Joe Ley

    While most of my posts are devoted to the outdoors and nature stuff, especially about the Swift legend and mines, I do have other interests. In fact, like most of you I find about everything on the unusual and different side of Kentucky fascinating. During my travels around the state whether doing research on the Swift book or other upcoming projects I often encounter some really neat places and people. In fact, I really devoted this blog to sharing and creating interest in some off the path, mostly overlooked places. Most of us like to do this I suspect, I'm just a bit more mouthy about it I suppose. This entry is a diversion. All those of you arriving at this page from my web site or some other location, please browse through the archives listed on the right side of this page. There is a lot of information about the Swift story, geology, history and my book is available for purchase from that site. There are also some good links I encourage you to check out.

    If you are into antiques and especially the unusual, then a must is a visit to Joe Ley Antiques in Louisville. Located on East Market Street in Louisville this place is an amazing collection of antiques and somewhat of a museum collection.  I'm not just talking about high end antiques alone. There are plenty of bargains. And this is a place to visit for those who are remodeling and are searching for that yesterday look.
    Many commercials, music videos and other film related activities have used Joe Ley Antiques as a perfect site to enhance their productions. One reason is the large collection of strange and unusual  items such as original carved wooden horses used in carnival rides.

    There is a large collection of vintage toys of every kind and if you can think of it in all probability Joe Ley will have it right there on Market Street. Not every item is for sale though and are just on display for the pure enjoyment.The building itself is quite the marvel with several floors you can spend hours browsing through. If you like antiques and have never included Joe Ley antiques among your visits, do yourself a favor and go see this place.

    Across the street from Joe Ley  is a candy maker that has been in business in Louisville since 1921.   Muth’s Candies has been continuously producing some the finest chocolates and candies found anywhere.  They produce at their store a variety of chocolate creams, malt balls, and just about every nut combination with chocolate you can think of.  Perhaps one the most famous confectioneries are the Modjeska, which according to history was developed by Anton Busath in honor of Helena Modjeska, a famous Polish actress of the time. Later Anton’s son, Edgar ran the candy company but when the store burned in 1947, Edgar asked his good friend, Rudy Muth to use his candy kitchen to make candy. When the Busath store never reopened, Edgar gave the Modjeska candy recipe to his good friend Rudy. You can still enjoy this light southern cream caramel covered marshmallow at Muth’s Candies, located on East Market Street in Louisville.