Location
Among the rolling hills of Madison County lies some very unique and obscure places. Nestled on a small country road lies a small community named "Waco". Waco is slightly off of KY52, and continues onto KY 977. Despite being an unincorporated community, Waco is part of the Richmond - Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
A notable geographic feature is Muddy Creek, which lies roughly 3,000 feet from Waco. Muddy Creek is a small creek that begins on the Kentucky River and ends near KY 3376. The terrain around Waco is a mixture of plains and small wooded areas. Although, by looking at an overhead map, there appears to be an abnormal amount of ponds and bodies of water around the area.
History
The history of Waco is not only obscure, but it is interesting. Waco is believed to be named after Waco TX, although this is not confirmed. Some of the oldest industries in Madison county were started in Waco. This includes Waco Pottery Works. Waco is most known for it's deep history rooted in the art of pottery, as it generated a lot of revenue for the small community.
The earliest pottery maker was John Parker Grinstead, and his brother Matthew D. Grinstead, who purchased land near Waco in 1837. Not only did Grinstead produce many works of pottery, he also indulged in the stone-working business. A lot of his work is still around, but is very scarce. Grinstead tended to brand his pottery and other works with "GRIGGS AND GRINSTEAD, WACO KY."
(https://www.mesdajournal.org/2012/research-note-nineteenth-century-stoneware-makers-madison-county-kentucky/)
Griggs and Grinstead
The earliest pottery maker was John Parker Grinstead, and his brother Matthew D. Grinstead, who purchased land near Waco in 1837. Not only did Grinstead produce many works of pottery, he also indulged in the stone-working business. A lot of his work is still around, but is very scarce. Grinstead tended to brand his pottery and other works with "GRIGGS AND GRINSTEAD, WACO KY."
(https://www.mesdajournal.org/2012/research-note-nineteenth-century-stoneware-makers-madison-county-kentucky/)
Philip A. Huffman
Another notable figure in Waco KY's history is Philip A. Huffman. Philip Huffman was born in Bourbon County KY, and relocated to Madison County in 1847 where he purchased property adjacent to Grinstead's land. Huffman was successful in his business endeavors and employed several well known potters. One of the hired potters was Augustus H Serren, a potter born in New York or New Jersey. Huffman was known to mark his pottery with "P.A HUFFMAN." Later on, Philip hired multiple German potters and continued his pottery career.
Valentine Baumstark
Valentine Baumstark was another notable figure in Waco's history. He arrived in 1850, and married Mary Amerine the same year. Valentine was born in Germany and was likely trained in the art of pottery before he came to America. He was employed at Huffmans. He eventually became the foreman of the business.
Eventually, when Huffman departed to Texas, Baumstark started his own business on the eastern end of Waco. His business was reportedly destroyed by John Morgan due to him being a vocal Union sympathizer. Baumstark carried on and ran the business up until his death in 1885. John Baumstark, his son, carried on the business after his passing.
Eventually, when Huffman departed to Texas, Baumstark started his own business on the eastern end of Waco. His business was reportedly destroyed by John Morgan due to him being a vocal Union sympathizer. Baumstark carried on and ran the business up until his death in 1885. John Baumstark, his son, carried on the business after his passing.
Businesses and Attractions
Despite being an unincorporated community, Waco has quite a few businesses and shops. The first noticeable businesses are the Shell gas station (also named "Waco Grocery") across the intersection of 977 and 52, and the People's Trust Bank across from the Shell.
Down into the crossroads of Waco, there is a small Bakery named "Side Porch Cafe and Bakery" and a thrift store. On down the street there is the "Waco Animal Hospital". Waco also has a volunteer Fire Department across from the "Waco Church of Nazarene."
Lastly, the post office of Waco is still in service.
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