Every Old House Has A Story To Tell
Athens, Georgia – Clarke County – Built circa 1861, the Sledge-Cobb-Spalding House has been purchased by descendants of prior owners – not once, but twice! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has a storied history in Athens.
Continue reading “Sledge-Cobb-Spalding House, c1861 – Athens”
Athens, GA – Clarke County – The history of the family at this antebellum Athens mansion s just amazing. Built circa 1849 for Howell and Mary Ann Lamar Cobb, this served as their home throughout a storied political career.
Continue reading “Cobb-Bucknell-Leathers House, c 1849 – Athens”
Athens, GA – Clarke County – The Hamilton-Phinizy-Segrest House, now home to Phi Mu at UGA, was built by the first millionaire in Georgia! Colonel Thomas Hamilton had this home built, but died while it was still under construction. His widow, Sarah, oversaw completion of the house.
The Hamilton’s children were next door neighbors – their son had the house to the north, and daughter lived in the house to the south. I’ve heard there are/were tunnels connecting the houses!
The ornamental ironwork is absolutely beautiful.
In 1890, the house was sold to Ann Barrett Phinizy. Her granddaughter, Laura Ann Phinizy Segrest was the last private resident of this house. In 1964, the house was sold to Phi Mu at UGA. Founded in 1921, Phi Mu is the oldest sorority at UGA.
Changes the sorority has made include the wings added to the sides of the house, and additional dorm space added to the back of the house. They have done a great job maintaining this beautiful old home!
That’s a quick history of the Hamilton-Phinizy-Segrest House, appreciate you taking time to read the blog. I’ve written posts on some other Athens antebellum homes, just click on the house name and it will take you to the post:
Athens, GA – (Go Dawgs!) While many old homes have been lost to progress, the Phinizy-Hunnicutt house is a local survivor. Owned by a couple of prominent Athens families, this house has seen its share of history!
Built in 1855 by John E Phinizy, the house originally sat much farther back on the lot than what we see today. The iron railings on this house were produced locally by the Athens Foundry. The Athens Foundry produced several iconic Athens pieces, including the famed arch at UGA, and the double-barreled cannon that’s in front of city hall!
The detailed iron work is amazing – I had to get a closer look at it, just look at all the detail! To think, this was done in the 1850s!
The house was sold in 1894 to Dr John A. Hunnicutt and family. As I learned more about Hunnicutt, his accomplishments during his 91 years are just amazing:
The Hunnicutt family, along with several other prominent Athens families (Phinizy, Cobb, Harris, Irwin etc.) bought a hotel at nearby Madison Springs (Madison County). The families made this a private club, and the Hunnicutts would spend a couple of months here each summer. Madison Springs was known for it’s water, known to cure many maladies!
Progress marches on, and the large lot this house sat on was ripe for development. Apartments were built at the back of the lot, and the house was moved forward and renovated.
Today the house has been converted to office use. Amazing to think of this house and the families that called this home – they’d recognize the house, except it’s just been moved much closer to the road from its original position. I’m just glad to see an old house saved!
Thanks so much for reading the blog, I really do appreciate it! If you use Instagram, @oldgeorgiahomes has daily posts.
Athens, Georgia – Clarke County – As UGA starts Fall Semester, thought we would take a look at the President’s House, built in 1857. The house was privately owned until 1949, with some famous owners in its history. It’s considered the most elaborate antebellum home in town.
Continue reading “University of Georgia – President’s House”