heritage fall 2011

achfonline.org

FALL 2011

Preservation mattersUpcoming symposium looks

at new uses for an old millPAGE 10

A pioneer comes homeWork begins on the final home

for Ben Epps’ statuePAGE 8

Yuletide cheerAnnual holiday event showcases

gracious historic homesPAGE 14

ATHENS-CLARKE HERITAGE FOUNDATION Fire Hall No. 2 489 Prince Avenue Athens, Georgia 30601 706-353-1801 fax 706-552-0753 e-mail: [email protected] Executive Director: Amy C. Kissane Welcome Center Director: Evelyn ReeceHands On Athens Administrator: John A. Kissane

MISSION To be a proactive force in developing community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage.

VISION To become the leading advocate for the importance of historic preservation to the future of the Athens community.

ACHF 2011-2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tim Kelly, PresidentLisa Wilson Dore, President-elect/Education ChairChris Peterson, Treasurer/Finance ChairTony Stringer, Treasurer-elect Kyle Campbell, Recording SecretaryTom Wilfong, Parliamentarian Janet Patterson, Revolving Fund Liaison/Preservation Issues Chair

Lauren Bloodworth Bill Bracewell, Chair, Future PlanDavid Bryant Stephanie Crockatt Linda Davis Hope Iglehart John Knowlton

Michael Lachowski, Chair, CommunicationsCheri Leavy, Co-chair, Special EventsJan Levinson, Chair, MembershipJennifer Lewis, Past President Bobbie McKeller, Chair, Athens Welcome CenterJennifer Messer, Chair, DevelopmentKeith Plummer

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL HERITAGE SPONSORS

Corinthian Level ($5,000)R.E.M.

Ionic Level ($2,500)Barber Creek DesignGeorgia Power

Doric Level ($1,500)Aurum Studios, Ltd.Carson Advisory, Inc.ETL Construction ServicesLindsay Transfer & Storage The Sams GroupTodd Emily of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

HERITAGE CREDITS Editor: Kristen MoralesCommunications Committee: Michael Lachowski (chair), Jennifer Lewis, Amy KissaneDesign: Eleonora Machado Heritage Newsletter Logo: Chris BilheimerCover photo: Participants during last month’s Athens Heritage Walks tour of the Cobbham Historic district listen as tour guide Milton Leathers talks about one of the Antebellum-period homes. For more information on upcoming tours, see page 5.

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Preservation matters … darn right it does, and it’s more than just a saying. Preservation Matters is the name of the foundation’s new annual education se-ries. This year’s theme is “Historic Pres-ervation – Inherently Green.” There are no hotter topics these days than “green” and “sustainability,” and ACHF wants the community to know just how green historic preservation is.

But, we’ve set our sights even higher with a Feb. 4 symposium titled: SOUTH-ERN MILLS: Economically Smart | So-cially Responsible. Southern Mills is an 18+ acre historic mill complex located just west of Chase Street and north of the railroad tracks and the Boulevard neighborhood. The complex has four major historic buildings and a surpris-ing amount of open space. It started op-eration in 1902 as the Southern Manu-facturing Company. Later it became a division of the Athens Manufacturing Company and in 1953 was bought by Wilkins Incorporated and served as a series of sewing companies under the umbrella of Wilkins Industries.

The foundation is focusing on Southern Mills in part because we have a façade easement on the buildings. (A façade easement means that the owner cannot make material changes to the facades without ACHF’s approval.) The buildings have stood unattended for over a de-cade, and we are working with the own-

er to bring attention to the property. In addition, we believe that the successful rehabilitation of Southern Mills would have a tremendous economic impact lo-cally, and we believe that the redevelop-ment could target pressing social needs in our community, thus the title, Eco-nomically Smart | Socially Responsible. A similar project in Baltimore, Md. (Mill-er’s Court) provided below-market-rate housing for Teach for America teachers as well as a cooperative for nonprofits to share space and resources. Southern Mills is a large site with true mixed-use potential. Affordable housing, subsi-dized spaces for musicians and artists, community open space, community gar-den, entrepreneurial incubator, neigh-borhood restaurant, neighborhood gro-cery — to name a few potential uses. All are within the realm of possibility.

We have a line-up of nationally renowned speakers who will provide an overview (see page 10), and we are following up the symposium with a charrette, conducted by Pratt Cassity and the Center for Com-munity Design and Preservation at UGA. This event will not only highlight the po-tential of this specific property, but will also serve as a local and regional model of socially responsible development.

So, put your thinking cap on and join us Feb. 4. Cost is $75, but A-CC residents get a special rate of $35. We want you there!

fire hallfrom the

by Amy C. Kissane, Executive Director

Be a part of Athens by being a part of ACHFSince 1967, the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation has been the leading advocate for not only preserving the history in Athens, but also looking towards its future. There is value in keeping historic structures — not only as a historical resource, but also as a living, breathing landmark that gives back to the community with everyone who walks, bikes or drives by.

What does my membership do?It works on many levels. It provides funding for educational and community programs that happen throughout the year all around Athens, including programs in schools, classes for scout badges and the ever-popular series of Heritage Walks, which showcase different historic neighborhoods around town. Your membership dollars also support ongoing programs that are a part of the fabric of Athens, such as the Athens Welcome Center, Classic City Tours and Hands On Athens — all programs that also support the local economy while fostering neighborhood spirit.

How can I join?Visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org or call 706-353-1801.

“Preservation Matters” debuts in August as the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation’s newest program, to annually consist of a lecture, hands-on-workshop, symposium and tour.

This year the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation will connect the dots through programming entitled “Historic Preservation- Inherently Green,” showcasing experts who will help Athenians save money and the environment through better understand-ing how historic properties function and contribute to a healthy community.

– Inherently Green –































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Fall is always a busy time in Athens. Turning the calendar to a new school year means busy weekends and throngs of returning students. But there is one bit of news that has cut through the commotion of the season: R.E.M., a band beloved worldwide, decided to call it quits after 31 incredible years.

R.E.M.’s impact on local preservation is well documented and well deserved, culminating in ACHF giving the 2010 Phinizy Spalding Preservation Award to the group.

Among my many thoughts and emotions upon hearing the band’s announcement was the importance that preservation has played in cultivating one of Athens’ most talked-about attributes, its music scene. Part of the allure surrounding our town’s surging musical popularity in the 1970s, ’80s and into today is picturing those soon-to-be world famous bands playing late-night house parties in packed rooms on Barber Street or in the gothic confines of a century-old church.

These spaces and places that we walk by each day have, for decades now, drawn in artists the world over, housing them and inspiring them. It’s this appreciation for the connection between preservation, art and music that served as the inspiration for the first ACHF Tin Roof Music Festival

at the Little Kings Shuffle Club this past Sept. 30. Local musician Nick Mallis, along with the Special Events Committee, organized the event, one that ACHF hopes will become a mainstay in an already busy Athens music calendar. (See the full story on Page 17.)

With events like Tin Roof and the Athenaeum Club tours, plus outreach through our website and social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), the foundation hopes to reach out to residents in Athens who have always been preservation advocates — they just might not have known it.

Even though it might be the end of R.E.M. as we know it, through the continued determination of ACHF, our incredible volunteers, and the interest of those seeking out the famed music scene, we will always be able to treasure and be inspired by places that serve as the homes and first concert sites to the next band to follow in R.E.M.’s footsteps.

By Tim Kelly, President, ACHF Board of Trustees

president’s report


The past few months brought a new slate of Athens Heritage Walks tours, highlighting areas across Athens with interesting histories.

The 2011 series kicked off with a bang on Aug. 20, when 26 tour-goers embarked on the Carr’s Hill Historic Neighborhood tour with Maxine Easom. One highlight of the tour was a stop at R. Wood Studio Ceramics, located in an old produce warehouse. Participants learned about the history of one of Athens’ favorite local artists, Rebecca Wood, and admired her beautiful, one-of-a-kind pottery.

In September, David Bryant lead a magical twilight tour of Pulaski Heights, complete with musicians playing on their porches as tour-goers approached. “Our walking tour of Pulaski Heights was just superb,” one tour participant noted. “David did such a great job of sharing wonderful information so comfortably. The walk wasn’t too arduous, too long or too dark.”

Following the tour, David and his wife Cassie held a reception at their home for neighbors and tour members. “It was such an unexpected end, but so perfect, of the graciousness of the hosts and the love among the neighbors for each other and their neighborhood.”October was a busy month with

tours every weekend, including the Cobbham Historic District with Milton Leathers and Oconee Hill Cemetery with Charlotte Marshall. And Amy Andrews, the original chair of Athens Heritage Walks, graciously agreed to lead the fun and educational Prince Avenue “FootPrince” tour.

November debuts two new tours: Milledge Avenue National Register District with Gilbert Milner and Fran Thomas (2 p.m. on Nov. 6) and Reese Street National Register District with Michael Thurmond (2 p.m. on Nov. 13). We are thrilled they have joined the Athens Heritage Walks tour team to share their experience, research, and priceless gift of knowledge with the Athens community.

Athens Video has been recording the tours and capturing guides’ stories on film thanks to a $6,000 grant ACHF received from the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board. Footage is being compiled and we are looking forward to preserving it for generations to come. Cathy Wegel, Athens Heritage Walks tour volunteer and videography liaison, has worked tirelessly with the Athens Video crew to ensure the filming runs smoothly for both crew and tour-goers. We look forward to previewing selected video footage at the AHW Tour Guide Appreciation Dinner in February.

Athens Heritage WalksMemories put on filmBy Michele Griffin, Athens Heritage Walks Chair


In an effort to expand its reach and be more responsive to community needs, Hands On Athens undertook a “scaled-back” day of painting and minor repair work the weekend of Oct. 8 and 9. And while the volunteer turnout was small, the work completed was significant.

The HOA Steering Committee has felt for several years that being able to offer assistance beyond the annual

three-day project weekend in April would be a worthy goal that would also help increase the program’s visibility. While it’s unlikely HOA will ever be able to do true emergency work (because all of our labor is carried out by volunteers), the program is definitely capable of expanding. It was therefore decided to work on a couple houses in October and also plan a neighborhood clean-up for this coming winter.

HANDS on ATHENS

A WORTHY GOALHands On Athens expands to a fall work weekend and makes plans for a winter neighborhood clean-up.

by John Kissane, HOA Administrator


On Saturday, Oct. 8, a small group of eight hard-working volunteers assembled at 54 Fuller St. to paint the ca. 1940 house owned by Clara Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell is 75 and inherited the house from her mother. Our team was skillfully led by local painter Ellen Stinchcomb, owner of Rainbow Painting. Ellen first volunteered for HOA last April and quickly stepped in to help us again this time.

At the end of a full eight-hour day, the work was just about done. Local builder George Wright stopped by to repair a section of gutter for Ms. Mitchell, and in the following week or two contractors Jeff Linscott and Andy Powell planned to address a roof leak at the chimney.

A second house, 1252 W. Hancock Avenue, received some porch repairs earlier in the week courtesy of Bona Fide Construction. We had planned to get the new lumber painted during this early October weekend but had to put it off a bit; we’ll get to it soon.

Upcoming for Hands On Athens is a big neighborhood clean-up project planned in coordination with Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful. The date and details for this effort will be forthcoming. Also, April 13-15 will be our major annual work weekend, when we plan to complete a variety of repairs on a dozen or more houses in the Hancock Corridor, East Athens, and New Town.

Photos below:ACHF Executive Director Amy Kissane enjoys working out of the office for a change.

Local painter Ellen Stinchcomb led a team of painters to beautify the cottage on Fuller Street.

Photos, from left:The home at 54 Fuller St. where volunteers spent a day in October painting and repairing a gutter.Luis Mamian, who is from Columbia and is studying at the University of Georgia this fall, was among the volunteers who helped work on a 1940s-era cottage.


By Billy GaltThe idea for the statue first came up in 2006 when preparing for the yearlong, statewide celebration of the Centennial of Aviation in Georgia in 2007. The me-morial committee decided it would be fitting to recognize Georgia’s first to fly by putting three memorials in place. A Georgia Historical Society plaque was to go up in front of the shop where Ben Epps Sr. built his first airplane in 1907, a bronze bust at the airport that he started in 1917, and a statue with plaques explaining his accomplish-ments in downtown Athens.

The Georgia Historical Society plaque was placed in front of 120 E. Washington St., where he built his first airplane. The bronze bust was placed at the airport in time for the Centennial closing event held in Athens in October of 2007. The statue‘s construction was delayed due to funding and an indeterminate mayor and commission. The Centennial ban-quet raised $14,000 toward the statue, but it wasn’t until July 2009 that the mayor and commission unanimously approved the placement of the statue

on the same block as city hall. The site is most appropriate, as it is directly across the street from the shop where he built his first airplane.

Shortly after the city approved the stat-ue, an agreement was signed with the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. The Ben Epps Statue Committee would work with them until the statue proj-ect was complete. The original $14,000 raised through the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame was transferred to ACHF and fundraising started again. Within the next 12 months, a sculptor was selected out of a pool of four. Sculptor Bob Quinn was chosen because of his work on a stature of Joe Jerkins, long time mayor of Austell, Ga. The contract with him was actually signed long be-fore the $50,000 necessary to complete the project was raised.

By July 2010, a 1/3-scale clay model of the statue was complete and it was displayed at the Epps family reunion July 3 and 4 in Harvest, Ala. The work was very good, but the facial features

A story of a statueBen Epps statue finds a permanent home

An artist’s rendering of where the Ben Epps statue will sit, on Washington Street across from Epps’ first shop.

An artist’s rendering of where the Ben Epps statue will sit, on Washington Street across from Epps’ first shop.


were not quite right. I found out later that getting facial features correct at 1/3 life size was actually quite difficult. The propeller was also overpowering the statue. These two issues were fully addressed and fixed during the produc-tion of the life-sized statue.

Over the next 12 months, Quinn worked on the life-size clay model in his studio in Mableton, Ga. Key members of the statue committee made numerous trips to his studio throughout this process, giving Quinn feedback. Toward the end of this process, it was determined that the 1910 propeller, even though his-torically correct in size and mass, was taking away from the aesthetics of the statue.

The foundry process took about four months. The final outcome was as-tounding. The body proportion was correct and the face looked amazingly like Epps. One Epps cousin said, “It looks like he is ready to pick up the pro-peller and put it on an airplane.”

Now, the completed statue is in Athens, literally under wraps.

The goal of raising the $50,000 has been achieved, but some unexpected expens-es have come up and another $3,000 is needed for site preparation. In spite of this, the site demolition has been com-pleted. The pouring of the foundation took place Oct. 3. The granite base and bronze plaques have been ordered, and the dedication ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3.

Our hope is that this monument hon-ors the achievements of Ben T. Epps, gives an accurate depiction of some of Athens’ important history, and provides Athenians and those who visit Athens something visually stimulating to look at. If you’ll search the Web you won’t find very many people in the world who were building and flying powered air-planes prior to 1910.

A “cousins” group picture from the 48th annual Epps family reunion in Harvest, Ala.

Lean more about Ben EppsIf you would like more information or would like to make a donation to the Ben Epps Statue Fund, please go to the ACHF website or to the statue website at www.beneppsstatue.org, or contact me directly at [email protected].

A study as part of the original plans for a statue

honoring Georgia’s aviation pioneer, Ben Epps. A later version,

which will soon be seen on Washington Street

across from Epps’ shop, does not include

the 1910 propeller, as it was deemed a

bit too distracting from the subject.

Ben Epps Statue Dedication

The Ben Epps statue dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday,

Dec. 3. The statue will be located on Washington Street, across from the

marker noting the location of Epps’ store.

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Using the Southern Mills property as an example, ACHF will demonstrate a model of socially responsible development by combining community needs, economic development, sustainable building practices, and historic preservation. A handful of communities around the country have addressed social ailments through historic preservation, and through this event ACHF will stress the viability of such a project in Athens.

Confirmed speakers include Andrew Ham, managing director of Urban Trust,

LLC in Jacksonville, Fla., an expert on financing tax credit-enhanced real estate and structuring historic rehabilitation real estate transactions; architect and sustainability expert Tom Liebel, an associate principal with Marks, Thomas Architects, a Baltimore-based multi-disciplinary firm; Myrick Howard, president of Preservation North Carolina and mill redevelopment expert; and preservation economics expert Don Rypkema, principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic development consulting firm.

Education

Feb. 4, 2012: “Southern Mills: Economically Smart | Socially Responsible” Register online at http://athensclarkeheritagefoundation.bigcartel.com/

ACC resident $35; Non-ACC resident $75

Mark C. McDonald, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust of Historic Preservation, drew more than 80 attendees to his Aug. 29 talk, “Historic Preservation and Sustainability,” at the first Preservation Matters lecture. Mark emphasized the importance of advocating

for preservation techniques that result in equal, or better, efficiency improvements. He also explained the Trust’s partnership with Southface (a nonprofit organization that promotes energy, water and resource efficiency throughout the Southeast) in developing a certification program that recognizes green rehabilitation projects in Georgia. Many thanks to sponsors E+E Architecture and the Melting Point.

Symposium Save the Date

Proving that Preservation Matters

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The myth: Old wood windows = astronomical heat bills Replacement window manufacturers will often compare their product to a historic wood window that has not been restored or maintained – a window that fits this de-scription will undoubtedly be drafty and inefficient. In most cases, however, a fully-restored, tight-fitting, properly functioning, weatherstripped wood window, combined with a quality storm window, will have the same insulating properties as a double-glazed replacement window. Other steps can be taken to reduce heating bills, such as insulating attics and floors. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that 31 per-cent of air infiltration is at floors, walls, and ceilings, and only 10 percent at windows. (Courtesy of Paul Trudeau and the NAPC)

Energy-saving tips from Georgia PowerSet your thermostats at 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter and leave them there. You can immediately realize a 3 percent to 5 percent decrease in energy use for every degree you adjust the thermostat setting above or below your normal setting.

Make sure the caulk and weather stripping around your windows and doors is in good shape. If the caulk is cracked or the weather-stripping is flat or peeling, replace the old material.

Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed. Cracks in joints and at plenums can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase by as much as 30 percent and can allow outside air to enter your home.

Install programmable thermostats to automatically reduce energy usage when you are normally away from home. Programmable thermostats, when used properly, will help you reduce your heating and cooling energy costs.

Have your heating and cooling system professionally serviced annually to keep it running at top efficiency.

Call 1-888-660-5890 to schedule a free in-home energy audit and visit georgiapower.com/save to learn about rebates and energy efficiency programs.

On Oct. 15, Athenians learned how to implement “Energy Efficient Strategies for the Historic Home” and also learned about historic window restoration during a Preservation Matters Homeowner Workshop.

Robert J. Soens Jr., a green builder and owner of Pinnacle Custom Builders, talked about “Greening Your Old Home” and how to increase a home’s energy efficiency, comfort, health and environmental sustainability.

Cheryl Davis of Georgia Power gave a thorough overview of Georgia Power’s Energy Efficiency Programs, including the company’s free residential audit program and EarthCents program.

During the “Window Replacement vs. Restoration” segment, Paul Trudeau, program director for the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, discussed the significance of historic wood windows and an overview of the myths and facts abounding in the “replace vs. restore” debate.

Sandy Crowe of Crowe Development, a master craftsman and historic windows and doors specialist, taught the group about the anatomy of historic windows, the best tools and products for restoring windows, and where to purchase materials.

Thank you to our sponsors, E+E Architecture and Armentrout Matheny Thurmond.








Name: Jan LevinsonAge: 28Profession: Outreach Archivist, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

How did you come to be involved with ACHF?

I first became involved with ACHF as a volunteer for the Holiday Gala in December 2009. After becoming a member in the spring of 2010, I was asked to become a part of the membership committee and help in developing the Athenaeum Club. Now commonly called

A-Club, this initiative started out as a way to attract young people interested in preservation issues to the mission and work of ACHF with informal learning events. We quickly found out that all of our members were interested in more frequent gatherings where they could mingle with each other and get in touch with sites around the community. Today, we host monthly gatherings open to all members, which pair a talk and tour with a low-key happy hour. In the past year and a half we’ve visited the Michael Brothers Building, the new Georgia Theatre, Urban Sanctuary Spa, private residences, and most re-cently Hendershot’s Cafe on the west side (see page 21).

I had been living in Athens for about a year when I found out about ACHF. And as soon as I got started, I couldn’t stop! I’ve been on the Board of Trustees now for the past year and a half.

What Athens landmark sparks your passion for historic preservation?

I know it’s probably the easy answer, but I have to say the Georgia Theatre. I remember visiting friends in Athens as a college student and going to see shows there, so it’s my earliest memory of the city and the music scene. I had been living here for about a year when it was destroyed by fire and watched as Wil Greene led inspired efforts to rebuild a bigger and better venue, and people from all over joined him in helping to raise money and awareness about the building’s history and value to the community. The finished product is amazing and ensures that this building, part of the cityscape since 1889, is here to stay. The whole project speaks to the passion that people who live (and have lived) here in Athens have for their community and local landmarks, and makes me proud to be part of this place.


Be a part of

by being a part of AthensACHF.

What does my membership do? It works on many levels. It provides funding for educational and community programs that happen throughout the year all around Athens, including programs in schools, classes for scout badges and the ever-popular series of Heritage Walks, which showcase different historic neighborhoods around town.

Your membership dollars also support ongoing programs that are a part of the fabric of Athens, such as the Athens Welcome Center, Classic City Tours and Hands On Athens — all programs that also support the local economy while fostering neighborhood spirit.

How can I join? Turn to Page 23 (the inside back page) for a membership form, or visit ACHF online at www.achfonline.org.

Since 1967, the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation has been the leading advocate for not only preserving the history in Athens, but also looking towards its future. There is value in keeping historic structures — not only as a historical resource, but also as a living, breathing landmark that gives back to the community with everyone who walks, bikes or drives by.


Yuletide on UniversityCelebrate the season with historic homes, gracious hosts, and holiday spirit

Gracious hosts (from left) Hart Roberts, Alison Abernathy, Tracy Crymes and Donna Hopper will open their homes on Dec. 4 for the annual Yuletide on University gala.

Some of the best things about the holi-days are the traditions that remind us of our family and friends and bring back fond memories. So, what better way to celebrate the holidays than with the gra-cious homeowners of University Drive who have invited us into their homes to enjoy good food, live music, and the spirit of the season? This year’s holiday gala, “Yuletide on University,” co-chaired by Cheri Leavy and Greta Covington, featur-esthe historic homes of Alison and David Abernathy (434 University Drive), Tracy and Brent Crymes (450 University), Donna and Bill Hopper (564 University), and Hart and Shooter Roberts (549 University).

The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation’s annual holiday celebration is all about tradition, after all the foundation has had a holiday party for as long it’s been around. Over the years we’ve done just about everything from silent auctions at the Classic Center to potlucks in abandoned and unheated historic ware-houses, but one thing never changes and that is the camaraderie of the mem-bers and their guests who share a love of Athens and an understanding of what

makes it special. The holiday gala ties together the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, heritage and holiday spirit all in one package.

Yuletide on University will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. This festive holiday event will allow us all to stroll along University Drive greeting old friends and making new ones while en-joying the hospitality of our hosts and sumptuous selections from local chefs and restaurants, coordinated by Marti Schimmel of Marti’s at Midday.

“This year’s Yuletide on University plans to be a celebration for those who con-tinue to support historic preservation and those who wish to learn more about preservation,” said Special Events Chair Alex Sams. “Building on ‘This is YOUR Athens,’ ACHF is aiming to attract more people to its purpose. What better way to introduce preservation to newcomers than to show them a fantastic time, with the joyful supporters who attend the gala year after year? Mix this friendly recipe in a bowl of beautiful University Drive homes and let the holiday cheer carry you through the seasons.”

Tickets are $50 for members, $75 for nonmembers and can be purchased by visiting www.achfonline.org.


Please stop by …Celebrate the holiday season with a festive tour of historic homes along University Drive. Enjoy food and live music while strolling through homes . The event is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4. For tickets and more information, visit www.achfonline.org.

434 University Drive Alison and David Abernathy

Recent updates to the 1936 home began in 1999, and today its style can be called “Five Points Eclectic.” The title fits especially well in the home’s kitchen, which blends touch-es of old and new with a variety of styles. They even added an outdoor grilling area for dad off the kitchen.

The house is deceivingly large compared to how quaint it looks from the street. They wanted to stay true to the look of University Drive but make it functional and spacious inside for their family. There is a great family room for gatherings with family and friends with an adjoining screened porch that over-looks the best two-story tree house ever.

Their bold choices of colors and fabrics make it fresh and updated but with a re-spect for the traditional with the classic furniture and antiques. This home is a won-derful respite for a busy young family.

450 University Drive Tracy and Brent Crymes

This high-style colonial house was built around 1932. Residents included a Colie family and the H.G. Callahans (1936-1953). The Uly Gunn Family owned the home until 1974, adding a large room in 1958 which is still affectionately known as the “new room.”

Other residents included Mr. and Mrs. Neal Alford, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Moore, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Goff. Each family contributed updates to the home. At one time, the side porch was screened, and the openings from the entrance hall into the living and dining rooms were single-door size.

Brent and Tracy have lovingly decorated the home and filled it with beautiful antiques

and art treasures, as well as activity from their four boys.

549 University Drive Hart and Shooter Roberts

Hart and Shooter Roberts and their three children believe in “keeping it in the family.” This traditional home, built in the 1920s, was owned by Shooter’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Roberts, Jr., and was well known in the Athens community as a place to congregate for a good time.

About 10 years ago, Hart and Shooter be-gan a renovation that not only updated the house, but also gave it a personal touch. Hart says the house has two distinct areas — the front, which is more traditional,and the back, which is informal and fit a young, busy lifestyle.

564 University Drive Donna and Bill Hopper

Believed to be the oldest home on University Drive,the construction date is uncertain. A marker estimates it to be 1904, but an 1893 tax record indicates that Beville Hampton could have built it after purchasing the lot from A.P. Dearing in 1882.

Mrs. Hampton deeded the property to Margaret Hart in 1909, and the Hart fam-ily lived here while building their larger home on the corner of Milledge Avenue and University Drive. Legend has it that Margaret’s husband, LeRoy, used the origi-nal four-room house of rough-hewn heart pine siding when he hunted. He gave it the name Dogwood Lodge.

The Hoppers’ decorating, with use of vibrant color and antiques, makes this an inviting place for entertaining as well as family-cen-tered living.


In April, the Morton Theatre was awarded a Community Development Block Grant, a federal program that is administered locally through the Human and Economic Development Department. The grant covered a range of restoration and repair projects, including painting the auditorium ceiling, walls and woodwork; restoration of the original wood floors; and installing new carpeting. But, due to budget constraints at the federal level, the Morton’s grant was cut by 10 percent, leaving a shortfall to complete the planned projects. ACHF was able to step in and use funds from its Revolving Fund to help cover that shortfall during the first phase of restoration, which was the painting of the auditorium. This phase was completed in September, and Heritage spoke with Barbara Andrews, facility supervisor at the Morton, about the renovation work that’s been done and what’s up next.

Question: Following some work that had been done decades ago, the Morton’s color scheme was mainly off white. How did you come up with the warm reds and browns that now cover the theater’s walls?

Answer: We had a paint analysis done; the word on the street was always that this theater originally had reds and blues and it was quite colorful, and that’s not how it turned out when we had the analysis done. When it was restored 20 years ago, basically the whole theater was beige. As it turns out, the walls were tinted plaster, so we matched the color to the actual paint. And we restored the ceiling to its original color, which was much whiter than what had been up there. … And all the railings were gold. The color scheme is very warm now, much more dramatic.

Q: How do these colors relate to the history of the building?

A: It made sense that Pink Morton, for the kind of person he was, that this is a very workman-like building. He was a builder, and it made sense for the time. This was not the Fox Theatre; it was once described as “junkyard splendor” because he was a builder, and he used things from his other building sites. He did it in an affordable way.

Q: What have you learned from the process?

A: We’re very pleased with how the theater looks. It’s not always what you expect when you decide to do a preservation project, but it’s usually the right thing. The building speaks to you, and it tells you what it wants to be.

Money from ACHF’s Revolving Fund helps cover a grant’s shortfall — and gives the Morton Theatre a facelift

A theater’s facelift

ACHF Revolving Fund

Colors from the era of Frank Lloyd Wright now adorn the walls in the Morton Theatre.


On the chilly evening of Sept. 30, more than 100 people gathered at Little Kings Shuffle Club in downtown Athens for a celebration of music and the history that keeps it thriving in Athens — ACHF’s first-ever Tin Roof Music Festival.

The festival’s main goal was to raise money and awareness for ACHF, but it also served to illustrate a greater connection between Athens history and its buildings, and the music written within those walls. The booming music scene makes Athens such a unique and great town to live in, and many older homes and other buildings have served as inspiration for burgeoning bands. Tin Roof was organized by the foundation’s Special Events Committee.

Members and non-members of the foundation enjoyed music from Athens-based bands Save Grand Canyon, Yo Soybean, Mr. Falcon, Sam Sniper and Machismo. DJ Winston Parker wrapped up the night with an energetic mix of tunes that the crowd couldn’t help but dance to. In addition, festival attendees had the opportunity to participate in a raffle for prizes such as $50 gift certificates to the restaurants Farm 255 and Flight Tapas, as well as tickets to Of Montreal and Brett Dennen — and there were some excited winners! But no matter who won a raffle prize, no participant left empty handed

— the purchase of a raffle ticket came with its own ACHF koozie.

Little Kings staff also got in the spirit, offering a special drink for the night called the “Tin Roof,” a mixture of Dark Malibu rum and Coke; $1 per Tin Roof sold was donated to ACHF. Overall, the event raised $700 to continue the good work of the foundation.

Earlier in the evening, Classic City Tours offered its Athens Music History walking tour. Hosted by local raconteur and former member of The Side Effects, Paul Butchart, the walk covered many past locations of the 40 Watt Club, early record stores, and several other sites where music history has been made. The tour helped reinforce the night’s theme that music has been and will continue to be an important part of Athens’ heritage.

Throughout the planning of the event, I had a great time getting to know the other members of the events committee. We have a creative a bunch of hard workers, and I really appreciate their help and ideas that made this event a success. Special thanks to Alex Sams, Stephen Rosenberg, Cheri Leavy, Abby Denham, Breckyn Alexander, Carrie Anderson, Little Kings, and all the bands for your time and help.

By Nicholas Mallis, Tin Roof organizer/ACHF Special Events Committee

A history entwined with musicTin Roof Music Festival, walking tour celebrate arts in multiple forms


Fall Fun-n-Friends

Fall Fun-n-FriendsAT FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH

As the congregation looked toward the celebration of the church’s 145th an-niversary earlier this year, members began making plans for the future. Their historic sanctuary space was in need of repair and restoration, both to ensure continued preservation of the space as well as to accommodate modern use. No strangers to preservation efforts, mem-bers recalled their efforts to purchase and restore the Hiram House (635 W. Hancock Avenue) in 1995.

The Hiram House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance to...20th cen-tury. The house had fallen into disrepair in the 1980s when First AME purchased it and formed Project Renew, Inc., a nonprofit...affordable geriatric housing. In 2011 the church began fundraising again, under the name the Nehemiah Project, to raise money to make the necessary changes and repairs to the historic 1916 church building on Hull Street.

Members of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation found a warm reception when visiting First A.M.E. on Sept. 14 for the Fall Fun-n-Friends event. Dozens of congregation members greeted and mingled with their guests, while Pastor Claude Ray James welcomed the guests and introduced a short video presenta-tion developed by the First A.M.E. History Committee. Member Charles Worthy provided an overview of the Nehemiah Project and invited ACHF members on a guided tour of the sanctuary.

The event proved a great opportunity to learn more about a site many of us pass by every day but seldom have the op-portunity to explore. Many in the crowd were inspired by the congregation’s commitment to preservation, and like-wise many in the congregation seemed interested in the ongoing programming and advocacy efforts of ACHF. Hopefully this event will serve as a bridge between these two passionate groups, one that might lead to collaboration on future preservation projects in the Athens community.

Founded in 1866, the First A.M.E. Church on North Hull Street is home to the oldest black congregation in Athens. Though the congregation originally gathered in a building at the corner of Foundry Street and East Hancock Avenue, in 1881 they purchased the current site and in 1916 Louis H. Persley, the first African-American architect licensed in Georgia, completed plans for the current sanctuary building.

By Jan Levinson, Membership Chair


The Rev. Claude Ray welcomed the crowd and introduced a short video presentation about the church.

The First A.M.E. Church has been at its current site since 1916.

In September, Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation members gathered at First A.M.E. Church on North Hull Street for the fall Fun-n-Friends event.

Fall Fun-n-Friends


Volunteer Opportunities

Fall at the Athens Welcome Center and Church-Waddel-Brumby House Museum is always a busy time, with the students’ return to the Classic City.

Our first event this fall was a visit by UK artist Derick Tickle to the Church-Waddel-Brumby House. The artist, whose resume includes years of finish restora-tion at the Biltmore in North Carolina, continued to work on decorative finishes inside the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, a project funded in part by the Watson-Brown Foundation. Please stop by to see our progress!

On Dec. 10, the Athens Historic House Museum Association will hold its fourth annual Holiday Spirits Tour. Always full of surprises, this year’s tour is sure to delight. For the first time in Athens, actor Richard Smith will portray Moses Waddel as president of Franklin College in a theatrical vignette funded in part by the Kellogg Foundation through the University of South Carolina Museum of Education. At the TRR Cobb House, learn how enslaved peoples of the mid 19th century celebrated the holiday sea-son in a very special performance. The tour will also feature a Rose of Athens Theatre piece with highlights from Henry W. Grady’s career, and period music and refreshments at the Lyndon House. Seating is limited on this special Holiday version of the Museum Mile Tour, so call the Welcome Center now for your tickets at 706-353-1820.

If you are a member of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, don’t forget to take advantage of your 10 percent member discount this holiday season when you shop for items in the eclectic museum gift shop at the Athens Welcome Center. We continue to feature the work of local artists, with items from

Jamie Calkin, Peter Loose and CapMan. This fall we are also featuring paintings of Athens scenes by Mary Padgelek. We are Athens’ original source for locally crafted gift items and books celebrating our heritage.

ATHENS WELCOME CENTER UPDATEby Evelyn Reece, Director

Holiday Spirits Tour

Take in a special holiday edition of the Museum Mile Tour with a guided tour of four house museums — the Church-Waddel-Brumby, Ware-Lyndon, T.R.R. Cobb and Taylor-Grady. The evening event will feature special theatrical vignettes, music and refreshments, along with a tour of each home by professional tour guides. Tours start at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 10, starting from the Ware-Lyndon House. Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 for children younger than 10. Transportation between the homes is provided and advance reservations are required.

Above, actor Richard Smith will portray Moses Waddel at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House.


Athenaeum Club

Athenaeum ClubBRANCHING OUT

Coffee, pizza and live music bring downtown vibe to the suburbs

Keep connected with the Athenaeum Club! Join our Facebook group and get updates on all the upcoming events.

The Athenaeum Club recently had the chance to enjoy a happy hour over at Seth Hendershot’s new place, Hendershot’s Coffee Bar.

Seth and his partner, Chris Godfrey, have been in their location on Oglethorpe Avenue for just over a year, enough time to receive the “Excellence in Community Revitalization” award at the 2011 ACHF Preservation Awards, also awarded to Transmetroplitan next door. Hendershot’s is a fairly unique spot in Athens, offering a full coffee service by day, full bar by evening, along with music acts nearly every night.

It’s not hard to tell, even if just passing by, that Hendershot’s was once a full service gas station serving the west side of Athens. The structure itself has remained almost exactly as it once was, with some renovations being made on the inside. Seth clued us in to some of the harder aspects of renovating a space, such as what to do with a hydraulic lift in the middle of your floor (you raise it, stabilize, and use it as part of the bar!), and dealing with outdated door frames and insulation. Some of the investment came from ACE Loans, a North Georgia non-profit that pro-vides loans for revitalization projects and to grow companies and start-ups.

But the features that really stand out are newer additions. Most of the work, both inside and out, can be credited toward Seth

and his family and friends. From the life-size chess board out front with metal work done by Beverly Babb, to the cymbal fountain built by Seth and Ted (a Hendershot’s employee), and local artwork within, touches of Athens are seen everywhere. A lot of Hendershot’s charm lies in the covered patio and corru-gated tin gardens out from, remnants from a bygone era.

Hendershot’s and Transmet, among others, are proving that you can branch out of the downtown and Five Points areas to grab some food, coffee, beer, or a show. If you want to check out some quality music acts, be sure to regularly check the schedule at Hendershot’s. Seth, who also has played music for years, is well connected, and some great names grace the stage at the intimate spot. Hendershot’s also is home to open mic nights, wine tastings, and No Shame Theatre.

The surrounding neighborhoods have been supportive of the new ventures, and make up a good chunk of the regulars at the estab-lishments. Seth, who lives nearby, says he can see evidence of community revitalization with neighborhood gatherings and efforts to reopen a long-closed pool.

The once-abandoned corner on Oglethorpe Avenue is now a lively neighborhood hub. If you’re looking for all the perks of downtown Athens — with the added bonus of on-site parking — Exit 15 has you covered.

By Lauren Bloodworth


Athenaeum Club Events: Check Facebook or send e-mail to [email protected] for upcoming dates.

DAY DATE NAME PLACEThursday Nov. 3 2nd Annual Downtown Athens Pub CrawlSunday Nov. 6, 2 PM Athens Heritage Walks Milledge Avenue Historic DistrictSunday Nov. 13, 2 PM Athens Heritage Walks Reese Street Historic DistrictSunday Nov. 20, 2 PM Athens Heritage Walks Milledge Circle Historic DistrictSunday Dec. 4 Heritage Holiday Party and Tour Yuletide on UniversitySaturday Dec. 10 Athens Historic House Museum Association: Holiday Spirits TourWinter 2012 Hands On Athens Neighborhood Clean-upMonth of February African American History ToursFebruary 4th Grade Heritage Education Outreach Program: My Home, My Town, My WorldSaturday Feb. 4 PRESERVATION MATTERS: Symposium, Southern Mills: Economically Smart | Socially ResponsibleMarch 2012 Spring Fun-n-Friends April 13-15 Hands On Athens Spring April 19-20 Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage Saturday May 5 PRESERVATION MATTERS: Bike Tour Monday June 4 43rd Annual Preservation Awards and Annual Meeting

FA

LL

Advertise in Heritage and reach hundreds who care

about Athens

Full-page ad: $150Half-page ad: $100

Quarter-page ad: $50

The deadline to submit an ad for our next issue is Feb. 11, 2012. Questions? E-mail Kristen Morales at kristen-

[email protected].

Your ad will also appear in the full-color version of the news-

letter on ACHF’s website!

Membership RatesAll members receive the Basic Membership Package including: free admission to Athenaeum Club and other membership events; discounts on tours, events, and rentals of Fire Hall No. 2; the Heritage newsletter; and much more.

I would like to become a member at the following level:

I would like to increase my support by joining at a higher level:

$100 Sustainer

$250 Donor [Basic package plus a 10% discount at

the Athens Welcome Center Gift Shop]

$500 Supporter [Above plus two Classic City Tours tickets;

one ticket to Heritage Holiday Gala]

$1000 Patron [Above plus two tickets to Heritage

Holiday Gala]

$2,500 Preserver [Basic plus 10% discount at Welcome

Center Gift Shop; four Classic City Tours tickets & four Heritage Gala tickets]

Thank you for Protecting the Past for the Future.

$30 Student $50 Individual $75 Family

Looking to volunteer?Check here if you would like to talk to someone at ACHF about volunteer opportunities such as membership, special events, education, tours, Hands On Athens, preservation awards, PR/marketing, fundraising, newsletter, mailings, etc.

These programs depend on your support… thank you.

Community EngagementAthens High & Industrial School MarkerBen Epps Commemorative StatueBuena Vista Local Historic District Initiative

Navy Supply Corps School Transfer

Heritage EducationAthens Area Realtors WorkshopsAthens Heritage Walks Guided ToursHeritage NewsletterHistoric Property Owners WorkshopsLocal Lore Girl Scout Badge

Tour of HomesHistoric Properties and MuseumsAthens Historic House Museum Association

Church-Waddel-Brumby House MuseumHistoric Fire Hall No. 2Ware-Lyndon House Museum

Membership EventsAthenaeum ClubFun-n-FriendsHeritage Holiday GalaAnnual Meeting

Ongoing ProgramsAthens Welcome CenterClassic City ToursFaçade EasementsHands On AthensHistoric Preservation Revolving FundAnnual Historic Preservation Awards

To join, complete the following information and return with payment to:

ACHF, 489 Prince Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30601Name Address E-mail Phone

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Contact us at 706-353-1801 or [email protected]

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heritage fall 2011

Documents

green historic preservation

athens community

athens administrator

michael lachowski chair

value of historic buildings

major historic buildings

gracious historic homespage

cobbham historic district