There’s a handsome (if a little careworn) house with a corner tower across from Kolb Park in Paducah, Kentucky. In 1888, this brick Queen Anne dwelling was the height of fashion, constructed for a German immigrant named Louis Kolb at a time when transportation improvements and an expansion of the city limits bolstered the city’s growth. German immigrants like Kolb flocked to the city, and their contributions (Kolb operated a meat-packing company) helped Paducah become Kentucky’s second largest manufacturing and distributing center in Kentucky by the turn of the 20th century.
The facade of the Kolb House.
Ivy crawls over the front of the house now, and the small yet elegant front porch has been enclosed. But it’s easy to imagine the striking impression the house would have made when newly built.
The wrought iron fence in front of the house.
Louis Kolb’s son, Frank Kolb, would achieve the American dream of business success. An 1887 graduate of the Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, Frank Kolb went on to found the Kolb Drug Company, which would eventually become the largest wholesale drug distributor in western Kentucky.
Detail of the tower.
In 1914, this house and two others on Broad Street belonged to the Kolb family. Some additional land owned by the Kolb family at Sixth and Broad Streets was sold to the city of Paducah, and Kolb Park developed.
Corner gate posts to Kolb Park.
By 1981, the Kolb House had been divided into apartments. Multiple residents would call the interior, distinguished by dark-stained Eastlake style woodwork, home. I’m not sure of the status of the building today – from my vantage point on the sidewalk, it was equal parts forbidding and intriguing. I would like to know what became of the Kolb family, but at least the house and park provide a bit of their story and role in the history of Paducah.
My grandfather and my Great uncle both worked for the meat packing company, Kolb Provision! I have a photo of my grandfather standing in front of the company truck! My grandfather had health issues and had to retire early, but my great uncle worked there until they closed the business. We used to pick him up at work every afternoon when I was a little girl( 1950’s )
My great grandfather was Frank, my grandfather was Louis, and my dad is Bubba. Kolb Bro’s was family to us- all employees were Kolb’s as far as they were concerned. I have so many memories of running around down there.
I’m Frank Kolb Sr.’s great grandchild! I don’t know what to tell you, we just kind of do the normal stuff that descendants do… many are still in KY, many are dispersed throughout the USA. TBH there are enough of us that I can’t even keep the names straight anymore. Every so often I still see a random nail clipper or such with the Kolb bros pharmacy logo in family’s homes. I *think* the pharmacy was sold to Rite Aid, but don’t quote me on that. This is actually the first time I remember hearing about the house. If you find out who owns it, please do tell!
My Great Grandparents own it, Charles and Vera McClure. My Granddaddy passed a few years ago and I just lost my Grandmother in October. Unfortunately the house is going up for sale. I have lots of memories in this house growing up.
The house has always fascinated me. I’ve been told that the park once had a community swimming pool.
It did.
Thete was a pool there around early 60s. Was filled in when firehouse bought the property.
This is incorrect. Grandpa (Frank Sr.) was not a pharmacist. George Kolb was.
This is my family- I am part of the 5th generation- I am Louis Kolb JR’s (Bubba) daughter. My nephew, Max Kolb is the 6th Louis Kolb in the family and in Paducah. Happy to say none of the Louis Kolb’s never left Paducah. We still have furniture- dishes- etc that came from Germany. Most of the pharmacy items were donated to the city for the museum. We all still have plenty of KB magnets,tape measures, and coffee mugs- the family (employees) of Kolb Bro’s will know about that.
My wife and I bought a dog at this house back in 2005. A little chihuahua.
Thank you for writing this. I haven’t seen the house or park in years, and really enjoyed the article. I had forgotten what a beautiful house it was. There are still members of the family in Paducah, as well as Tennessee, Ohio, Louisville, KY. and until a few years ago, Mayfield KY.
I think you may have an error about who was a pharmacist at Kolb. Bros. but I will consult my sister who has the diplomas, and is also a pharmacist. It gets confusing since there were 6 Louis Kolbs and 4 Frank Kolbs. We still have 3 Louis’s but only one Frank.
I have started this note several times, and been interrupted. Please delete any duplicates.
I know what is like to have duplicate names across the generations! The information I shared in my post came from the Architecture of Paducah and McCracken County, Kentucky, by Camille Wells, published in 1981 by the Society for the Preservation of Paducah. The entry for the Kolb House had Louis as the first of the family in the city, and his son Frank as est. Kolb Drug in 1906. I am happy to correct what I posted if those names should be reversed. Do any members of your family have any old photographs of the house?
I have several photos and video of this house, nothing from way back when it my Great Grandparents kept every room in the house furnished with antiques and China.
I used to go to Kolb Park and swim in the pool and play on the playground. A firehouse was right next door to the pool. When it was break time for the lifeguards and we had to get out for a few minutes we would walk up the block to Minsk’s donut shop and buy a glazed donut. Then later in the afternoon a neighborhood game of softball held on the corner of the park.
That house has ALWAYS intrigued me as a child! Beautiful!!!!!
Some of the Kolb family still lived around there as of 15 years ago. We bought a Chihuahua from them.
My Great Granparents bought this house in the 70s. I’m not sure what happened to the Kolbs. I didn’t much about them or the history of this house until now…very interesting.
I went to school with Ellen Kolb. She lived in one of the houses. I believe it was the one with the ivy on it. We graduated together from Tilghman in 1957.
I only wish this had been one of the restored homes in Paducah.
I worked at the wholesale house for 16 years then it was sold.
I can say Frank Sr. , Frank Jr. and Louis Kolb were very good to me.
Loved and miss them all.
I’m the granddaughter of Henry C “Heinie” and Mary Edna Tracy Kolb who lived two doors down from this house. Remember this house very well. My Uncle Charlie moved into the house later and my Uncle Fred lived in the house in between the two houses. Many memories on this block and park with my cousins.
My great grandfather was Frank and my grandfather was Louis. Is the house for sale?
It is actually up for sale now, the Gor Sale sign should be on it soon. My Grandmother passed away in October and the house requires too much up keep for the family. I hate to see it go.
My great grandfather was Frank and my grandfather was Louis. Is the house for sale?
Hi, if you would send me an email, I will try to photograph some photos and send you. I will ask around for photos of the house. These are just.people.
I am one of the oldest surviving generation of Kolbs but there are two more younger generations. Caroline
Caroline, I sent you an email last Thursday, January 30. Let me know if you don’t get it!
It’s for sale now, saw it on facebook.
My Grandparents owned the property and have recently passed away. My Grandmother loved the house and took great care to keep to the original design and décor. She furnished the home in Victorian antiques from that era. The house is currently for sale and listed with Purchase Realty Group of Paducah.
Too bad we couldn’t keep it in the family. It would make a great B&B
It is currently up for sale. The asking price is $179,900.