Athens Heritage Walks: Milledge Circle Historic District with John Waters

The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation will hold its Athens Heritage Walks 2011 throughout the fall. These tours provide a unique look at Athens history and heritage. Tour the Milledge Circle Historic District with John Waters. 

Evolving from an antebellum farm, Milledge Circle represents suburban development from c. 1890 to WWII which included the community’s first multi-story apartment development buildings (serviced by streetcar) as well as the West Lake Country Club, a recreational landscape for the well-to-do, and the surrounding properties serviced by the automobile. Milledge Circle from Five Points to West Lake Drive illustrates two types of suburban development in early Twentieth Century Athens: that stimulated by streetcars and that stimulated by the automobile.

Architecture of the district features variations of a number of styles including: craftsman, colonial revival, Spanish eclectic, tudor, and neoclassical, with one home representing Athens’ first split-level residence. The area features seven houses designed by Athens architect, Fred Orr, as well as one house designed by a widely recognized female architect. A portion of the area is affectionately known as “High Ball Hill,” reflecting the preference of neighbors for afternoon social gatherings. The tour will last 1.5 to 2 hours and conclude with a “High Ball Hill” reception. From Fire Hall #3, tour patrons will walk the streetcar suburb portion of the tour and a van will be provided for the automobile portion with a shuttle back to Five Points.

Three modes of reservations are available:

(1) You can download an order form to mail in: Download Athens Heritage Walks Order Form.

(2) You can make your reservations online: Make Your Heritage Walks Reservations Online Today!

(3) You can call Amy Kissane at 706-353-1801 and make your reservation directly with her.