Duncan House History

William Graham Duncan built this beautiful home located at 122 South Cherry Street in 1912 for $10,000. Lovingly nicknamed “Thistle Cottage”, the outside of the house that is impressive in style, is made of white stucco. As you enter the living room, you will find beautiful paneled walls made of cherry, walnut, and mahogany. Moving into the dining area, tiger oak enhances the walls. Oak bordered inlaid hardwood gives grace to the floors in the living, dining and master bedroom. This stately home stayed within the Duncan family for many decades. In 1986, Grandson Hamilton Richardson Duncan Sr. graciously donated the house to the City of Greenville. In 1989, this beautiful house became known as the Duncan Center for the arts and a museum that reflects the heritage of Muhlenberg County and Kentucky.

“1912 Restoration Project”
In 2006, the Duncan Center Museum & Art Gallery initiated the “1912 Restoration Project” to restore selected areas of the Duncan House back to its original splendor. In the 1950’s the Duncan family modernized some aspects of the house, which included removing various Victorian and Italian influenced features of the house such as the fireplace mantle, murals and frescos in the main rooms of the house and encasing various Greek style columns. In the fall of 2006, we began project by restoring the fireplace mantle. In 2007, through various donations from members, volunteers and friends, the Center was able to continue the project by restoring the Greek style pillars that separate the Living and Dining room areas. Today, with a restoration plan provided by Joseph & Joseph Architects and grant funds provided by the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation, we are focusing on restoring areas on the exterior of the house.

Thistle Cottage
The following images are from "Thistle Cottage", a photograph collection in book form of the Historic Duncan House. The photographs were made by H. Hesse of Louisville, Kentucky in 1920. The book is part of the History Collection of the Duncan Center Museum and Art Gallery.

Hamilton Richardson Duncan, Sr.
August 28, 1909 - February 6, 2007
Lovingly donated Thistle Cottage