Monastery at Large

Category: Southeastern United States

  • Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008) – Decatur, Georgia

    Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008), Agnes Scott College. Decatur, Georgia.
    Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel (2008), Agnes Scott College. Decatur, Georgia.1 2
    South elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    South elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking up at the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking up at the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking through a window at Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking through a window at Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking across the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Looking across the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Eaves on Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rails and siding on the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rails and siding on the south elevation of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Door at the main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Door at the main entrance of Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Roof finials on the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Roof finials on the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rear of the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia
    Rear of the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, Decatur, Georgia

    References

    1. Hunt, April. “College chapel opens doors to all”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 24, 2008, p. JE4. ↩︎
    2. Julia Thompson Smith Chapel at Agnes Scott College ↩︎

  • Postcards from the South: McCain Library – Decatur, Georgia

    Postcard view of the interior of McCain Library (1936) at Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia

    This postcard depicts the interior of the McCain Library at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, designed by W.J. Sayward of Edwards & Sayward and completed in 1936.

    Published by the AH Company, the card was postmarked in Decatur on November 5, 1942, and addressed to Miss Caroline Lorry of 124 E. Harrison in Maumee, Ohio.

    The following note fills the back:

    “It is always good to have news of you + your job + I am so happy you are liking your work. We have a larger school this year then last. Sarah Massey was promoted to Asst. Buyer for one of the depts. at Richs + soon after became very sick. She is critically ill with double pneumonia probably – they thought once it was typhoid. Miss Mac is working on the index of [?] it is about to get the best of her – she is so anxious to get it finished.

    Love, Bee Miller“

    Bee sounds like a busybody.

  • Relic Signs: Bahi Hut (1962) – Sarasota, Florida

    Bahi Hut (1962). 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida.
    Bahi Hut (1962). 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida.

    It’s no Trader Vic’s, but Florida’s oldest Tiki bar is as authentic as it gets. The Bahi Hut opened in 1962,1 2 3 next to the Golden Host Motor Hotel—the torches are still burning at both places.

    Location of Bahi Hut Cocktail Lounge

    The bar claims it began operation in 1954, but don’t ask me where they got that date from—even the adjoining motel didn’t open until 1959.4 5 Pass me a Mai Tai, and I’ll happily overlook the discrepancy.

    Golden Host Motor Hotel (1959). Sarasota, Florida. Photograph from an undated postcard published by Steinmetz Photography of Sarasota.
    Golden Host Motor Hotel (1959). Sarasota, Florida. Photograph from an undated postcard published by Steinmetz Photography of Sarasota.

    Sarasota is a hot spot for mid-20th-century Modernist architecture, with several surviving works by Paul Rudolph and other designers of the so-called Sarasota School of Architecture.

    It’s fitting that a city trading on its retro reputation still has this little slice of exotica, evoking fond memories of some moonlit night being serenaded by Les Baxter. That actually happened to me in Kansas once (thanks, KPR!).

    The sign shown above apparently debuted with the bar’s opening and was restored circa 2018.6 A hui hou.

    References

    1. “Lounge Is Opened”. Sarasota Journal (Sarasota, Florida), January 18, 1962, p. 3. ↩︎
    2. “Opened On Wednesday”. The News (Sarasota, Florida), January 19, 1962, p. 9. ↩︎
    3. Powers, Harris. “How’s Business Here These Days?” Sarasota Journal (Sarasota, Florida), January 24, 1962, p. 6. ↩︎
    4. “1st Units Of Golden Host Motel Will Be Available By Jan. 15”. The Sarasota News (Sarasota, Florida), p. 11. ↩︎
    5. “Golden Host Motel Plans Open House Today”. Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Florida), February 15, 1959, p. 20. ↩︎
    6. Wells, Jennifer. “The rebirth of the Bahi Hut”. Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Florida), May 31, 2018, p. E8. ↩︎

  • Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (1928) – Decatur, Georgia

    Charles H. Hopson. Oakhurst Presbyterian Church. Oakhurst, Decatur, Georgia.
    Charles H. Hopson. Oakhurst Presbyterian Church. Oakhurst, Decatur, Georgia.1 2 3 4 5
    Front porch and entrance of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Front porch and entrance of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Windows on the facade of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Windows on the facade of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Sanctuary and basement windows on the north elevation of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Sanctuary and basement windows on the north elevation of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Clerestory windows on the facade of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Clerestory windows on the facade of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Steeple on Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Steeple on Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Spandrels between windows on the north elevation of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia
    Spandrels between windows on the north elevation of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Georgia

    References

    1. “Architect’s Plan of New Oakhurst Church”. The Atlanta Journal, April 1, 1928, p. 2B. ↩︎
    2. “Corner-Stone Laying At Oakhurst Church Is Scheduled Sunday”. The Atlanta Journal, June 23, 1928, p. 12A. ↩︎
    3. “Oakhurst Church Cornerstone Laid”. The Atlanta Constitution, June 25, 1928, p. 11. ↩︎
    4. “Oakhurst Exercises To Mark Opening of New Church Edifice”. The Atlanta Constitution, September 29, 1928, p. 15. ↩︎
    5. “Oakhurst Presbyterian Congregation To Worship in New Church This Afternoon”. The Atlanta Constitution, September 30, 1928, p. 3A. ↩︎

  • St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (1959, 1969) – Sarasota, Florida

    Victor Lundy. St. Paul's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall (1959). Sarasota, Florida.
    Victor A. Lundy. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall (1959). Sarasota, Florida.1 2 3
    Interior of St. Paul's Lutheran Church Sanctuary (1969), Sarasota, Florida. Photograph from an undated postcard published by Henry Waitt Photography of Sarasota.
    Interior of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Sanctuary (1969), Sarasota, Florida.4 Photograph from an undated postcard published by Henry Waitt Photography of Sarasota.

    References

    1. “This Is A Model”. The Weekend News (Sarasota, Florida), September 7, 1958, p. 9. ↩︎
    2. “Proposed New Church”. Sarasota Journal (Sarasota, Florida), September 5, 1958, p. 10. ↩︎
    3. “St. Paul’s Lutheran Church To Be Dedicated On Sunday”. Sarasota Journal (Sarasota, Florida), October 23, 1959, p. 18. ↩︎
    4. “Dedication Service Set At St. Paul’s”. The Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Florida), September 6, 1969, p. 8. ↩︎

  • V.H. Kriegshaber Residence (1901) – Atlanta

    Willis F. Denny. Victor Kriegshaber Residence (1901). Inman Park, Atlanta.
    Willis F. Denny. Victor Kriegshaber Residence (1901). Inman Park, Atlanta.1
    Terracotta pediment and stained-glass transom over the front door of the V.H. Kreigshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Terracotta pediment and stained-glass transom over the front door of the V.H. Kreigshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Chimney and dormer on V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Chimney and dormer on the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    South elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    South elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Dormer on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Dormer on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Bay window on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Bay window on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Terracotta pediment over a window on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Terracotta pediment over a window on the south elevation of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Window on the facade of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Window on the facade of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Column, capital and cornice on the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Column, capital, and cornice on the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Palmette ornamentation on the dormer of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Palmette ornamentation on the dormer of the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Roof finial on the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta
    Roof finial on the V.H. Kriegshaber Residence, Atlanta

    References

    1. “Many Residences Soon To Be Built In Atlanta”. The Atlanta Constitution, July 10. 1901, p. 7. ↩︎

  • H.C. Dobbs Residence (1900) – Marietta, Georgia

    W.T. Downing. H.C. Dobbs Residence (1900). Marietta, Georgia.
    W.T. Downing. H.C. Dobbs Residence (1900). Marietta, Georgia.1 2 3 4

    References

    1. “Local News Items Paragraphed”. The Marietta Journal (Marietta, Georgia), May 17, 1900, p. 1. ↩︎
    2. “Local News Items Paragraphed.” The Marietta Journal (Marietta, Georgia), June 28, 1900, p. 1. ↩︎
    3. “Local News Items Paragraphed.” The Marietta Journal (Marietta, Georgia), November 1, 1900, p. 1. ↩︎
    4. Cobb Landmarks | Instagram ↩︎

  • Dickerson Residence (1960) – Sarasota, Florida

    Tim Seibert. Dickerson Residence (1960). Sarasota, Florida.1

    References

    1. Dickerson Residence | Sarasota History Alive! ↩︎

  • Kress (1937) – Birmingham, Alabama

    Edward F. Sibbert. S.H. Kress & Co. (1937). Birmingham, Alabama. 
    Edward F. Sibbert. S.H. Kress & Co. (1937). Birmingham, Alabama.1 2
    South facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    South facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Awning and second-floor windows on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Awning and second-floor windows on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rooftop sign on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rooftop sign on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rooftop sign on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rooftop sign on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Flagmast on the southwest corner of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Flagmast on the southwest corner of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Second-floor windows on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Second-floor windows on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Fourth and fifth-floor windows on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Fourth and fifth-floor windows on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    First-floor canopy on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    First-floor canopy on the west facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    First-floor and second-floor windows on S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    First-floor and second-floor windows on S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Southwest corner of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Southwest corner of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Sun shades on the first floor of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Sun shades on the first floor of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Third-floor window on S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Third-floor window on S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Cornice over the southeast entrance of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Cornice over the southeast entrance of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rail and awning on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Rail and awning on the south facade of S.H. Kress & Co., Birmingham, Alabama
    Illustration of S.H. Kress & Co. (1937). Birmingham, Alabama.
    Illustration of S.H. Kress & Co. (1937). Birmingham, Alabama.3

    References

    1. “Kress’ Store Is Ready To Open”. The Birmingham Post (Birmingham, Alabama), September 10, 1937, p. 5. ↩︎
    2. “Thousands Visit Kress Building”. The Birmingham Age-Herald (Birmingham, Alabama), September 14, 1937, p. 4. ↩︎
    3. Illustration credit: Advertisement. The Birmingham Post (Birmingham, Alabama), September 11, 1937, p. 3. ↩︎

  • 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.