OUR HERITAGE
Generations of makers, artisans and storytellers united by a commitment to excellence.
Rooted in a legacy that dates back nearly a century, Prentis Collective was inspired by our founder's great-grandfather, Louis Prentis Clapper. Louis began his career in the newspaper business in 1903, working as a 'Printer's Devil' at the Louisville Herald. Louis was initially one of four typesetters working at the newspaper, where they would handset type in preparation for the weekly publication. At that time, every letter that was printed was meticulously set in place and every part of the process was overseen from start to finish. There was a great deal of pride when every Thursday, hand crafted newspapers found their way into nearly every home in the community. After apprenticing under J.C. Prenot for 24 years, Louis acquired the Louisville Herald in 1927. The newspaper remained in the family until its final publication on June 29th, 2023 - nearly 100 years later.
Prentis Collective represents this heritage in the way we design and make kitchens. We replicate the same art of making, creating bespoke cabinetry by hand, obsessing over the details and overseeing the work from start to finish.
1887
Louis Prentis Clapper was born on March 3rd, 1887 just one day before the first edition of the Louisville Herald was published. The weekly newspaper was founded by L.P. Bissell in 1887 and later sold to J.C. Prenot in 1897.
1903
Louis began his career in 1903 working as a 'Printer's Devil'. All of the type was set by hand back then. There were four typesetters, besides Louis when he started and they worked all week setting the news. Then, after the paper was printed on Thursday, they would distribute the type back into the cases.
1927
After working at the newspaper for 24 years, Louis acquired the Louisville Herald. Beginning in 1927, the publication of the Herald became a family endeavor, which continued for almost a century.
1954
Louis' son, Paul, began helping out at the newspaper while in grade school. Upon graduating from Ashland University in 1948, Paul returned to Louisville and joined the family business.
1962
In 1962, Louis retired from the business and Paul became the Publisher and Editor of the Louisville Herald. That same year, the newspaper transitioned from letterpress to offset press.
1992
Frank, Paul's son, began working at the newspaper when he was 10 years old, delivering papers to the newsstands. In 1969 he worked as the official photographer and in 1992, he followed his father, becoming Publisher and Editor of the Louisville Herald.
2025
June 29, 2023 the final edition of the Louisville Herald was published. Nearly 100 years after Louis Prentis Clapper purchased the newspaper, Prentis Collective was established, honoring the family legacy of devotion to the art of making.
THE FIRST EDITION
Louis Prentis Clapper was born on March 3rd, 1887 just one day before the first edition of the Louisville Herald was published. The weekly newspaper was founded by L.P. Bissell in 1887 and later sold to J.C. Prenot in 1897.
Louis Prentis Clapper
Publisher
The Louisville Herald 1927-1962
Paul Merlin Clapper
Publisher
The Louisville Herald 1962-1992
Frank Howard Clapper
Publisher
The Louisville Herald 1992-2023
Sarah (Clapper) Shobe
Founder
Prentis Collective
Est. 2025
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Over the years, I’ve learned from my family the importance of dedication and commitment. I’ve witnessed the beauty of creating something enduring and worthy of passing along to the next generation. It is my hope that Prentis Collective honors this heritage and continues to inspire the generations to come.
– Sarah Clapper Shobe