Interview with Tom Block, October 21, 2016

Interview Summary

This extended interview with Tom Block takes place during a tour of the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, founded by his great-grandfather, Isaac W. Bernheim. Block first describes the extent of the Forest, which includes 600 acres of managed arboretum, while the rest of the 14,000 acres of land is "all natural forest." The history before Bernheim developed the land was that of deforestation in two instances: the first being the settlement of Europeans in the area, and the second being the discovery of iron ore deposits, leaving the land almost desolate before Bernheim came in to revitalize it. He hired the Frederick Law Olmsted Firm to manage the architecture and landscape plans, and he officially established the Forest in 1929. Block mentions this all from the Canopy Tree Walk overlooking the area called Bingham Valley, named after Barry Bingham, one of the first investors in Bernheim Forest. Block then moves the interview to I.W. Bernheim's gravesite, explaining the significance of the sculptures Bernheim commissioned for his grave. One tower represents the Jewish synagogue, while the second represents the Christian church, showing the importance of equality in both religions. The interview ended in The Quiet Garden, where a plaque was placed by I.W. Burnham II, in honor of one of I.W. Bernheim's sons, Bertram.

Interview Keyword

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest I. W. Bernheim I.W. Bernheim Jewish businesspeople

Interview LC Subject

Forests and forestry Arboretums Genealogy Jews--Kentucky Families

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.