On May 16, members of Atlanta History Center Insiders – the upgraded membership program which supports our Annual Fund – joined us for a special evening: Inside 1859, as we welcomed new President and CEO Sheffield Hale.
Guests had the opportunity to walk through the beautiful Mary Howard Gilbert Memorial Quarry Garden and arrived at the Smith Family Farm for an authentic 1859-style supper under the trees.
This Atlanta History Center Insiders exclusive evening also included: a variety of costumed interpreters, cooking demonstrations, nineteenth-century parlor games, and live bluegrass music.
This immersive new event experience was hosted by Julia Emmons and Bill Newton. Thank you to all who joined us for this unforgettable evening of history, food and entertainment.
To learn more about AHC Insiders, and to join, click here. We look forward to sharing more unique and memorable experiences with our valued AHC Insiders members.
View of the AHC’s Frank A. Smith Rhododendron Garden this morning.
Fragments from the vase Scarlett O’Hara threw in the library at Twelve Oaks in the film Gone With the Wind. Wilbur Kurtz’s original note is pasted on the lid of the cigar box holding the fragments. It reads: “Fragments of the vase that Scarlett threw at the mantel-piece in the library at Twelve Oaks- the day of the barbecue.”
Photos from the 1920s-themed Swan House Ball held on April 28, 2012. The 2012 Ball honored the family of William A. Parker, Sr. and was chaired by Georgia Schley Ritchie, Dot Stoller and Rebecca Bily.
(1) Sheffield Hale, president/CEO of the Atlanta History Center, and his wife Elizabeth with Host Committee Co-chairs Libby and David Lanier. (2) Swan House Ball trio of Co-chairs Dot Stoller, Georgia Schley Ritchie and Rebecca Bily. (3) Members of the William A. Parker, Sr. Family honored at the Ball included Karen and Richard Parker and their daughter Laura Parker with date Sam Sykes. (4) The two sons of the late William A Parker, Sr. who were honored at the Ball were Robin and Albert N. (Bud) Parker and Jean and William A. Parker, Jr. (5) (Seated, l-r) The Parker Family honorees included Albert N. (Bud) Parker, Jean Parker, William A. (Bill) Parker, Jr., Weesie and John Grant and (standing, l-r) Robin Parker, Richard and Karen Parker, Ibby and Jim Mills.
Photos by Jim Fitts and Greg Mooney.
1967 view of Peachtree Street.
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Check out these mash-up photos of Atlanta, past and present.
The Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 was one of the most significant disasters in the history of our city. The fire, which stretched from Edgewood Avenue to Ponce de Leon Avenue, consumed 300 acres and destroyed over 1,900 businesses, churches, and homes. Beginning at 9:20 am on May 21, 2012, watch the drama unfold as we post real-time descriptions, accounts, and images of the fire throughout the day.
Modern Atlanta looming over the 1860s Smith Family Farm.
From the Archives: Civil War Letter
Atlanta Ga May 8 / 62
Mr J M Davidson
Deare Johny
It seems as though the hearts of some have been so setled uppon you and yours that nothing will do but your presence - things since I last wrote have taken another change - it is now reduced to a certanty that Whitecar leaves in a fiew days. Mr Sasseen Mr Fulton are determined to have you - the thing is fixt withoute ifs or ands no evasion equvocation or mental reservation. Come, and, come you muste . Well all I can say this – all that two olde people can do shal be done and we feel to say that you have not got any better friends living that these two olde folks - (pardon us for assuming so much). We are willing to be judged by the Scripture rule - we pray for you and administer of our substance to the utmost of our ability. There is no use of longer delay or Saying. Your brother Samuel will not consente to this or that for the door can only be entered by you the place is for the man and the man for the place. My wife tells me that for you to buy the farme if you wante it and she will let you have a fiew hundred and we can builde here on this land. Sam is going to stay in the neighbourhood of Ducktown and can look after the interests of the concern. Besides you can returne after a while and See after matters yourself. Will you say what shal I do with my Stock of hogs + cows - you can leave them to be taken care of for a while or if you prefer bring them along with you and I will make arrangements with Sasseen for to keep your hogs and cows until we get our place fenced in. I think it will pay from the fact that a good cow is worth $50.00 and sow and pigs from $25.00 to $ 50.00. My advice is for you to sell your cooking stove comon chairs beauro tabels + c. Bring all of your bedding bed clothes + c. I will have a room fitted up for you and your family - there is no use talking. You got to come since Mr Sasseen autherises me to write you in the positive and you will in a shorte time get the same they give Whitecar. Another thing your situation does not depend uppon Mr Sasseen but uppon whether Atlanta will live or die and its chance is as good as any southern cty if not better. My wife with myself are once more lifted with the thought of a comfortable situation for yourself and family - and with all one of proffit to yourself. I shall awaite your answer with no little anxiety fulley beleeving that this will bring you and yours to Atlanta - and after we make a little if you dont like you will have a home here or or one in NC as you may like beste but as things now stand - there is the beste chance for to arange for the comforte of your familey that may ever occur - and it can be done in so shorte time with so little money this chance loste and I have no hope for the future I mean so far as aranging for you at this place and in this way. Others in the future mabe develloped and doubtless will. I will close this after talking more with Sasseen – Juste had an interview. You can sell your cows at vary fare prices to Sasseen and hogs too but if you prefer keep them + we can do well with them here - Sasseen autherises me to say that if you will come he will give you an intereste in the house equal with himself - but aboute this you will be the better judge after you come. I do feel and think this is a grate chance - I could say much as to this place and its prospects awaiting with grate anxiety your answer. I am yours moste affectionatly my wife with myself sends love to all a large share to you and yours.
J M C Dunn
As soon as we all can agree and understand each other we will comence improving if we had a house up on that land it would bring four or five thousand dollars + the improvements could be put up for two thousand as leaste asseen says so.
May 8, 1886-
The first Coca-Cola fountain drink was sold at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA.
Peering at Swan House through the trees.
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Mash-up photo of Atlanta’s Baltimore Block, past and present.
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Check out these mash-up photos of Atlanta, past and present.
