HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR thomasvillega.com • 866.577.3600 HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED tour

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A H Download at the G Enjoy walking or driving on our self-guided tour through Thomasville’s historic Install the O app store. M , A L E residential and business districts, where you will see a variety of architectural Visit Thomasville app, S V I L styles from Victorian to Antebellum. Many of Thomasville’s Historic buildings and let it guide you through several of and homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the Thomasville’s historic neighborhoods. You homes on the tour are private residences and are not open to the public, but can select the historic locations you wish feel free to admire the outside structure. The tour length is approximately to see, and the app will map it out for 4.3 miles. We hope you enjoy your peek into Thomasville’s historical past! you. Download it today to see all that it can do!

1 225 N. BROAD STREET

The original Thomas County Courthouse was built in 1827 of rough logs. After time this was replaced with a brick structure, which was badly damaged by a storm. The current courthouse was constructed in 1858 and remodeled in 1888. The architecture is Neoclassical in style, with scored stucco and curved, arched window hoods, huge cornices, capitals on pilasters with fanlight and gable decorations adorning the exterior. One monument of interest located on the courthouse square is the Confederate Monument, erected in 1879. Also located on the lawn of the Courthouse is the beautiful T.C. Mitchell Fountain which was originally on the grounds of the Mitchell House Hotel. One local tradition associated with this fountain is that every political candidate elected to office receives a congratulatory “dunk” in this historic fountain. A full restoration of the courthouse was completed in 2013. 1 1 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM 2 210 N. BROAD STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR First Baptist Church is the largest church in Thomasville, encompassing an entire city block. The Baptist religion is the second oldest in Thomas County, having been established in the 1840s, after the Methodists came on the scene in the 1830s. The original First Baptist Church was a frame building on Smith Avenue. It was moved to its present location at the corner of Jefferson St. and Broad St. in 1894. The structure burned in 1927 and was rebuilt to face the Courthouse. In May of 1982 that building was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, however, the huge tree in front of the church, known as the Harris Oak, was spared by the fire. Shortly after the turn of the century, there was a minister of the church named Rev. Robert H. Harris. 2 When the city entertained the idea of cutting this tree down for road improvements, the Reverend’s wife was determined to keep this from happening. Local folklore has it that Mrs. Harris actually took her rocking chair and placed it beneath the tree, where she sat with her shotgun across her lap! Whether or not this part of the tale is true, Mrs. Harris was instrumental in saving this wonderful tree.

3 135 N. BROAD STREET

This building was constructed in 1915 and housed Thomasville’s Post Office until 1962, when it became the Public Library. The building was built in the Beaux Arts style featuring fanlights, pilasters and a cornice. Terra cotta panels around the building feature swags and flowers. The building is now home to offices for Flowers Foods, including their Heritage Museum. 3

4 125 N. BROAD STREET

Originally known as the “Masonic Building” because of the use of its top floor by the Free Masons, this building was also known as the Upchurch Building and the Business Exchange. Constructed in 1916 by W. J. Upchurch, many doctors, dentists, and lawyers had offices in this building. In the early 60s, the upper floors were vacated and neglected, and fell into ruin. The property was eventually purchased and restored, and the fifth floor was returned to its original splendor as a magnificent ballroom with a heart of pine floor and windows overlooking downtown. 4

5 101 N. BROAD STREET

A showpiece of Thomasville’s Grand Hotel Era once occupied this spot. Known as the Mitchell House, the hotel and grounds extended from Jackson Street to Jefferson Street and catered to the elite of society with 5 lavish parties and dances. It provided luxury lodging during the late 1800s for wealthy northern visitors, including the Vanderbilt and Goodrich families. The hotel even boasted two entrances, so that polite ladies didn’t have to upset themselves by walking past the saloon to enter. Later, the bottom floor was home to Neel’s Department store in the mid 1900’s, and was home to the first Rose Show in 1922. Today, the Mitchell House Hotel has been restored into upscale condominiums and lofts. Much of the original hotel remains, including the interior brick walls, staircases and hardwood floors. 5 VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 2 THE BOTTOM DISTRICT

The Bottom District, also known as “The Bottom”, originated as an African-American and Jewish business district in the latter part of the 19th century. By the late 1920s, the area was nearly completely developed with small restaurants, retail shops, groceries and pro­fessional services. In the late 1960s, there was a period of decline to both the Bottom and downtown areas in general, but by the early 1980s a slow but steady effort began to re-invigorate and restore Thomasville’s downtown. Locations on this page are part of the original Bottom District.

6 204 W. JACKSON STREET

This store was built c.1890 as a saloon, but after Thomas County went dry in 1899, a short-lived general store and drug store occupied this property. In 1911, George Letchas, an immigrant from Greece, opened The Greek-American Restaurant in this building. After closing in 1965, the location has since been home to a series of clothing stores and other small businesses. Now this building is the office of E & N Communications.

6 7 212 W. JACKSON STREET

This location was built in 1910 as a bicycle shop. Due to the odor of being next door to a horse stable, a quick succession of businesses occupied the building during its first ten years, including a shoe repairman and a pool hall. The first long-term tenant was the Empire Furniture Store from 1921-1938. It then became a warehouse for ten years, and then three different radio-and-television repair service businesses, most notably Willis Television and Radio Service until 1970, after which it returned to functioning as a warehouse. This building was recently renovated and became the home of Big Adventure Outfitters. 7

8 220 W. JACKSON STREET

This building was constructed around 1935. By 1938, Fielding’s Barber and Beauty Shop operated in the store front. In 1944, the building was purchased by Earl Young who opened a motorcycle sales and repair shop. Young’s Southern Motors only lasted a few years and was replaced by Hoyt’s Bicycle Shop, which was quickly replaced by Yarborough’s Service Cleaners. They operated until 1984 when the business and building were sold to the Waldrep family who have since operated Waldrep’s Service Cleaners. 8

9 420 W. JACKSON STREET

The first train depot, built in 1861, was a simple wood structure designed to load bales of cotton onto trains. The second, built in 1885, was a more elegant structure designed for the comfort of passengers. Dilapidated by 1914, the current structure was built to increase capacity and passenger comfort. When passenger train service halted in the 1950s, the depot became dedicated to cargo service. After the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company sold the depot, a number of restaurants, offices, and retail stores have occupied the restored structure. A local favorite restaurant, Sweet and Savory 9 Sisters (SASS), has made the depot home since 2015.

10 325 W. JACKSON STREET

Built in 1912 as a garage by Hiram Goldstein, this building housed a dry-goods store, a drink shop, and Elijah Hill’s Lunch Counter through the mid-1940s. The longest-standing business was Tony’s Bakery, which operated from 1948-1972. After an extended period as a warehouse for Jordan’s Furniture, the location was an antique store and clothing shop before being beautifully restored as Trinity Anglican Church. 10 3 866.577.3600866.577.3600 •• THOMASVILLEGA.COMTHOMASVILLEGA.COM THE BOTTOM DISTRICT ( CONTINUED) • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 11 227 W. JACKSON STREET

This location was part of a strip of stores built in 1925 to replace a defunct livery stable, made obsolete by the quick adaption of automobiles. The location had several different owners during its early years. In the 1930s #225, 227 and 229 were combined into a single store. From 1966-1976, it became the Super Dollar Store. At some point during the 1980s, the location was again subdivided and 229 mostly remained vacant until it was purchased and the owner restored all three buildings. In 2018 the building became Hubs & Hops, a bike shop 11 and pub.

12 223 W. JACKSON STREET

Swiss immigrant Otto Zbinden, a general contractor and furniture repair craftsman, had this store built in 1915 to use as an office and workshop. In 1942, the store was purchased by Henry Fox, a Jewish man who escaped Nazi Germany. When Fox donated goods to Thomasville’s adopted German city of Luneberg after World War II, the Mayor of Luneberg sent a letter to Fox apologizing for the Holocaust. His New York, New York Clothing Store operated there until 1973, when it became Jack’s T.V. & Radio, which remained there until 1998. In 2014, the location was opened as Fuzzy Goat, a unique yarn shop with an eclectic lodge-like interior. 12

13 205 W. JACKSON STREET

In 1925, this store was part of a strip of small retail stores built to replace the large cotton warehouse previously located on the corner of West Jackson and Madison Streets. The early years of the store were marked by a rapid transition of businesses. The location is best known for housing the Friendly Loan Company, which operated from 1948-1973. Home to several other businesses, the building lay mostly vacant until Charles Olson opened his architecture office. 13

14 102 S. BROAD STREET

Originally known as the Steyerman Building, this site was actually three buildings in the 1800s. Mr. Steyerman owned the corner building; the adjoining buildings were a bank and saloon. Steyerman purchased and combined the other properties in 1926. The style is Italian Renaissance, featuring a smooth stone face, tile roof, fancy window hoods and the original metal awning. It now houses Coffee Interiors, an elegant home décor and gift items store. 14

15 108 S. BROAD STREET 108 S. Broad Street Operating under the name Thomas Drug Store since 1881, this drugstore is downtown’s oldest continuous business, having been a drugstore since 1859!

15 VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 4 16 110 S. BROAD STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR This building is a prime example of restoration and the beauty that can be uncovered. At one point, heavy blue Carerra glass panels weighing 200 pounds each covered the upper two floors. The facade now looks much like it did when originally constructed in 1882 as a brokerage exchange. It is currently, At Home, a shop devoted to 16 home furnishings, décor and gifts.

17 130 S. BROAD STREET

Jerger Jewelers was originally established in 1857 by German immigrant, Joseph Jerger. The store prospered after the Civil War and moved into this newly constructed building in 1885. The architecture is Queen Anne with carved stone window hoods. This location continued as Jerger Jewelers for 156 years and is now the home to SouthLife Supply Company, known for their quality leather goods. 17 18 220 S. CRAWFORD STREET

Listed jointly with the Hebrew Cemetery on The National Register of Historic Places, the Synagogue was built in 1913 after the State of Georgia incorporated the B’nai Israel Association. It is the most intact example of the few surviving pre-World War II Orthodox synagogues in Georgia and is known for its balcony (or mechitzah), that was once used for the separation of the sexes during worship, keeping women in the balcony and men on the first floor. 18 19 117 REMINGTON AVENUE

WPAX is the third-oldest radio station in Georgia and the 20th-oldest station licensed in the nation. Although founder Hoyt Wimpy broadcasted using batteries, the broadcast could be picked up hundreds of miles away. Fan mail in the station files has been received from as far away as New Zealand. Wimpy built and sold his own radios to create an audience for his station. He also built sound tracks. Then Governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt, used one for a political campaign speech in Warm Springs, Georgia, later sending a letter expressing his delight with the system. It’s still an operating radio station today. 19

20 121 S. BROAD STREET

Back in 1886, this was the home of Griffin Isaac Harness and Saddle. Now, the Billiard Academy, it is a local favorite for great chili dogs. On an average day, they may sell 200-300 hotdogs. During festivals and special downtown events, that number can easily reach 1,000. Stroll up to the window and order a hotdog and judge for yourself. 20

21 109 S. BROAD STREET

This building was constructed in 1886 as a one-story structure for Isadora Popper Wholesale Wine and Liquor. When the owners decided to add a second story, they raised the original first floor and added a new first level underneath. Because this was once Thomasville National Bank, a large hole was left where the vault had been located. A very clever thing was done with that hole in the ceiling … a skylight was created. The architectural style is exuberant Queen Anne Asymmetrical, constructed with a variety of building materials (brick, stone, 21 stained glass and wood) to give it added texture. This location is now home to Ally B Boutique. 5 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM

22 107 S. BROAD STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR This particular building originally had a balcony located on the second floor. Finding this balcony still on the building easily dates many old photographs. In 1886, Duran & Jeffers Grocery, a dry goods store, was located here. It is in the folk Victorian style with corbelling (fancy brick work) as its main decorative element, typical of the embellishments of that era. It is now home to Relish, a home and kitchen specialty shop.

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23 105 S. BROAD STREET

In 1885, Simon Steyerman & Brothers owned a grocery and retail clothing store in this location. Mr. CoCroft, who took over from Mr. Steyerman, opened a music store, CoCroft Music Company, around the turn of the century. His family actually composed and published popular ragtime music, and several of these tunes became very popular during the era. The CoCroft Music Company lasted for over 100 years and was considered one of the oldest music stores in the country. During the Steyerman and CoCroft years, the building had a basket system; as merchandise was sold, money was collected in the basket and raised by a pulley system up to a platform where the bookkeeper sat. The money was then removed and recorded in the books and the 23 basket lowered again. This way, little money was left in the cash register. The architecture is folk Victorian with corbelling at the top. Of particular note are the triple-hung windows on the second story. Most windows only have two sashes but these large windows have three. If you look in the windows you will find the original Victrola ‘Nipper’ dog statue that graced CoCroft’s store since the early 1900’s! Now the building is home to Salon Rob and CRA Architect.

24 103 S. BROAD STREET

Shortly after the turn of the century, Inman’s Drug Store was located here. The architecture is Queen Anne, 24 featuring an oriel window located above the first floor. It also has decorative brickwork, corbelling at the top, and dog tooth brickwork flanking the window. The stained glass on the oriel was common to this style of architecture. For many years, this has been home to The Gift Shop, exclusive gift and home décor items.

25 144 E. JACKSON STREET

The Thomasville Municipal Building opened May 5, 1940. A project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs and income to the unemployed during the Great Depression in the , the two-story brick Greek Revival building was designed by Georgia architect Eliot Dunwoody. Built for 25 $200,000, the building includes the Municipal Auditorium, Council Chambers, Thomasville Fire Rescue, Main Street, and the Thomasville Visitors Center, which was originally designed as a library. Today, the Municipal Auditorium seats 1,171 and has hosted a variety of entertainment performances by the local community and world renown professional artists. The Auditorium is a rentable venue available for a variety of uses.

26 112 N. BROAD STREET

Built in 1886 as a crockery (pottery store), this building was later converted to the Mode Theatre. Twenty-five 26 cents would buy your ticket, popcorn and a drink! This location is now So.Ho. Restaurant. VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 6

• 27 122 N. BROAD STREET HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR This site was home to a drug store, Izzo’s Pharmacy, from the 1920s. Prior to that, an undertaker and then a tailor used this 1886 building. The architecture of this building is Queen Anne with corbelling and arched windows. This building is now the Q-Café. 27

28 124 N. BROAD STREET

This building is on the site of the first Brighton Hotel, an apartment hotel built right after the Masury Hotel next door. It was demolished in 1949 and later became a dime store. The present office, Wells Fargo Advisors, retains the original hardwood floors and still smells of wood oil and popcorn!

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29 130 N. BROAD STREET

This “building” was actually not originally a building at all! It was an alley and someone had the idea of constructing a structure to close off the alleyway. At eight feet wide and 100 feet long, it is downtown’s smallest building (and certainly one of the most charming) and currently home to Pathology Associates.

29 30 140 N. BROAD STREET

A model example of adaptive re-use, this structure is comprised of the old Hotel Scott and J.C. Penney buildings, which were built in 1951 to replace the Masury Hotel building, which opened in 1888 and was razed in 1949. The current building is named the Langdon S. Flowers Building, in honor of the former President of Flowers Foods.

30 31 502 S. BROAD STREET

Known as the Neel House, Elijah Leon Neel built this house in the Neoclassical style as his family home in 1907. As young teens, Elijah and his brother John joined the Confederates to fight for “the Cause.” Paroled by Union forces at the war’s end, the boys were stripped of their weapons, food, horses and manservant. Both young men walked all the way home from North Carolina. In later years, Elijah would gather all the family men on the front porch to rock and talk interminably. Women were not allowed, so they usually amused themselves in the park across the street. 31

32 403 S. BROAD STREET

This popular park was originally called “Yankee Paradise” because of the Northerners who would enjoy the park which was close to their resort hotels. John Philip Sousa’s band entertained in the old band shell. Sold to the city in 1889 by S. Alex Smith for $500 per acre (26 acres total), the park, now called “Paradise Park”, 32 has remained in a natural state for all to enjoy. 7 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM

33 110 W. HANSELL STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR The Bailey House was built as the winter cottage by the owners of Bailey’s Ice Cream in Boston. Picture this Classic Revival house in 1900 as the only house on this entire block with a white picket fence enclosing the entire area. 33

34 704 S. BROAD STREET

The Strawbridge House is a Colonial Revival built in 1899 as the winter residence of Justus C. Strawbridge, co-founder of Strawbridge and Clothier of Philadelphia. A generous contributor to the city, he had the band shell erected in Paradise Park as a gift. He also began the movement in Thomasville to plant shade trees. 34

35 817 S. HANSELL STREET

Fabricated of heart pine in 1893, the Keefer Cottage, features five fireplaces and five porches, including an upstairs sleeping porch. Note the whimsical keyhole window on the right side of the house, a clever feature of the Victorian Eclectic style. 35

36 801 S. HANSELL STREET

Known as the George S. Cox House, this is the original home of the George S. Cox family of Wisconsin, built in 1893 in the popular Queen Anne style. Note the beveled brick walk, constructed to allow drainage in inclement weather, thus keeping long Victorian skirts dry. 36

37 725 S. HANSELL STREET

The Evans House, built in 1898, was once called the “Honeymoon” Cottage because so many honeymooners stayed here. Damaged by fire in 1908, the home was repaired to look as you see it today. The front porch originally wrapped around the left side of the house and the yard was enclosed by a picket fence. 37

38 717 E. HANSELL STREET

Patterned after an English cottage, this quaint home called the Forbes Cottage, has always been painted red. Built in 1891 and a prime example of the Queen Anne Shingle style, Forbes Cottage was used in the 1920s as a 38 kindergarten where children were taught foreign languages and etiquette. VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 8 MACINTYRE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR MAP PARK

1 225 N. Broad Street 39 711 E. Hansell Street 77 429 N. Crawford Street 2 210 N. Broad Street 40 701 E. Hansell Street 78 510 N. Crawford Street 56 3 135 N. Broad Street 41 502 Smith Avenue 79 125 E. Clay Street 4 125 N. Broad Street 42 443 S. Hansell Street 80 804 N. Madison Street ROSE GARDEN & CHEROKEE 5 101 N. Broad Street 43 435 S. Hansell Street 81 503 N. Broad Street PARK 6 204 W. Jackson Street 44 429 S. Hansell Street 82 425 N. Broad Street 49 48 7 212 W. Jackson Street 45 421 S. Hansell Street 83 329 N. Broad Street 50 8 220 W. Jackson Street 46 426 S. Hansell Street 84 327 N. Broad Street 47 45 9 420 W. Jackson Street 47 420 S. Hansell Street 46 44 10 325 W. Jackson Street 48 403 S. Hansell Street 43 42 11 227 W. Jackson Street 49 445 Remington Avenue 41 12 223 W. Jackson Street 50 437 Remington Avenue 13 205 W. Jackson Street 51 406 Remington Avenue 57 52 51 14 102 S. Broad Street 52 331 Remington Avenue 15 108 S. Broad Street 53 216 Remington Avenue 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 55 54 16 110 S. Broad Street 54 108 N. Dawson Street 69 70 71 72 74 40 17 130 S. Broad Street 55 116 N. Dawson Street 67 68 18 220 S. Crawford Street 56 600 E. Washington Street 53 39 73 19 117 Remington Street 57 314 E Washington Street 38 78 37 20 121 S. Broad Street 58 216 N. Dawson Street 77 76 25 18 21 109 S. Broad Street 59 324 N. Dawson Street THE BIG OAK 79 36 22 107 S. Broad Street 60 412 N. Dawson Street 19 PARADISE 32 35 23 105 S. Broad Street 61 420 N. Dawson Street PARK 75 2 30-28 2726 2423 22-20

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FIFIRSTRST BLABLACKCK GGRADUATERADUATE OOFF WEWESTST PPOINOINT 81 82 83 84 3 4 5 14-17 34 25 144 E. Jackson Street 63 606 N. Dawson Street 1 31 33 26 112 N. Broad Street 64 626 N. Dawson Street 80 27 122 N. Broad Street 65 830 N. Dawson Street 6 13 28 124 N. Broad Street 66 912 N. Dawson Street 7 12 RITZ AMPHITHEATER 8 & PARK 29 130 N. Broad Street 67 803 N. Dawson Street Y O U R 11 V N I 30 140 N. Broad Street 68 725 N. Dawson Street A S L I T

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A 32 403 S. Broad Street 70 515 N. Dawson Street H Download at the G 10 Install the O app store. M , 33 110 W. Hansell Street 71 503 N. Dawson Street A L E Visit Thomasville app, S V I L 34 704 S. Hansell Street 72 403 N. Dawson Street and let it guide you through several of 35 817 S. Hansell Street 73 216 E. Monroe Street Thomasville’s historic neighborhoods. You 36 801 S. Hansell Street 74 225 E. Jackson Street can select the historic locations you wish to 37 725 S. Hansell Street 75 312 N. Broad Street 9 38 717 E. Hansell Street 76 124 E. Monroe Street see, and the app will map it out for you. Download it today to see all that it can do! 9 MACINTYRE PARK

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FIFIRSTRST BLABLACKCK GGRADUATERADUATE OOFF WEWESTST PPOINOINT 81 82 83 84 3 4 5 14-17 34 1 31 33 80

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GREEN - Businesses: Open to the Public

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BLACK - Historic Homes: Not Open to the Public

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• 39 711 E. HANSELL STREET HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR Once referred to as “Park Front,” but now known as the Charles Hebard House, this family home was built in 1899 in the Neoclassical style. Mr. Hebard owned a thriving lumber business around the Great Lakes and eventually came to own the great Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia. The four massive columns on the front porch are made of cypress wood. Legend has it they are 3,000-year-old cypress trunks taken from 39 the Okefenokee. The three uppermost windows belonged to a ballroom.

40 701 E. HANSELL STREET

The Steamboat House was built by Charles S. Hebard for his son in 1899, patterning it after one of his steamboats that carried lumber across the Great Lakes. The rounded porch on the front represents the “bow” and the front extensions the paddle wheel housings. Renovations in 1990 added two side dormers, 40 extra extensions, and a porch off the back.

41 502 SMITH AVENUE

The State Farmers Market is the second largest commercial, fresh produce market in the southeast, after Atlanta. It is also the only market in Georgia that still holds auctions for local producers (May – November). In-season fruit and vegetables are available year-round at the retail produce stand. Purchase regional delicacies such as Vidalia onions and Mayhaw jelly. The “Mayhaw” berry grows on trees in swampy areas 41 and resembles a very small crabapple. (“Haw” is a Southern term for apple and “May” refers to when the berry ripens, thus “Mayhaw”.) When cooked they have the most delicious, sweet flavor.

42 443 S. HANSELL STREET

All Saints Episcopal Church (c. 1881) is the oldest original standing church in Thomasville. It was moved to its present location by Thomasville Landmarks to prevent demolition. Jacqueline Kennedy attended mass at the church at its previous location on Jefferson Street, following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, 42 during her retreat to Thomasville for privacy.

43 435 S. HANSELL STREET

The Balfour House was the home of R.C. Balfour, who owned and operated the Pearl Saloon in Downtown Thomasville. When prohibition came to Thomas County in 1899, not 1919 like most of the country, Balfour created Georgia Crate and Basket, which survives today. Balfour’s sons branched off from the business and 43 created Balfour Lumber Co. Each piece of lumber in the Balfour home (c. 1900) was hand-picked.

44 429 S. HANSELL STREET

The home is known as the Augustin Hansell House. Hansell St. was named for the original owner, Judge Hansell, who was a delegate to both the Georgia Convention that voted to secede from the Union and which voted to rejoin the Union after the War Between the States. His home, built in 1853 in the Classic Revival style, was designed by famed architect John Wind, and is the oldest home on this block. 44 11 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM 45 421 S. HANSELL STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR This home is the James Watt House. James Watt owned a hardware store in Thomasville and several others in surrounding communities. He is believed to be the first hardware chain store owner in Georgia and possibly the nation. The home was begun in 1890 with the framing left to “season,” and finished in 1893. 45

46 426 S. HANSELL STREET

Built in 1886, this storybook cottage called the McCartney House was severely damaged in 1985 when an ancient oak tree fell through the top floor. Immediate professional repair was needed to save this picturesque cottage.

46 47 420 S. HANSELL STREET

This home, known as the David Harrell House, was originally built in 1853 to face Remington Ave. (then, Old Coffee Road). After the front lot was sold, the home’s entrance was relocated to Hansell St. and a second story built, with the columns added to tie it together. The original porch can be seen on the right side of the house.

47 48 403 S. HANSELL STREET

Thomasville was home to Dr. Robert Bruce who became famous for treating Typhoid fever. Returning home after a storm, the creek he needed to cross overflowed covering the bridge (the creek goes through MacIntyre Park). Misjudging the water’s depth, he was swept overboard. His horse returned home but Dr. Bruce unfortunately drowned. The branch has been called “Bruce’s Creek” ever since. Dr. Robert Bruce’s son, Dr. W. W. Bruce built this home in 1885 and it was later inherited by his daughter, Helen Bruce, and is now the Bruce-Driver House. 48

49 445 REMINGTON AVENUE

The 1884 Paxton House, was built in 1884 as the winter residence of Col. J.W. Paxton of Wheeling, WV, this home is a beautiful example of Victorian Gothic architecture and still has its original tower. It was constructed with heart pine subflooring, which was an advancement for the time. The home’s center hallway features a courting window and a tight circular staircase. Originally the house had over 2,000 sq. ft. of veranda. It was completely restored in 1997 and a rear sunroom and gazebo were added. Today, the 1884 Paxton Historic 49 House Hotel is a bed-and-breakfast inn.

50 437 REMINGTON AVENUE

Burbank Cottage was the winter residence of Mrs. Evelyn Burbank of Wisconsin. This Victorian Gothic style home was built in 1875. It was originally barn red with blue-green shutters. The board and batten siding is original. 50 VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 12

• 51 406 REMINGTON AVENUE HISTORIC ELF-GUIDED TOUR This home, the John Dyson House, was built in the Classical Revival style in 1854 as a honeymoon cottage for newlyweds. The couple planted twin magnolia trees on either side of the front walk to celebrate their union. A freak storm felled the two trees in 1985 and, as fate would have it, they fell away from the house and lay side by side. 51

52 331 REMINGTON AVENUE

Known as the Ransom Reid House, the original structure was built with slave labor circa 1854 in the Classic Revival style with combined influences. The façade was changed in later years, but the back of the home retains its Victorian influence. A previous owner described the house as having a “Victorian bustle and a classic bosom!” 52

53 216 REMINGTON AVENUE

Episcopalians began meeting and holding services in their homes in Thomasville in 1859. Within ten years, they had established St. Thomas Episcopal Church and built a small frame church building. The present building was erected on the same site in 1889 with strong support from Northern visitors. St. Thomas also founded a preschool in 1958 which continues to serve the community today. Known for its beautiful memorial windows, St. Thomas includes three stained-glass windows designed by Tiffany & Co. 53

54 108 N. DAWSON STREET

No need to do a double take! Known as the Hawkins House, this home was built in 1891 as a replica of the house to its left in a typical Victorian style. The new owner of this lot was so taken with the design of the Ball House, that he asked permission to copy its architecture, except for the front porch. Permission was granted, and this proved to be another example of Southern hospitality at its best! The front door and tread 54 on the home came from Thomasville’s old hospital, now demolished.

55 116 N. DAWSON STREET

The Ball House was one of the first private residences in town to have city plumbing. The Piney Woods Hotel, which was located at the end of South Dawson St. allowed the owners to connect into its sewage removal pipes, which ran up Dawson Street, thus allowing the residence to become one of the more “state 55 of the art” homes in town.

56 600 E. WASHINGTON STREET

Built in 1915, this Mission Revival building was the first public school to be built in Thomasville with tax money. Ironically, it was saved by private funds ($3.3 million) when “experts” declared it too expensive to save! Local citizens rallied, and the Thomasville Center for the Arts became a regional center for the visual and performing arts with art galleries and a 500-seat auditorium. 56 13 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM

57 314 E. WASHINGTON STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR Built in the Queen Anne style, the Elizabeth Merrill Child Garden, was originally described as “a building designed for a kindergarten.” Given by a Mrs. Hansell to the teacher, Elisabeth “Bessie” Merrill, the structure served as a kindergarten or school until it became a home in 1950. During its history, it has had three locations. It was moved on pine rollers or logs in the early 1900’s from its original location at the intersection 57 of Jackson and Dawson Streets to the intersection of Washington and Dawson Streets. The cottage was moved again in 1993 to its current location behind the Royal-Miller House.

58 216 N. DAWSON STREET

Styled after the fabulous Greenwood Plantation, the Royal Miller House, a Colonial Revival home, was built in 1903. The columns sit on piers placed out from the front porch. This affords a longer slant of shade for the 58 front rooms and makes repairs of porch boards much easier.

59 324 N. DAWSON STREET

The Ephraim Ponder House, a Classical Revival Eclectic style house, was originally built in 1856 for Ephraim Ponder, a slave trader who enslaved the Flipper family. (Henry Flipper became the first black graduate of West Point in 1877.) Later the house was used as a dormitory for Young’s Female College (the large stone 59 building behind this home). A breezeway that connected the two buildings and a large square cupola on the roof’s apex no longer exists.

60 412 N. DAWSON STREET

This home, known as the Pittman House, is built of heart pine and contains doors of cypress wood. Erected in 1888 in the typical Victorian style, no changes have been made on the home’s exterior and very few have been made inside, making this as close to original as possible. Five generations of the Pittman family have enjoyed 60 this Victorian home.

61 420 N. DAWSON STREET

The Brown family built their home in 1885 to the extreme right side of their lot (the lot extends from the driveway on the right to the hedges on the left) as they intended to add a second section later, as money allowed. There are no downstairs windows on the left side of the house to allow for this expansion. Mrs. 61 Brown died before the additional work could be done. Today this house, the Brown-Cooper House, is affectionately known as the “Half House”.

62 522 N. DAWSON STREET

Designed by architect John Wind in 1856 in the Classic Revival and Italian Renaissance styles, the Hardaway House was the home of the first mayor of Thomasville. 62 VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 14

• 63 606 N. DAWSON STREET HISTORIC ELF-GUIDED TOUR Originally built in 1885 and sold for $4,000 in 1887, this home known as the Tucker House, had a facelift in the 1920s from the Victorian to the Classic Revival style. A large wraparound front porch with towers was removed, and the current Federal style architecture was added to replace the earlier Victorian look. Research shows the house to have been won and lost in at least one poker game.

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64 626 N. DAWSON STREET

Built by Chicago shoe manufacturer Charles W. Lapham in the winter of 1884-1885, the Lapham-Patterson House is a Queen Anne style home and is one of the first winter cottages built. It cost a grand $4,500 to construct. Ahead of its time, this 19-room home contained hot and cold running water, gas lighting, and built-in closets. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the house is its built-in fire safety features, inspired by Mr. Lapham’s experience as a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Because of its unique qualities, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Tours are available. Contact the Thomasville History Center at 229.226.7664 for more information. 64

65 830 N. DAWSON STREET

This High Victorian Renaissance Revival gem, known as the Hanna-McKinley House, was built in 1883. Influential industrialist and Ohio Senator Mark Hanna of Cleveland, Ohio, rented this home as his winter retreat. Politically powerful, Mr. Hanna invited the southern Republican delegates to his home for a “vacation.” They met in the sun parlor (on the right side of the house) and discussed William McKinley as the next Republican candidate for President. McKinley promised to visit Thomasville if elected, and did, 65 prompting local citizens to humorously refer to him as “the only President who ever kept his word about anything!”

66 912 N. DAWSON STREET

This quaint home, called the Eaton House, was built in 1856 in the Classic Revival style. The chimneys are constructed from bricks made by enslaved brick makers. When renovations were made, old beams were exposed that architects date back to the 1830s.

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67 803 N. DAWSON STREET

Baron Vicco Von Strallendorf and his wife received this cottage, the Stevens-Butler House, as a wedding gift in the 1870s. They had as guests, Elisabet Ney and Dr. Montgomery. Although married, Miss Ney always referred to her husband as “Dr. Montgomery” and the doctor called her “Miss Ney.” When “Miss Ney” conceived, the town was scandalized and ostracized her on every occasion — to the point of ladies moving their skirt hems away from her so as not be “tainted” when seeing her in town. The couple needed only to say they were married, but they refused and moved to . Elisabet Ney, an accomplished sculptress, is 67 recognized by an Austin museum dedicated to her work. 15 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM

68 725 N. DAWSON STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR Built in 1923 as a residence for the Joseph Hampton Flowers family, this Jeffersonian Revival structure is now home to the Thomasville History Center. The Flowers’ home replaced a cottage built on the site in 1893 by O.C. Ewart of New York. The iron fence, fountain, and single-lane bowling alley remain from the Victorian era. The Roberts family, who purchased the house in the 1940s, added a full basement and a fallout shelter. Also 68 on the grounds: the 1870 Smith Log House, the 1877 Joyner House, the 1893 Metcalfe Courthouse and 1910 Claire Flowers Playhouse. Open for tours Monday – Saturday. Call 229.226.7664 for more information.

69 603 N. DAWSON STREET

Known as the Ainsworth House, this home was built in 1882 by H.V. Ainsworth, one of the largest livery stable 69 owners in town. The first telephone system was connected from the elegant Mitchell House Hotel to Ainsworth’s stable. Northerners would arrive by train and the livery stable would be contacted to provide first class delivery for these welcomed visitors.

70 515 N. DAWSON STREET

The Reese House once had a turret on the left side (circa 1885) above the bay window, which was removed in 70 later years. Two French doors which opened onto the front porch are now used as windows.

71 503 N. DAWSON STREET

Originally an ornate Victorian home, the B.P. Walker House, was built in 1884. There have been several gingerbread motifs removed from the outside through the years. However, the inside foyer still displays intricate gingerbread that can be seen from the sidewalk. 71

72 403 N. DAWSON STREET

Pronounced “say shush”, the Seixas House was built in 1835 and is the oldest one-story dwelling in Thomasville. It was moved to its current location by the Landmarks Program to prevent demolition, and rehabilitated from an 1850s sketch. 72

73 216 E. MONROE STREET

William Miller was affectionately known in Thomasville as the “Johnny Appleseed of Thomasville”. He spent his spare time planting trees along the city streets and even continued to plant trees when his business went bankrupt. Today, Thomasville has an official tree committee and tree ordinance that protects greenery on city 73 property. Listed as the William Miller House, Miller built this Victorian home in 1888. VISITTHOMASVILLE THOMASVILLEGA THOMASVILLE HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR 16 • 74 225 E. JACKSON STREET HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended church here at First Presbyterian Church during several of his hunting and golfing trips to Thomasville. Favoring our world famous quail hunting, Eisenhower made five trips to Thomasville during his Presidency and squeezed in rounds of golf at Glen Arven Country Club, one of the oldest golf courses in the nation. The church was built in 1889 in the Queen Anne/Romanesque 74 Revival style.

75 312 N. BROAD STREET

The Hardy Bryan House was built in 1833 in the Classical Revival style and is considered the oldest two-story house in town. It is the current head­quarters for Thomasville Landmarks, the city’s preservation organization. Files on historic area properties are available for use by the public.

75 76 124 E. MONROE STREET

The Big Oak, (Latin: ) c. 1680, is Thomasville’s oldest and most cherished landmark and an original member of the National Society, enrolled in 1936. The limb span of the great oak is 165 feet and has a trunk circumference of 26-1/2 feet. The tree is festooned with “resurrection fern,” which is harmless to the tree. The fern appears “dead” until rain falls and it “resurrects” to a lush green again. While you are here, have your picture taken by the Big Oak Cam by calling 229.236.0053, then find your picture at bigoak.rose.net! 76 77 429 N. CRAWFORD STREET

This classic Queen Ann style house was completed in 1908 by builder Thomas Biggs White for Thomas J. Bottoms and is the Fannie Bottoms House. Mr. Bottoms, a noted local businessman and long-term resident of Thomasville, operated a livery for a number of years and later served as the Passenger Agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, forerunner of today’s CSX Transportation. Mr. Bottoms died in 1909 shortly after the family occupied their new home. He was survived by his wife, Fannie Bottoms, who continued to live in the house for 34 years (1908-1942). The house is now the Thomasville Bed and Breakfast. 77

78 510 N. CRAWFORD STREET

The Greek Revival Woodson-Dekle House was built c.1855 on Fletcher St. in what is now the Fletcherville National Historic District. The structure remained in the same family for 113 years. At the request of a National Trust Advisor, the house was donated to Thomasville Landmarks, following approximately­ 30 years of neglect. In 2005, Landmarks moved the original structure to the Dawson Street Historic District. It was restored in 2007, and now serves as a model for other property owners, proving that the character and 78 materials of an antebellum house can be retained to display history while creating a wonderful environment for a professional or a family.

79 125 E. CLAY STREET

This home is listed as the Sampson House. The fenced portion of the roof near the chimneys is popularly referred to as a “widow’s walk” in coastal cities. Romantic stories say wives would walk the area waving to their seafaring husbands as they entered or left port. For this home, built in 1900 in the Georgian style, the 79 designed purpose of the platform was to clean the chimneys. 17 866.577.3600 • THOMASVILLEGA.COM

80 804 N. MADISON STREET • HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOUR Thomasville native Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877. Subjected to the “silent treatment” by his classmates during his last two years, he still managed to graduate in the top third of his class. Although Lieutenant Flipper was discharged from the Army on false embezzlement charges, he was granted a posthumous pardon by President Clinton. Henry Flipper enjoyed a long career as a surveyor, cartographer, and mining engineer. His brothers all reached 80 remarkable levels of success, too. He died and was buried in Atlanta in 1940, and was re-interred in Thomasville in 1978. The United States Post Office off of U.S. 19 North is named in his memory. There are ongoing efforts for a U.S. Postal stamp to be issued in honor of Lt. Flipper. A Georgia state plaque marks his gravesite.

81 503 N. BROAD STREET

All the materials for the Amason House, built in 1910 in the Classic Revival style, were bought locally, with each piece of lumber being hand-picked. It was painted mauve a few years back because that color is believed 81 to hide architectural flaws (and it was also the owner’s favorite color).

82 425 N. BROAD STREET

The Thomasville First United Methodist Church was built in 1885 in the Victorian Gothic manner. The original Methodist church on this site was a wooden structure that was damaged when it was used as a hospital for Union and Confederate troops. This is the third Methodist Church built on this site, and was attended by William McKinley during his 1895 and 1899 visits to Thomasville. It was said so many parishioners felt 82 comfortable around McKinley, it was more like a visit from a brother than a President of the United States.

83 329 N. BROAD STREET

The Hayes House, a one-story brick Georgian home, was built in 1858 in the Second Empire style, unusual for the area. The brick was covered with stucco, which was scored to resemble stone, and a second story and Mansard roof were added to complete the look of a French villa. The original home was a wedding present from Tom Jones (who built Greenwood Plantation) to his daughter, who married a doctor. The property 83 consisted of the entire block, but the home was constructed on the corner so potential patients for the doctor could ride by in a buggy and tap on the window with a buggy whip to get the doctor’s attention. (This was prior to the picket fence being added.)

84 327 N. BROAD STREET

The Trice House, originally built in 1884, sat behind the First Presbyterian Church and faced N. Dawson Street. Church expansion called for the home to be demolished or moved. The home was moved to this site and 84 renovated for office space.

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