Savannah Museums

Savannah Museums

Savannah has a number of great museums and I will introduce a few for you to consider visiting while you are in our historic city and I hope you will agree that your visit was worthy of your time. Enjoy!

OWENS-THOMAS HOME: This historic home as designed by William Jay in 1816. Jay was a famed architect of the day. He was from Bath, England and the Owens home is thought of as the finest example of English Regency residential architecture in North America. The house contains many furnishings from the original family. A formal walking garden is located at the rear of the house. Located at 124 Abercorn Street on Oglethrope Square.

MASSIE SCHOOL: The only remaining original building of Georgia's oldest charted school system. The Greek Revival structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed and built by architect John Norris in 1855. If you want to visit the building just ring the bell. Located at 207 East Gordon Street.

HISTORIC RAILROAD SHOPS: Opened by the Central of Georgia Railroad in the 1830s , this early-day outdoor museum is open daily. On display are locomotives and rolling stock and an operating turntable and the oldest portable steam engine in America. Visit their website at http://www.chsgeorgia.org/roundhouse/home.htm because they are constantly adding more interest items to their collection. Located at 601 West Harris Street in the Historic District.

SAVANNAH HISTORY MUSEUM: The museum is inn the old Central of Georgia Railroad's passenger terminal. Exhibits include an 1840 cotton gin, one of Johnny Mercer's Oscars, the famed bench from the movie Forrest Gump, and the Juliette Gordon Low family's carriage. Located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The Haunted City - Part II

The Weston House which is owned by Savannah College of Art is now used by the school as a dorm but prior to their purchase is was formerly the Weston Hotel. It is located on 231 West Boundary St and is one of the various areas of Savannah where civil war battles were fought. It is reported that at all times of day students hear tapping on the walls, furniture moving in empty rooms, and a singing girl.

The Waving Girl on River Street is a very famous statue of the girl who waved a cloth or towel from the land as a helpful signal to boats coming into the city. The statue depicts here waving with a large dog sitting next to her. Many times the stone cloth has been seen waving as if in the wind. There are stories that the statue is haunted by a ghost boy who broke little children and animal necks. It is said he was hung near the river. On calm, autumn, under a full moon you can see him walking looking for victims.

The Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern- This historic and popular tavern is said to be haunted by its builder, General Habersham. He often appears in the basement, which is now the tavern. There are reports that he sometimes has been known to walk among the guests in the upstairs dining dressed in his full general uniform.

The Telfair Museum is haunted by its former owner. She is said to roam the housekeeping people from doing what they shouldn't do. If you smoke a cigarette in the house or sit on the wrong chair, you can hear her footsteps coming at you on the marble floors.

Several ghosts are believed to haunt this old cemetery (Bonaventure Cemetery, including the ghost of a small girl named Gracie Watkins who is buried there. At times she cries in the night, and the life sized statue of her cries tears of blood if you take something out of its hands. People who visit the cemetery often place presents in her hands such as trinkets or flowers. There is also a pack of ghost dogs that haunt the grounds and you can hear them barking and breathing.

It is reported that at Fort Pulaski late at night it is known to have strange noises, such as a gun firing, people dying and a little girl crying.

The Juliette Low Birthplace – two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closed down for the night. Visitors to the house often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast – It is reported to be haunted by the spirits of children. A “Lady in Gray” who haunts not only the B&B in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. She is a friendly spirit.

Savannah - The Haunted City - Part I

BOO!

Savannah is rated as one of the most haunted cities in North America so it stands to reason that a fair proportion of the hotels and visitor sites in Savannah are similarly afflicted. So, if you are heading to the city for a stay, before you check-in, check-out whether you've opted for one of the most frequently haunted hotels and site that offer a free unwanted extra guest or a sudden unexpected visitor..

The Marshal House is one of the oldest hotels in Savannah was built in 1851, and is a prime candidate for ghostly encounters; the Marshall is featured on the city's ghost tour and has a interesting history, being at various times a hospital - once for yellow fever - and also a Union soldiers' clinic during the Civil War. After human bones were unearthed during excavations at the hotel in 1960 guests have frequently reported strange encounters, with many reporting that they have awoken feeling as though someone is taking their pulse. Ghosts of long-dead soldiers and patients have also been seen wandering the hallways and standing in the foyer.

Built in 1852, only a year later than Marshall House, the eerie East Bay Inn backs onto the Savannah River and is home to Charley; the hotel's 'official' ghost. This apparition is a regular visitor to the Inn and in 2001 Charley was finally snapped on film by a guest; the evidence now on display behind check-in. If you plan to stay there just ask to see the picture when you arrive, so you'll be able to identify him later if he appears in your room!

The Eliza Thompson House pre-dated both of the previously mentioned hotels, its construction completed in 1847. Once a private house it is now a 25-room Inn, spread over two major buildings. Both guests and visitors have reported seeing Confederate soldiers at an upstairs window and a young girl in a white dress regularly walks the hallway.

The Olde Harbour Inn is frequently filled with the smell of cigar smoke even when no smokers are present, courtesy of Hank, the Inn's resident ghost. Holder of the 'most-often sighted ghost in Savannah', Hank also likes to indulge in a spot of coin throwing and frequently likes to move things around, such as books and other small items.

Savannah - Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast - Said to be haunted by the spirits of children. Also, by a "Lady in Gray" who haunts not only the bed & breakfast in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. All have agreed that she seems to be a very friendly spirit.

The 1790 Inn and Tavern - This Inn was built in 1790 and is haunted by a girl named Anna who depending on who you asked will tell you an interesting tale of this seventeen year old girl. What she was shunned after getting pregnant by a sailor? Who jumped out of the third story window and died? Stop by this delightful Inn for refreshment and dine in their wonderful and historic tavern and ask about Anne!

The Hampton Lillibridge House - This is said to be the most haunted house in Savannah, and the only house known to have had an exorcism. When the house was being restored in the 1960s, some workmen refused to finish the job because of strange occurrences (tools disappearing, hearing footsteps when they knew they were alone, strange feelings). On one occasion, a man was seen wearing a black suit and bow tie in the third floor window when no one was living in the house. Neighbors have also heard a woman's scream coming from within the house, and a gray haired man has also been sighted.

Savannah - The Juliette Low Birthplace - two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closes down for the night. Visitors to the place often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

There are more than 10 “Ghost Tours” offered in the city and I am told that they are a lot of fun and the guides will give you the “real story”.

My next article will introduce other haunted spots such as the Fort Pulaski…late at night it is known to echo strange noises, such as people screaming, gun firing and a small girl crying.

Squares of Savannah

The Squares of Savannah

In this short narrative, I will just write about a some of our 24 squares and in future articles I will provide information on all of them.

Oglethorpe planned on constructing 24 squares that would be used for planting crops, holding meetings and other activities but only the squares along Bull Street were originally meant by Oglethorpe to feature the grand monuments. The rest of the squares were laid out as open commons for the people to use as parks and activities I mentioned above.

The Orleans Square was named for Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. Just to the west of the square is the Savannah Civic Center. To the east, you can view the Champion House at 230 Barnard Street. The Cupola features amber glass. Yew trees are planted in the front year.

To the south, you will arrive at Pulaski Square located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets and was laid out in 1837. This square was named for Count Casimir Pulaski, historic Savannah's adopted foreign son who was the highest ranking foreign officer to die in the American Revolution. Additional monuments to Pulaski can be found throughout the historic district. The red brick Jewish Education Alliance building on the East side of the square is now a dormitory for the Savannah College of Art and Design. The house on the Northwest corner of Barnard and Harris is new housing, completed in 1993. The house across from it is the 1839 house of Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero. It is now several apartments. The square was once landscaped as rows of azaleas in diagonals representing the St. Andrew's Cross of the Confederate flat..the Stars and Bars. Sgt. Pulaski was a hero of the Revolutionary War.

The next square south on Barnard Street is Chatham Square, named for England's William Pitt and the Earl of Chatham. The Barnard Street School, now part of the Savannah College of Art and Design has a Terra Cotta roof. The tile was made in Ludowici, Georgia. Gordon Row dominates the southeast corner of the square and you are now at the edge of the Victorian District with the Republican Blues Homes on the right, a dignified old row built of Savannah Gray bricks.

Take your camera and take some photos of these wonderful and historic squares.

Famous Forts near Savannah

From the beginning Savannah has been fortified to protect its inhabitants and its strategic port. In the early years the whole city was walled against the Spanish. Later artillery fortification protected Savannah from the British and the Northerners. Today the forts stand as fascinating memorials to U.S. History.

FORT JACKSON: Three miles from downtown Savannah is the oldest remaining brickwork fort in Savannah. It was constructed from 1809 to 1842 and saw service in the War of 1812 and the War Between the States. It is situated on the south bank of the Savannah River occupying a site fortified since colonial days guarding Five Fathom Hole, the 18^th century deepwater port in the Savannah River. The fort has numerous displays and artifacts. Seasonal demonstrations and exhibits depict camp life, woodworking and weaponry. Scuttled Rebel ironclad CSS Georgia lies off the fort’s north face. The fort is open from 9AM to 5PM daily. Located at 1 Fort Jackson Road (912) 232-3945

FORT McALLISTER: It is coastal Georgia life at its finest. The broad, winding Ogeechee River wraps around narrow islets of land jutting off randomly from either bank. This is Fort McAllister, on a peninsula of land known as Genesis Point.

The flat, coastal plain on which Fort McAllister lies is a haven for wildlife. Pelican, seagulls and terns, the land is rich with waterfowl. The land is sandy with occasional patches of thick black loam woven throughout the sand.

At the entrance a Civil War era cannon greets the guests, a fitting welcome for the centerpiece of this state park is the fort. Inside the visitors’ center is a small museum, gift shop, and a 17 minute video about the naval and land attacks on the fort. Pay a small admission and you are welcome to walk to the fort, a short hike along a broad, flat plain that was probably constructed as a road.

Along the side of this road, the remains of the CSS Nashville, which also served duty as a blockade runner and privateer. This boat sank on February 28, 1863, during one of the 8 naval battles which occurred here on the Ogeechee River. The rusted parts of this steamship lie to the right of the path, with an interpretive marker nearby.

The fort is surrounded by pickets, foreboding pieces of pointed wood leaning out at an angle. Follow the path around to the entrance and you are walking along a parapet with the river on one side and formidable cannon on the other. The path has informative signs along the way, with information about both the sea and land battles and life in the fort.

At the center of the fort is a bombproof, a sand and mud covered living quarters for the troops. Deep within the mound were the barracks for the men stationed at the low-tech fort. You may enter the mound and walk through, an exceptionally interesting part of the tour. Unlike its neighbor, Fort Pulaski, Fort McAllister was built with earthen walls, yet it withstood repeated Federal bombardments.

In addition to the museum, fort, and the hike involved in visiting the fort, there is a 3.1 mile trail through a typical low-land marsh. The culmination of this trek is a viewing tower over a small creek that runs near the park. If you are intending to hike this trail, bring repellant. There is a nature trail in the campground. A fishing pier offers excellent opportunities to watch the abundant wildlife and to fish if you desire.

Lodging

The park is a combination historic site/camping area, containing 65 campsites with water and electricity. There is an on-site dump station. Richmond Hill has lodging, restaurants, full grocery stores, a modest downtown shopping area and history museum. Open 9AM to 5PM daily (912-727-2339). The fort is located just east of Richmond Hill and follow these directions: Take I-95 to Georgia exit 90 (south of Savannah). Go east through Richmond Hill, for just over 6 miles. Turn left at the state park sign onto Fort McAllister Rd. The park is ahead 4 miles.

Interesting Stops - Near Historic Savannah

Just a few miles out of town, take the time to visit these stops:

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY. Located 10 miles southeast of Savannah on Skidaway Island, you can visit the Aquarium exhibit of marine life found in Georgia waters, tours of institute which is conducting studies on area sea creatures and their potential uses. The Aquarium is open to the public. Call 912-598-2300 for more information.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Located just across the Savannah River on SC Highway 170, the entrance to this intriguing to-be-driven tour is just past the Houlihan Bridge in Pt. Wentworth, GA. Get your camera ready because you will see alligators half-asleep in the waterways, eagles tending their young in the trees and an amazing variety of birds who rest and shelter in this, their federal safe-haven. The drive-through is free. Take a picnic lunch and just enjoy the raw beauty of this refuge. Please do NOT feed the alligators.

HISTORIC SAVANNAH-OGEECHEE BARGE CANAL. One of the prime relics in the history of Southern canals. Beginning at the tidal lock on the Savannah River, the waterway continues through four lift locks as it traverses 16.5 miles before reaching another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River. Along the way, the canal passed through Savannah's 19th century industrial corridor, former rice fields, timber tracts and a lush tidal swamp. Local citizens in the 1990s began to restore and interpret the waterway and turn it into a park. Most of the effort is centered at the Ogeechee River terminus, where a small museum and nature center is open to the public near Lock 5. For more information contact Nature Center at 912-748-8068. The Center is located off GA 204 a short distance west of I-95. Open daily from 9AM to 5PM.

For more information on Historic Savannah, please go to The Savannah Traveler On-Line

The Lucas Theater

Arthur Lucas and architect C.K. Howell opened the Lucas Theater in December 1921. The theater became a favorite venue for movies, touring vaudeville acts and a short-lived, in-house theater stock company. Staying on the cutting edge of technology, the theater was the first building in Savannah to install air conditioning in 1923, making the balcony a welcome retreat during the sultry summers. The front row in the mezzanine became known as “lawyer’s row” after local businessmen began spending their lunch hours sleeping in the cool, comfortable balcony.

With the advent of television and the population shift to the suburbs, the theater era began to wane. Downtown businesses began to feel the sting of suburbia, and the Lucas Theater was no exception. The Lucas Theater closed in 1976.

In 1986 the owners obtained a demolition permit and made arrangements to turn the once thriving Lucas Theater into a parking garage. The news motivated a group of Savannah citizens who founded The Lucas Theater for the Arts. The group pooled their resources, purchased the building and began what would be a $12 million restoration.

With a starting budget of $3 million and donations from Savannahians and celebrities such as Kevin Spacey, Clint Eastwood and the cast and crew of the film “Forrest Gump,” the complete restoration spanned nearly 13 years.

The Lucas Theater reopened in December 2000 with a screening of “Gone with the Wind,” and in the following months hosted Broadway shows and famous musicians. Although show attendance was high, the operation of the building proved too expensive to sustain on its own. The Savannah College of Art and Design recognized the theater as an important cultural asset in the community, and formed a relationship with The Lucas Theater for the Arts.

For a schedule of events, visit the Lucas website at http://www.scad.edu/venues/lucas/schedule.cfm

Also, for more information on Historic Savannah, please visit our popular on-line Savannah Traveler Magazine at www.savannahtraveler.com.

John Wesley - Methodist - Monument

The John Wesley Monument in the center of Reynolds Square was erected in 1969 by the John Wesley Monument Committee. and consists of a stepped and blocked rectangular granite pedestal, inscribed on all sides, supporting a bronze statue of John Wesley.

John Wesley is the founder of Methodism. Wesley came to Savannah in 1736 as an Anglican clergyman to the Colony of Georgia. Returning to England in 1738, his stay in Savannah was short. inspired by his associations with Moravians in Georgia and later in England, he revised his ideas and eventually formed the United Societies, a Protestant sect which evolved into the Methodist Church. In Savannah, Wesley resided near Reynolds Square. The Wesley Monumental Church, located on the periphery of Reynolds Square, is named in his honor.

For more on Savannah, please go to popular travel site: www.savannahtraveler.com

Once on this Island - A Great Show!

Last Saturday night, my wife and I went to see "Once on this Island" and WOW! This one act play was a joy to see and hear the great voices of its cast. When you consider that the actors are not professional, their performance equaled what I have seen in NYC. They are that good. If you are in the city, go see this wonderful show.

What is it about?

The City of Savannah’s Cultural Arts Theater announced that it will be presenting its summer "big stage" production of Once On This Island at the Trustees Theater, Aug. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.

Once on This Island is a one-act musical with a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, the musical is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Originally staged off-Broadway in 1990, the play was the winner of London's Olivier Award for "Best Musical," and was nominated for eight Tony ® Awards, including "Best Musical," "Best Book," and "Best Score."

Once On This Island is a jubilant Caribbean fantasy in which a young girl must prove to the mythical gods of her island that the power of love is stronger than death. It tells the story of Ti Moune (played by Brittany Hargrove) a peasant girl from one side of the island, and Daniel Beauxhommes, (played by Nick Bushkar) who is from a well-to-do family on the other side. As recounted by storytellers, Ti Moune pleads with the gods of the island to help her find true love, and the gods respond with a game of love, life and death, to see which is stronger. They devise an encounter for Ti Moune and Daniel, who eventually fall in love and, despite cries from their families and intervention from the gods, seek to prove that love will prevail. Social barriers and traditions prevent them from succeeding however, and a tragic tangle with the gods leads to a poignant ending.

“This musical explodes with music and emotion,” said director DJ Queenan. "The set, costumes and dances are a vibrant feast for the eyes. This play is a summer-time treat for all ages, with wonderful calypso and reggae rhythms, singing by talented local performers and choreography by the amazing team of Muriel Miller and Nancy Holmes from Abeni Cultural Arts." Other players to watch include Ryan McCurdy as the evil Papa Ge, Demon of Death and Latrecia Lewis as Asaka, Mother of the Earth.

Trustees Theater is located at 216 E. Broughton St. Performances will take place Aug. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m.; and Aug. 3 and 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $17 general admission; $12 seniors and students. Tickets are available at the Trustees Theater box office, by calling 912-525-5050 or online at www.scadboxoffice.com. A service charge applies to phone and internet ticket purchases.
On

Spanish Moss

While the Spanish Moss that hangs from Savannah’s majestic oaks is a true reminder that you are in the romantic deep South, it does not make a great souvenir. Often undetectable by the naked eye, a small biting bug called a chigger makes Spanish Moss its home. During the early days of the Colony, residents often stuffed and bounded their mattresses with the soft and bountiful Spanish Moss only to wake up irritated and itchy after the tiny bugs invaded their slumber. As a result, a common phrase emerged in Savannah, and it was – “Goodnight neighbor, sleep tight, and don’t let the bed bugs bite!”

My wife uses the moss for her potted plants but first she "nukes" them in the microwave. Put your Spanish moss in a bag and than proceed.

(Article reprinted from the Savannah Visitors Bureau web site)

Davenport House in Historic Savannah

A must see in Savannah is the Davenport House. This fine Federal-style home was completed by master-builder Isaiah Davenport as his family residence in 1820. Authentically restored, the house museum features original plasterwork, a cantilever staircase and furnishings true to the 1820s. The site also features a courtyard garden that was originally a Bicentennial project of the Trustees' Garden Club and was later re-designed by noted horticulturist Penelope Hobhouse. Threatened with demolition in 1955, the saving of the Davenport House was the first effort of the Historic Savannah Foundation and the beginning of the historic preservation renaissance in this port city.

Savannah River Street

On the bluff facing the Savannah River are nine blocks of renovated cotton warehouses that house about 80 restaurants, pubs, night spots, hotels, shops, galleries, and boutiques. Adding to the sight-seeing is a working harbor of huge, building-size ships and working tugs. Often, sailing ships from various countries are seen plowing the murky waters of the Savannah River. During the day, families stroll alongside the river, eating ice cream cones and browsing in gift shops. At night, people are eating at one of the many restaurants located on the river. Later in the night, Savannah's night life begins as the clubs and bars turn-up the music and invite you in to have fun and enjoy the beverage of your choice.

On River Street, there are several good options for lodging that offer a view of Savannah's main natural attraction (the river), along with quick walking access to River Street, City Market, and the historic squares of the city.

It hasn't always been this way. The city had turned its back on the historic waterfront, which was abandoned and deteriorating when a wide-ranging group of civic leaders joined forces in the early 1970s to create the River Street Urban Renewal Project. When the work was finished in 1977, approximately 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse space on the historic waterfront had been transformed into Savannah's most popular tourist attraction. Additional improvements have produced an attractive city park that hosts many festivals and special events.

The ambiance of the waterfront is an atmospheric fusion of nineteenth century old-world charm and twentieth century tourist potpourri. Stony ramps that connect Bay Street with River Street are made of English ballast stones, which gave schooners added stability for their trips from Europe, only to be thrown out and replaced with cotton bales in Georgia. The stones were used in buildings and walkways, and became the foundation of ballast stone islands found today in river channels.

Along the waterfront are three memorials worth closer examination. The first is the Freedom Monument designed to mark the disembarkation site of kidnapped Africans. A second monument is the Waving Girl, a 1971 statue by Felix De Weldon that honors Florence Martus, a Savannahian who greeted every ship entering the port from 1887 to 1931 by waving a cloth from her home on Elba Island . Further to the east is a memorial to the 1996 Olympics, during which Savannah hosted the yachting event.

On the bluff next to Bay Street are the gold-domed City Hall, Factors Walk, and Emmet Park . City Hall was built in 1905 on the site of the Old City Exchange. Earlier this year, the dome on top of the City Hall was re-gilded. Notice the bench commemorating Oglethorpe's landing on February 12, 1733. Factors Walk once housed the offices of nineteenth century cotton merchants. Today, a variety of businesses call it home. Of interest to the historian are the Washington Guns, presented by George Washington when he visited Savannah in 1791. The bronze cannons were captured from the British at Yorktown.

Tybee Island Lighthouse

The Lighthouse has been re-built four times over its history and the most recent rebuilding occurred after the Civil War. The lower sixty feet of the old lighthouse was still intact, and it was decided to add to the existing structure instead of starting from the ground up. The new lighthouse was to be a first order station, consisting of masonry and metal only and was completely fireproof. This is the lighthouse that stands today.The U.S. Coast Guard occupied the Lighthouse site until 1987 when they formed a joint partnership lease agreement with the City of Tybee Island and The Tybee Island Historical Society, which took on responsibility for full maintenance and restoration of the site. The U.S. Coast Guard still maintains the light as a navigational aid.

The lighthouse and buildings set on 5 acres of land and offer daily tours and a gift shop.

A Tree in Ardsley Park - First Suburb of Savannah

I live in Ardsley Park and it is a wonderful place to live and walk around. The beautiful parks and trees covered with hanging moss make this area a place to visit. Washington Avenue is probably the most beautiful street in Savannah and worth the time to visit the first suburb of Savannah.

History:

During the years 1908, 1910 and 1922, plans were taking shape for the construction of a handful of grand homes in Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent, the city’s first automobile suburbs. These neighborhoods were development simultaneously on open, boggy land on the fringes of the streetcar lines in what was then the southeastern part of Savannah. Surprisingly, Ardsley Park was- and still is- a relatively small subdivision. The idea was the brainstorm of Harry Hays Lattimore, William Lattimore and anonymous partners in the Ardsley Park Land Corporation. No one is certain how the Ardsley name evolved though some have theorized that it was borrowed from a British neighborhood. The area was laid out in grids with squares, similar to the plan used in downtown Savannah by Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of the colony. The northern and western boundaries of Ardsley Park were marked at Estill Avenue and Bull Street by an impressive looking retaining wall made of Belgian block similar to those used as ballast on ships sailing from England. At key intersections stone pillars with Spanish-looking tile roods marked the entrances to the park. Adjacent to Ardsley Park was a much larger piece of acreage known as the Granger Tract. Owner Harvey Granger was something of a transportation visionary who is credited with paving the first concrete road in the state and finishing the Atlantic Coastal Highway, which ultimately connected the seaboard states with Florida.
The Spanish Revival-style hotel was designed by noted architect Henrik Wallin, who assisted Henry Bacon with New York’s Astor Hotel. Apparently the developers hoped that wealthy Northerners would check into what was to be a luxurious hotel and decide to purchase a second home in Chatham Crescent. Unfortunately, the hotel encountered numerous problems and barely got off the ground. Eventually, Savannah High School (now the Savannah Arts Academy) was built on the nearly eight acres of land set aside for the hotel.
Ardsley Park was designed with tree-planting strips, or tree lawns, between the streets and sidewalks, while Chatham Crescent featured large trees planted directly on the front lawns. More than 5,000 trees were planted in Chatham Crescent under the direction of Henri Bignault, a landscape architect trained at the Ecole de Beaux Arts.

General Oglethorpe Monument in Calhoun Square

In 1901, the Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the American Revolution and other patriotic associations began to plan for a monument to the colony's founder. The Georgia Legislature allocated $15,000 for the project. The very prominent and well regarded Daniel Chester French and his associate Henry Bacon, were given the commission. French is famous for having also done the seated Lincoln in Washington, D.C.

The statue depicts General Oglethorpe in a heroic pose, attired in the uniform of a British General of his period, with sword unsheathed, point held down. As was custom, it is facing his enemy which, in this instance, is South to Florida where the Spanish were.


The figure of Oglethorpe is bronze and rests on a stepped, inscribed, pink-gray marble pedestal with garlands and pine cones on it. On the corners are rampant lions presenting shields at each corner. The shields show the following:
1. Coat of arms of Oglethorpe
2. Seal of the Colony of Georgia
3. Seal of the State of Georgia
4. Seal of the City of Savannah

Two Italian Renaissance stone benches are on either side of the site. The statue itself is ten feet high. It was unveiled at a ceremony on November 23, 1910.

The Fragrance Garden in Forsyth Park

The other day I was in Forsyth Park and I must admit that I have not wandered off the walking track and boy did I miss something and that is the Garden of Fragrance. It is tucked in the northwest part of the park and right next to the children's playground and let your nose take you there. It is impressive and a wonderful place to set on the benches in the garden and just smell. Anyway, this is what the city states and I quote "The Fragrance in Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia was originally begun in 1959 by the Garden Club Council of Chatham County, and was dedicated April 3, 1963. The garden was designed by the late Mr. Georges Bignault, and was his final work as a Landscape Architect.

The Garden is surrounded by wells on three sides, helping to contain the fragrance of the plants and the fourth side is enclosed by the ornamental iron fence. The entrance is particularly enhanced by the handsome iron gates from the Old Union Station. These gates were erected in memory of Frances Smith Littlefield by members of her garden club and friends.

Through the years, the garden began to suffer from neglect and reached the point of needing renovation. This need was answered in 2002, when the Park & Tree Department, in collaboration with the Trustees Garden Club and the Junior League began to renovate the Fragrant Garden. Pressure washing, painting and infrastructure modifications were made, and new plant materials were installed. The Trustees Garden Club has provided an endowment of $5000 for future upkeep of the gard

Thunderbolt, GA

Just a few miles from Historic Savannah and on your way to the beach is the town of Thunderbolt. This quaint little town of about 3000 people sets on the west side of the Intercoastal Waterway and has great views of the boats going up and down the waterway. The are shrimp boats tied-up to fish processing plants that are very visible from the main street that goes through the town. On the far southside of the town is a large yacht repair facility and a you can see how the really rich live. There are some great “drinking and eating” places to grab a cold drink and a sandwich and one of the local favorites is Tubby’s. Thursday night is the night to find a date for the weekend…Good music, nice atmosphere and a beautiful view of the waterway directly across the street.

Midway, Georgia - a Colonial Beauty

Midway is located in Liberty County, Georgia on Highway 17 between Savannah and Darien and has a long and distinguished history. English Puritans founded the Midway Society on August 28, 1754 in a log meeting house on Midway Neck. The Midway Society was a strongly religious Congregationalist group. These Puritans migrated to St. John's Parish, Georgia from Dorchster, South Carolina (near Charleston) in 1752 and established a new Dorchester and another nearby settlement what was later to become the Midway Community. In 1752 the Council of Georgia granted the settlers 31,950 acres primarily because colonial officials wanted a large number of settlers there to protect them from the Creek Indians. The original settlers where primarily rice planters and developed a strong agricultural economy.

The settlers in this area were very political and took an early stand for independence. In May of 1775, Lyman Hall (a Midway Church member) was sent to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia as a delegate from the parish of St. John. A year later Hall and St. John's Parish resident Button Gwinnett (along with George Walton of Augusta) signed the Declaration of Independence. Another Midway resident, Nathan Brownson, served in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1778, but was absent from the Signing. Click one of the following buttons to download copies of the Declaration and other Charters of Freedom!


In 1777 St. John's Parish, St. Andrew's Parish, and St. James' Parish combined to become Liberty County. Because St. John's Parish was the first in Georgia to vote for liberty, the new county created was given the name Liberty.

Historic landmarks include the Midway Church and Cemetery and Midway Museum (collectively known as the Midway Historic District).

Established in 1752, the Midway Congregational Church building was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. The present building (which still stands) was completed in 1792. The religious welfare of the slaves was given high consideration. The "colored" members of the church worshipped with whites throughout the entire existence of the church. On Sundays, the two races worshipped together, with the blacks in the galleries and the whites in the pews below. Every April, the Midway Society conducts an annual service commemorating the town's settlement. The Church and the adjacent cemetery were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Among those buried here are Daniel Stewart and James Screven, two American Generals of the Revolutionary War. In the center of the cemetery there is a large monument dedicated to these men. The monument was dedicated in 1915.

The Midway Museum (located on Highway 17) is home to documents, exhibits, and furnishings which commemorate and affirm the love of Liberty which distinguishes the Midway Society from the Colonial period through it's last meeting in December, 1865. The Midway Museum is Georgia's only colonial museum.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 160 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is no admission fee. The famous statue of the Bird Girl that is on the cover of “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” was originally in the cemetery but because of the threat of having the statue destroyed or stolen, the statue was moved and is currently on display in the Telfair Art Museum.

Savannah City Market

If you are visiting the historic city of Savannah, a must place to visit and enjoy is City Market. This rectangular space is truly a market. You find quaint gift shops, artist studios, fun bars, many fine dining options and even a pizza shop and an ice cream store. There is always something for all of us kids.

City Market is almost as old as the city itself and in early beginnings of Savannah, the city market was the central place to meet and discuss the events of the day. The market was truly market and the products produced in and around Savannah could be purchased in the Market. Time moved on and the market became less popular when air-conditioning was discovered and shoppers left to find these cool places. If you have ever been in Savannah in July and August, you can appreciate the importance of air-conditioning. While the market decreased in commerce and popularity it still stood as a welcome center and a symbol of the history of Savannah. Fires and other natural events would take its toll on the market but it survived to be rebuilt again on the same ground.

Today, City Market is the soul of Savannah because it represents the art, culture and diversity of this wonderful city. Live entertainment in the market courtyard is just one added attractions and the setting benches make just “sitting awhile” and watching the people, horse driven carriages and trolley cars circle the square a treat.

Nearby, is the oldest Black American Church in Georgia and a must see and other interesting places that surround the city market. Take a tour or just get a map and venture off to continue your visit to the “jewel of the south”.

Visit City Market at www.savannahcitymarket.com

Crosswinds Golf Club - A Championship Course

As an avid golfer but not a very good one I enjoy and appreciate playing on a course that allows me to have fun but still challenges me to make a good shot. Crosswinds is the course that makes it happen! This well-maintained course is not only a joy to play but they go out of their way to help you along with their GPS system installed on every cart that makes reading distances as easily as it can be. The lush greens invite you to make the putt and if you read the roll correctly it will fall.

Crosswinds has a practice green, a nicely stocked pro shop, a first class dining facility and a comfortable bar. Have a drink either inside or enjoy their raised deck to just relax.

Crosswinds also is the only course in the Savannah area that has a lighted 9 hole par 3 course that invites the family to enjoy playing together and have fun.

I should mention that the course is conveniently located near the Savannah airport and many new and modern motels and inns. Since the club is located just off a major highway (I-95) it is easy to get there from anywhere you are staying in Savannah or nearby Hilton Head.

Try Crosswinds and you will agree that it is clearly the place to play golf and enjoy the other services they provide.

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The African-American Families Monument

The African American Monument was erected on Rousakis Plaza/River Street on July 27, 2002. The monument is an 11-12' high bronze monument which depicts a black family caught in a tight embrace with broken shackles at their feet.

The Monument is to commemorate and honor contributions of African Americans to the cultural, social, educational, economic and spiritual life of the Savannah community.

The inscription, by poet Maya Angelou, reads:

"We were stolen, sold and bought together from the African continent. We got on the slave ships together. We lay back to belly in the holds of the slave ships in each others excrement and urine together, sometimes died together, and our lifeless bodies thrown overboard together. Today, we are standing up together, with faith and even some joy."

Visit our Savannah Traveler Magazine at http:// www.savannahtraveler.com

Tybee Island

Just 17 miles from Savannah is the quaint town of Tybee Island or as it was called Savannah's Beach. Not only do you have miles of beach and all that goes with being near the water there are other attractions available for all of the family to enjoy:

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers a number of educational programs but it is fun to go in and see the baby alligators, the unique Polkadot Batfish and say hello to the Striped Burrfish. The center is open daily from 10AM – 5PM. There is fee for admission but worth it.

The Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion is a great place for fishing and people watching. The pier offers spectacular view of the area and a place to go fishing. The Pavilion is used for just setting or attending the many functions that are scheduled. On the premises are picnic tables, snack bar and public restrooms. Open daily and no admission charge.

Tybee Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America's most intact having all of its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. The Lighthouse has been rebuilt several times but it still displays its 1916 day mark with 178 stairs and a First Order Frenel lens (nine feet tall). The lighthouse has a gift shop and tours can be arranged. Hours of Operation are every day except Tuesday, from 9AM – 5:30PM.

Fees are charged.

Nearby, you can visit Fort Pulaski and learn of its involvement in the Civil War. This beautifully maintained historic fort is worth the visit and a lot of fun for the kids.

Have a Sunny Fun Day!

Photo Credit: Hubert Weldon

Telfair Art Museum

A must see when visiting Savannah. Telfair is the oldest art museum in the South. The mansion in which the museum's collection is housed is neoclassical Regency style building. The mansion. The first owner was Alexander Telfair, son of Revolutionary patriot and Georgia governor Edward Telfair. The mansion served as home to the Telfair family until 1875. Mary Telfair, a patron of the arts, gave the house and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society to be opened as a museum.

In the early 1880s, the mansion was enlarged with the addition of the Sculpture Gallery and Rotunda. It opened to the public in 1886 as the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. The museum has grown to include two additional properties: The Owens-Thomas House and the Jepson Center for the Arts.

Today, the Telfair offers many interesting art exhibits and programs that span all ages and cultures. The new Jepson Center for the Arts has a large collection of 20th century art and a wonderful children's learning wing called ArtZeum with many hand-on exhibits.

Visit their website at www.telfair.org to learn more about this wonderful place and see what is scheduled during your visit to Historic Savannah

The Jepson Center and Telfair Museum are located adjacent to Telfair Square off of State Street. The Owens-Thomas House is just off Oglethorpe Square.

A must see when visiting Savannah. Telfair is the oldest art museum in the South. The mansion in which the museum's collection is housed is neoclassical Regency style building. The mansion. The first owner was Alexander Telfair, son of Revolutionary patriot and Georgia governor Edward Telfair. The mansion served as home to the Telfair family until 1875. Mary Telfair, a patron of the arts, gave the house and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society to be opened as a museum.

In the early 1880s, the mansion was enlarged with the addition of the Sculpture Gallery and Rotunda. It opened to the public in 1886 as the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. The museum has grown to include two additional properties: The Owens-Thomas House and the Jepson Center for the Arts.

Today, the Telfair offers many interesting art exhibits and programs that span all ages and cultures. The new Jepson Center for the Arts has a large collection of 20th century art and a wonderful children's learning wing called ArtZeum with many hand-on exhibits.

Visit their website at www.telfair.org to learn more about this wonderful place and see what is scheduled during your visit to Historic Savannah

The Jepson Center and Telfair Museum are located adjacent to Telfair Square off of State Street. The Owens-Thomas House is just off Oglethorpe Square.

About 10 miles south of downtown Savannah is the charming community of Isle of Hope. First settled in the 1840s as a summer resort for the wealthy, it's now a showcase of rural antebellum life. To reach Parkersburg (as it was called in those days), citizens traveled by steamer down the Wilmington River or by a network of suburban trains. Today you can reach Isle of Hope by driving east from Savannah along Victory Drive to Skidaway Road. At Skidaway, go right and follow it to LaRoche Avenue. Take a left and follow LaRoche until it dead-ends on Bluff Drive. This is the perfect place for a lazy afternoon stroll. The short path is home to authentically restored cottages and beautiful homes, most enshrouded with Spanish moss cascading from the majestic oaks lining the bluff. A favorite of many local landscape artists and Hollywood directors, Bluff Drive affords the best views of the Wilmington River.

Wormsloe Plantation

Just a few miles from downtown Savannah is Wormsloe Plantation.

A breathtaking avenue lined with live oaks leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate constructed by Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s first settlers. Jones was an English physician and carpenter who carved out an even wider career in the colonial wilderness. He came to Savannah with James Oglethorpe in 1733 and commanded a company of Marines charged with Georgia’s coastal defense. Jones served as constable, Indian agent, surveyor (laying out New Ebenezer and Augusta) and member of the Royal Council. He was also one of few original settlers to survive hunger, plague, Indians, Spaniards and a new environment.

The tabby ruins on the Isle of Hope remind us of the dreams and lives of British colonists who settled Georgia. Today, visitors can view artifacts excavated at Wormsloe and a film about the founding of the 13th colony. A scenic nature trail leads to the living history area where, during special programs, costumed staff show skills and crafts necessary to early settlers. During early February of each year, the site hosts “Colonial Faire and Muster” highlighting 18th century life, military drills, craft demonstrations, music and dance. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Wormsloe is maintained by the National Park Service

The Savannah Waving Girl

The Waving Girl statue is a popular monument for visitors to the River Street area of Savannah, Georgia

The statue immortalizes a Savannahian named Florence Martus, who lived near the entrance to Savannah Harbor and supposedly waved to each ship that came and went -- for 44 years!

The bronze statue of Florence Martus (1869 - 1943), known as "Savannah's Waving Girl" because of her practice of waving to ships entering and leaving Savannah's harbor is located on the bluff overlooking the Savannah River at the south end of downtown Savannah's riverfront area.

Enjoying Historic Savannah

This is my first post and first blog so I will be learning as I pursue this new way of telling people about the historic and beautiful city of Savannah.

The Picture on this page is an exhibit in the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.

While I am not a native of Savannah, we have lived here for almost 20 years and have enjoyed every day of it. It really is beautiful even though it can really get hot in July and August but I'll take the heat and not the cold from my early days in Illinois.

In subsequent blogs, I'll write about Savannah: places to see, to do and other informative facts about the city and surrounding area.