05/26/2026
in 1922, Gordon P. Caldwell was born!
Gordon was born here in Louisville, the second child of Walter and Gertrude Caldwell. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Speed Scientific School, Gordon also served in the United States Navy during World War II. He grew up visiting his grandparents, William and Elaine Caldwell at their home on St James Court. One story told often on our current tours is how Gordon and his sister Virginia spent dinner at their grandparents' home counting crystals on the chandelier.
Gordon married Mildred Jane Pritchett in 1946, after being introduced through unusual circumstances... Mildred Jane was attending Kentucky Home School (now KCD) and playing in a field hockey game. She got hit in the head with someone's stick, and was knocked out. Gordon, who didn't know Mildred Jane, rushed over to help. When she came to, he immediately said, "I want to meet her officially." They married, and ended up having three children-- Barb, Beth, and Ann.
Gordon remained connected to the Conrad-Caldwell House and Caldwell Tanks Company throughout the rest of his life. He devoted many years and lots of effort to restoring the mansion to reflect its early-1900s appearance, maintaining the family artifacts, and learning all he could about the house's history. For sixteen years, he volunteered as a tour guide at the museum, sharing stories of Louisville history and the Caldwell family legacy.
Although Gordon is no longer physically with us, his love and care for the home is felt every day here. His daughters, Beth and Barb, have taken on their father's duty in becoming regular and dedicated docents here. Let's all take his birthday to remember Gordon's lasting impact and spirit. Happy birthday! 🎂
