09/30/2026
As always - thank you so much Rob! 📸
One of my favorite places to eat started as a family home more than 200 years ago.
📍Burlington, Kentucky
Long before I ever worked with Tousey House on projects they invited me to be part of, it was already my go to for a nice meal once in a while. That filet is amazing, and there’s something about sitting down for dinner in this old house that makes the whole experience special.
Over the years, they’ve welcomed me into projects and shown me support that I truly appreciate. When a place you already enjoy also supports what you do, it means a lot.
The story behind those brick walls goes back to 1817, when Erastus Tousey purchased the land for just $25. Around 1822, the Federal style house was built, becoming home to Erastus, his wife Catherine and their children. Its patterned brickwork, paired chimneys and the fanlight above the front door still reflect that early history.
Over the years, the building served as a home, tavern, hotel, boarding house and various shops. According to Tousey House’s published history, Lester and Pearl Gulley and Albert and Fannie Pettit purchased the property in 1917. The house became home to the Pettit family, and Katie Pettit Presnell later wrote about her memories of growing up here, including the smokehouse out back and hearing owls in the church steeple across the street.
Like many old buildings, it eventually faced an uncertain future. After a lengthy period of vacancy, it was restored in 1987 by Bruce and Elizabeth Ferguson. Their work helped preserve a piece of Burlington that we’re still able to enjoy today.
If the Tousey name sounds familiar from my earlier posts, you might remember my efforts around 2018 and 2019 to keep the Tousey headstone in the old Burlington cemetery from falling. That’s a story I’ll revisit another time, but it’s another reason this place has a personal connection for me.
Today, those same walls welcome people gathering for dinner, celebrating something special or simply treating themselves to a good meal. I love seeing a historic building remain such a familiar part of the community.
Thank you to everyone at Tousey House for the invitations and support you’ve shown me through the years. I appreciate it.
What’s your favorite meal or memory from Tousey House?
