The Original Ashland

The name Ashland was used as the name for the country estate of Henry Clay, in Lexington, Kentucky. Clay is regarded by many historians as one of the greatest United States Senators, and was dubbed “The Great Compromiser” for his innate ability to bring opposing sides together, as demonstrated on the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. The estate was believed to have been named “Ash Land” by Clay himself for the many majestic Ash trees that were originally located on the grounds. Today, the Clay estate is registered as a National Historic Landmark, and still welcomes thousands of visitors each year. www.henryclay.org

Interesting Facts About Ash Trees

The two most popular varieties of ash tree found in North America are the white ash and the mountain ash. The white ash is often compared to the oak, and may grow to one hundred feet in about one hundred and twenty years. You can recognize ash trees by their leaves, which are divided into many pairs of leaflets with a single leaflet at the tip, and by the seeds with their long wings. Individual trees may live in excess of 400 years. The extremely tough timber was used to make aircraft wings during World War II, is still used today for making hockey sticks and rowing oars.

The American mountain ash is grown throughout most of North America and reaches a maximum height of thirty feet. This tree produces flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers every spring. Those blooms yield to clusters of red berries in the summertime. The fall foliage color for the mountain ash is a lovely amber-yellow.

Of all the ash trees, it is the European ash that is most famous in literature. In Norse mythology a particular European ash tree called, "Yggdrasil" supports the very universe. But just as the Norse gods are doomed to succumb eventually to their foes, the Giants, so even this tree is not invincible. A terrible serpent gnaws at its root in “Niflheim,” and the great ash someday will come crashing down -- and along with it, the universe.

The Truth About Ashland Custom Homes

Never mind that last part about the universe crashing down! The real reason that I named this company Ashland Custom Homes is because I spent 18 years growing up in the quaint Midwestern town called Ashland, Ohio. It is a Norman Rockwell-type town where people get to know their neighbors, and where you make the kind of friends that stay with you for life.

When I think of home, I think of Ashland. And if you are considering a renovation of your current home or a new home for your family, I hope you will think of Ashland Custom Homes to see if we might be a good fit for you.

Howie Webb, Founder and President