Interview with Charles E. Barnhart, October 14, 1997

Interview Summary

In this interview, Dr. Charles E. Barnhart recalls the history of Coldstream Farm, how it was first established as a cattle and hog farm, and later became a well-known Thoroughbred horse breeding farm in central Kentucky. He talks about the old experiment station farm, the decision to move the research program from its location in town, and the initial opposition to it. Barnhart says that 800 acres of Coldstream was sold to Elizabeth Arden Graham, which she renamed Mainchance Farm. The remaining 1100 acre purchase was authorized by Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler for use of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Barnhart recalls that during this time, plans were also being discussed for "the interstate", and recalls the controversy about exactly where it would come through that area, and the negotiations for a private underpass to provide access for Coldstream, Mainchance, and Spindletop farms.

Barnhart remembers the decision by the Department of Agriculture to build a new diagnostic facility near Lexington with the idea that U.K.'s Veterinary Science Department would continue to provide the professional services or supervise them. Barnhart mentions Murray State University supervising the new lab near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He talks about the old facility in Lexington, people not being aware of its location and opposing it as the site for the new facility. Barnhart discusses the decision to locate the new facility at Coldstream Farm rather than in Lexington, despite the misgivings over possible disease transmission to the healthy research herds. He describes the "slow but steady" progress to improve the facilities, the suggestion that athletic facilities be located at the farm, and the fifteen-year period where Coldstream is operating as an experiment farm for the college.

Barnhart details the development of the area around the farm and the controversy over nitrogen levels of Georgetown, Kentucky's water supply. He discusses the opposing viewpoints involved with outgoing President Dr. Otis A. Singletary and incoming President Dr. David Roselle, regarding the possible sale of Coldstream Farm for development. He emphasizes the need for anyone in a leadership role at a land-grant university to have or develop skills in the political sector. Barnhart talks about the bill in the legislature to fund a new retirement system for County Extension personnel.

Interview LC Subject

Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. College of Agriculture

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