We found this crumbling gem alongside Highway 41 Alternate in Western Kentucky in the small, unincorporated community of Poole
Poole is an unincorporated community on Highway 41A in the western end of the state of Kentucky.
History of Poole, Kentucky
Sources vary a little on the early details of the community, but it seems it was first settled in 1826 on a military land grant by brothers John and James Poole.
Several sources claimed the brothers were first cousins of Sam Houston, who spent time in Poole on his way to Texas, where he later led an army of Texans to defeat Mexico in the quest for independence, and then became the first President of the new Republic of Texas.
Poole’s first post office came in 1855 under the name of Poole’s Mill, after a horse-powered gristmill and brick factory established by John Poole.
The name underwent several variations over the decades before settling on Poole in 1894.
Various sources describe the town as having dry goods merchants, a drug store and grocery, a blacksmith shop, several churches, an academy or school for the children, and two tobacconists — all the kinds of things you might expect to find in a thriving community of that era.
There were four tobacco factories who shipped directly to markets in England.
Poole Deposit Bank
The two story building on the edge of Highway 41A in Poole is in rough shape now: Roof is caving in; Windows are broken; Paint is peeling and cracked. The front door retains a recent sign for an antique store that says “General Store Antiques.”
That name led me to believe that it was once a general store, but the website Gardens to Gables identified the old ruin as the Poole Deposit Bank, which opened on September 2, 1902.
Gardens to Gables also had a great historic photo showing telephone operators in the second floor windows above the bank. That telephone exchange operated from 1894 until 1907 in Poole.
Poole Deposit Bank robbed in 1935
Poole Deposit Bank was robbed in 1935. The Paducah Sun reported that a gang had robbed the bank shortly before noon on November 14, 1935. The robbers were later captured and sentenced for the Poole robbery and others. (This is an update to the video, where I said I had no information on whether they were caught).
Southern Foundry Company of Owensboro, Kentucky
The ironwork storefront was made by Southern Foundry Company of Owensboro, Kentucky.
I’ve never heard of that company before. It’s especially interesting because Evansville, Indiana is not far away and was the home of the George Mesker Iron Works, which was a very popular manufacturer of ironwork storefronts with sales and distribution across the U.S.
Below are my photographs of the old Poole Deposit Bank
Sources and Links
The Bee. “Poole, Kentucky: Its Population, Natural Advantages, Etc.” Thursday, May 9, 1895, Page 1. Newspapers.com.
The Courier-Journal. Louisville, Kentucky. “D.F. Melton.” Sat, Oct 4, 1913, Page 4.
Gardens to Gables. “Kentucky Places: Poole, Webster County, Kentucky.“
Kentucky Seeker. “A Good Horse and A Rifle: The Legend of Poole.“
KyGenWeb. Henderson County Genealogy Site. “Poole: A Straddling Town.“
The Paducah Sun. “Poole Deposit Bank robbed Nov 14 1935.” November 14, 1935. Newspapers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
Webster County Website. “Poole.“