Property Owners Honored With Historic Preservation Awards

Cherokee Co. Historical Society:On Friday, March 16, 2018, the Cherokee County Historical Society honored seven historic property owners for their outstanding work in historic preservation, as well as our Volunteer of the Year and the second recipient of the Judson Roberts Lifetime Service Award. The Historical Society feels that it is important for communities to retain and honor these historic sites, because it gives residents a sense of place – which is critical in maintaining a unique identity in suburban Atlanta. “It is always a pleasure to give out these preservation awards, says Historical Society Director, Stefanie Joyner. “We are surrounded by beautiful historic structures in this County and we are excited to recognize the property owners.”

Hyatt-Perkins Home Canton

This circa early 1930s home was originally owned by E.M. McCanless, who sold it to Spurgeon and Grace Hyatt in 1936. The Hyatt family resided in the home for more than 20 years. Following numerous owners, the house had succumbed to years of decline. In 2003, Tammy and Stan Perkins purchased the home and did an extensive renovation that highlighted original elements and concealed a large addition.

Hawkins-McManus Home Canton

This craftsman style home was built in the early 1920s. The Claude Hawkins family lived here and later it was a rental property. In 2016, it was purchased and renovated by Christine McManus. During renovation, the outside was completely updated, and an attached garage replaced the old detached one. A master bedroom and bath was added, the hardwood floors were refinished, and 4 fireplaces were uncovered.

Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon Canton

This home belonged to Marie Archer Teasley’s family in the early part of the 20th century and is one of the last remaining Victorian buildings in Canton. When Lisa and Sean Furilla chose the space as the new home for the spa, restoring the historic integrity was paramount. This included months of painting, repairing plaster walls, restoring the numerous tile fireplaces, and revealing historic windows.

Gordy Hospitality House Waleska

The Evelyn Gordy Rankin Hospitality House was given to Reinhardt University in 1990 by Mrs. Rankin. The home was originally constructed in 1929 on Piedmont Road in Atlanta. Frank Gordy, owner of the Varsity Restaurant in Atlanta, purchased the home in October 1940 and gave it to his wife as a Christmas present. It was moved in four pieces from the site on Piedmont Road to the campus in January 1991. Since then, the University has meticulously cared for the home which now serves as a guest house and a meeting place.

Hubbard Building Ball Ground

This building was constructed in the 1920s and it was used as a doctor’s office, store and a theatre. By 2014, it was near collapse and slated for demolition. Bill Kobrenner and Josh Briggs stabilized and reconstructed the building so it is now a an active part of the city landscape.

Stripling-Lovelady-Homiller Home Ball Ground

D.C. Stripling purchased the property from the Hawkins family in 1911-1912. It was sold to A.J. Lovelady in 1920. The house is Neoclassical Revival and features two story Ionic columns and dentil moldings. Frank C. Homiller purchased the house and property in 1952. By 2009, it appeared on our inaugural Sites Worth Saving list. Since then, Dan and Annette Homiller have done an extensive renovation, focusing first on stabilization of the exterior porches, and currently preservation of the interior with Project Manager David Bray, a designer with Landford Thompson Interiors.

Volunteer of the Year

This year, the Cherokee County Historical Society recognizes Dr. Frank Greene, a longtime Cherokee County resident, as the Volunteer of the Year. Dr. Greene and his wife, Linda, are lifetime members of the Historical Society and Dr. Greene has volunteered in the Cherokee County History Museum and Canton Visitors Center almost every Friday since it opened in 2011. “We look to forward to Friday afternoons with Frank every week.” says Executive Director, Stefanie Joyner. “He is fully committed to the museum and knows the ins and outs of our history- we are grateful for his support and knowledge.”

Judson Roberts Lifetime Service Award

The Cherokee County Historical Society is thrilled to give the second Judson Roberts Lifetime Service Award to one of our charter members and staunch supporters, Mr. William A. Teasley. Mr. Teasley is a founding member of the Historical Society. He has served on numerous committees and participated in many fundraising endeavors over the past 43 years. In addition, he has also volunteered his time in the Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center for the past several years as well as donated to our collections. “The vision of the founding members of the Historical Society, including Mr. Teasley, holds true today.” Stated Executive Director Stefanie Joyner “We would not be as successful at our mission without the solid groundwork that those members laid and for their steadfast support through the years.”

Images Via Cherokee Co. Historical Society