Monastery at Large

Category: Architecture of Atlanta and the Southeast

  • Postcards from the South: Fleming duBignon Residence – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Fleming duBignon Residence (1902), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Fleming duBignon Residence in Atlanta, designed by Willis F. Denny and completed in 1902.

    As noted on the front, the home was located at 925 Peachtree Street, and the photograph was “Taken on Xmas day 1907”.

    The card was postmarked in Atlanta on March 2, 1909, and addressed to Miss Cynthia Farie at 202 East 31st Street in Savannah, Georgia, with the following message written on the back:

    “I thought you would like a picture of Grandfather’s house. I want to thank you for the pretty valentine. Lots of love from Tissie.”

    You think the grandfather knew his house had an exact duplicate in Louisville, Georgia?

  • Postcards from the South: Prudential Building – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Prudential Building (1899), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts Atlanta’s Prudential Building—later known as the Grant Building—designed by T.H. Morgan of Bruce & Morgan and completed in 1899.

    [Neal?] wrote on the front: “Around all Atl. Having a big time. Leave for S.S. Thursday. Best wishes to all.”

    I, for one, welcome the death of cursive writing.

    Published by the Orr Stationery Co. of Atlanta, the card was postmarked in College Park, Georgia, on July 16, 1907, and addressed to Miss Pearl Woodcliff in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

  • Postcards from the South: Christian Science Church – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Christian Science Church (1899), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Christian Science Church in Atlanta, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1899.

    Written on the front is the following note:

    “May 14, ’07

    Am addressing this Sacramento for fear you have not received your Yosemite mail. Beautiful weather here. I am fine + dandy. Business is on the move.”

    Published by the Witt Brothers of Atlanta and printed in Germany, the card was postmarked in Atlanta on May 14, 1907, and addressed to Miss Grace B. Smith at Box 165 Davis Ave, Sacramento California R.F.D. #2 International Hotel, Yosemite Cal., and received in Yosemite, California, on May 25, 1907.

    Got all that?

  • Postcards from the South: The Manor – Asheville, North Carolina

    Postcard view of the Manor Inn (1898), Albermarle Park, Asheville, North Carolina

    This postcard depicts the Manor Inn at Albermarle Park in Asheville, North Carolina, designed by Bradford L. Gilbert and completed in 1898.

    Published by the Southern Post Card Co. of Asheville, the card was postmarked in Asheville on April 9, 1921, and addressed to Mrs. H.V.M. Dennis of 81 E. Main Street in Freehold, New Jersey.

    Printed on the back is the following description:

    The Manor, Asheville, N.C.
    In the “Land Of The Sky.”

    The Manor, an exclusive Inn, is located in a park of thirty-six acres and has its private club house, with tennis, bowling and billiards within the park. It is operated by The Albermarle Park Company of Asheville which also owns Albermarle Park and about fifteen cottages within the Park. These can be leased and furnished for housekeeping.

    Also written on the back is the following note:

    “Fri. Eve.

    Had a very pleasant day – all of us feeling much better. You would hardly know Mary [Sr.?]”

    I can see where a Mary Sr. might be unrecognizable.

  • The Westin Charlotte (2003) – Charlotte, North Carolina

    John Portman & Associates. The Westin Charlotte (2003). Charlotte, North Carolina.
    John Portman & Associates. The Westin Charlotte (2003). Charlotte, North Carolina.1 2
    Looking at The Westin Charlotte from the west
    Looking at The Westin Charlotte from the west
    Terrace on The Westin Charlotte
    Terrace on The Westin Charlotte
    Looking at The Westin Charlotte from the northeast
    Looking at The Westin Charlotte from the northeast

    References

    1. John Portman: Art and Architecture. Atlanta: High Museum of Art in association with the University of Georgia Press (2009). ↩︎
    2. Lunan, Charles, and Hudson, Don. “Convention Hotel Checks In”. The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), April 30, 2003, p. 1A. ↩︎

  • Office of Stevens & Wilkinson (1947) – Atlanta

    Stevens & Wilkinson. Office of Stevens & Wilkinson (1947). Fairlie-Poplar, Atlanta.
    Stevens & Wilkinson. Office of Stevens & Wilkinson (1947). Fairlie-Poplar, Atlanta.1
    Office of Stevens & Wilkinson, Atlanta, date unknown
    Office of Stevens & Wilkinson, Atlanta, date unknown2

    References

    1. Stevens, Preston. Building a Firm: The Story of Stevens & Wilkinson Architects, Engineers, Planners Inc. Atlanta (1979). ↩︎
    2. Photo credit: ibid, p. 30. ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: Citizens Bank – Savannah, Georgia

    Postcard view of Citizens Bank (1896), Savannah, Georgia

    This postcard depicts the Citizens Bank in Savannah, Georgia, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1896.

    Published by the Souvenir Post Card Co. of New York and printed in Germany, the card was postmarked in Savannah on February 9, 1912, and addressed to Mrs. Chas. E. Simond of 316 E. Monroe Street in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Written on the back is the following note from Mrs. Mac:

    “I am having a good time. We are on the [?] most of the time. I got use of the [?] at the party yesterday. It is much warmer but I nearly froze last week. [?] love to from you. Will be home next week.”

    You get the gist of that, right?

  • Postcards from the South: W.B. Chisolm Residence – Charleston, South Carolina

    Postcard view of W.B. Chisolm Residence (1893), Charleston, South Carolina

    This postcard depicts the W.B. Chisolm Residence in Charleston, South Carolina, renovated with a design by G.L. Norrman (or so say I) circa 1893.

    The card was hand-colored and published by Lanneau’s Art Store in Charleston, and postmarked in Charleston on May 18, 1946.

    Addressed to Mrs. A. Joceyln of 23 Essex Street, Holyoke, Mass., the card’s message is written by Edith and Brenda:

    Edith: “Hi [Harmony?] Jocelyn – We are here and loving every moment 2 our stay. We are doing our best + live as you showed me the way + are perfectly happy I feel fine. We are gaining weight, + tanning well. Love, Edith.”

    Brenda: “She is really gaining weight. She is now down (?) to 126 lbs. Brenda”

    Edith: “gaining from 119 to 126!”

  • Postcards from the South: St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Americus, Georgia

    Postcard view of St. Mary's Catholic Church (1892), Americus, Georgia

    This postcard depicts St. Mary’s Catholic Church, designed by G.L. Norrman and completed in 1892.

    Published by the American News Company of New York and printed in Germany, the postcard was postmarked in Americus on September 25, 1908.

    On the back, B.P. wrote the following note to Mr. C.F. Wade in South Carolina:

    “I don’t owe you a card but will send you this to show you some of Americus.

    Hello, how do you like this?

    Do you ever see Miss Maggie? Am at
    home to day – Sumter Co”

    Well, that’s definitely some of Americus.

  • Postcards from the South: Hotel Aragon – Atlanta

    Postcard view of Hotel Aragon (1892), Atlanta

    This postcard depicts the Hotel Aragon in Atlanta, designed by Bruce & Morgan and completed in 1892.

    Published by the I.F. Company of Atlanta, the card includes the following promotional copy on the back:

    HOTEL ARAGON, PEACHTREE AND ELLIS STS.,
    ATLANTA, GA.

    Located in the hart of the city only minutes from
    shops, theatres and depots. All modern conveniences.

    The card was postmarked in Atlanta on April 15, 1923, and addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Terrel of 652 East 101st Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

    R.H.R. Charles wrote on the back:

    “Dear Friends,

    I expect to leave for Cleveland around about Wed or Thurs. [?] and many [?] having great time and lots to drink. P”

    Judging by his handwriting, he had a little too much.