The City of St. Matthews is all about personality. It has a certain charm that needs to be experienced rather than explained. From the way neighbors greet each other by name, to how potholes mysteriously disappear within hours, St. Matthews has all the benefits of a big city, but prides itself on being a hometown that refuses to lose its heart, even as it grows.
In June St. Matthews will celebrate its 75th anniversary as an incorporated city, marking the moment in 1950 when a group of determined residents came together to preserve their community’s identity from looming annexation. But the city’s history actually began more than 260 years ago, when the first settlers came to the area for the fertile farmland and promise of a better life.
“St. Matthews is more than just a city,” says Councilwoman Mary Jo Nay. “It’s a feeling and a sense of belonging. People want to be associated with this place even if they don’t technically live within its limits.”
That feeling is something the city intends to celebrate in a big way.
On Saturday, June 7, St. Matthews will host a daylong celebration at Brown Park, the city’s most popular green space. From morning yoga to live music, a petting zoo, and even a drone show finale, the event is designed to capture the history and community spirit of St. Matthews.
“It’s going to be a joyful celebration for everyone,” says Nay. “Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, we want you to feel like you are part of the story.”
The story begins long before the area was known as St. Matthews. It was called many things. The area was first known as Beargrass, named by the Native American tribes that settled the area. In the early 1800s Edmund Sale owned a tavern near the railroad, lending his name to call the area Sale’s Precinct. In 1851 the post office named the city Lynnford. In the mid-19th century the area was known as Gilman’s Point, named for another local tavern owner, Daniel Gilman.
In 1850 it was the presence of St. Matthews Episcopal Church that inspired the final, enduring name. The following year, the newly established post office officially recognized the city as St. Matthews.
As the community grew, it became a center of agriculture. From the early 1900s through the 1940s, St. Matthews was recognized as the Potato Capital of the World. The St. Matthews Potato Exchange, established in 1910, was once the second-largest of its kind, with Irish potatoes shipped as far as Canada, Mexico and Cuba. The city is also home to Kentucky’s first volunteer fire department, founded in 1919.
“We have a lot of historic roots in our city,” Nay says. “We have a lot of historic people.”
It’s not the history alone that has created a community with deep affection for the city. It’s in the everyday services, from snow removal on every street to the free recycling pickup, the backdoor trash collection, and the 40% discount on property taxes if paid by Halloween.
“When someone calls City Hall, they’re not shuffled around or forgotten,” says Nay. “We don’t have much red tape. If you report a pothole in the morning, it’s usually fixed before the crew heads home.”
Nay says her job as a member of the city council is to spoil the residents. “It’s a fantastic community,” she says. “But it’s our police and our work crews that make everybody look good because they do a wonderful job.”
As the city prepares to celebrate this milestone, Mayor Rick Tonini is encouraging everyone to be part of the festivities. “As we celebrate 75 years of progress, community and resilience, I invite everyone to join us in honoring St. Matthews’s rich history and bright future,” he says. “This milestone is a testament to the spirit of our people. Let’s celebrate together!”
That spirit is what makes St. Matthews unique in its blend of old and new, civic pride and neighborly warmth. It’s the city where Halloween brings thousands of children to Brown Park and a drone show will now light up the summer sky.
From longtime residents who remember when Shelbyville Road had more horses than cars, to newcomers drawn to the big-city services with small-town charm, there’s one thing they all share: a deep love for a place that still feels like home.
Whether you’re in it for the live music, the ducks at Brown Park, or just the chance to stroll down memory lane, June 7 will be more than a party. It will be a tribute to more than 75 years of heart.
St. Matthews Turns 75 Years Old!
Celebrate St. Matthews’ 75th anniversary – fun for all ages!
Saturday, June 7
Noon – 10pm
Brown Park – St. Matthews (corner of Browns Lane & Kresge Way)
This exciting, family-friendly event is packed with free activities for everyone to enjoy, and food trucks and a beer garden will keep you fueled throughout the day.
Live Music All Day:
The Rigbys (Beatles tribute)
Sheryl Rouse (Motown classics)
The Heart of Rock & Roll (Huey Lewis tribute)
Pat Garvey and One Irish Rover (Van Morrison tribute)
Family Fun Includes:
Bounce houses, petting zoo, mobile climbing wall + zip line, toddler train, balloon animals, face painting, circus performers, karaoke, silent disco, caricature artist, 360 photo booth, and cooking demos.
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate this huge milestone in St. Matthews’ history, enjoy amazing food, and experience a day full of music, fun and community spirit! Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase from on-site food trucks and the beer garden. Free parking at the Baptist Health building across from the park. Don’t miss the grand finale – a spectacular live drone show lighting up the night sky.
