07/06/2023
The historic building at 227 E Main Ave in Bowling Green, KY, was built in 1906 by Dr. Ortho Dandrith (O.D.) Porter. Dr. Porter was a Black physician born in 1865 to Robert Henry and Amanda Poston Porter. He graduated from Fisk University in 1891. His building at 227 E Main Ave served many purposes from 1906-1985, including doctors offices, pharmacy, barber shop, stores, pool hall, and lodge hall.
When Dr. Porter passed in 1936, another Black physician named Dr. Isaac Bruton moved his practice to Dr. Porter's former office at 227 E Main Ave. The O.D. Porter building was one of the only remaining Black business buildings in the Fountain Square area until the City of Bowling Green enacted eminent domain to condemn the property in 1985 and later demolished the building in 1997 to make room for the Warren County Justice Center expansion. Where the O.D. Porter building once stood is now a parking lot.
