This is a photo of the Cream of Kentucky Saloon at Brooklyn Heights. Brooklyn Heights was located across the river from Hendricks and incorporated June 14, 1902. Charles Darwin Gillispie built the town and operated it from 1897 to 1914. When Hendricks voted itself dry, Mr. Gillispie ran for mayor and tried to change the situation in Hendricks but he failed; council did not approve his plan. So, he purchased property across the river from Hendricks, constructed a bridge from Hendricks to Brooklyn Heights and built 16 houses. He leased the houses rent free and charged two cents to cross his bridge. The town extended down to include the tannery and the sawmill. By doing so, he could collect taxes to keep his town running. There were street lights, a school, hotel, opera and more; but there were no churches in the town. Ministers were not welcome. The ice cold Rebel Run was used to keep the drink cold as Brooklyn Heights was formed to be a wet town. It gained a bad reputation for itself; with murders, brothels, fights, and with other types of corruption. The town met its end when the State of West Virginia enacted the Yost Law in July of 1914. This made the entire state a dry state. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
