Property Owners Honored With Preservation Awards

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CANTON, GA -- On Friday, March 18, the Cherokee County Historical Society honored four historic property owners for their outstanding work in historic preservation.

In its decision to host these annual awards, the society notes it's "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." 

Those recognized in a ceremony on Friday were:

Sixes Community Cemetery Canton

The Sixes Community Cemetery has been in use since 1832, on land later owned by Governor Joseph Brown, who deeded the property to the community. Use of the cemetery is open to all community members without the purchase of a plot. Since 2009, the Sixes United Methodist Church has overseen operation of the cemetery. Extensive, ongoing research and analysis of the cemetery grounds have yielded a wealth of information, including the locations of more than 400 unmarked graves. A dedicated group of volunteers, including local Boy Scouts, has cleared brush, repaired numerous broken tombstones, and installed wayfaring signs.

Jiffy Freeze Drive-in Canton

Alene Blankenship has kept the Jiffy Freeze Restaurant looking exactly as it did when it opened on Aug. 18, 1962. Well known around Canton for delicious food and excellent service, the Jiffy Freeze remains a popular stop on the way to or from Lake Allatoona. Although the roof and tiled floors are new, the display of Coca-cola memorabilia and the menu signs will bring back memories for many patrons.

McClure-Davis House Canton

Located in downtown Canton, the McClure-Davis House was originally occupied by Alfred and Kate McClure. Following her husband’s death in 1939, Kate McClure taught school and operated a bookstore on Marietta Street. She continued to live in the house until 1983. The current residents, Billie and Robert Davis, have retained the original siding and many of the original windows and doors. Updates include a new kitchen and master bath, as well as a rear deck.

Bearden-Cline House Waleska

In 1909, Waleska farmer and store-owner William Bearden built a two-story home across from Reinhardt College. Bearden sold the house in 1946 to Amos and Beulah Cline. A generation of newlywed couples started out renting upstairs rooms from the Clines. After Beulah Cline’s death, the property fell into disrepair, until it was purchased by artist Phoebe Maze in 2014. Ms. Maze refinished much of the hardwood flooring, retained the distinctive beadboard siding and most of the original windows, and renovated the six fireplaces. The house, which is currently on the market, features an updated kitchen and bathrooms, and a new HVAC system.

New this year, the Cherokee County Historical Society also recognize Judson Roberts with the inaugural presentation of the Judson Roberts Lifetime Service Award.

Roberts has been a lifelong member of the Cherokee County Historical Society and became active during the late 1980s when he spearheaded the movement to save the historic Rock Barn, located on former Crescent Farm. Donated to the Historical Society by the Cherokee County School Board, Roberts led the fundraising committee to secure almost $500,000 for its renovation.

The Rock Barn has become the symbol for the Historical Society and serves as its special event facility. Roberts has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years, secured funding to hire the first staff member in 2004, opened his home for numerous functions, and mentored many young preservationists.

The Historical Society has chosen to create this lifetime service award in honor of Roberts and is grateful for his dedicated service.

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Photo 1: Bearden-Cline House
Photo 2: McClure-Davis House
Photo 3: Jiffy Freeze
Photo 4: Judson Roberts
Photo 5: Sixes Community Cemetery
Photo credits: Cherokee County Historical Society