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Home is Where the Heart Is
Written by ASHLEY WEDDING Photos by AP IMAGERY
TAKE A LOOK INTO THIS ICONIC OWENSBORO HOME, LOCATED AT 1546 COLLEGE DRIVE. WITH FIVE BEDROOMS, THREE BATHROOMS, MULTIPLE LIVING AREAS AND A BACKYARD MADE FOR ENTERTAINING, IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE WHY THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF OWENSBORO’S MOST DESIRABLE HOMES!
Gene and Jennie Clemens, owners of Trophy House and Trisons, were in their 30s when they put down roots in Owensboro and built their dream home. The young couple lived on Imperial Drive, in the heart of Owensboro, when the opportunity came to build at 1546 College Drive.
W.L. Harder, an Owensboro farmer, owned over 40 acres he purchased from Jackson Bosley, the namesake of Bosley Road. He eventually sold off the farmland in approximately 40 lots for residential development. The Clemens were one of the first to buy in 1969, choosing the lot next to the Harder plantation home. Those 40 acres now make up nearly 150 homes in the W.L. Harder subdivision, which spans from Tamarack to Scherm Roads behind Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Gene, an avid hunter, modeled his home after a hunting lodge he had seen in a magazine. He chose to outfit the home in natural redwood, to truly give it a lodge-like atmosphere.
“They made it their own,” said Randy Clemens, Gene and Jennie’s youngest son.
Over the next five decades, Gene and Jennie raised three sons, Nick, Mike and Randy, and built their business. Trophy House opened in 1963, with Jennie taking ownership with a partner in 1976. The Clemens expanded in 1981, with the addition of All American Advertising Specialities. Then they relocated to their current Frederica Street location 25 years ago, adding a gift store—Trisons, which is named in honor of their three sons.
The Clemens’ sons now all have families of their own, making another generation of memories in the College Drive home. Randy said some of his fondest memories are in his childhood home. He learned to drive in the backyard, long before the pool and outdoor
living spaces were built. Each of the three sons have spent every Christmas morning in the home, around the giant Christmas tree that many in Owensboro would admire from the iconic, picturesque window.
With Gene and Jennie entering the next chapter of their lives, it was time to downsize from the nearly 3,500 square foot home to something with less maintenance and fewer stairs. But leaving the home they built together has been tough.
The Clemens family is excited to pass on the house to its next owners, Terry and Jill Cooney and their two sons.
The Cooneys, who were looking for a home in the area, jumped when 1546 College Drive hit the market.
ABOUT THE REALTOR
Ryan Rutman has been selling homes in Owensboro for over 13 years. He was honored to help the Clemens through the process of selling their family home.
In less than three days, Ryan helped the Clemens navigate multiple offers and eventually accept an offer for over asking price.
Ryan has grown his real estate team to include his wife, business partner, and fellow Realtor, Chivonne, as well as Realtors
Stephanie Hardesty and Katie Drab. The Ryan Rutman Real Estate Group is available to help both buyers and sellers navigate the current real estate market. For them, it’s not about the houses, but about the relationships formed along the way.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Contact the Ryan Rutman Real Estate Group today! OL
270-315-7464 • WWW.RYANRUTMAN.COM
Remax Professional Realty Group 4333 Springhill Drive #102, Owensboro, KY 42303
Julep Home and Gift is Now Open!
Julep Home and Gift recently opened at Wesleyan Park Plaza in a remodeled space, formerly occupied by Excursions.
The new shop offers gifts for most ages with a variety of selections and prices. Accessories for the home and items for entertaining fill the shelves. Personal items include women’s jewelry, men’s cufflinks, and small travel items. For the home, bed linens and bath towels are available for pick-up or custom order.
Mother-daughter duo, Sharon and Elizabeth Wilson, opened their doors in May with a vision to offer outstanding customer service and a large selection of beautiful items known for their quality and value. Many brands in Julep Home and Gift are new to Owensboro.
Co-owner, Sharon Wilson said, “We spend a great amount of time researching the products and companies to ensure the items we sell are known for superior craftsmanship, durability and value. We give preference to products that are unique or hand-made, use sustainable materials and are produced by southern or womenowned companies. We also carry many European brands.”
Julep Home and Gift also offers Wedding Registries. Couples can schedule a private appointment by calling the store at 270-2157750. During the 1-1/2 hour appointment, couples can expect full details of product use and care to help them compile their registry.
“Wedding Registry is one of our specialties,” remarked coowner Elizabeth Wilson. “We love to help couples select items for their new home that match their style and needs. We enjoy celebrating with them during this special time.”
“Our Wedding Registries also help friends and family members select gifts for the couple so they can complete dinnerware, serving pieces, home décor and even bath and bedroom linens,” added Sharon Wilson. Well-wishers of the couple can easily select a gift from the store at 2738 Frederica Street or online at www.julephomeandgift. com. As with all purchases, gift wrap and local delivery is free.
Customers can see new arrivals and special offerings by following the shop on Instagram @julephomeandgift. “New items are added to our inventory almost daily as we receive additional selections and seasonal merchandise,” commented Elizabeth Wilson. “We are constantly researching brands and ordering unique items so our customers have more choices to add beauty to their home or find the perfect gift.”
Julep Home and Gift is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The shop is closed Sunday and major holidays. OL
