The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

Welcome, Azlyn! Azlyn Hernandez joins The Georgia Trust as a graduate intern. She is a student in the Master of Heritage Preservation program at Georgia State University. Azlyn is new to Georgia, having completed her BA in Urban Policy and Planning with a minor in Art History from The University of North Texas. She will be supporting our Preservation Department. In her free time, she's exploring Georgia and likes to paint and listen to podcasts. We're excited you're here, Azlyn!

This 1912 farmhouse outside of Americus is actually the third house on this site. The property includes several historic outbuildings, several of which have been renovated and/or restored by the owners, including grain bins that have been converted into a guest house. This is one of over 45 private homes and historic sites that are a part of our Fall Ramble in Americus, October 11-13. Tickets are available: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

Originally built in Covington by George Carr, this magnificent home was moved to its present location in Oxford in 1975. This site was once owned by Methodist Bishop James O. Andrew and was called "Chestnut Grove" - a back wing was added after the house was moved to its present location. High Point at Chestnut Grove is included in the Historic American Buildings Survey of 1935 as a structure of outstanding merit.

This Victorian style home was constructed in 1874 by A.W. Hill. Interestingly, the bedroom on the east side of the home was once used as a billiard room and features Jefferson windows that lead onto a smoking porch and a hidden circular staircase leading to the upstairs from the closet. 📷Brian Brown, Vanishing Georgia.

PRESERVATION IN PROGRESS! The Allison Building in Americus. Richard E. Allison moved to Americus in 1888 and in 1906 this building was contracted. It housed a furniture store on the upper level and a drugstore on a portion of the lower floor. It is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will feature two retail units on the bottom floor and 12 upscale apartments on the second and third floors. Now called The Allison, renovations are expected to be completed by Fall 2025. You can see the work in progress as part of our Fall Ramble in Americus, October 11-13. https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

Americus Municipal Building, 1910. This Italian Renaissance style structure was completed in 1910 and was originally a United States Post Office building. The second-floor offices were used for federal agencies. United States Congressman Charles R. Crisp secured $100,000 for the building’s enlargement and a third floor with an elevator were completed in 1933. The name was changed to the “U.S. Post Office and U.S. Court Building”. After a new post office was built in 1969, the city acquired and renamed this building the Municipal Building. It is now home to the Americus Visitor Center. This is one of 45 sites on our Fall Ramble to Americus, October 11-13. For more details and tickets: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

Bank of Surrency, circa 1911, located in Appling County. The town of Surrency, with a population of around 200, purchased this abandoned building in 1999. The Bank of Surrency was a branch of the Baxley Banking Company and closed in 1922. The building later served as the Post Office from 1926 until 1960. It had been vacant for decades, although it was sometimes enlisted as a sweet potato warehouse. Though damage from water and neglect was extensive, the building did retain most of its historic materials. Extensive repairs were made on the exterior, including roof replacement, brick repair and repointing. Interior work involved plaster repair and replacement of rotted wood flooring as well as updating the electrical system. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, winner of a Georgia Trust Excellence in Restoration Award in 2004.

Revisiting a 2020 Preservation Award Winner, Eagle Saloon Suites in Bainbridge! Built in 1899, on the corner of Water and Broad Street in Downtown Bainbridge. The original structure contained historic Victorian detail from the arched windows to the brick corbelled cornice. Over time as the building was transferred from owners, stucco and aluminum veneer was applied to the original brick façade and commercial storefront, which covered up the historic features. The first step in the rehabilitation process was to remove the inappropriate materials of the exterior. Images and documentation were closely analyzed to appropriately restore the corner façade of the building.

📢 GREAT NEWS! The Georgia Trust is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for our 2025 matching grants!

Two grant programs are available for historic preservation projects in Georgia:
💰 The 1772 Foundation Grants for Georgia (up to $10,000)
💰 Callahan Incentive Grants (up to $5,000)

Non-profit and government organizations are encouraged to apply! Submit your letter of inquiry by December 2, 2024, to be considered.

Learn more and see eligibility details at https://www.georgiatrust.org/resources/grants-fellowships/ 💻

📷 Pictured: Boys & Girls Club camp at the Thomasville Center for the Arts, a 2024 grant recipient.

The Historic Sanctuary of Roswell Presbyterian Church dates to 1840. the short tower contains an iron ship bell, cast in 1827 in Philadelphia? So many fun facts in this historic building! In 1853 Martha "Mittie" Bulloch was married to Theodore Roosevelt, Sr here. They later became parents of "Teddy" - President Theodore Roosevelt.

to a parterre garden we visited back in 2013. What's the history of parterre gardens? Originating in 16th-century France, they were symbols of wealth and sophistication. Elements include symmetrical beds, low hedges, and gravel paths. These gardens became popular again in both the 18th and 19th centuries, and examples can be found throughout Georgia.🌷🌿

Preservation Award Winner! Today, the McKey-Seago House stands alone among late 20th century commercial buildings in what was once a thriving residential area. The house was constructed by the McKey family between 1915 and 1920 as a modest 1-story house, but the later addition of a second floor dramatically altered the appearance of the house to what we see today. Since 1995, Valdosta State University has owned the property and used it as space for various administrative offices, but by 2013, the house was in need of repairs and systems upgrades. The ensuing rehabilitation project included replacing the roof; painting the exterior; and repairing wood siding, trim, windows and brick column bases. Interior work included cleaning the original wood floors, repairing water damaged ceilings and walls, and upgrading mechanical systems. Thanks to Valdosta State University’s commitment to preservation, the historic McKey-Seago house remains as a testament to Valdosta’s history! Recipient of a 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation Award.

This circa 1907 home in Atlanta's Inman Park neighborhood was originally built for George Floding's family. Often called the Castle, this home was divided into apartments for decades. In the 1960s, you could rent 3 rooms for $80/month! Private residence.

This Victorian-era house was built in 1893 by Colonel Shipp. It was extensively remodeled in 1914-1915 by Frank Harrold, and again by the current owners in 2015. The home was featured in "Southwest Georgia Living" magazine. This is one of over 45 private homes and historic sites that are a part of our Fall Ramble in Americus, October 11-13. Tickets are available: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

The Porter-Rogers-Tuck House in Covington was built in 1903 by James Porter, for his bride, Olive Swann. The Porters later moved to Macon where they maintained a stately home that they named Porterfield. Porterfield was moved in 2013 by Historic Macon Foundation to Wesleyan College, where the Porters were one of the school’s largest benefactors.

Excellence in Rehabilitation Award Winner! The former gas station’s exterior illustrates sleek Streamline Moderne design, a style favored by Amoco for many years. The 1959 building’s asymmetry, creative use of glass and light tower were distinct Amoco brand elements. The station’s ownership varied over three decades, after which it sat vacant for another 30 years. The site was viewed as a teardown but despite skepticism from banks, realtors, and appraisers, the new owner saw a neglected but once-proud structure with good bones. She single-handedly tracked down the environmental reports and cleared the property of hazards. With guidance from the City of Brunswick Commission, Downtown Development Authority, and Historic Preservation Board, she assembled a seasoned, local team to rehabilitate the building, and it now functions as a live/work space. The roof was stabilized. Defining characteristics underwent minimal to no change. Missing features were restored with historically accurate replacements. This rehabilitation project has been a catalyst for redevelopment in what was—for many—an abandoned, drive-by part of Brunswick’s Downtown Historic District.

that Augusta once served as the state capital? Telfair Street was named for Edward Telfair, a Georgia governor during the period when Augusta was the state capital. Built as the county courthouse in 1801, it was sold and became a private residence after a new courthouse was built in 1821. Over the years it hosted several prominent families. Today, this historic gem is a beautifully restored event center, showcasing a blend of Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectural styles.

This 1867 Second Empire style home is the only local example of the style in Americus. Built in 1867 by a wealthy physician from Baltimore, whose descendants occupied it for over a century. The present front porch replaced a smaller one about 1900. What style of roof is this? It's a mansard roof! This beautiful historic home will be one of 45 homes and historic sites open during the Americus Fall Ramble, October 11-13, 2024. Full details and tickets are available here: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

🏛️ Project Spotlight: Tallapoosa Pentecostal Church 🏛️

We’re excited to celebrate the recent roof restoration at the historic Pentecostal Church in Tallapoosa, made possible through the Georgia Trust’s Callahan Incentive Grant! 🏠✨

Thanks to the grant, the Tallapoosa Historical Society successfully repaired and replaced the roof, ensuring the building is protected from the elements. This project was essential to preserving the historic structure, including its stunning German artisan handcrafted ceiling. 🌟

The church, which serves as a meeting space for the Tallapoosa Historical Society and hosts weddings, concerts, and community events, is now up to code with a new roof system that will stand the test of time. By securing this grant and combining it with other funding, the society was able to complete the project without exhausting their resources, ensuring this important landmark will continue to serve future generations.

Want to help preserve more of Georgia’s historic places? Our next grant cycle is NOW OPEN! Visit https://www.georgiatrust.org/resources/grants-fellowships/ for information on how to apply.

Pink Chimneys dates back to the 1820s. This home was once located where the Ware-Lyndon House is. It was disassembled and moved back in the 1850s! Individual boards have roman numerals on them from the move 170 years ago. The chimneys were painted pink after a new owner purchased the property in 1961. Private residence.

from the archives - seen along Highway 27 in Carroll County when this colorful roadside shed grabbed our attention. The little building identified itself as "W.E. Johnson’s Sweet Potato Curing and Storage." It turns out, sweet potatoes must be cured in a warm humid environment in order to be sweet, moist and to store well. Curing helps to heal cuts, toughen the skin and induce the creation of sugar-producing enzymes.

Roots are usually stacked inside and heated through the fall and winter months. A brick oven under the front porch of this shed connected with ducts that ran into the building from underneath. After curing for 7-10 days, roots would continue to be stored at lower temperatures (55-60 degrees) for six to eight weeks. Which prevented sprouting while the sugars continue to develop.

Three Hearts Farm dates to the mid-1800s. Located on 30 acres of land that originally belonged to Wayne P. Sewell, it was part of a vast holding of land in the Roscoe area by the Sewell family. Wayne P. Sewell was married to Hettie Jane Dunaway, who would create Dunaway Gardens. The property is now hosts art workshops and Plein Air events.

Americus has so many amazing historic properties! Built in 1881 by prominent haberdasher John R. Shaw as a gift to his bride Kate Felder, a sister of the mayor, this charming cottage is another example of mid-Victorian eclecticism. Want to see inside this cottage? Great news, this is one of over 45 private homes and historic sites on our Americus Fall Ramble, October 11-13, 2024. Full details and tickets are available: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/fall-ramble/

to a home we visited during last year's Fall Ramble. The Cyrus Billingslea Barrow House, circa 1850. This Madison home is sometimes called The Barrow Academy. In 1885, Cyrus Barrow opened a school for boys on the ground floor. Tuition was $3.00 per month! Private residence.

The center portion of The Elms dates to 1844, when built as Lambert Spencer's Home. The two hexagonal wings were added in 1868. The Columbus home is also known for it's butterfly-shaped gardens.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE LOFTS – This Italianate masonry masterpiece in downtown Macon was built in 1904 to house the offices of the Southern Telephone and Telegraph Company. By 1942 the telephone company outgrew this space and the building saw only partial use for several decades until it was eventually completely vacated in 1980. After remaining vacant for 25 years, the building was purchased by Al Gerhardt who found that though the exterior was in remarkably good condition, the building’s failing roof left its interior in need of great repair. Gerhardt undertook a rehabilitation project which converted the building into a mixed use development of residential lofts and office space. Thanks to the vision of Mr. Gerhardt, this architectural gem has been preserved and is once again actively contributing to downtown Macon. This project received a 2013 Georgia Trust Excellence in Rehabilitation Award.

From the archives, the McCurry-Hodges House dates to 1892. It's one of the oldest homes in Hartwell. We took this photo several years ago, and this private residence has been repainted.

This year marks the 130th Anniversary of Labor Day. President Grover Cleveland made the first Monday in September a national holiday in 1894.

Senoia United Methodist Church dates to the 1890s, when it replaced a prior church on this site. The balcony was added to the sanctuary in 1920.

⛳️East Lake's Clubhouse is not the original clubhouse? It burned in 1925, and famous architect Philip Trammell Shutze designed the replacement clubhouse, which opened in 1927. ⛳️