Tag Archives: Georgia

-Georgia, Uncategorized

The Cotton Exchange Building of Atlanta, Georgia

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In the heart of Buckhead, there is an unassuming with an unexpected past. Built in 1924, the Ku Klux Klan built the three-story office building as their national headquarters. It served as their hub for producing and distributing their propaganda. Their infamous hoods, robes, and gloves were also made on the second floor. In fact, there used to be a sign on the building that said, “National Robe Manufacturers of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.” The third floor served as the KKK’s national office.

Due to the Great Depression, membership dwindled significantly, and headquarters were moved to Washington, DC. In 1939, the headquarters were moved back to Atlanta. Thankfully, the building ceased serving as the national headquarters when it was sold to be converted into apartments after World War II.

-Georgia, Houses, National Register of Historic Places

Samuel Farkas House of Albany, Georgia

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The Second Empire House is on Broad Avenue, on the edge of downtown Albany. Built in 1889, it was built for Samuel Farkas, a Hungarian immigrant who came to the United States to work for his uncle, who was setting up dry goods stores in Albany. He became a successful businessman, and his wealth was estimated to be over $350,000 (almost $11 million today) when he died in 1915.

-Georgia, Abandoned, Churches and Temples

Wesleyan Methodist Church of Macon, Georgia

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Originally the home of Wesleyan Methodist Church, the now vacant church served as the spiritual home for the True Faith COGIC church and the Higher Ground Ministries.

-Georgia, Abandoned, Churches and Temples

Hillcrest United Methodist Church of Macon, Georgia

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Built in 1950, the Hillcrest United Methodist Church was active until at least 2006. It is now vacant.

I like the brick cross.

-Georgia, Black History, Historic Photos, Hotels and Motels

Paschal’s Brothers Restaurant and Motel-Atlanta, Georgia

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Paschal’s Restaurant and Motel in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historic building with deep ties to Atlanta and the Civil Rights Movement. Founded in 1947 by brothers James and Robert Paschal, the restaurant became a hub for a good meal and social change. Originally a small 30-seat luncheonette, it was known for its fried chicken, which was Robert’s secret recipe. Because of its popularity, Paschal’s expanded to include a full-service restaurant and a motel, which is photographed above.

Paschal’s was more than just a place to eat. It was a meeting place for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maynard Jackson, and John Lewis, who often strategized there. Other famous visitors included Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, and Al Gore.

While the original Paschal’s is no longer open, the restaurant can still be visited at their Castleberry Hill location on Northside Drive.

-Georgia, Signs, Theaters

Strand Theatre of Marietta, Georgia

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The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, located in the heart of Marietta, Georgia, is an Art Deco gem that opened in 1935. Originally built as a movie palace by the Manning-Winks Theatre Company, the Strand is used for movies and the performing arts today. Manning-Winks was a theatre company that owned movie houses throughout north Georgia and eastern Tennessee.

The theater has a long history in the community. The first Strand was opened in 1914 on Atlanta Street, but like so many early buildings, it was lost to fire in 1929. The current location came to fruition after another fire damaged the buildings at this corner of Marietta Square.

The theater was used continuously until the early 2000s. It then fell into disrepair. Under the leadership of Earl and Rachel Smith, the theater was restored and reopened in 2009.