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Avenue historically had a high number of residents of Italian descent, and owners of <br />1040 LaFarge were actively involved in the local economy and government positions. <br />For 80 years, this property was held by members of one Italian family. Property <br />ownership was transferred from Peter Bella to his sister, Angela Biella Romano, and her <br />husband, Celeste Romano in 1909. It is likely Celeste built the house on the property. <br />Celeste was a high -profile businessman on Main Street, operating a business named <br />Celeste's for over 50 years, which is assumed to have been a saloon, pool hall, or <br />restaurant at 809 Main Street. During prohibition, the business became a soda parlor, <br />but Celeste was arrested and fined for bootlegging in 1918. <br />Celeste was known to frequently support town events and lived at the property with his <br />family until his death in 1962. His daughter, Helen, and son-in-law, John Stevens, <br />resided on the property. Stevens served on City Council and later became Mayor of <br />Louisville in the 1950s. Helen and John's daughter, Vivian, also lived at 1040 LaFarge <br />through the 1970s and 1980s where she served on City Council and Planning <br />Commission. <br />Please see the Social History Report (Attachment No. 4) for a more detailed history. <br />1040 LaFarge ca. 1970s, Louisville Historical Museum <br />3 <br />