Enter Old Morrison at your own risk. | Photo by LEXtoday
Would you believe it if we told you there was a tomb on Transy’s campus?
Inside Old Morrison — the big white building that faces West Third Street + is currently covered in pumpkins — is the tomb of early 19th-century professor Constantine Rafinesque.
We’re sharing with you the eerie tale of the man whose name has made a lasting impression on this historic Lexington university.
Fast facts
Constantine Rafinesque, originally from Turkey, was a professor of botany and natural science at Transylvania University from 1819 to1826.
During his time there, he published scientific names for thousands of plants + hundreds of animals, one of those being Rafinesque’s big-eared bat.
Legend has it, Rafinesque often showed up late to classes or skipped them completely. He was eventually fired by then-college president Horace Holley.
Upon his departure, the eccentric naturalist said, “I took lodgings in town and carried there all my effects: thus leaving the College with curses on it and Holley.”
Seven-year curse
Vice President of Marketing + Communications Megan Moloney noted, “The curse was said that something bad would befall the university every seven years.”
Horace Holley died in 1827, just one year after Constantine’s firing.
The old Main Campus building, where Old Morrison stands today, burned down.
There were cholera + influenza outbreaks on campus.
City Editor Molly casually hanging out in the tombs of Old Morrison. | Photo by LEXtoday
Present day
Constantine died in Philadelphia in 1840. In an effort to pay tribute to the professor, a group exhumed his body + moved it to Lexington in 1924. It now rests in the tomb inside Old Morrison.
Here’s how he is remembered + celebrated on campus today:
Read Between the Vines | 6-8 p.m. | Ghost Fox Winery, Nicholasville | Free | Find a cozy spot, grab a glass of wine, and curl up with your favorite book at this midweek silent book club.
Kenwick Haunted House | 6-8 p.m. | Kenwick Community Center | Free | Come and brave the fantastically frightful halls and dark corridors of the no-contact scare fest — recommended age is 8+.
Halloween Trivia | 7 p.m. | Old North Bar | Free | This themed edition of trivia is serving up tricks and treats for the winning team + best costume.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Urban Growth Public Input Meeting | 1:30 p.m. | Council Chambers | Free | Help shape the future of Lexington by hearing updates + sharing thoughts on the city’s 2,800-acre expansion.
Friday, Nov. 1
Kentucky Unmasked Live Taping | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | Lex Studios | $37.10+ | Walk the red carpet, enjoy live music + be a part of a live audience storytelling event.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Calm + Heal | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | SHALA | $65 | Learn the practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu in this immersive, experiential workshop to help promote inner calm and balance.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Veterans VA5K | 1 p.m. | Lexington VA Hospital | $35+ | Run or walk to support housing for families of veterans at the medical center, plus enjoy music, snacks, and community connection.
Bella Notte Restaurant Group is reviving Crust — its wood-fired pizza restaurant that shuttered in 2020. The concept has also operated as Smashing Tomato in 2011 + Bella Forno in 2019. It’s expected to open in early 2025 in the former Whiskey Bear spot in Beaumont. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Community
Residents and some businesses are invited to drop off unwanted tires for free at the city’s old landfill pad Thursday, Oct. 31 + Friday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Accepted tires include bicycle, ATV, farm equipment, and passenger vehicle (on or off the rim)..
Closing
This is the last weekend to explore the Kentucky Children’s Garden before it closes for the season on Saturday, Nov. 2. Programming this week will examine owls + other native animals through skulls and fur. Enjoy the outdoors all year long at our city’s ~100 park locations.
State
Governor Andy Beshear awarded licenses to 26 businesses across the state to grow and process medical marijuana. Of those licenses, three were given to Fayette County companies: Goeing Blue LLC, NG Health LLC, and Limestone Processing. (LEX18)
Concert
Experience one of the most celebrated symphonies in the world this Friday, Nov. 1 at the Singletary Center with the UK Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for the show are $20 + will feature the spirited sounds of Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite.”
Drink
If you like to drink your apples, then mark your calendars for Kentucky Cider Days coming up Monday, Nov. 4-Sunday, Nov. 10. The week will host a variety of cider-focused + celebratory events including food pairings, paint and pour pop-ups, special releases, and more.
Number
7. That’s how many UK Federal Credit Union locations there are after the opening of a new branch in Nicholasville. To celebrate, Central Kentuckians who open a new Checking Account can earn a $200 bonus + have $100 donated to one of three local non-profits (T&Cs apply). Learn more.*†
Finance
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
Your business… in our newsletter… in as little as two days. Make it happen.
†Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender.
The Buy
The Buy
A great deal for the holidays ahead — get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping. Choose from red, white, or a variety pack of red, white, and rosé. Hello, stocked bar for holiday hosting season.
Looking to unwind prior to Election Day? Cibon is hosting a Reds, Whites, and Blues wine and cheese class on Monday, Nov. 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event is $45 + you can secure your spot by calling or emailing.
