Asa Blanchard's Corner
S.E. Cor., Short & Mill Sts., Lexington, Fayette
County, Kentucky
Built 1810
Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.
Asa Blanchard, one of the most famous jewelers of early days, bought this corner property of the old Presbyterian Church site from Matthew Elder in August, 1810. It fronted 22 feet on Short Street, extending back 48 feet to a four-foot alley. The house had just been completed apparently. He already had purchased a home on Mill Street near Second from Samuel Wilkinson in 1809, which he expanded in December, 1825, by the purchase of a "Lot on Poplar Row" from his neighbor, James B. January.
The 1818 Directory cites both places: "Asa Blanchard, Gold and Silver Smith, corner Mill and Short Sts., residence Mill St."
After Blanchard's death, his executors sold the business property to Patterson Bain (November 9, 1838). Bain conveyed the house to John McMurtry, the architect, in 1843 "in consideration of the erection of several buildings" (Bain's Row on Broadway). The latter conveyed it to his brother, David McMurtry, in 1844.
Robert Long purchased the house in 1861 and for many years conducted a large grocery here.
Transcribed by pb October 2002
Updated December 13, 2025.