.
Collection Overview
Title: Lilly Family Papers, 1780-1991
Extent: 12.12 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 09/22/1978. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Boonesboro (Ky.), Honor Societies., Kentucky--History--Civil War, 1861-1865., Kentucky--Politics and government--1865-1950., Kentucky--Politics and government., Kentucky--Social life and customs--19th century., Kentucky--Social life and customs--20th century., Madison County (Ky.), Madison County (Ky.)--History--19th century., Madison County (Ky.)--History., Madison County (Ky.)--Social life and customs--19th century., Madison County (Ky.)--Social life and customs--20th century., Madison County (Ky.)--Surveys., Madison Female Institute, Politics, Practical, Railroad companies--United States., Richmond (Ky.)--History--Pictorial works., World's Columbian Exposition (1893 : Chicago, Ill.), World War, 1914-1918., World War, 1939-1945.
Languages: English, Spanish;Castilian
Scope and Contents of the Materials
The Lilly Family Papers contain correspondence, photographs, legal material, publications, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and genealogical information. Much of the material in this collection deals with the many organizations with which the Lillys were involved, such as Democratic clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution, or the Gas Consumers' League. In addition to materials involving organizations, there is also an abundance of legal documents which attest to Grant Lilly's service as a lawyer and judge. There are many publications which highlight the interests and involvements of the family, including Austin Lilly. Since the original collection was submitted by Austin Lilly herself, there are aspects of the papers which highlight Austin's life and career, especially her involvement with the University of Kentucky and the Lexington Opera House.
Collection Historical Note
Grant E. Lilly was born in Estill County on February 27, 1865. He was the son of Colonel Henry Clay Lilly, a circuit judge of the Irvine district and a colonel in the 14th Kentucky Calvary, United States Army, during the Civil War, and Catherine Tracy, a member of a pioneer Pennsylvania family whose descendents moved to Kentucky.
Mr. Lilly received his early education in the private school in Madison County at College Hill and Dr. Elliot's School for Boys at Kirksville. He attended Central University in Richmond and was a honor graduate of the University of Michigan Law School in 1889. Upon completion of his studies at Ann Arbor, he returned to Irvine where he served as county attorney of Estill County. He had also taught school before receiving his law training. Like his father, Lilly became active in the Republican Party, but around 1900 switched his allegiance to the Democratic Party.
Anna Dudley McGinn Lilly was born February 27, 1872, in Maysville, Kentucky, the daughter of the Reverend John Bolivar McGinn and Mary Elizabeth Sheppard McGinn. She spent her early life in Versailles, where her father was minister of the Christian church.
On October 19, 1883, Grant E. Lilly and Anna D. McGinn were married in Versailles. They had one daughter, Austin Page Lilly; a son, John Marion Lilly; and a younger son, Grant Lilly, Jr., who died at the age of 12 in 1916. After marrying, the Lillys lived in Richmond where they were involved in numerous civic projects and organizations. Lilly was one of the leaders, along with Dr. Hugh McClellan, Col. C. E. Woods, and Col. N. B. Deatherage, in a local option fight prior to prohibition. Lilly as a member of the Prandennial Club, a charter member of the first Chamber of Commerce organized in Richmond, as well as one of the sponsors of the Richmond Chautauqua. He also was a member of the American Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, and one of the organizers of the Madison Bar Association.
He was owner and editor of three newspapers, the Madisonian, which he founded, the Richmond Climax, and the Kentucky Register which later were merged into the Richmond Daily Register. The Kentucky Register was purchased by Lilly for his wife who was its editor.
In 1918 the Lillys moved to Lexington. Lilly was elected president of the Gas Consumers League which worked for the taxpayers in an effort to reduce the price of natural gas. Lilly ran for mayor of Lexington in 1927 and lost.
Anna Lilly was very interested in Central Kentucky politics and civic affairs. She became affiliated with the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1912 as a member of the Boonesborough Chapter, later transferring her membership to the Lexington Chapter, of which she subsequently became regent. Mrs. Lilly was regent of the Kentucky DAR from 1923 to 1926. In 1928, she spearheaded a drive to have the state legislature approve a bill designating "My Old Kentucky Home" as the official state song. The first rendition of Stepen Foster's composition was sung on Sunday, April 15, 1928, at the Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The occasion was the dedication of the Kentucky bell in the memorial chapel there. The bell in the carillion at Valley Forge was purcased with $1000 raised by Mrs. Lilly and a committee of the DAR. She was an honorary life regent of both the state and Lexington DAR.
With the advent of women's suffrage in 1920, Mrs. Lilly organized the first Woodrow Wilson Club and in 1932 she founded the Roosevelt Democratic Club of Richmond. Twice she was county associate chairman for the Fayette Club of Kentucky. She actively supportive Alben Barkley's several successful senatorial campaigns.
Mrs. Lilly was four times president of the Richmond Women's Club; a member of the Women's Club of Central Kentucky; a charter member of the Madison County Historical Society, the Lexington McDowell Music Club and the Bradford Club of Lexington; and held membership in the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, the Colonial Dames of Kentucky and the state and state and national officers' club of the DAR. She was organizing president of the Kentucky branch of the Huguenot Society of the Founders of the Manakin Towne and of the Paul Revere chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.
During Lexington's sesqui-centennial celebration, Mrs. Lilly was chairman of the Hall of Fame, which featured an outstanding collection of historical items. She was instrumental in the naming of Henry Clay High School and served on the board of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation when it began work on making Ashland a state shrine.
She was a member of the board of direcotrs of the Pioneer National Monument Association which acquired the Blue Lick battlefield and other historic spots in Kentucky. She eaded the Madison County Liberty Loan and War Savings stamp drive in World War I and served as co-chaiman of many Madison Red Cross campaigns. She worked with the NRA in the 1930s and was a honorary member of the VFW during World War II.
Grant Lilly died January 5, 1940, and Anna D. Lilly died July 30, 1948. Both are buried at the Richmond cemetery. Austin Lilly died September 18, 1991, in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Accruals:
1978 - 049, 1979 - 027, 1979 - 035, 1981 - 018, 1982 - 035, 1982 - 021, 1986 - 024, 1986 - 030, 1987 - 024, 1987 - 017, 1988 - 018, 1988 - 032, 1987 - 004
Acquisition Source:
Lilly, Austin P.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: Correspondence Series],
[
Series 2: Financial Series],
[
Series 3: Genealogy Series],
[
Series 4: Legal Series],
[
Series 5: Memorabilia Series],
[
Series 6: Newspaper Clipping Series],
[
Series 7: Photograph Series],
[Series 8: Publication Series],
[
Series 9: Scrapbook Series],
[
Series 10: Speech Series],
[
Series 11: Subject Series],
[
Series 12: Oversized],
[
All]
- Series 8: Publication Series
- Box 14
- Barcode: 31234013924509
- Folder 1: Daughters of the American Revolution Yearbooks, 1924 - 1928
- Folder 2: Daughters of the American Revolution Yearbooks, 1928 - 1949
- Folder 3: Yearbooks, 1912 - 1943
- Yearbooks for the Women's Club of Richmond, Kentucky for the years 1914 to 1943
- Folder 4: Huguenot Society Publications, 1929 - 1937
- Contains four publications released by the order of the Huguenot Society of Virginia. The publications covered membership, history, and events
- Folder 5: "The North Carolina Booklet", 1908 - 1919
- Quarterly productions which relayed "Great Events in North Carolina History." Some of the booklets are marked by Anna D. Lilly based on presenter or topic.
- Folder 6: World's Fair Souvenir, 1893
- Souvenir booklet from the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The booklet features information on displays, statistics, history (as in, the World's Fairs held prior to 1893), attractions, and fold-out images of the fair from above
- Folder 7: Michigan, 1939 - 1980
- Booklets regarding history in Michigan as well as events and history for the University of Michigan
- Box 15
- Barcode: 31234013924517
- Folder 1: "In Kentucky", 1948
- Three copies of the magazine "In Kentucky", spring 1948 edition which contains a poem written by Anna D. Lilly
- Folder 2: "Kentucky Progress", 1935
- Three copies of the magazine "Kentucky Progress", summer 1935, Vol 6. No. 8
- Folder 3: The American Journal of Politics, June 1894
- Folder 4: Red Cross, Undated
- Two pages from a magazine detailing the progress of the Red Cross women across the United States. On the opposite side, a map of the united states which compared the growth of Red Cross membership to state population at the time.
- Folder 5: Berea College, 1931
- Publication pieces highlighting the artisan industry in Berea, KY. Includes two copies of a publication in "Kentucky Progress", Fireside Industries, and a souvenir book from the school
- Folder 6: Blue Grass Horse Farms, Undated
- A pamphlet for the Blue Grass Horse Farms in Lexington, Kentucky. Includes a map, photos, points of interest, and a list of prominent sires from the farm
- Folder 7: The Burr McIntosh Monthly, Sep-07
- A publication bound with string. Contains many photos, photo competitions, articles about famous American homes, ads, and art.
- Folder 8: Compendium of Useful Knowledge and General Information, 1884
- Author: J.B. Park. Written on inside: "To Little Nellie, from Uncle Grant. Aug. 17th, 1884."
- Folder 9: "Your Holiday in Cuba", 1952
- Travel guide to Cuba by Lyman Judson and Ellen Judson. A part of "The Judson Guides to Latin America"
- Folder 10: Cuba Trip Publications, 1950 - 1957
- Publications regarding Cuba during Austin Lilly's visit there as a teacher. Also includes three copies of "The Americas" magazine in both English and Spanish
- Folder 11: Daughters of the American Revolution - Kentucky Society, 1938-1939
- Poem song dedicated to the Kentucky Daughters of the American Revolution, and a large yearbook for the forty-third State Conference of the organization
- Box 16
- Barcode: 31234013924525
- Folder 1: Daughters of the American Revolution - Lexington Chapter, 1896 - 1948
- Includes booklets detailing the members, meetings, and events of the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Also includes "The Story of Bryan's Station", a short historical booklet about Bryan's Station in Kentucky.
- Folder 2: Daughters of the American Revolution, 1921 - 1934
- Includes two pieces of the Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, as well as the By-Laws and List of Members for the National Officers' Club of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Folder 3: Democratic Women's Club, 1936 - 1940
- Includes: "Extemporaneous Remarks of the President Addressed to Gathering of Workers of Democratic National Committee" pamphlet and "Industry and Agriculture at the Gates of a New Decade" address by James A. Farley
- Folder 4: Estill Springs, 1892
- Collection of colored pamphlets advertising the opening of Estill Springs Hotel as well as the amenities and rates for the hotel
- Folder 5: Frankfort Sesqui-Centennial Historical Pageant, 1936
- Booklet which contains historical information, poetry, and photos about Frankfort
- Folder 6: Fraternal Organizations, 1876 - 1917
- Contains booklets and information for fraternal organizations such as: Freemasons, Richmond Commandery, Knights Templar, Knights of Pythias, Elks, and "Improved Order of Red Men." Some of the organization booklets are for memorial services.
- Folder 7: Gas Consumers League, Undated
- Two leaflets outlining the 'gas situation', including issues with prices of gas and bank involvement with gas prices. Grant Lilly was President of this organization
- Folder 8: General Federation of Women's Clubs, 1914 - 1918
- Contains programs and booklets from the General Federation of Women's Club Conferences, General Federation Magazine (two editions), leaflet advertising "The Women's Duty in the Reconstruction of the Crippled Soldier" lecture, and Anna D. Lilly's copy of the General Federation of Women's Clubs Directory.
- Folder 9: Lilly Mayoral Run, 1927
- Leaflets promoting Grant Lilly's Mayoral run, and publication of mayoral speeches
- Folder 10: Kentucky Bicentennial Calendar, 1974
- Calendar created for the Kentucky 1974 Bicentennial celebrations. Each month on the calendar has historical and geographic information about the state of Kentucky
- Folder 11: Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs, 1916 - 1939
- Folder contains directories, programs, convention publications, and a copy of "Kentucky Club Woman" magazine
- Folder 12: "The Kentucky Magazine", 1916 - 1917
- Two editions of "The Kentucky Magazine"
- Folder 13: Kentucky Municipal League, 1932 - 1937
- Contains "Clarence Woods' Background for Service as Secretary Treasurer, Kentucky Municipal League" and the program for the eighth annual convention of the group
- Folder 14: National Municipal League, 1932
- Contains one copy of "The Story of the City Manager Plan: The most democratic and efficient form of municipal government"
- Folder 15: "Kentucky Progress Magazine", 1930 - 1934
- Contains three editions of "Kentucky Progress Magazine"
- Folder 16: Kentucky School Journal, 1934 - 1951
- Contains three editions of Kentucky School Journal, as well as some pages removed from an October 1949 edition
- Folder 17: The Register, 1931 - 1932
- Contains two volumes of The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society
- Folder 18: "The Life of Alexander the Great", 1874
- Small red book. Inside, written: "Property of S.S. M.E. C. South, Irvine, KY."
- Box 17
- Barcode: 31234013924533
- Folder 1: Kentucky Press Association, Undated
- Kentucky Press Association - Press Reference Bureau
- Folder 2: Kentucky Utilities News, 1942
- One edition of "Kentucky Utilities News"
- Folder 3: Kentucky History Publications, 1936 - 1942
- Includes: "A Glimpse at Historic Madison County and Richmond, Kentucky", a copy of the constitution of the commonwealth, a review of "The Curious Legend of Louis Philippe in Kentucky", commemorative booklets about the battle of Blue Lick, "Our Pioneer Heroine of Surgery - Mrs. Jane Todd Crawford", a few travel pamphlets, and a copy of "In Kentucky"
- Folder 4: Kentucky Women's Christian Temperance Union, 1937
- Booklet from the Fifty-seventh Annual Convention of the organization
- Folder 5: City of Lexington, Undated
- Contains a pamphlet about tax rates in Kentucky, as well as a publication from the Louisville Leader regarding African American laws in Lexington
- Folder 6: Bar Association, 1921
- Booklet containing the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lexington Bar Association
- Folder 7: Madison County, 1906 - 1950
- Many publications involving Madison County, Kentucky. Includes soil surveys, copies of popular ads, Madison County Health Department, and a copy of "Scenic South" which contains photos of the Madison County Courthouse
- Folder 8: Madison County Sesqui-Centennial Celebration, 1937
- Contains two copies of the commemorative program for the Madison County Sesqui-Centennial Celebration, which contains ads, history and programs of events
- Folder 9: Voting Precincts, 1924
- Small booklet: "Magisterial Districts and Voting Precincts of Madison County, 1924"
- Folder 10: E.C. McDougle Campaign, 1937
- Promotional pamphlets for E. C. McDougle running for county judge in Madison County
- Folder 11: Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, 1927 - 1928
- Annual reports of the Mount Vernon's Ladies' Association of the Union for the years 1927 and 1928
- Folder 12: Musical Scores, Undated
- Musical scores for Kentucky Schools, "Day is Dying in the West", and "Any Bonds Today?"
- Folder 13: "Industrial Liberty in Wartime", 1917
- Address of the honorary Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War, at the eighteenth annual meeting of the National Consumers' League
- Folder 14: National Recovery Administration, 1933
- Official women's organization handbook by Mary E. Hughes, Head of Women's Work, N.R.A.
- Folder 15: National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, 1939 - 1949
- Includes booklets with organization information and member lists, "History of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Kentucky", historians report, and "A Letter from Miss Louise G. Zabriskie
- Folder 16: Needlework Guild of America, Inc., 1937
- Includes two "Director's Book"s for the Richmond Brand of the Needlework Guild of America, Inc., for which Anna Lilly served as Director
- Folder 17: New England Historic Genealogical Society, Undated
- Folder includes invitation of membership to Anna D. Lilly
- Folder 18: "Oil Trade", 1926 - 1927
- Includes two editions of the magazine "Oil Trade". March 1926 edition is marked on page 62, which contains production and consumption numbers for natural gas
- Folder 19: Pattie Clay Infirmary, 1935
- A pamphlet honoring Pattie A. Clay, which also lays out the statement of purpose for the Pattie Clay Infirmary
- Folder 20: The Quarterly Appeal, 1927
- Pamphlet issues by the Anti-Race Track Gambling Commission which encourages voters to seek candidates who opposed legalized gambling
- Folder 21: Resorts, Undated
- Pamphlets and advertisements for various resorts and hotels
- Box 18
- Barcode: 31234013924541
- Folder 1: "The Quill", 1978 - 1981
- Contains five editions of "The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta," sent to Austin Lilly
- Folder 2: Redpath Chautauqua, 1912 - 1914
- Contains pamphlets advertising the Redpath Chautauqua Series in Richmond, KY.
- Folder 3: First Christian Church, 1913 - 1944
- Contains church directory, souvenir programs, booklet containing apportionment list for the church, and church bulletins
- Folder 4: First Presbyterian Church, 1911 - 1933
- Contains a Women's Exchange Cook Book, membership directory, and a few church bulletins. Pages in the cookbook are out of order.
- Folder 5: "The Kentucky Christian", 1966
- Contains part of the publication "The Kentucky Christian," a newsletter for church
- Folder 6: United Christian Missionary Society, 1932 - 1943
- Contains three Yearbook of Programs for Missionary Studies and a booklet of information titled, "The Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ): A Thumbnail Sketch"
- Folder 7: Miscellaneous Church Publications, 1927 - 1945
- Contains bulletins, memorial notes, and newsletters
- Folder 8: Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 1934
- Contains a membership list as well as a newsletter and service record
- Folder 9: Richmond Public Forum, Undated
- Constitution and By-Laws of the Richmond Public Forum.
- Folder 10: City of Richmond, 1901 - 1910
- Contains: "Charter, By-Laws and Ordinances of Richmond, Kentucky," 1910 Season Baseball Score Card Book, Richmond Lecture Course Book, "Interesting Facts about Richmond," "Answers to your Questions about the City Manager Plan," and historical pamphlets with photos
- Folder 11: Richmond Wet-Dry Option, 1909
- Contains sample ballots, flyers, and publications debating the vote for Wet or Dry (sale of liquor) in Richmond, KY. Also contains a publication from Clarence Woods as mayor to the distillers, brewers, and saloonkeepers in Richmond.
- Folder 12: Calendar: Richmond Women's Club, 1927 - 1928
- One calendar of events for the organization
- Folder 13: The School in the Woods, 1852
- Small book written for the American Sunday-School Union
- Folder 14: "Songs of Praises", 1930
- Songbook of hymns, belonging to Grant Lilly. Front of the songbook is written: "Grant E. Lilly, Richmond, Ky. May 19th, 1930."
- Folder 15: The Sorosis Club, 1911 - 1912
- The Sorosis Club of Louisville, Kentucky. Handbook with member list, membership rules, and schedule of events
- Folder 16: Kentucky Oil Men's Association, 1918 - 1920
- Contains a copy of the Tri-ennial Production Report of Crude Petroleum in Kentucky
- Folder 17: "The South in World Affairs", 1939
- Prepared by the Southern Council on International Relations.
- Folder 18: "The Man Sings", 1914
- A book of poetry by Roscoe Gilmore Stott. Signed on the inside front cover: "For Judge and Lady Lilly, Whose discriminating judgment will many much to - The Man Who Sings, Roscoe Gilmore Stott. Today is only mine!"
- Box 19
- Barcode: 31234013924558
- Folder 1: War Savings Organization, 1919
- Contains a handbook on the organization and maintenance of war saving societies as well as a questionnaire for the 1919 thrift campaign
- Folder 2: Washington Bicentennial, 1932
- Publications include suggested programs, newsletters, and tribute booklets
- Folder 3: Women's Missionary Society, Undated
- Contains lists of members and membership requirements for the organization
- Folder 4: Transylvania College, 1919 - 1978
- Contains copies of the Transylvania Bulletin as well as publications from the Transylvania Library and the Transylvania medical library
- Folder 5: United States Sesqui-Centennial Commission, 1936
- Contains three editions of the published information sheets. Sheets contain historical information, photos, and celebration organization plans
- Folder 6: "The Life of Melancthon", 1841
- Small book. Full title: Life of Philip Melancthon, The German Reformer. Anna Lilly's name written on inside cover
- Folder 7: "Puss in Boots", Undated
- A small childrens book about a cat wearing books. Book contains story as well as color illustrations
- Folder 8: "Trial of Abner Baker", Undated
- A book regarding Dr. Abner Baker, on trial for the murder of his brother-in-law, Daniel Bates. Part of the book is missing, and appears to be ripped out. Missing parts indicate an introduction which outlined the life of Abner Baker prior to the trial
- Folder 9: "A Tale of the Huguenots", 1839 - 1929
- Book with illustrations inserted. Date on title page indicates 1839, but the book appears to have been re-bound later, with dates 1914 and 1929 indicated on the inside cover and the first blank page.
- Folder 10: "A History of the Christian Church: Maysville, Kentucky", 1948
- Book detailing the history of the Christian Church of Maysville, Kentucky.
- Folder 11: "La Eschuela Nueva", 1950
- "The New School Bulletin" welcomes the American teachers in Cuba, which Austin Lilly attended
- Folder 12: "Historical Self-Guide of Washington", 1922
- Information Guide-Book to Washington, with information about all major locations in Washington as well as historical notes and monuments. Contains maps and illustrations
- Box 20
- Barcode: 31234013924566
- Folder 1: Canary Cottage, Undated
- Pamphlets and flyers inviting visitors to Canary Cottage for the Tobacco Festival and for the local food
- Folder 2: "Around the World by Freighter", 1967
- A book titled, "The Guide to Traveling Around the World by Passenger-Carrying Freighters - the lower cost way to travel"
- Folder 3: Lexington Opera House, 1976
- Publications and promotional items regarding the re-opening of the Lexington Opera House. Materials display historical photos and importance, as well as popular shows and artists. Other items in folder relate to Austin Lilly's involvement with Friends of the Lexington Opera House.
- Folder 4: Miscellaneous, Undated
- Includes miscellaneous publications. Of interest: South Atlantic States Musical Festival, Tikal (Guatemala), "A Pittsburgh Composer and his Memorial", and Henry Clay High School history.
- Folder 5: Miscellaneous, Undated
- Includes miscellaneous publications. Of interest: several publications printed in French, tourist guides, Ringling Bros magazine, "Adventures in Diet" by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, The Bentley Library Annual, Report to the Friends of Pleasant Hill, and American Motorist articles
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: Correspondence Series],
[
Series 2: Financial Series],
[
Series 3: Genealogy Series],
[
Series 4: Legal Series],
[
Series 5: Memorabilia Series],
[
Series 6: Newspaper Clipping Series],
[
Series 7: Photograph Series],
[Series 8: Publication Series],
[
Series 9: Scrapbook Series],
[
Series 10: Speech Series],
[
Series 11: Subject Series],
[
Series 12: Oversized],
[
All]