The Buckhead Heritage Society, a non-profit organization, will hold its Heritage Holiday Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Beechwoods, the former home of noted Atlanta historian Franklin M. Garrett and the current home of Ann and John Beach in the Paces neighborhood. Proceeds will benefit Buckhead Heritage Society’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Buckhead by identifying, preserving and promoting its historic resources.
Franklin Garrett devoted much of his life to learning about Atlanta’s past and recording it for the future. His three-volume survey of Atlanta’s history, Atlanta and Environs: A Chronicle of its People and Events, was printed in long-hand while he lived at Beechwoods. Garrett served as historian for the Coca-Cola company for 28 years and following his retirement, he was president of the Atlanta History Center, which often hosted “Stump Franklin” history-related trivia events.
Beechwoods was designed in 1949 by architect William J. Creighton Jr., who moved to Atlanta in 1945. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, Creighton worked at the well-known New York firm McKim, Mead & White. The firm provided early office experience for a number of notable architects, including Henry J. Toombs. The two architects operated Toombs & Creighton from 1946-49, where they hired young architects like Henry Smith and Cecil Alexander, who along with others helped shape the skyline of Atlanta.
“We are pleased to open our home for Buckhead Heritage Society’s holiday gathering and to share colorful stories connected with Franklin Garrett’s life in the house,” said John Beach. “Whether you’re a native Atlantan or a newcomer, we hope you’ll gain a greater understanding of the people who have contributed so much to shaping and preserving Atlanta’s history.”
At the Heritage Holiday Gathering you can learn about Buckhead Heritage’s award-winning efforts to rehabilitate Harmony Grove Cemetery, its fight to preserve Mt. Olive Cemetery and its continuing project to record and preserve oral histories. “We also have completed an Interpretive Master Plan for Buckhead, which makes recommendations for integrating historic interpretation into parks, trails, and green spaces in our community,” said James Ottley, president of the Buckhead Heritage Society.
The event is open to everyone. The member rate is $125 per person, and the non-member rate is $150 per attendee. Non-members will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Buckhead Heritage Society. Tickets can be purchased ONLINE or by mail at 3180 Mathieson Drive, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30305.
