by jamie on May 7, 2008 13:19:41 GMT -5
Here is a thought! If what I'm thinking is true about the property owner, I think I have a motive, the missing puzzle piece in this "cold case" that's over 100 years old. Warren could never have the morgue, property, or profits as long as Lillian was living. And then it would all go to the daughter. And I think there was a lot more at stake than the property and business at 451, which never made since to kill over. There are at least 12 bank account records in the Von Borrie's name, some multiple accounts at the same bank, some in German, and one in New York. They where all closed out around 1937 - a flood period for Louisville. ...could there be $$$$ buried in a grave at the morgue?
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Post by Lillian Vanderdark on Aug 5, 2008 15:59:43 GMT -5
Since I always thought calling a Von Borries "Granny Vanderdark" sounded a little odd to me, I've been doing some digging of my own, with help from a friend. Haven't found much yet, but I did find a record of a Larissa Von Borries having been institutionalized at Eastern State Hospital in Lexington. Records show schizophrenia and sociopathic behavior. From the look of things, she was born ten or twelve years before Lillian. Could it have been a sister who the family mental illness was more prominent in? I'm thinking the only reason there is any record of this girl at all is because Lexington wasn't hit in 1937 like we where.
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Post by Feral Typed on Aug 5, 2008 20:57:50 GMT -5
This stuff is rather interesting..... like...to the point it REQUIRES a full length film
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Post by Lillian Vanderdark on Aug 5, 2008 22:43:40 GMT -5
Someday, my friend, someday!!
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