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Researching J.H. Traynor & Co - Lexington KY


dsweeney26

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I am researching all things related to J.H. Traynor & Co which was a local liquor business in Lexington KY from 1907-1919. Im hoping to connect with some pre-pro collectors that may have some artifacts from this business. I have attached pics some of the more interesting finds I have for the business which validates they did in fact exist however there is not much publicly known about the business and brand so I have been accumulating info into a short reference book.   Here is a brief history of the business. 

 

In 1907, the J.H. Traynor & Co business was officially established with the aim of engaging in liquor sales in Versailles, Kentucky. However, the company did not remain in Versailles for long if at all. Shortly after its inception, the business relocated to South Bend, Indiana but for only a few months. Yet, its journey was not over; by 1908, the enterprise made its way back to Lexington, Kentucky, where it was known as The Barrel House of JH Traynor. This initial name was short-lived, as by 1912, the company adopted the name J.H. Traynor & Co Wholesale Liquor Dealers, and located at 105 North Broadway. Interestingly, historical evidence suggests that J.H. Traynor & Co might have been operational even before 1907. Advertisements uncovered from 1906 indicate that the business was active in Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it was known as The New Barrel House, located adjacent to the Spears & Lyons stable. This earlier operation adds a layer of intrigue to the company's history, hinting at a possibly more established presence prior to the 1907 formation.

 

The Lexington location of J.H. Traynor & Co was strategically chosen however. Situated three doors down from the bustling Main Street on North Broadway, which was one of the most prominent streets in the city at the time, the location offered significant visibility. The building was positioned on the west side of North Broadway, providing a clear view of traffic coming from the east along Main Street. Additionally, the establishment was conveniently located just three blocks away from the county courthouse, enhancing its accessibility and prominence.

 

During its operation, J.H. Traynor & Co was known for producing a range of proprietary whiskey brands, including Belle of Fayette Whiskey, White Fox Whiskey, Maple Glen, Old Joe Anderson, and High Tide Bourbon Whiskey. In addition to its own products, the company also marketed several popular whiskey brands of the era, such as Old Boonesboro Whiskey, Ed Murphys Whiskey, and Belle of Anderson County, among others. These brands were well-regarded and contributed to the company's reputation in the liquor
industry.

However, with the imposition of Prohibition, the production and sale of these alcoholic beverages were rendered illegal, leading to the eventual cessation of the company's operations.

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Belle of Fayette Logo (1).png

JH Traynor Whiskey Jug.jpg

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Edited by dsweeney26
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