#12 • 1953 Honorary Commodore of Kentucky Lake Commission Presented to Colonel Harland Sanders
Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
High bid $400.00
Status: Sold
DESCRIPTION Framed certificate issued under the authority of Kentucky Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby commissioning Colonel Harland Sanders as an Honorary Commodore of Kentucky Lake. The document identifies Sanders as a member of the Twelfth Governor's Tour of State Parks and is dated September 26, 1953. Signed by Governor Wetherby and housed in a period frame. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This certificate documents official recognition of Colonel Sanders during the early years of his growing prominence as a Kentucky businessman and restaurateur. Issued just two years after Sanders received the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel from Governor Lawrence Wetherby, the commission reflects Sanders' increasing visibility as an ambassador for Kentucky hospitality and tourism. STORY & CONTEXT During the 1950s, Kentucky actively promoted its state parks, lakes, and tourism industry through special events and goodwill programs involving business leaders and public figures. As proprietor of Sanders Court & Café in Corbin, Sanders had already established a reputation for hospitality and service that extended beyond the restaurant industry. His inclusion in the Governor's Tour of State Parks and appointment as an Honorary Commodore of Kentucky Lake illustrates the degree to which he had become associated with Kentucky's public image and visitor experience before the national expansion of Kentucky Fried Chicken. PROVENANCE Originating from the Blackwood Hall collection, this certificate remained within the possession of the Settle family following their acquisition of the property directly from Colonel and Claudia Sanders. The document was preserved among other awards, recognitions, and personal effects associated with Colonel Sanders prior to its public offering. CONDITION NOTES Certificate exhibits age-related toning and minor scattered spotting. Frame shows wear consistent with age. Not examined outside of frame.
