The Samuel May House Archive is your source for May House history. It
contains the full text of The Oldest House in the Valley, Robert
Perry's book about Samuel May and the building of the May House. It
also contains the Introduction to Jack May's War, Perry's book about
Colonel Andrew Jackson May, the leading Confederate officer in the
Big Sandy Valley.
The Friends of the Samuel May House, Inc., was formed by a group of
Floyd County residents in March of 1993. We are dedicated to the task
of restoring and preserving the historic Samuel May House, the oldest
brick house in the Big Sandy Valley. We seek to promote local history
and tourism by transforming the May House into a Living History Museum.
In the Spring of 1997, the first phase of the May House Restoration
was completed. Using a $400,000 ISTEA Grant from the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky
Heritage Council, the City of Prestonsburg has restored the
house to its original condition. Architect for the project was Joe
Argabrite of Argabrite Associates, Louisville, Kentucky, and the
contractor was Jack Kauble of Olentangy Restoration, Marion, Ohio.
Much remains to be done, however, before the house can be used as a
living history museum. Its rooms must be decorated with wallpaper,
draperies, and other items appropriate to the 1830s, and the rooms
must be furnished with May family heirlooms or other antique
furniture from the 1830 period. In addition to this, the grounds must
be landscaped and a public restroom, a gift shop, a parking lot, and
a reception center must be built. To accomplish these things, more
money will have to be raised.
If you would like to get involved in the May House Project, contact
Sam
Hatcher.
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