       |
|
The development of Park Hills started in the 1920's decades after cities like Erlanger, Elsmere, and Crescent Springs were founded. It began in earnest when the Lee, Simmons, and Billiter families bought land and laid out streets. By 1926 homes were for sale on Audubon, Emerson, Cleveland, Park Drive and Rose Circle. The developers proclaimed Park Hills "the most beautiful subdivision property in the country with every city convenience and no city taxes". Lots were selling for $1800 and up and homes were selling for close to $10,000.
Park Hills currently has a population of approximately three thousand people. The city has its own police department, made up of six full-time officers and an outstanding volunteer fire department and rescue squad. A mayor and six councilpersons govern the city. Park Hills also has a very active Civic Association and Garden Club. The Citizens of Park Hills are proud of their beautiful city. Because it is a small town, its residents tend to be friendly and close-knit, who work together for the betterment of the city and its residents.
|
In the 1800's Park Hills was still mostly uninhabited - too hilly to farm and too inaccessible for homes. A few houses existed along Lexington Pike, the forerunner of Dixie Highway, and on Old State Road. The only landmark in the area was the Stonewall House, built sometime in the mid 1800's, which served as a stopover point on the turnpike for farmers taking stock to market in Covington and Cincinnati.
In the 1930's a commercial boom along the Park Hills section of Dixie Highway started what was later to be called "The Gourmet Strip". Marshall's Tavern, Nick Behle's Old lamp Lighter, Gus Sanzere's Golden Goose, The White Horse, Chappie's tavern, and Blue Star were all popular establishments that brought increased recognition to the area. Today, Szechwan Gardens stands where the Golden Goose once was and Wood Brothers Restaurant had taken the place of the Blue Star.