ATLANTA
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
BY JOHN R. HORNADY
AUTHOR OF
THE BOOK OF BIRMINGHAM THE EDITORIALS OF J. R.H.
ETC., ETC.
AMERICAN CITIES BOOK COMPANY 1922
c. I
Copyright 1922 by JOHN R. HORNADT
INDEX PIUNTlHa COMPANY ATLANTA
FOREWORD
Should this work upon the city of my childhood and youth fail to be as com plete as one might desire, let me plead in extenuation that scores of those to whom I wrote requesting information upon organizations, institutions and move ments, failed to respond. I trust, how ever, that enough information and enough interest attaches to the work to make it worthy of the attention of the reader and worthy of the great city it seeks to mirror.
To the many who extended their cordial cooperation in the accumulation of the material herein contained. I am sincerely grateful.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
PAGE
I LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS. ........... 1
n FROM HAMLET TO CITY. ............. 16
HI OLD SCARS ABE HEALED. ............ 31
IV THROUGH WARS FURNACE ........... 50
V WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE ........ 68
VI INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO. ............ 87
VII EVENTS MOVE SWIFTLY. ............. 102
VJLU TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED. ...... 118
IX PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS. ........ 135
X GROWTH IN VALUES. ................ 152
XI THE STAGE Now AND THEN. ....... 168
XTT PLACES OF RENOWN ................. 187
XITE ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS. ........... 200
XTV SPIRITUAL AND Civic FORCES ......... 215
XV SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION ........ 234
XVI A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD. .......... 255
.XVII INDUSTRY AT ITS BEST. .............. 271
XV1LL ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA. ....... 291
XEX GROWTH OF UTILITIES. .............. 319
XX REVIVAL OF ANCIENT ORDER. ......... 336
XXI MILLIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS. ........ 347
XXTT WOMEN ACHIEVE MUCH. ............ 367
XXTTT A FEW PERSONALITIES. .............. 383
XXIV EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO. ........... 406
CHRONOLOGY OF ATLANTA. ........... 417
ILLUSTRATIONS
TYPICAL OFFICE BUILDING. ......... .Frontispiece
FACING
PAGE
FEDERAL BESERVE BANK .................... 16 GOVERNMENT BUILDING. .................... 32 CITY HALL................................ 32 A STUDY IN CONTRASTS ..................... 64 FULTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE. .............. 89 PIEDMONT DRIVING CLUB. .................. 96 HABERSHAM HALL......................... 96 ENTRANCE LOWRY NATIONAL BANK .......... 100 PERSHING POINT........................... 112 WHERE FIRST HOUSE WAS BUILT. ........... 112 CAPITAL CITY CLUB. ....................... 128 "BOBBY" BURNSHOME.................... 128 BUILDINGS FINANCED THROUGH ATLANTA. .... 144 STONE MOUNTAIN. ......................... 160 GIANT TURBINES. .......................... 176 EMORY UNIVERSITY. ....................... 192 OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY. .................. 208 BUILDINGS FINANCED THROUGH ATLANTA. .... 224 AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE ..................... 240 HALL, WASHINGTON SEMINARY .............. 240 DAM, GA. BY. & POWER Co................... 256 POWER PLANT, GA. BY. & POWER Co.......... 256 PLANT, DOWMAKT-DOZJOER COMPANY. .......... 272 PLANT OF ATLANTIC STEEL Co............... 288 PLANT OF KLEIBER MOTOR TRUCK Co......... 288 AN ATLANTA MADE BRIDGE. ................. 304
/if d ?>
ILLUSTBATIONS
PLANT OF ATLANTA STOVE WOBKS. ........... 320 IMPERIAL PALACE, K. K. K.................. 236 SFELMAN SESONABY. ....................... 352 MOREHOTJSE COLLEGE. ...................... 368 CLABK UNIVEBSITY......................... 368 THE CANDLES WABEHOUSE. ................. 400 PLANT OF HANSON MOTOB Co................ 414 PLANT OF BLOCK CANDY Co.................. 417
ii
THE HURT BUILDIXG, TYPICAL OF ATLANTAS MAXT MAGXIFICEXT SKYSCRAPERS
ATLANTA
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
By John R. Hornkdy
CHAPTER I.
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
I T seems more than passing strange that At lanta, where the Sherman war machine at tained the maximum in destructive force, should have become the most dynamic power in the rehabilitation of the South; that a city which was fed to the flames in times of internecine conflict, should have become as a shining light, leading an exhausted and impoverished people into peaceful conquests out of which came wealth and happiness undreamed.
Sherman, when he had driven back the ragged and exhausted forces which fought for the de fense of Atlanta, found here something that was impervious to shot and shell and flaming torch a spiritual something that lived and loved and hoped and wrought when ashes filled the nostrils and scorched the feet and no green thing seemed to hold out hope of a brighter and happier day.
Strange, too, that the very thing which caused the war clouds to burst upon Atlanta with the
1
2
ATLANTA
utmost fury, should have proved the mainspring of her rehabilitation. Yet it is so. This flaming spirit of faith, this inextinguishable hope, this
unalterable purpose to achieve, made Atlanta a center from which radiated the impulses that kept ill-equipped and exhausted forces fighting
on and on as long as one ray of hope remained. And because it was such a center, it was marked for the maximum of punishment. That which furnished so much of hope and of material assist ance must be destroyed utterly. So Atlanta was reduced to ashes. But a vain thing it was, for that which it was sought to destroy was inde structible, then as now. The Atlanta Spirit sur vived, and the influence that had wrought so much in promoting the cause of the Confederacy, be came a mighty factor in the amazing restoration which was to follow.
The world likes to see the ideals and purposes of a people epitomized in an individual, and At lanta has been fortunate in that it possessed a son through whom the guiding impulses of its heart and the heart of the South, for that matter were so visualized that the whole nation under stood. Henry Grady vocalized and visualized these impulses with a clarity and a beauty that thrilled hearts that had been unfeeling and caused the scales to drop from the eyes of those who had been unseeing. Close enough to the Old South to feel all the sweetness and tenderness of its softer moments, and to know all the sternness and gallantry that characterized its conflicts, and
close enough to the New South to sense every impulse by which it was stirred; having the gift
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
3
of prophecy and the tongue of golden speech,
Grady revealed Atlanta and the South as he re
vealed himself devoid of bitterness because of
the things that had gone before, and filled with
a great and just pride because of the things that
were and which were yet to be.
A stalwart figure was Grady, and every fibre
of his being was vibrant with the purpose to
translate into actuality his own dreams of a South
i
vastly enriched through the development of its marvelous resources. And his dreams and his
purposes became the dreams and purposes of a
mighty people, with results that fairly stagger
the imagination.
In this determined application to the task at
hand; in this tireless work of improving every
advantage, Atlanta took a leading part, and its
own development into one of the greatest among
Southern cities was the just reward of spirited
endeavor.
Yet, ^while Atlanta is of the South and proud
of it, there is a difference, indefinable but real.
Some, sensing this difference, and feeling the im
pulse of its virile commercial life, have endeav
ored to identify it and to tag it. Hence the ex
pression one hears now and then that Atlanta is
"the New York of the South." But this does
not describe it, though one might construe the
statement as a delicate compliment to the Empire
State metropolis. True, there is some resem
blance between the business section of Atlanta
and down-town New York, the height of sky
scrapers being emphasized by the narrowness of
the streets, and the congestion being emphasized
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ATLANTA
by the same cause, but cities are not made of streets and sky-scrapers alone, and in its spiritual aspects, there is a wide difference between the great Northern city and its some-times name-sake in the South.
The average New Yorker is well satisfied with his city and vastly ignorant of what it contains. The average Atlantan is merely gratified with his city and will not be satisfied until it becomes one of the worlds greatest centers of population. Moreover, he knows his city and is never quite so happy as when telling someone of its great-ness, past, present and potential. His love for his city is deep and fervent and his pride in it is not a thing to be whispered. It is something
to be shouted from the housetops, and it has been shouted so loudly and so frequently that its echoes have penetrated to the most distant and the most obscure points in the South, with the vibrations thereof extending even into the North and East and "West.
The impulse which prompts a citizen of At lanta to let the world know what a great city is his, has been named, not by the people of this community, but by observers on the outside, and it is known as the "Atlanta Spirit," a term the traveler through the South will encounter at almost every turn. Let him attend a meeting of some civic organization in ;any Southern city, where an effort is being made to accomplish some thing constructive, and the chances are about ten to one that before the meeting is over, some one will arise to suggest that "If we had the Atlanta spirit we could put this over in a jiffy."
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
5
Thus is tribute paid to Atlanta throughout the length and breadth of Dixie, and thus Atlantans have created an asset that the self-satisfied Gothamite well might envy.
It is this spirit, inextinguishable and all-per vading, that gives Atlanta the atmosphere that stamps it as different. Nor can one inhale this atmosphere -without feeling some of its contagion. The "why" of it provokes inquiry, and one can not inquire about the things that make Atlanta great without receiving a strong impression of their permanence. Atlanta has a number of as sets that are slow to change. Its topography is delightful, its climate most desirable, and its geo graphical position such that it will ever occupy a commanding position as a commercial and finan cial entity.
Atlanta measures its length and breadth along a ridge that forms the dividing line between the
Atlantic ocean and the G-ulf of Mexico. This ridge is gently undulating, lending itself most
admirably to the arts of the landscape architect and the builder of boulevards, and furnishing
alluring settings for homes, many of which are truly palatial.
It is to this ridge, which at this point is elevated
more than a thousand feet above the sea, Atlan ta attributes its remarkable freedom from dis ease, since it not only furnishes excellent drain
age but lifts the city into a bracing atmosphere.
In this connection, it is worthy of note that At
lanta furnished a shining exception in the old days when yellow fever so often carried terror into many parts of the South. Atlanta was ever a
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ATLANTA
haven for refugees who were fleeing from the cities farther South, and here perfect immunity was found. The reason for this immunity was not then known, as the fact that the mosquito was responsible for the spread of this disease, had not been discovered, but the fact that the gates of this city were ever open to the refugee and that the disease could find no foothold here, gave it an enviable prestige.
Only those who witnessed the scenes of terror that attended a violent outbreak of yellow fever in those old days can appreciate what it meant to have a haven of refuge open somewhere in the South. The moment the disease made its appearance people in the affected sections would begin to flock North. Every train would be crowded to the doors, chiefly with women and children, and all along the hot and dusty way these trains would be greeted by guards; guards who sternly forbade any one to leave the cars and who, in many instances, required that the win
dows and doors of all cars be kept tightly closed while the train passed through the community. Armed guards, these were, and grimly determined to prevent the landing of a single pilgrim from the land of plague.
Then the train reached Atlanta, and what a change! No guards, no rules against alighting and making oneself at home, no atmosphere of antagonism or of fear. Here the refugee ceased to be an Ishmael and became again a freeman, privileged to go and come at will and to live the normal life that was being lived by other folks in this community.
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
7
The high ridge upon which Atlanta rides to ever increasing greatness, is not only responsible for making it an unusually healthy community, but in a way it is responsible for the very exist ence of the city. It was the topography of the land in this quarter which led to its being se lected as the terminus of the first steel highway through which it was sought to connect the water ways to the "West with those of the Atlantic. John C. Calhoun, in an address delivered in Memphis in 1845, said that one of the great needs of the South was to IrnTr the Mississippi valley and the Southern Atlantic coast by rail, and in this con nection he pointed out that the formation from the course of the Tennessee, Cumberland and Alabama rivers was such that all the railroads which had been projected "must necessarily unite at a point in DeKalb County, in the State of Geor gia, called Atlanta, not far from the village of Decatur."
The accuracy of Calhouns deductions was
demonstrated by subsequent events, and because of the formative work of nature, the steel high
ways, following the course of least resistance, worked their way to "the point called Atlanta,
not far from the village of Decatur," and because
of the coming of the roads there developed here
one of the great cities of the South; a city so overshadowing when compared to other centers
of population in the vicinity, that were some modern Calhoun to describe Decaturs location today he would refer to it as "a place near At lanta."
8
ATLANTA
The South was filled with embryonic schemes for railroad building at the time of Calhouns address, and had been for some years prior thereto, and out of some of these plans grew the first name by which the Georgia metropolis of the future was known, that of "Terminus."
Even before the Indians had been removed from this section, the State of Georgia had awakened to the importance of providing better transportation facilities than were afforded by
the wagon trails of the period, and as early as 1833 charters had been granted to several roads and a state-owned road was receiving favorable
consideration. In 1836 the Legislature passed an act authorized the building of the State road, which was to run from the Tennessee line at a point near the Tennessee Eiver to the Southwest ern bank of the Chattahoochee "at a point most eligible for running branch lines to Athens, Mad ison, Milledgeville, Forsyth and Columbus."
Preliminary work upon this ambitious project began at once, and by the following year, Stephen H. Long, the engineer in chief, had established the terminus of the road at a point which today is in the very heart of Atlanta.
At that time a solitary cabin occupied the site of the future city, a structure which had been erected of logs by Hardy Ivy. His reactions with reference to the invasion of the solitude by
snorting steel monsters were not recorded, but if the attitude ascribed by historians to the peo ple of Decatur may be considered as a criterion,
then he was not enthusiastic over the project, for the people of that community are said to have
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
9
been so well satisfied with the music of the birds
that they were averse to having this melodious chorus interrupted by the shrieking of locomo tives. This, by the way, was not an unusual atti tude among the people of rural communities at that time. Life consisted of a comfortable rou tine, and there was a charm about these isolated towns that made a powerful appeal to the finer feelings. The streets, as a rule, were bordered by giant oaks, whose wide-flung branches met and intertwined above the driveway. Old-fashioned gardens, sweet with the odor of tube roses, jes samine and honeysuckle, and bright with vari-
gated colors, flanked the way, and peace brooded above them like a benediction. Conservatives
were content, and cared not for the clarion call
of the steel highway. Another factor which entered into the opposi
tion which existed to the building of railroads, was found in the fact that these highways threat ened the life of established industries. Their coming meant the passing of profitable stage
coach lines, of wagon trains, which transported freight from city to hamlet, and the passing of these enterprises meant serious injury to sundry little industries. The blacksmith, the wheel wright and the wagon-builder felt their enter-
enterprises menaced, and these and kindred spirits exercised no little influence upon public
thought. This explains why so many small com munities in the South are "off the railroad," to the great satisfaction of sundry dusky hack-driv ers, but to the great annoyance of the traveling public. But all this changed long ago, and for
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ATLANTA
years projected railroads have been able to col lect handsome bonuses for stretching their lines through ambitions communities.
With the coming of the railroads to "Term
inus" came shops and people to work in them, and stores and dwellings began to appear, cre ating a demand for building materials, and with this demand came brick works, sash and door factories and kindred enterprises and saloons. The future city was tinder way.
The logic which brought the first railroad to what is now Atlanta, held good in the develop ment of the community, which in the course of time became known as "The Gate City of the South," an appelation due to its strategic posi tion. The time came when, fanwise, railroads stretched to all parts of the South, with Atlanta as a starting point, and goods flowing from the North and East into that wide and fertile terri tory, passed through Atlanta.
Pioneers foresaw the possibilities that the future held out for the establishment here of a great distributing center, and from the first the community attracted the most ambitious and farseeing type of citizens, an element whose efforts in community building could not be thwarted by the less constructive activities of another element, quick to put in appearance, which could be identi fied by its shiny elbows due to frequent contact with the bar and the gambling table.
The struggle between the constructive and loose elements began almost with the beginning of the town, and while the initial clash might be termed something of a dog-fall, the final outcome re-
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS 11
mained in doubt for only a limited period. In an election held in 1850, when the issne between the two contending forces was clear-cut and decisive, the better element of the community scored & decisive victory, and from then on the power of the gambling and drinking class began to wane.
In this notable contest, the better element org anized as the "Moral Party," and put a ticket in the field headed by Jonathan Norcross. The op position met the challenge boldly, and came forth to battle with an organization which they frankly named the "Bowdy Party." This organization threw its support to L. C. Simpson, a lawyer, who had come out in opposition to Norcross.
A fervid and spectacular campaign culminated in the triumph of the "Moral Party" ticket, and Mayor Norcross entered upon the duties of his office prepared to uphold the standards of the ele ment which elected him, but it was no easy task. The opposition, though beaten, was not ready to curl up and die, and it continued to make things as disagreeable as possible. The lawless couldnt believe that the old, happy-go-lucky, do-as-you-
please, days were at an end, and they decided at
once to test the intent as well as the mettle of the new administration. As a consequence, Mayor Norcross found official life just "one thing after another." His duties involved much more than delivering welcome addresses to visiting conven tions and making after-dinner speeches. He was chief of police, judge of the police court, street superintendent and general utility man for the municipality.
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ATLANTA
The new mayor had been in office only a short time when a truculent and overgrown member of the minority party decided to show the town that the victory of the straight-laced element meant nothing in his gay career. With this end in view, he went on a rampage which finally brought him
up in the mayors court, where he waited in con temptuous silence while the prosecution presented its case. He declined to dignify the proceedings by offering a defense, but when the evidence was in and the Mayor rendered a verdict of "guilty" he came to life with a jerk.
Springing to his feet, the prisoner drew what appeared to be a cross between a dagger and a sword, and brandishing this wicked weapon he defied any and every one in the courtroom to lay hands upon bun.
The little room in which the trial was held was jammed with people, the news having gotten abroad that a test of the new order was to be staged, and when the prisoner produced this fear ful looking weapon and roared his challenge to the minions of the law, there was a spontaneous rush for the exit. But there were several officers present to whom the sight of weapons was no new
thing, and who could not be cowed by any such demonstration. Alien E. Johnson, sheriff of the county, leaped forward with upraised walking stick, and dealt the prisoner a blow upon the hand that sent the weapon flying across the room. Wil liam MeConnell, town marshal, Ben N. Willford,
deputy marshal, and C. H. Strong, a spectator,
immediately fell upon the desparado and a handto-hand fight followed. The man finally was over-
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS 13
powered, but upon being carried to the street managed to make Ms escape, darkness having fallen while the trial was in progress.
The spirit of desperation and of contempt for law shown by this individual but reflected the attitude of the lower element of the commun ity, and his exploit proved the spark which set aflame the ill-subdued spirit of lawlessness, and brought about a deeply significant struggle which was to determine whether or not Atlanta was to be run by the honest, God-fearing people, or by the rowdies who knew not law and feared not God.
Within forty-eight hours after the incident in the court-room, the seething unrest among the lawless found expression in a definite movement to rid the community of the man who stood for and represented the law. The rough element ob tained a small cannon at Decatur, and bringing it into the village of Atlanta, they mounted it in front of the general store operated by Mayor Norcross. Loading it with dirt, behind which there was a heavy charge of powder, they fired the weapon, the blast echoing up and down the nar row, star-lit streets, and creating great alarm.
This noisy demonstration was followed with a specific notice to Mayor Norcross that if he did not resign and leave the town at once, his store would be blown to atoms, and the menacing atti tude of the mob left no room for doubt as to its sincerity. Thus the issue was pressed home.
Mayor Norcross quietly withdrew from the presence of the mob, but it was not to run. On the other hand, he resolved to break the mob spirit or die in the attempt. To this end, he secretly got in
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ATLANTA
touch with law-abiding citizens and before mid night a volunteer police force of approximately one hundred men had been formed and was ready
for battle. Meanwhile the mob had been growing in num
bers, being assembled at a house on Decatur Street. About midnight this house was charged by a squad of citizen police, led by A. W. MitcheU, who in later years came to play a prominent
part in the life of the community. So thoroughly had the forces of law and order
been organized by Mayor Norcross that the mob seemed to realize the futility of combat, and no sooner had their rendevous been surrounded than there was a wild scramble to escape. However, about twenty members were caught and these were conveyed in triumph to the little "calaboose" which constituted the citys bastile at that time. As it was not large enough to hold all the prison ers, it was decided to lock up the leaders and let the followers go. This was done, and on the fol lowing morning when the prisoners were carried into court and given the extreme penalty of the law, they took their medicine and the question of what element should rule in Atlanta was settled.
The victory was not complete, as there were spor adic outbreaks from time to time, and for a num ber of years the roughs kept the officers busy, but at no time thereafter did the idea gain ground that Atlanta could be governed and controlled by
the element that stood in defiance of the law. At that time two sections of the town were noted
for their lawless propensities. One of these was known as "Slabtown," a name derived from the
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS 15 peculiar type of architecture which prevailed. The houses, chiefly shacks of the cheapest Mud, were made from "slabs" garnered at a nearby saw mill. The other tough quarter was known as "Murrells Bow," being named after a notorious individual who was much given to games of chance. Such games flourished in these quarters and hold-ups and physical combats were not un usual.
"Snake Nation," was the name given a suburb which became a stench in the nostrils of decent people, and a determined effort was made to break it up. In the performance of this worthy enter prise, it is not altogether certain that the crusad ers were not themselves guilty of certain infrac tions of the law, for they went to this notorious quarter on a certain memorable occasion and not only removed its denizens by force but demolished nearly all the houses. War also was waged against the lawlessness in Slabtown and Murrells Quar ters, and gradually peace and order settled over the community. Thus were laid the foundations of the security that is the heritage of the people of todav.
*
CHAPTER H.
FROM HAMLET TO CITY.
WHEN Hardy Ivy built his log cabin in the splendid solitude that existed here in 1833, the Indians still had their grip upon the land, and were reluctant to surrender it. Not gifted with the intellectual re finements that characterized the white man, they were slow to see the logic of the suggestion that they pack their simple belongings and depart to some remote spot beyond the Father of Waters where they might remain in peaceful possession of their land until, ah; well, lets say, until the white man caught up with them again!
The group which existed in this section at that time and which had no claim upon the land other than that they had occupied it for a few centuries, consisted largely of Cherokees. They were a peaceful people for the most part, and really the only charge that can be justly laid at their door is that they were a bit stubborn, and, as indicated above, slow to understand. They offered no armed resistance when their land was taken from them, but put the whites to a lot of inconvenience by re fusing to leave until, by force of arms, they were persuaded so to do. They had to be rounded up, which was a lot of trouble to begin with, and then an escort had to accompany them all the way upon that long and perilous journey; a journey upon which a number of the escorts died of privation
ATLANTA FEDERAL RESERVE BANK, A BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE BUILT OF GEORGIA MARBLE
FROM HAMLET TO CITY
17
and hardship. Some four thousand of the Indians
died also. As individuals are born in hours of agony, so
also are empires, but, 0, the tragedy of it I The eviction of the Indians from Georgia began
on May 24, 1838, five years after the first house had been built upon the ground where Atlanta now stands. This cabin remained the only one in
the vicinity until about the time the Indians were scheduled to go. Then in 1839, with much talk of railroads coming in, the solitude began to be brok
en by the sound of the axe and the saw. John Thrasher, a merchant, came in and erected a house, and was followed by several others. Then Thrasher laid the first stone in what was to be come a mighty commercial structure by opening a general merchandise store under the name of Johnson and Thrasher. But, if anyone should have asked Mr. Thrasher the commonplace ques tion, "Hows business?" he would not have found the gentleman very enthusiastic, for trade lang uished to such an extent that the owners finally decided to move elsewhere. But in this, they erred, not reading aright the signs of the times, for while progress moved with leaden tread, it moved with certainty, and the time came when Thrasher saw the error of his way and returned to the new com munity to again become identified with its com mercial life. In this he set an example that has been followed by many since his day, so much so that it has become a proverb that "Once an Atlantan, always an Atlantan."
The little hamlet, still known as Terminus,
languished until in the early forties, by which
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ATLANTA
time connection with Marietta was established. But, alas, when this railroad appeared it was like an automobile stranded on a lonely highway with
an empty gas tank. There was no engine with which to operate! The road then was finished only between Atlanta and Marietta, but every one
was eager to see it in operation. After some casting about, it was found that a
locomotive could be obtained at Madison, but Mad ison was some sixty miles away and there was no railroad connection. In this emergency, those
hardy pioneers of 1842 did a bold and spectacular thing. They caused to be made the heaviest wagon that any individual in this section had seen until (hat time, and, when this huge craft was complet ed, they loaded the locomotive upon it and started
across country for Terminus. Sixteen mules furn ished the motive power, and one may imagine the strain and stress of that tortuous journey across sixty miles of country, with mere trails for roads. Yet the bold exploit proved successful, and the locomotive was placed safely upon the rails in
Terminus in time to make a Christmas Eve trip to Marietta, December 24, 1842. This initial train consisted of the engine and a lone box car, but a
large crowd gathered in honor of the occasion, the people coming from miles around, and the intro duction of railroad transportation was fittingly
celebrated. Enthusiasm was at a high pitch be cause the road from Augusta was being pushed forward and it, too, would soon become an actu
ality. From this time forward events moved with a
surer, more sustained tread. Farmers began to
FROM HAMLET TO CITY
19
bring their products to Terminus, and sundry manufacturing enterprises were launched, while
real estate meii, alert then as now, began to see possibilities in the situation. Subdivisions were
opened and an auction of town lots was held. As these lots were located in the very heart of what was to be the metropolis of the future, they be came the basis of more than one great fortune, and today many of them are adorned with graceful of fice buildings that tower high into the blue.
Meanwhile the town had been incorporated as "Marthasville," the name being adopted in com pliment to a daughter of Wilson Lumpkin, former Governor, who had been zealous in the pro motion of railroad enterprises throughout the State. It is a matter of interest, in this connection, that Marthasville was launched under the commis sion plan of government. This plan generally is referred to as "modern," but it was put in opera tion in this isolated hamlet at the beginning of 1844. There were five commissioners, as is the
rule of the average commission governed city of today and they exercised legislative, administra tive and judicial functions, just as they do at this time.
This early experiment in commission govern ment was not a success, however, and at the ex
piration of four years, when it was decided to in corporate as a city instead of a town, the aldermanic system was substituted for the earlier plan, evidently in response to a very general demand. Meanwhile the name "Marthasville" had become
too prosaic to suit the progressive citzenship, and it had been changed to Atlanta. This change was
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ATLANTA
made officially by the legislature on December 26, 1845, but the town had been called Atlanta, by common consent, some time before this date.
Some controversy has existed concerning the origin of this name, and since there appears to
have been no authentic data upon the subject even as early as 1859, it would be presumptions for one thus far removed from the date of Christening to undertake to speak with authority. However, the theory advanced in 1859 by G. B. Haywood, a prominent lawyer of the young city, is of interest. In the course of a descriptive article he said :
"Atlanta is a name which is understood to have been proposed by J. Edgar Thompson, at that time chief engineer of the Georgia Railroad. The significance of the name, the reason for its adop tion, and the various theories on the subject have now become a theme of inquiry and investigation not without interest. The writer has heard it claimed as due in honor to a mythological goddess, Atlanta, said to have been remarkable for fleetness, strength and endurance. It was certainly a fast town then, and may have been supposed en titled to the honor of recognition by the goddess, by reason of its early character and its wonderful achievements. The name was for a short time written as Atalanta, which seems to favor the claim of the goddess. And still another theory is set up by some who claim for it an origin more worthy of its present importance as a railroad entrepot and commercial emporium, taken in con nection with its future prospects as a great rail road center and manufacturing city. The great State work, connecting the waters of the West
I
FEOM HAMLET TO CITY
21
with the Atlantic, commencing at Chattanooga, on the Tennessee River, and terminating at this point, had nearly been completed the name West ern & Atlantic Railroad, had been given to it by the Legislature of Georgia, and it was not inaptly considered the great connecting artery through which must pass the incalculable mass of produce, manufacturers and commerce from the great val ley of the West and the Atlantic Coast, and the im ports from abroad passing thence to the far West.
"Atlanta had been permanently fixed as the southeastern terminus of that great State work, and gave a local idea to its eastern terminus, and that idea, represented and qualified by the adjec tive Atlantic, was incomplete of itself, but early pointed to something more definite, and the mind is put upon the inquiry for the thing signified. The connection by rail from Charleston by way of Au gusta, and from Savannah by way of Macon, had both been completed to this point. These roads had been gradually ascending the hills from the coast, in search of a northwest passage; they had searched the hills upon which the city stands and here they met the Western & Atlantic Road, just emerging from the wilds of the Northwest, seeking by a sinuous and difficult ascent from the Western valley for a highway to the Atlantic. They met together on our streets, they embraced
each other upon the headlands of the Atlantic. "These headlands, when embodied in the noun
Atlanta, to our mind, meets the demand and rep
resents the ideal of the thing sought after, and the mind rests upon it as the thing signified by the several indices pointing to Atlanta as the proper
J
22
ATLANTA
name for such a place. This we now state to the public as the true derivation sustained by the facts in the case."
After reading this charming conception, from the pen of one who obviously loved the city and who had a true appreciation of the greatness which the future held for it, one is inclined to let the matter rest there. Besides, where a name comes from is not particularly important, the thing that counts is what it stands for now, and surely the name Atlanta has its full significance today and is inseprable from the idea of spirited accomplishment.
The early enterprise of Atlanta was shown in
the manner in which the young City went after de sirable enterprises. The location of the annual fair of the Southern Agricultural Association as a permanent thing was accomplished in 1850, a gift of $1,000 in cash and the donation of ten acres of land being the prime inducements. That so young a city caught so rich a prize almost in the begin ning, is significant of the fact that community zeal, which is so pronounced today, is no new thing.
The somnolent sections of the State must have looked on aghast at some of the manuvers of those enterprising Atlantans of the fifties, for, after getting the State Fair, they straightway began to lay plans for marching on Milledgeville and carry ing the State Capital from that ancient town to the new and hustling city! Whats more, they did it.
The measure of Atlantas ambition and enter prise at the time it sought to become the legisla-
FEOM HAMLET TO CITY
23
tive and judicial center of the commonwealth at so early a period, may be inferred from certain
other proceedings adopted by the City Council on the same night that the removal resolution was passed, February 3, 1854. At this meeting the night police force was "increased to six men," and in order that there should be no loafing on the job, the ordinance required the chief of police to "cry in a loud voice" from the council hall every hour in the night after nine oclock, "to which cry each of his assistants is to respond." It was also at this meeting that plans were inaug urated for establishing a gas lighting system.
This new system was installed by the following year, and Atlanta began to catch a metropolitan stride. Street lamps, using oil, had been introduc ed two years before, but the ordinance under which they appeared carried a specific provision that the citizens enjoying the benefits of these lights must furnish the fuel, an arrangement which suggests that the City Fathers of the period were familiar with the Bible and were particul arly impressed by the injunction relating to keep ing the lamps trimmed and burning, but they in terpreted it as applying to the individual rather than to the corporate body.
The subject of fire protection also began to re ceive serious consideration in the early fifties, and an ordinance was passed providing for the dig
ging of wells at Whitehall and Mitchell Streets; Norcross and Marietta Streets and Whitehall and Hunter Streets.
At the same time an ordinance was passed re quiring each store to have a ladder and two buck-
24
ATLANTA
ets for use in ease of fire. In 1854 the first fire station was built, being located on Market Street and being erected at a cost of $800.
About this time Atlanta began to grow at a rate which justified the faith of its most optimistic cit izens, and events moved with ever quickening tread. Ambition grew, and in January, 1857, the
young City came forward with an offer to take $100,000 worth of the stock of the Georgia Air Line Railroad, a new project which was being fos tered and which the citizens of Atlanta were very
anxious to see carried through. It is significant of the enterprise of the period and of the funda mental soundness of conditions in the new city,
that it was touched but slightly by the panic of this year; a fact strongly emphasized by the con
fidence with which it was agreed to finance so large a part of a new railroad. The bonded in debtedness at this time was $47,000, including $5,000 issued to the Georgia Air Line Railroad as first payment upon the subscription of the City. Of the remainder there was $4,000 for fair grounds, $16,000 for a new city hall, $20,000 for gas plant, and $3,000 in the Chattahoochee Bridge. The erection of this bridge had been fostered to
the extent indicated, and the city had also pledged subscriptions to stock in two new board highways that were being brought thereto.
With the growth of Atlanta, which had attained a population in excess of 11,000 by 1859, slave
traders began to come here to buy and sell, and for the first time, so far as it is known, the cry went up to protect home institutions. Local deal
ers brought to the attention of the governing au-
FROM HAMLET TO CITY
25
thorities the activities of the outsiders who were dealing in slaves, and the upshot of the matter was the passage of an ordinance putting a tax on all persons, not residents of Atlanta, who bought
or sold slaves in the City. The development of the industrial life of the
community had been almost as rapid as its com mercial development, and coincident therewith slave labor began to cut a figure in the economic life of the community. White mechanics found it difficult to compete with slave labor, and consid erable unrest developed. Urgent representations were made to the city council by members of var ious crafts, but no immediate solution of the prob
lem seemed at hand, and the issue remained unset tled. Meanwhile, however, events in the nation at
large were moving swiftly, and the time was not distant when this, and all other questions of local interest would be completely overshadowed. For
the war clouds were gathering, dark, sinister and menacing, and all the vexing problems growing out of human chatties soon were to be settled else
where than in council chambers or civil courts. Lest the reader infer that the ubiquitous news
paper man was slow about making his appearance in the young City of Atlanta, it might be well here to record the fact that the "Democrat" appeared in 1845. Then came the "Luminary," which for a
little while shed its effulgence upon the commun ity. It is significant and suggestive that this pa per was started by a Baptist minister, Rev. Jo seph Baker, a man of obvious faith, who no doubt felt the need of some spiritualizing influence in
the community to counteract the element which
26
ATLANTA
toyed toa often with that which biteth like a ser pent ana stingeth like an adder, and which flirted over-much with the goddess of chance.
"With the appearance of these newspapers, it was inevitable that others should blossom forth, so presently "The Enterprise" was launched by Royal and Yarbrough, and "The Southern Mis
cellany," edited by C. R. Hanleiter, put in appear
ance. But not even Atlanta could sustain so much journalistic skill, and all of these ventures fell
by the wayside. But not for long was Atlanta a burying ground
for newspapers. "The Intelligencer," published
by A. A. Gaulding & Co., came along and grew into an influential journal, and with the approach of the war "The Southern Confederacy" made its appearance under the direction of James P. Hamilton. It, too, became a virile factor in the life of the community. "The Daily Examiner" appeared, which, with the "Intelligencer," gave the City two dailies. These were virile journals, as most Southern newspapers were at that time, and there was no hesitency about criticising when criticism seemed warranted. And how those oldtime editors could put the "bite" in what they wrote! No putty-pointed barbs for them, but
sharp and polished steel. For instance we find the editor of the "Daily
Intelligencer" disgruntled over the condition of the streets as they existed in February, 1852. Did he voice a feeble protest to the City officials, urg ing that steps be taken to remedy a deplorable situation! He did not, for he knew a more effect ive method of getting beneath the skin of those
FROM HAMLET TO CITY
27
in authority, and, taking his pen in (hand, he addressed the following to the world at large, heading the editorial "A Word to Strangers:"
"If you .arrive in town on any of the numerous railroads that terminate here, it will probably be just before dark. After refreshing yourself with
a hearty meal at some one of our well conducted
hotels, you will feel a desire to take a stroll about town, at least through Whitehall Street. Starting from the vicinity of the railroads you can proceed fearlessly till you come to the first cross street, called Alabama Street. Dont think of walking out of your direction to walk up that street unless the moon shines particularly bright, or unless you hang to the coattail of some friendly guide; as without such aid you would probably find yourself in about two minutes at the bottom of a pit, fifteen feet in diameter by eighteen feet deep, which oc cupies the center of the road, and thus occasion considerable trouble to those who happen to be near, in procuring ropes to drag you out, and in such case, you might besides,-be inclined to form
an unfavorable impression in regard to our city regulations, as did a gentleman last week, who was hauled out of the pit pretty badly injured.
"Passing this point, you can continue in White hall Street, but by all means take the right hand side, as on the left side are two deep trenches dug out of cellars. At present they are admirably adapted to catch unwary passengers. In one night last week, during a rain storm, they caught no less than five two ladies and three gentlemen, return ing from a concert. One of these was a stranger
in the City, and while spreading himself before a
28
ATLANTA
blazing fire in the Holland House, to dry the red clay with which his garments were beautifully
covered, gave way so much to his feelings that he was observed very much upset at the mention of our venerable city council.
"Proceeding on the right hand side of the street you will have a very comfortable walk until you come to Cooks corner, where the pavement ceases. Here you had better turn square round and walk back, for directly in advance is another pit, fifteen by eighteen feet, ready to take you in. In some parts of the town we believe these holes have been covered over. The one in front of Loyd & Ferrymans store, where a man fell in and broke his neck some weeks since, we are credibly informed was promptly covered after the event."
This editorial throws light not only upon the condition of the streets at that time, but it serves also to illumine the journalistic methods of the period, for, mark the fact, there is a post-script, and it reads as follows:
"P. S. Since the above was put in type we are gratified and delighted that each of the pits men tioned above, have been temporarily covered with plank so as to avoid recurrence of further acci dents."
Why did the editor print the editorial after the conditions complained of had been corrected? Was it because there was no type with which to fill the ya\\-ning gap it would leave or because the editor having produced the satire, deemed it too
good to be lost? It seems to have been difficult, then as now, to
keep highways in proper condition, for we find
FROM HAMLET TO CITY
29
the "Daily Examiner" discussing the same sub
ject, three years after the "Intelligencer" had found the evils corrected before he could get his criticisms into print.
The "Examiner," in October, 1855, called at tention to the fact that a verdict had been re turned against the City of Chicago in the sum of $3,100 in favor of some one who had been in jured on the sidewalks of that city, and observed:
"Here is a warning to all municipal authorities,
but particularly should it be to those of Atlanta. A walk down "Whitehall Street is not the thing it should be, and we should not be surprised to hear some day of a verdict like that at Chicago, render ed by a jury of our own citizens in favor of some
poor devil, over a broken leg, or of a widow with nine children, whose husbands neck was broken by a tumble into one of the numerous dark cellars that ornament the business part of the town."
In reading these ancient editorials, one wonders what they did with so many "dark cellars," since the Eighteenth Amendment had not been adopted, and why the widow, or, shall we say, tentative widow! should have nine children; questions the answer to which is lost in the mist and mystery of long-gone yesterdays.
With a virile press, with constantly increasing
educational facilities, with a full quota of church es, with a multiplicity of manufacturing establish
ments, and with an ever expanding commerce, At lanta continued to go forward at a most gratify ing stride, and the approach of the great conflict between the North and the South, found it one of
the most prominent cities of the South. The un-
30
ATLANTA
certainty which attaches to all new cities had dis appeared. Permanency had stamped its mark upon the community and those who had invested their money here, faced the future with an assur ance that became contagious. Growth was rapid, and the character of citizenship long since had ceased to be of the transitory, adventurious type.
It was thus that the war found Atlanta a pros perous, progressive and growing community, adorned with many handsome homes and preten tious places of business. The conflict left it de serted and desolate beyond all power of descrip tion. "What shot and shell failed to destroy the flames consumed. Save for a few buildings, which for various reasons were left standing here and there as gaunt reminders of what had been, the City was reduced to a heap of smoldering ruins, a scene of vast and unutterable melancholy.
Sherman had proved to the full his theory of what war is.
CHAPTER HI.
OLD SCABS ABE HFALED.
O N the Southeast corner of Whitehall and Alabama Streets at one of the busiest intersections in Atlanta, there stands one of the ancient iron lamp posts that adorned the City in the days of its youth a short and slender relic of the antebellum period. Crowded by a huge "white way" standard and overshadowed by a great office building, it is passed day after day by hurrying multitudes with scarcely a glance. Yet it is worth more than a cursory examination, for it constitutes what is, in the business section, the only visible reminder of the inferno through which Atlanta passed when day after day, for over a month, the shells of the Union Army rained upon the City.
At the base of this ancient post one observes that there is a hole, round and clear-cut, almost as large as the post itself, and from a small bronze tablet fastened to its top, he learns that this hole was made by a shell, for the inscription says in part:
"The damage to the base of this lamp post was caused by a shell dur ing the War Between the States, Battle of Atlanta, July 22nd, 1864."
To read a tablet like this in an age like this, amid a scene like this, is to receive a distmct shock. Viewing the towering buildings that stretch block
32
ATLANTA
on block; seeing the endless stream of pedestrians, of automobiles and street cars, and listening to the roar and din of a great City that throbs with the noise of boundless energy, it is impossible to grasp at once the significance of what the words mean. They seem to suggest some wild and horrid halueination, rather than to convey a sober truth, and one is prone to wonder if it can be a fact that shot and shell fell here so recently. If doubt leads to further observation, then doubt increases, for no where else is such evidence to be seen, so thor oughly has the work of rehabilitation been done. The word of the historian must be accepted for the visible evidence is gone, all save the slender iron pole, with its gaping hole and its tiny tablet of bronze.
The thoroughness with which the sears of war have been removed is one of the wonders of At lanta. Deeper than those inflicted upon any other Southern city during those four years of bitter warfare, they have disappeared, vanished, gone like an evil dream, the last detail of which is forgotton when the sunlight of a new day floods the room and the hush of night gives way to the voice of birds.
"While these impressions were flooding my mind as I looked upon the ancient lamp-post, I re called how in my youth, when Atlanta was my home, I used to go with other boys to the old swimming hole in Peachtree Creek, and recalled also that we used to see about this creek the earth en works thrown up by the rival forces as they fought for the great prize which Atlanta consti tuted in the eyes of the military leaders. A great
GOVERNMENT BUILDING (ABOVE), AND CITY HAL.L
OLD SCABS ABE HEALED
33
wilderness it was in those days, reached after a long walk beyond the point where the dimunitive
horse cars stopped to begin the return trip to the City. Through this wilderness one could see where the breastworks had wormed their tortuous way. Overgrown with trees and covered with under
brush at times, they still were discernible. So to Peachtree Creek I went, following the same
course that was followed by the tiny horse cars some thirty years ago. But the horse car was gone, together with the horses, and instead of the mellow tinkle of the little bells that used to sway from the collars of the horses, was heard the crash of heavy cars and the restless honkhonk of hurrying automobiles. Nor was there a terminus at which one might alight and continue
his way through the woods to the old creek. On and on the big cars thundered, crossing the creek and speeding forward to some remote suburb, fol lowed, or passed, as the case might be, by the
endless procession of automobiles and trucks. The journey was made along a beautiful boule
vard, which gained proportions of real magnifi cence as my destination was reached, and which maintained these proportions long after the broad sweep across Peachtree Creek. This wonderful highway penetrated the very heart of what had been a wilderness, and reaching out from it in all directions were other boulevards, flanked by state ly homes. A beautiful and truly marvelous trans formation; a transformation so thorough that I
was completely lost. The creek was the only thing unchanged. It still made its tortuous way through what had been a wilderness, swift and
34
ATLANTA
red, as the waters were on those hot and terrible days when men fought upon its banks with so much of courage and so much of desperation, and when many sank into its turbid breast to find the peace that had been denied them in life.
All else was changed. A passenger station
nearby poured out its baggage-laden throng. The cry of "taxi, taxi," floated across the valley. Street cars clanged. Here and there negroes propelled hand mowers across velvet-like lawns, where children played. In the distance smoke issued from stacks and drifted lazily away. In dustry, too, had made its invasions. Clearly the days of hickory nut hunting and of swimming a la nature were things of the past. The vast solitude where men had fought and died and made glorious history existed no longer.
The old battle ground in this quarter has be come a scene of beauty that might furnish the inspiration for an epic. The homes, many of them ranking among the most beautiful in Atlan ta, set far back from the thoroughfares and are surrounded by grounds whose generous depth and native charm are suggestive of dignity and re pose. A tablet here and there marks some spot where the tide of war reached the flood but by no other tokens could one learn that armies once were locked in fierce embrace upon this Very ground. Thus Atlanta has demonstrated that its powers of transformation are in no wise circum
scribed. Another day I rode for many miles about the
City, over winding boulevards that skirted the high hills and swept gracefully through the val-
OLD SCARS ARE HEALED
35
leys, passing many points where history was made and graves were filled while the armies in blue and the armies in gray fought for pos session of the city, and it was not of war, but
of peace at its best, that these scenes spoke. It was mid-April, and every green thing seemed
eager to become clothed with the vesture of Sum mer. Trees and shrubs put forth their tender shoots, covering hills and valleys with the most delicate shades and making the stately pines ap pear almost black. Wild honeysuckle splashed the hillsides with color, and here and there dog wood blossoms stood out like patches of snow left by reluctant Winter. Peach orchards were in bloom, and in more isolated places the ground was carpeted with purple violets, so thick at times that one scarcely could walk without stepping upon them. Scars nowhere, but beauty and peace everywhere!
Thus, as Atlanta reaped the fury of the storm
of 1861-65, because of her great zeal for those principles for which the South poured out its wealth and its blood, so she has reaped the full
and gracious fruits of peace because of the cour age with which she faced the future and the zeal with which she led in the long, hard struggle to
realize for the South the splendid heritage that remained, in spite of the devasting influences of war. As she was doubly punished then, she has been doubly rewarded since.
The first thrill of apprehension concerning the future of Atlanta as "The Citadel of the Confed eracy," came in the wake of the victory achieved by the Union forces at Chattanooga, where Gen-
36
ATLANTA
eral Bragg, after a brilliant victory at Chiekamauga, was overwhelmed, meeting the defeat which led to Ms voluntary retirement and the ap pointment of General Joseph E. Johnston as his successor.
General Sherman had assisted General Grant in the Chattanooga campaign, and shortly there after, upon the appointment of Grant as Lieutenant-General of the armies of the United States and his retirement to Virginia, Sherman was put in charge of the Department of Mississippi, which included Tennessee and Georgia. That General Sherman was fully alive to the value of Atlanta to the Confederacy, both morally and materially, there is no doubt, and every step in the game of strategy he played had for its ultimate aim the capture of this city.
The force which General Sherman directed against Atlanta, at the opening of the campaign, consisted of a fraction under one hundred thous and men, while General Johnston had at his dis posal approximately forty-three thousand. Be fore the campaign was well under way, Sherman was re-inforced by 14,000 cavalry, and later Blairs corps, consisting of 9,000 men, was added to his force. Meanwhile General Johnston re ceived re-enforcements aggregating about 23,000. His army reached the maximum of fighting strength at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain,
where he had 59,248 effectives. With the approach of the Union forces, before
whose overwhelming numbers the Confederates were being forced slowly to retire, apprehension began to be felt among the citizens of Atlanta,
OLD SCABS ABE HEALED
37
and every effort was made to insure the safety of the City. The Federals had begun (May 1, 1864) the repair of the Western and Atlantic Railroad between Binggold and Chattanooga, with the obvious purpose of providing an unfail ing source of supply, and meanwhile continued pressue was brought against the Confederate lines.
On April 26, 1864, "The Intelligencer" called
public attention to the peril of Atlanta, and short ly thereafter active preparations were under way for the defense of the city by Atlanta citizens. On May 9, notices were published calling upon "all persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty, not in the service of the Confederate States," to appear at the city hall "for the pur pose of being armed and equipped for local de fense." The "Local Militia" was organized among the forces thus enlisted, and on May 17 there was an inspection of troops for local de fense, characterized at the time as "the finest military display in every respect that had ever been witnessed in Atlanta." From which one may well infer that the men of sixty and the boys of sixteen made a brave and gallant showing as they paraded along Marietta Street
With the passing of the days, apprehension grew,and on May 23, a proclamation was issued by Mayor James M. Calhoun, in the following language:
"In view of the dangers which threaten us, and in persuance of a call made by General Wright and General Wayne, I require all male citizens of Atlanta, capable of bearing arms, without re-
38
ATLANTA
gard to occupation, who are not in the Confer-
erate or State service, to report by 12 M., on Thursday, the 26th inst., to 0. H. Jones, marshal
of the city, to be organized into companies and armed, and to report to General Wright when organized. And all male citizens who are not willing to defend their homes and families are requested to leave the city at their earliest con
venience, as their presence only embarrasses the
authorities and tends to the demoralization of others."
The extreme gravity of the situation may be
gauged by the fact that no age limit was observed in the Mayors proclamation, its provisions ap plying to "all male citizens," instead of to those
between the ages of sixteen and sixty, as there
tofore. Four days after the issuance of this proclama
tion, May 27, 1864, the people of Atlanta heard for the first time the thunder of the guns which ultimately were to play such havoc in their fair
City. The enemy had reached their gates. The Federals had been repulsed at Eocky Face Ridge and Mill Creek Gap; Wheelers cavalry had put Stonemans cavalry to flight near Tunnel Hill, but the Confederates had met a severe repulse
east of Ostanaula. The desperate battle of New Hope church had been fought, darkness bringing
it to a close with indecisive results. On the 27th
there was terrific fighting between Cleburnes di vision and the Fourth Federal Corps near Picketts Mill, in which heavy losses were inflicted npon the Federals, but the following day the Con federates met a severe repulse.
OLD SCABS ARE HEALED
39
Fighting desperately, -land scoring occasional
local victories, the Confederates nevertheless
were forced back steadily, and on June 4th Gen
eral Johnston abandoned Acworth and Altoona,
retiring to a position near Kennesaw Mountain,
where occurred one of the most spectacular bat
tles in the Atlanta campaign. The battle of Ken
nesaw Mountain proved another Confederate
;
triumph, but, as on so many other occasions,
"the Yankees wouldnt stay licked," and the re-
i
suit was merely to postpone the inevitable.
(
Describing this battle in his Memoirs, General
I
Sherman said, "About 9 A. M. of the day ap-
|
pointed (June 27, 1864) the troops moved to the
I
assault, and all along our line for ten miles a
|
furious fire of artillery and musketry was kept
]
up. At all points the enemy met us with deter-
I
mined courage and great force. McPhersons col
umn fought up the face of lesser Kennesaw, but
could not reach the summit. About a mile to the
right (Just below the Dallas Road) Thomass as-
i
saulting column reached the parapet, where Brig-
I
adier-General Harker was shot down and mor-
"
tally wounded, and Brigadier-General McCook
(my old law partner) was desperately wounded,
from the effects of which he afterward died. By
11:30 the assault was, in fact, over, and had
failed. We had not broken the rebel line at either
point."
In view of the inhuman methods resorted to
by the Germans in the great World War, it is
worth while to record here an incident which il
lustrates the presence of a contrary spirit among
the Americans who were fighting one another in
40
ATLANTA
61-65. At the battle of Kennesaw Mountain the fire of the Confederates upon the Federals was so terrific that the woods were set on fire at a point where General Barkers forces had made a daring but futile assault. Here the ground was thickly strewn with the dead and dying, and when flames arose, threatening to burn the living with the dead, the Confederates were ordered to cease firing, one of their commanders calling to the Federals that fire would be withheld until the "wounded could be carried off the field. There upon the battle ceased upon this front, and was not renewed until the wounded had been removed. Then the exchange of shot and shell was resumed with wonted fury. It was thus that brave men fought.
The severe repulse received by Sherman at Kennesaw Mountain, whose sombre brow is clear ly visible from Atlanta skyscrapers, had no ma terial effect upon his plans. He pushed doggedly on. This battle was not over before he realized its futility, and before the last shot was fired, he had started a movement toward the Chattahoochee River. This caused an immediate evacua tion of their positions by the Confederates, who crossed the river for the purpose of placing them selves between Atlanta and the oncoming army of Federals. The crossing of the Chattahoochee was effected by the Confederates on July 9th, the Federals pushing their forces across by the 17th, and thereby putting behind the last natural bar rier that stood between them and Atlanta.
On June 16, the body of General Polk, the dis tinguished soldier-bishop, .who had been killed
OLD SCARS ARE HEALED
41
the day before by a shell, was brought to Atlanta. Funeral services were held at St. Lukes Church, where the body had been escorted by a committee of prominent citizens. It was a time of great gloom in the City, and this atmosphere was deep ened by the presence of the still form of this fallen leader. The victory at Kennesaw Moun
tain, which followed the death of General Polk by a few days, served temporarily to lift the pall of gloom, but subsequent events left little hope to "those who felt that the fall of Atlanta meant the fall of the Confederacy, and who had longed for and prayed for some rift in the clouds.
Meanwhile there was much criticism over the failure of the government at Richmond to lend assistance to General Johnston, it being pointed out that a sufficient force of cavalry could have been run in behind Sherman, destroying his lines of communication and thereby making con
tinued progress impossible. But no cristicsms, nor representations along this line, had effect, and no action was taken by the Richmond authorities until Sherman was upon Atlanta. At this point General Johnston was relieved of his command and General J. B. Hood was placed in charge. Thereupon much controversy arose concerning
the wisdom of the step, the Confederate press expressing widely divergent views. However,
the time came when it was generally conceded to have been one of the great blunders of the war.
Sherman interpreted the change as meaning that there would be a change in tactics; that under the
impetuous Hood the Confederates would proceed to attack instead of merely resisting attack, and
42
ATLANTA
thereupon he caused notice of the change to be sent to all division commanders and warned them "to be always prepaved for battle in any shape."
News of the removal of General Johnston and the elevation of General Hood was conveyed to
General Sherman by a Federal spy, who obtained a copy of a newspaper containing General John stons order relinquishing command, and escaped to the Federal lines. Thus General Sherman knew of the change within twenty-four hours.
The forces of General Sherman were arrayed about Atlanta in the following order: General Palmer on the extreme right, General Hooker on the right center, General Howard center, General Scofield left center, and General McPherson on the extreme left. A general advance was made on July 18, and Peachtree Creek was reached on
the following day, a line of battle being formed along the south bank of the creek by Howard, Hooker and Palmer. In the meantime the left
wing had moved around toward Decatur, where several miles of railroad was torn up for the pur pose of cutting off any possibility of communica
tion from that source. Matters stood thus on the morning of the 20th,
when a portion of General Hoods army made a sudden and determined assault upon Howards position, the attack being extended presently to
the position of General Hooker. This assault, carried on with the utmost courage and des
peration, and involving about half of General Hoods forces, resulted in temporary gains, but before dark the Confederates, faced by over whelming numbers, were forced to fall back, leav-
OLD SCABS ABE HEALED
43
ing several hundred of their dead upon the field. They had inflicted terriffic punishment upon the enemy, especially among the forces of General Hooker, whose losses were about fifteen hundred.
On the day of this gallant but unsuccessful
charge, Atlanta received her first baptism of fire
from the guns of General Sherman. Only three shells fell in the city during the day, but the effect was more than ordinarily shocking, made so by the fact that the first one to fall killed a child at the intersection of Ivy and East Ellis Streets, the tragedy occurring in the presence of the
father and mother of the child. The following day, July 21, was devoted by
both sides to preparations for what was to prove a decisive struggle. General Hood withdrew from the Peachtree Creek line and occupied the "last ditch" position which had been prepared for the defense of Atlanta; a fortified line facing North and East. Here Stewarts Corps, a part of Hardees Corps, and G. W. Smiths division of mili tia, were stationed, while General Hoods own corps, and the remainder of Hardees moved to a road leading from McDonough to Decatur, the purpose being to strike the left of McPhersons line. Meanwhile General Wheelers cavalry had been sent to Decatur for the purpose of attacking the supply trains of the enemy.
General Hoods supreme effort occurred on the 22nd, the following day, when a tremendous as sault was made against the grand division of General McPherson, composed of Logans sand Blairs Corps, and which occupied the left of the Federal army. The assault was sudden and un-
44
ATLANTA
Ii
expected, and was carried with such fury that
*
temporary success was achieved, but the enemy
rallied to the shock, and was able to repel re
peated charges, in spite of the desperate courage
displayed by the men in gray. During this bat
tle, General McPherson was killed, but General
Logan assumed command at once and every as
sault of the Confederates was thrown back.
Having failed on the left, General Hood opened a determined attack upon Shermans right at 4 oclock in the afternoon, and carried forward the struggle for a time with conspicuous success. He broke through the main lines, capturing De Gres battery of four twenty-pound Parrott guns, and turning the weapons upon the enemy. Su perior numbers told, however, and in the end the Confederates were beaten back, being forced to
abandon the captured guns.
The result of these engagements, in which the smaller forces of General Hood threw all that they possessed of courage and resourcefulness into fheconflict, sealed the fate of Atlanta, but
the end was not yet. The losses in this battle were heavy, and the Confederates, waging the offensive, suffered most severely. General Hoods
losses were estimated at 6,000 killed and wound ed, while those of General Sherman were placed
at 3,500.
A truce was declared on the following day, July 23, for the burial of the dead, but this truce
existed only upon the front where the fighting
had raged. Meanwhile the shelling of Atlanta had been resumed, and was going along steadily
OLD SCABS ARE HEALED
45
while the Confederates consigned their dead to the grave.
A third attempt to inflict defeat upon the beseiging army was made by General Hood on July 28, when Hardees and Lees infantry made a
daring and spectacular attack upon the extreme right flank of the Federal army, commanded by General Logan. From 11:30 in the morning until
4 in the afternoon, the battle was waged with all the fury of desperation, but it, too, was futile. The enemy could not be dislodged. Here again,
due to the nature of the fighting, the losses of the Confederates greatly outnumbered those of the
Federals. General Logan placed his losses in killed and wounded at 572, while the Confederates suffered losses in killed and wounded aggrega ting some 2,700, the figures bearing witness to the valor they displayed in charging the defenses of the enemy time and time again.
From this time forward, throughout July, the Union forces made sundry efforts to break through the Confederate lines and enter Atlanta, but were repulsed on each occasion. Meanwhile
the City was under fire and slowly but surely the damage from solid shot and .explosive missies mounted upward. Early in August further at tempts were made to penetrate the Confederate lines, attacks being launched on the 5th and 7th,
but they were repulsed, as had been the previous assaults.
August came and brought with it a tightening of the lines about the city. The enemy was seek ing to cut off every line of communication with the outside world, and in this he finally succeed-
46
ATLANTA
ed. Meanwhile the shelling of the City continued, reaching its greatest fury on August 16, on which date numerous citizens were killed and injured and immense damage to property resulted. The Confederates had stationed a huge gun at Peachtree and Kimball Streets, which they used with great effectiveness, but it served to concentrate the fire of the Federal gunners upon that quarter, resulting in great damage to numerous struc tures in the business section. Other guns stationed about the city boomed furiously in reply to the thunder of the enemies weapons, and between the sound of these explosions, and the continual crash of exploding shells, the city became an inferno of noise, swollen at frequent intervals by the roar of a falling building. The very air was loathsome with the odor of burned powder, while a pall of smoke and dust overhung the City, so thick that the sun seemed a ball of feebly glow ing sulphur.
This shelling of a city, with its thousands of helpless women and children, and its feeble old men, seemed a monstrous thing to General Hood, and he wrote a letter to General Shennan pro testing in the most vigorous terms, but what he had to say made no impression upon the grim leader of the beseiging hosts. General Sherman replied by charging General Hood with cowardice
in seeking shelter in a city full of women and children and then appealing to the enemy for mercy, and reminding the General that war "is the science of barbarism," the main object being to slay and destroy. After pronouncing this grim doctrine, he expressed love for the South, but
OLD SCARS ABE HEALED
47
made it evident that he considered it entitled to considerable punishment.
On the last day of August the final struggle
between the contending forces in and about At lanta was fought at Jonesboro, where the Con federates did their utmost to break the strangle hold of the Federals, but without success. With the loss of this battle hope for Atlanta vanished and General Hood prepared quickly to abandon the city.
The psychological effect of the fall of Atlanta was tremendous. The fight of the South had been waged with such relentless vigor, and had been crowned with so many successes, particularly under General Eobert E. Lee, that the gloom throughout the North was intense. Though forced backed repeatedly by overwhelming numbers, the armies of the Confederacy seemed to be unbeat able, and there was a feeling that the struggle would be prolonged indefinitely. This condition had created so much dissatisfaction in the North that grave doubt existed concerning the re-elec tion of President Lincoln. There was a very gen eral demand for a change, and the administration viewed the approaching election with grave con cern. Not only so, but there was in the North a strong sentiment in favor of closing the war
by compromise. With the fall of Atlanta, the change was elec
trical. The North foresaw the end, and was de lirious with joy. The re-elction of Lincoln was made certain, and talk of compromise was hushed.
This crowning disaster to Southern arms, came suddenly and was due largely to an entire change
48
ATLANTA
of tactics, following the supplanting of General Johnston "by General Hood. The former had carried on a remarkable campaign, refusing to accept battle with the overwhelming forces of Sherman unless the conditions were favorable to his own forces; a method nnder which the max imum of punishment was inflicted upon the en emy and a minimum of loss was sustained by the Confederates. He lost much territory, but main tained an army upon a high state of efficiency, and it was an army that Sherman always ap proached with the utmost caution.
With the ascendency of General Hood, the aggressive was adopted, and the comparatively small forces under Trim were thrown against the mighty army of Sherman in magnificient assaults that accomplished no important results, but served to reduce the army in frightful fashion. This mode of fighting about Atlanta cost the Con federate army as many men, within a few hun dred, as had been lost under Johnston during all the fighting that had occurred in the seventy-odd days preceding the change in commanders. In the interval between July 17, 1864, and February 23, 1865, When General Johnston was reinstated, the army which he had built up and which he had conserved with masterly skill, was shot to pieces.
Following the fall of Atlanta, one of the most astonishing military developments in all history was witnessed. General Hood shortly thereafter turned his army toward Tennessee and in a little while General Sherman was headed for Savan nah. Thus two forces that had faced one another and fought one another through weeks and
OLD SCABS ABE HEALED
49
months, were back to back one sweeping prac
tically unopposed through the State like a devour ing flame, and the other headed for ultimate ruin upon another front. A unique and amazing spec tacle !
CHAPTER IV.
THROUGH WARS FURNACE
PREPARATIONS for the evacuation of At lanta proceeded with great rapidity, and by midnight of September 1, the withdraw al was complete, save for a small cavalry force whose labors would not be complete until the military stores in the city, which it was im possible to remove, had been destroyed.
This work of destruction began about the mid night hour, and for a little while the city resem bled a seething volcano. The earth trembled be neath the force of mighty explosions as locomo tives were blown up at shops and round houses, and the din reached appalling proportions as the work of destroying seventy carloads of ammuni tion began. The noise of exploding shells was incessant and the heavens were continuously aglow with the flames which shot high above the City as carload after carload of munitions were destroyed. Houses rocked iipon their founda tions as the earth reeled beneath the mighty im pact, while the noise of breaking glass and fall ing plaster added to the din.
Until almost dawn the work of destruction went forward, and then the cavalrymen who had thus signified the passing of Atlanta from the hands of the Confederates, quickly withdrew to join the retreating forces of General Hood.
With the departure of the Confederates, which left the City without government of any kind,
THROUGH WARS FURNACE 51
there was a brief reign of anarchy. The lawless
element, finding the reins of authority lying loose,
formed into sundry groups and began to loot
stores and vacant dwellings. But the things ob
tained were of comparatively little value, as most
merchants had foreseen the possibility of such an
eventuality, and valuables had been put out of the way.
Under the almost continuous rain of shells, the people of Atlanta had become phlegmatic; accus
tomed to the noise and the danger and quite at
home in their dug-outs or cellars. Now a new and unknown something awaited them, and a feel
ing of profound apprehension gripped the com
munity. No notice had been given of the in
tended evacuation by the Confederate forces, and
some, the day before, even cherished the delusion that a great victory had been achieved over
Sherman at Jonesboro. Now the defenders were
gone, and the enemy stood without the city gates
with nothing to hinder his entrance. What would
he do when in possession? What new horrors
awaited this afflicted people!
These questions, upon almost every lip, went
unanswered for a time. Quiet fell upon the City,
death-like after the awful noises of the night be-
>lf.
fore. And while the people waited in tense
silence, the invaders made no move. No soldiers
5
in blue appeared, no messengers arrived, no
token of any kind came from beyond those lines
v
where were tens of thousands of armed men;
|
men who had fought their way for hundreds of
\
miles in order to realize this hour.
52
ATLANTA
The apprehension and uncertainty grew, and finally Mayor Calhoun called a conference of prominent citizens to formulate some line of con
duct. They met near the intersection of Peach-
tree and Marietta Streets, and there, surrounded by the debris of damaged buildings, they decided that the thing to do was to communicate with General Sherman and, as the Confederate leader
had made no formal surrender of the City, this should be done by the civil authorities. This decision reached, it was decided to notify General Sherman at once, and then came up the question of whether or not members of the party should bear arms. "No," said the Mayor, "this would
never do," and thereupon weapons were laid aside, it being observed while this was being done that one of the party had four revolvers on his person! He evidently had expected to fight until the last ditch.
It required courage for these men to lay aside their arms and go forth into the ranks of the enemy, for they were liable to be fired upon long before they could reach General Sherman, buf the call of duty was clear, and they went forth unafraid. They rode out Marietta Street, where progress even on horseback was made difficult at times by reason of the mass of debris which littered the street; remnants of houses that had been torn to pieces by shells. On they went through this scene of devastation, reaching and crossing the deserted earthworks of the Confed erates where so many gallant efforts had been made to save their city, and thence into the open toward the works of the Federals.
THROUGH WABS FURNACE 53
For four miles the little body of civilians pro
gressed along a smitten path, when suddenly, at a point where their movements had been con
cealed for the moment by the contour of the
earth, they came upon a company of marching
soldiers men in blue. The committee halted, while a Union Colonel rode up for an explana
tion. Their story was quicMy told, and thereupon an orderly was instructed to escort the commit
tee to the headquarters of General Shermau.
Shown into the presence of the General, they found a disheveled and care-worn individual, sur
rounded by none of the "pomp and circum stance" of war; a man. who evidently found it an ugly business, but whose stern countenance be-
trayed an unalterable purpose to finish it at any
cost.
Addressing General Sherman, Mayor Calhoun explained the condition of the City and said that
he had come to surrender it, the only condition being that life, liberty and private property be
protected. "What this brave executive would have
done had Ms conditions been declined, opens an interesting field of speculation, but, fortunately,
no such contingency arose. Speaking in short,
crisp sentences, General Sherman said that the
,
conditions would be granted, and, at the same
time, he added that the civil authorities had pur
sued the right course in coming directly to \nm.
He ventured the hope that their relations would
be pleasant, "But this is war," he barked out
with a great oath, "and I must place your town under martial law."
54
ATLANTA
When, as they were taking leave of the Union Commander, one of the committee said, "Now that we have surrendered, you will probably
come in at once," General Shennan cried, "Come in! I think some of my men are already there." Then, darting a searching glance at Mayor Cal-
houn, he said: "I suppose it is understood that none of your people will fire upon my soldiers?"
He was assured that this would not be done, and thereupon the committeemen turned their faces once more toward Atlanta, where they had suf
fered so many hardships and disappointments, and where, though they thought the cup of bit
terness had been drained, some dregs remained, as poignant as any that had gone before.
The arrival of the blue-clad host began im mediately and continued throughout the day, the only opposition they met coming from a half dozen Confederate cavalrymen who had lingered in the city, and who fired a few shots at the enemy upon Decatur Street. Realizing, however, the futility of attempting to do what General Hood and his batallions had failed to accomplish, these dashing cavalrymen whirled almost imme diately and clattered off in pursuit of the Con federate army. Thus Atlanta passed into the hands of the enemy, and thus opened that final chapter of the Citys slow march up the hill called Golgotha, in which it bore its cross of suffering
to the very peak. With the arrival of the Federal forces, the city
underwent an immediate transformation. Deal ers in all sorts of merchandise came swift upon the heels of the advance guard of soldiers, and
THROUGH WAITS FURNACE 55
by nightfall empty stores had been stocked "with
goods, groceries, clothing and the like, and enter
prising newsdealers were crying their wares.
Daily newspapers from New York, magazines and
even novels were displayed, and Atlanta began
to experience a revival of commerce. Quarter
masters stores were brought into the City in
great quantities, and a depot of supplies was
opened by the United States Sanitary Commis
sion.
The influx continued throughout the entire
night, and far into the following day. Billiard
/
rooms and bars were opened, and advertisements
\
appeared announcing a minstrel performance for
{
that night. Dense crowds of soldiers and civilians
thronged the streets, but there was no disorder.
As soon as a survey had been made of the
City, the homes of some of the most prosperous
citizens were taken over for the commanding offi
cers of the Union army. General Sherman made
his headquarters in a large building at the cor
ner of Mitchell and Washington Streets, after
ward used as a high school.
Fear that the women might be subjected to in
dignities disappeared quickly, as the soldiers were
courteous as a rule, and were subject to strict
discipline. Want had multiplied in the City dur
ing the long seige, when it was almost impossible
to bring in supplies, and measures of relief were
taken at once by the invaders. Food was distri
buted to those who needed it. But while these
developments were gratifying to the people, and
furnished some measure of relief from the appre
hension which weighed upon them, they sensed
56
ATLANTA
the fact that they were under a stem and impla cable ruler and no show of consideration could remove entirely the fears that compassed them about.
The Union flag was hoisted, of course, and the attitude of the people toward this emblem was watched closely. It was observed in one instance that a young lady, in front of whose home a flag had been placed, began to leave and to enter by the rear door. It being obvious that it was her purpose to avoid walking tinder the flag, the stars and stripes were raised above the back door. Confronted by this situation, the young lady, one of the most beautiful in Atlanta, proceeded to show her defiance by climbing in and out a win dow! Having auburn hair and the high-strung disposition which is popularly supposed to go with it, she was extreme in her denunciations of the "Yankees," but that even such rage as that displayed by her may melt, was demonstrated by subsequent events.
Another charming but quick-tempered belle of
the sixties, who was exceedingly bitter against
the "Yankees," was a frequent visitor at the
home of my grandfather, Dr. Henry Carr Horn-
ady, then pastor of the First Baptist Church in
Atlanta. On one occasion when she was engaged
in a characteristic denunciation of the foe, Dr. Hornady sought to tease her by saying: "Dont go on so, child, for you may be marrying one of
these handsome Yankee officers before this thin?
is over." She replied, "Never, Id die first," but the truth is that she did this very thing some
THROUGH WARS FURNACE 57
time thereafter, and the marriage was a happy one.
In this connection it might be observed, that when the war ended finally, the "Yankee" offic ers had a distinct advantage over the returned Southerners when it came to courting the fair sex. The Southern boys were in rags for the most part, and there was no way of providing the becoming garments of the period. Old carpets, rugs and draperies were cut up and transformed into suits, and even bedticMng was used. The result in most cases was to merely provide a covering for the body, and the young man adorned with one of these make-shift suits lacked much of being a Beau Brummell. Those who were no better pro vided for naturally were somewhat backward about seeking the society of the belles of the hour, and thus golden opportunities were allowed to slip.
Contrasted with the pitiful raiment of many of these young men, the smart uniforms of the Union officers shone resplendently, and they experienced none of the hesitency that characterized the native sons when it came to seeking the society of the fair sex. Thus circumstances, over which no one had control, so shaped events that many Northern youths found the opportunity to make themselves agreeable to the belles of the South, and it was in evitable that, in the course of time, some should have won their way into the hearts that once had flamed with hate. It was some time, however, be fore this state of affairs eventuated, nor is it to be assumed that the Southern boys were crowded out entirely. That would be far from the truth, for
3
J
58
ATLANTA
with truly Spartan courage, thousands upon thous ands of lovely Southern girls, disregarding the poor apparel and the empty pockets of the return ed soldiers, united with them and entered joyous ly upon the work of rearing citadels out of which flowed streams of healing that helped mightily in the rehabilitation of the .stricken South.
The uncertainty that attended the coming of the Federal troops into Atlanta was dispelled in a few day^s, and then the people learned for the first time how full was to be the measure of their punish ment. In their wildest nights of fancy they had not dreamed of being turned from their homes and forced into exile, but this is the unhappy fate that befell them. On September 4th, General Sherman issued his order of exile, the opening paragraph reading:
"The City of Atlanta being exclusively required for warlike purposes, will be at once vacated by all except the armies of the United States, and such civilians as may be retained."
In this proclamation no time limit was set by General Sherman for the forced departure of the civilian population, but this limit was fixed at ten days in a communication which he addressed to General Hood, three days later. In this letter, which was conveyed to the Confederate Com mander by two citizens of Atlanta who had been designated for the purpose by General Sherman, the Union Commander said:
"General: I have deemed it to be for the inter est of the United States that the citizens now re siding in Atlanta shall remove; those who prefer,
to go South, the rest to go North. For the former
THBOUGH WAES FUBNACE 59
I can provide transportation in cars as far as Bough and Beady, and also wagons; but that their removal may be made with as little discomfort as possible, it will be necessary to help the families from the cars at Bough and Beady to the cars at Lovejoy. If you consent, I will undertake to re move all the families who prefer to go South to Bough and Beady, with all their movable effects, viz.; clothing, trunks, reasonable furniture, bed ding, etc., with their servants, white or black, with the provision that no force will be used to ward the blacks one way or another; but if they want to go with their masters and mistresses they may go, otherwise they will be sent away, except the men, who may be employed by our quarter master. Atlanta is no place for families of noncombatants, and I have no desire to send them North if you will assist to convey them South. If my proposition meets your views I will consent to have troops in the neighborhood of Bough and
Beady, stipulating that no wagon, horses, animals or persons sent for the purpose stated, shall be in
any manner harmed or molested; you on your part agreeing, that no cars, carriages, persons or
animals shall be interfered with. Each might send a guard, say of one hundred men, to maintain
order, and to limit the truce to ten days after a
certain time appointed. I have authorized the Mayor to designate two citizens to carry this letter and such other documents as he may for
ward in explanation. I shall await your reply. I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
"W. T. Sherman, Major-General."
60
ATLANTA
Upon receipt of this communication, Gen eral Hood entered a vigorious protest against the proposed action, sending the following comnranieation to General Shennan:
"General: Tour letter of yesterdays date borne by James M. Ball and James R. Crew, citens of Atlanta, has been received. Yon say therein that yon deem it to be for the interest of the Unit ed States for the citizens residing in Atlanta to be removed, and so forth. I do not consider that I have an alternative in the matter. I accept the proposition to declare a truce of ten days, or such time as may be necessary to accomplish the pur pose mentioned, and shall render all the assist ance in my power to expediate the transportation of citizens in this direction. I suggest that a staff officer be appointed by you to superintend the removal to Rough and Ready, while I will appoint a like officer to control the removal further south; that a guard of one hundred be sent by each party, as you propose, to maintain order at that place, and that the removal begin next Monday.
"And, now, Sir, permit me to say that the un precedented measure you propose transcends, in studied and ingenious cruelty, all acts ever before brought to my attention in the dark history of this war. In the name of God and humanity, I
protest, and believe you will find yourself wrong in thus expelling from their homes and firesides
the wives and children of a brave people. I have
the honor to be, General,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"J. B. Hood."
THROUGH WARS FURNACE 61
The tart comment of General Hood had no ef fect upon General Sherman, who proceeded with out loss of time to put into effect his arrangements for ridding the City of its civil population. Notice was given that the exodus would hegin the fol lowing Monday, and forthwith hurried prepara tion was made by the people to leave their homes for they knew not what. It was the saddest, blackest day in all the troubled history of the little community, for not one, man, woman or child, knew what the future held in store. They knew only that they were turning their backs upon dear, familiar firesides; that they were leaving behind places where had existed the most tender associa tion, and many an eye was dim as the sad proces sions made their way out of the community wo men and children and aged men forming a picture of indescribable pathos. But there was naught of humiliation in their attitude. Bearing themselves with the same high courage that had character ized them throughout the troubled years of the conflict, they moved on, undismayed and unafraid, to the uncretain fate that lay before them.
The exodus to the South carried 446 families, including 860 children and 705 adults. The record of the number going North is not preserved, though it undoubtedly was much smaller. That the movement was conducted with skill and with such attention to the humanities as conditions made possible, is attested by a communication address ed by Major Clare, of General Hoods staff, to Colonel Warner, of General Shermans staff. In this letter, written under date of Sept. 22, 1864, Colonel Clare said:
62
ATLANTA
"Colonel: Our official communication is about
to cease. You will permit me to "bear testimony to
the uniform courtesy you have shown on all occas
ions to me and my people, and the promptness
with which you have corrected all irregularities
arising in our intercourse. Hoping at some time
to be able to reciprocate your positive kindness,
I remain with respect, Tour obedient servant."
The Federal forces remained in Atlanta until
General Shennan had completed his plans for the
famous march to the sea," whereupon he ap
plied the torch and went on his way toward Savan
nah, Nov. 15,1864.
In his final blow at the "Citadal of the Confed
eracy," General Sherman was thorough, as in all
things. Few buildings were omitted from his
plan of destruction, and these for reasons which
seemed sufficient to him but were something of a
mystery to the citizens when they returned.
Whitehall Street was largely a mass of ruins, and
Alabama Street presented much the same aspect.
Some buildings were left standing on Pryor, Hun
ter, Mitchell and Loyd Streets, but Marietta pre
sented a scene of terrible desolation. Business
blocks, churches, homes and hovels had crumbled
beneath the fury of the flames, the total number
of buildings destroyed being estimated at four
thousand five hundred. The list included every
building in the City devoted to education. Thus
it would appear that the lamented Henry Grady
was indulging in no idle dream when, before the
New England Society in New York, he dropped
the observation that some people thought General
!
Sherman was "kind of careless about fire."
THBOUGH WARS FUBNACE 63
Following the evacuation of the Union army, the Confederates again entered, the first official order appearing after the reoccupation of the City bearing the date of Dee. 2,1864. That the military leaders had not given up hope or weakened in their purpose, is shown by the fact that steps to strengthen the forces were taken immediately af.after headquarters had been opened. On Dec. 8, a call was issued for all persons in Fulton County between the ages of 16 and 55 to report at the City Hall for military duty. The age limits fixed here, and in previous calls, would appear to have been extreme, but, as a matter of fact, many persons under sixteen and over fifty-five volunteered for service. This was true at the beginning of the conflict, and was so until the end. Boys of four teen and fifteen frequently ran away from their homes and enlisted under the pretense that they were sixteen, and bewhiskered men of sixty and over good shots and innured to hardships, gave themselves willingly to the cause, hence the saying that "the cradle and the grave" contributed to the armies of the Confederacy. The gameness and endurance of these old men, and the dauntless spirit of the boys, contributed much to the valour of the Southern armies, and helped to make lum inous their record of achievement.
No sooner had the word gone forth that the Con federates again occupied Atlanta, than the exiled citizens began to return. Mayor Calhoun was back and had assumed his duties by the tenth, as had Marshal 0. H. Jones. Other prominent citiz ens who returned at once included Dr. J. F. Alex ander, Col. J. W. Duncan, Col. Cowart, Judge
64
ATLANTA
Butt, Perino Brown, Dr. Simmons, Major Thomp
son, Major Bacon, Dr. Lawshee, L. C. Salmon, J. T. Porter, Messrs. Peek and Purtell, Col. N. J.
Hammond, Col. J. I. WMtaker, Rev. Henry Carr Hornady, Col. G. W. Lee, Judge C. H. Strong, W. "W. Roark, Captain Hnbbard, W. P. Howard, and
others.
This little handful of pioneers began at once the work of rehabilitation, being joined daily by oth ers who also applied themselves to the task. J. G. Pounds opened a store at the corner of Whitehall and Mitchell Streets, and other enterprises began to appear. On Christmas Day religious services were resumed, the first sermon delivered in the City after its destruction being preached by Dr. Hornady, pastor of the First Baptist Church. It was a sermon of hope, and of prophecy, and it is interesting to record that the speaker on that memorable occasion lived to see his vision of a new-born city, peopled by a happy and contented citizenship, realized to the full. At the time of his
death, thirty-two years later, Atlanta had become one of the great cities of the South.
"With the repair of the railroads and the open ing of avenues of transportation, the influx of re turning exiles grew in volume, and before the win ter of 1864-65 was over, the population had again
attained considerable proportions. But it was a time of great trial to the people. In many instanc
es every vestige of homes and places of business
had been wiped out, and the people literally began to build for the future amid the ashes of what had been. Atlanta at this time was no place for the ad venturer and the neer-do-well. The situation here
\ STUDY IN CONTRASTS--KORSYTH STBKKT AS IT IS NOW AND AH IT WAS IN TIIR RTOHTIKH
THROUGH AVAR'S FURNACE 65
challenged the strongest and the most purposeful, and it was this type of men and women who ap plied themselves to the work of rehabilitation. Im bued with a passionate love for the community, and inspired by unfaltering faith in its future, they wrought miracles of restoration, in spite of the derth of materials.
The work of destruction in Atlanta had not stopped with the burning of thousands of build ings. Every piece of machinery that might have been useful in the work of restoration, had been damaged beyond repair. Lathes and engines had been broken up, boilers had exploded, saw-mills had been reduced to junk, and there remained practically nothing with which to work save the bare hands. As a result, the early structures were of a temporary character, but as soon as the machinery and materials could be brought in, permanency became the key-note of endeavor, as is shown by the presence today of numerous sub stantial structures, reared during the period of reconstruction, and still rendering useful service.
With the celebration of Resurrection Day in the churches of Atlanta in the Spring of 1865, the City was virile with life. Easter services were held throughout the community and it was a day of renewed hope and kindling faith. Services at this time were being held at the First Baptist Church, Rev. H. C. Hornady; Central Presbyterian Church, Rev. John S. Wilson; Wesley Chapel, Rev. W. W. Wightman, and Trinity Church, Rev. R. A. Holland.
Meanwhile the fearful tragedy of the war was hastening to its close, and all the dreams that had
66
ATLANTA
clustered about the establishment of a separate government to be composed of those States among
which existed a common sympathy and a common purpose, vanished into thin air. Four years of superhuman struggle and sacrifice ended on April 9th, 1865, when General Robert E. Lee, the idol of the South, handed his sword to General Grant
at Appomattox.
Under an order issued at Macon on May 3, Col. E. B. Eggleston, of the First Ohio Cavalry, was designated to receive the surrender of the Confed erate troops at Atlanta. He came to this City at once and took command on May 4, one of his first official acts being to issue an order reading "All persons in and about Atlanta, Ga., in possession of intoxicating liquors of any kind, are hereby prohibited from selling or giving the same to any soldier, whatever, under penalty of forfeiture of all liquors found in their possession."
This order was reassuring, in that it indicated
to the people that drunkness and disorder would not be permitted, but no act of consideration could have lifted the pall of gloom which overhung the City when it became known finally that the cause of the Confederacy had been irretrevibly lost. The
sacrifices had been too great and the suffering too
intense for ready forgetfulness. Atlanta now became a scene of great activity,
but it was of a most pathetic character to the peo
ple of the city. Soldiers in garments of worn and ragged gray, came in large numbers, and the prob lem of caring for them would have been acute but
for the broad humanitarianism displayed by Col onel Eggleston. The readiness with which the
THROUGH WARS FURNACE 67
needs of these war-worn men were supplied from the post commissary brought words of highest commendation from the "Daily Intelligencer," the publication of which had been resumed.
The formal raising of the United States flag above Atlanta came at a moment unforgetable in the history of America. On May, 1864, President Lincoln, had been assassinated, and when the Stars and Stripes were raised in Atlanta on May 16, in front of the headquarters of Colonel Eggleston, the banner stopped at half mast, and remain ed there, rippling to the soft May breeze. Thus tribute was paid to the dead War President in a city where war had left so many cruel scars.
CHAPTEBV.
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE.
I T is typical of the spirit of Atlanta that little time was lost in lamenting over the losses and hardships of the past. With their zeal for the cause of the Confederacy evidenced by such devotion and snch sacrifices as few people are called npon to display, they turned their faces to the future with a supreme purpose to push on to better things, however discouraging the circumstanes. As they had been loyal to the Stars and Bars, they would be loyal to the Stars and Stripes. As they had wrought in war, they would labor in peace, confident that the years would crown their efforts with a goodly heritage.
This attitude found expression on June 24,1865, in a meeting held at the call of Mayor Calhoun, John M. Clarke, John Silvey, J. L. Dunning, J. W. Manning and W. E. Venable. This gathering was attended by many representative citizens, and fol lowing formal organization with Mayor Calhoun as chairman, a committee on resolutions was ap pointed, consisting of John M. Clarke, J. I. Whittaker, A. Austell, J. L. Dunning and G. W. Adair. This committee reported resolutions, the pre amble of which read:
"Whereas, the Constitution of the United States makes ample provision for the freedom of speech, the power of the press, and the unalienable right of the people to peacefully assemble,
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 69
and to counsel with each other on all matters of public concernment and national interest, and
"Whereas, the late war has left the State of Georgia in a most deplorable, disorganized and unsettled condition, we, therefore, as a portion of the people, have assembled this day to express our anxious solicitude for a speedy restoration to our original status in the Union, and hopefully antic ipate that the day is near at hand when the sun of our former prosperity and happiness will again, shine upon us with undiminished and even increas ed splendor, when each one may sit under his own 'vine and fig tree, with none to molest "him or make him afraid.' "
The resolutions which followed, and which were adopted as expressing the views and purposes of those assembled, voiced a lofty sentiment, saying among other things:
"That we most earnestly desire a speedy resto ration of all political and national relations, the restoration of mutual confidence and friendship, the uninterrupted intercourse of trade and com merce with every section; in fine, to hold and oc cupy our old position in the list of States, the sov ereign and sole conservators of an unbroken and imperishable union.
"That we counsel a ready and willing obedience to the laws, of our country, and with cheerfulness and patient industry the fulfillment of our mis sion."
Profound regret was expressed concerning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and confidence in the administration of President Andrew John son, was voted, together with an endorsement of
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James Johnson as provisional governor of Geor gia.
Appointment of provisional officers for Georgia were of a character to create confidence on the part of the people. John ErsMne, appointed Jndge of the United District Court, had been a cit izen of Atlanta before the war. He was well known
to the citizens of the conmnmity and enjoyed their confidence. James L. Dunning was made United States Marshal, and he, also, was warmly received as a former citizen of the community. A. W. Stone, an Atlanta man, was appointed District Attorney, and thus the people felt that in their officials un der the new regime they had men who knew them and who would deal justly with them.
Starting off under these fair prospects, Atlantans faced the future with optimism and confi dence, but as the reconstruction machinery of the Federal Government began its slow but implacable movements, numerous situations developed which called for the exercise of the greatest fortitude. Most of these troubles here, as elsewhere in the South, were due to the colossal and amazing blun der of conferring the full rights of citizenship up on a vast horde of ignorant and bewildered blacks.
The question of negro dominance became a burn ing issue throughout the South immediately the
full enfranchisement of the former slaves had be come the purpose of the Congress of the United States, and Atlanta was no exception. The move ment "to disfranchise our intelligence and make
the hereditary slaves of two centuries rulers of our political destiny," as I. W. Avery expressed it,
was one to inflame the passions of the people to
WITH FACES TO THE FUTUBE 71
fever heat, and a tense situation prevailed throughout the closing half of 1866, continuing in to the new year.
Feeling in Atlanta led, on February 28, to the publication of a notice calling a mass meeting for March 4, at the city hall, in order that the people might have an opportunity to express themselves. The call for this meeting was signed by the follow ing representative citizens: Ira B. Foster, Joseph Winship, E. E. Hulbert, Lemual Dean, J. H. Flynn, A. Austell, George Hillyer, H. Sells, D. F. Hammond, P. L. Mynatt, Bichard Peters, E. E. Bawson, S. P. Bichards, P. P. Pease, B. P. Zimmerman, Clark Howell, E. P. Howell, W. F. Meador, J. W. Simmons, F .M. Biehardson, J. B. Wallace, H. C. Barrow, W. A. Fuller, W. W. Butts, J. D. Pope, W. C. Moore, E. M. Farrar, C. A. Pitts, J. J. Morrison, John Sivley T. W. J. Hill, H. P. Farrow, J. A. Hayden, T. J. Healey, J. W. Loyd, J. Lemmons, E. F. Hoge, H. Muhlenbrink, L. S. Salmons, J. B. Campbell, J. E. Gullatt, A. A. Gaulding, J. A. Doane, A. K. Seago, Vines Fish, H. C. Hornady, J. C. Hendrix and C. C. Green.
Many of these names will be recognized as be longing to men who played a most conspicuous part in the building of Atlanta, and in shaping public thought throughout the State.
When the hour for the meeting approached, it became clear that control of the gathering was go ing to be difficult. A throng had assembled that taxed the capacity of the hall, and from snatches of conversation heard on all sides, it was evi dent that feeling ran deep. The task of the con servatives clearly was to keep the extreme ele-
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jnent from dominating the gathering and precipi tating some action that might make bad matters infinitely worse. The conservatives met no oppo sition in electing Richard Peters as Chairman and "W. I. Scruggs as Secretary, and when a motion had been adopted providing for the creation of a committee on resolutions, the chair named on this committee Colonel Farrow, Colonel J. J. Morrison, T. W. J. Hill, V. A. Gaskill, E. E. Rawson, I. G. Mitchell, J. 0. Harris, C. P. Cassin and E. E. Hulbert--all men who favored . a conservative course. This committee reported resolutions reading as follows:
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the people of Georgia should promptly, and without the least hesitation, accept the plan of res
toration recently proposed by Congress. "Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting
there are persons in each and every county within this State sufficient in numbers and sufficient in integrity and ability, who are not debarred from voting and holding office by the provisions of this law, to perform all the functions of government.
"Resolved That we earnestly hope that as soon
as practicable, all those who have the right to do so, will, in good faith, enter upon the duty of insti tuting for Georgia a legal State government.
"Resolved, That we, citizens of Fulton County, do hereby proclaim to our fellow citizens through out the entire Union, a sincere purpose, on our part to heal the wounds inflicted by the unhappy past, and we take this method of extending to our fellow citizens of every state, a cordial and hearty invitation to come and settle in our midst, assur-
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 73
ing them in the name of everything that is sacred that they shall be received and treated as friends, and as citizens of a common country.
"Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting he forwarded to Governor Jenldns, and a copy to the Reconstruction Committee at Washington."
These resolutions were read amid a tense sil ence and at the conclusion of the reading it was evident from the lack of applause that the verbage did not suit the majority of those present. Speech es in support of the resolutions were made by Col onel Farrow and Mayor Calhoun, but before a vote was taken Colonel L. J. Glenn obtained rec ognition, and thereupon offered the following:
"Resolved, 1. That in view of the present con dition of the Southern States, and the passage of the military bill by the House of Representatives over the President's veto, we think it the duty of the people of Georgia to remain quiet, and thereby at least preserve their self respect, their manhood and their honor.
"Resolved, 2. That in the event said bill has or does become a law, we trust Governor Jenkins, either alone or in connection with the governors of other Southern States, will at once take the necessary steps to have the constitutionality of the law tested before the Supreme Court of the United States.
"Resolved, 3. That we hereby tender to his ex cellency, President Johnson, our heartfelt thanks for the patriotic effort he has made to protect the constitution of the United States and the liberties of the people."
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The reading of these resolutions brought forth prolonged cheers, which left no doubt as to the temper of the gathering. Then, no sooner than the tumult had subsided, a further demonstration was brought about by Colonel T. C. Howard, who offered an amendment to the Glenn resolution, de nouncing the Sherman Military Bill as "harsh, cruel and unjust, as it surrenders life, liberty and estate to the arbitrary and despotic will of the mil itary power." The bill was further described in this amendment as "degrading to the bitterest and last degree, as it sinks us below the legal status of our former slaves, surrenders the control and
policy of the Southern States to the blacks, and by our own hands stigmatizes, disfranchises and dis avows the men who have periled life, fortune and all worldly ambitions for our sakes; that by our assent to the principles and provisions of said bill, the Southern people commit political suicide by arraying themselves against the President of the United States, who, with sublime courage, has re sisted the combined energies of the enemies of the government and constitution, by adopting and rat ifying outrages on our liberties that would not be tolerated an instant by that tribunal while a vestage of that instrument remained," etc.
The firey eloquence of Col. Howard swept the crowd, which was now ready for almost any ex tremes, but in the end, after much confusion and uncertainty, a motion to adjourn was made by Col onel E. J. Cowart, who expressed the view that the people were not then prepared to pass judgment upon a subject so grave and so farreaching. The motion to adjourn carried, but immediately Gen-
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 75
eral L. J. Gartrell leaped to his feet and called in clarion tones for all who favored the Glenn resolu tions to remain in the hall. Most of those present resumed their seats, and thereupon another meet ing was organized with General Gartrell as chair man and J. G. Whitner as secretary.
As soon as the second meeting had become org anized for business, Colonel Morrison asked if it was the intention to bar those opposed to the Glenn resolutions, and upon being answered in the negative, he made a vigorous speech in opposition. Other speakers were heard, and then a vote was taken, the result being an overwhelming majority for the Glenn resolutions.
Colonel Farrow, whose committee had offered the resolutions that went down in defeat, there upon announced that an adjourned meeting would be held that night to further consider these resolu tions, and the gathering dispersed. That night the Farrow resolutions were adopted, with an amendment calling upon the Governor to convene the Legislature immediately with a view of calling a convention to comply fully with the terms pre scribed by the Sherman act.
At the night meeting ex-Governor Brown was called upon, and he made an earnest plea for con servative action upon the part of the people, pointing out the futility of resistence and the harm which might result were any save a con structive course followed by the South.
It was a day full of excitement, accompanied by no little feeling, but in the end both sides had their way, though it is doubtful if either side had much weight in determining future events; events which
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were being shaped in Washington and over which the people of the South had little or no influence.
The State of Georgia subsequently became a party to a suit before the Supreme Court of the United States in which it was sought to obtain an injunction against the operation of the Sherman act, but the only effect was to intensify the feel ing of those who had determined to make a thor ough job of discipling the South.
Under the provisions of the Sherman Law, Major-General John Pope was appointed Com mander of the Third Military District, compris ing Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and he arriv ed in Atlanta by special train from Chattanooga on Sunday, March 31, 1867. He was met at the station by a committee of local citizens and es corted to the leading hotel, where a reception was held in his honor. It was attended by many prominent citizens, all of whom (were received by General Pope in a most gracious manner. He greeted them in civilian clothes and his deport ment throughout was that of one who wished to
make himself agreeable and to remove any tens ion which might exist.
One of the first acts of the military com mander was to remove the headquarters of the district to Milledgeville. At the same time he announced that all civil officers then in office in the three States under his jurisdiction, would reiain their positions until the expiration of their terms, "unless otherwise directed in special cases." He expressed the hope that "no neces sity will arise for the interposition of the mil itary authorities in the civil administration," and
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 77
pointed out that such a necessity could only arise "from the failure of the civil tribunals to protect the people, without distinction in their rights of person and property."
Altogether, the impression made by General Pope was most favorable, and there seems little doubt that he endeavored to discharge his diffi cult duties in a way to cause the least dissatisfac tion, but in the end the good feeling which char acterized his advent, disappeared and a clamor arose for his removal. He was removed on De cember 28, 1867, and Major-General George G. Meade was named as his successor. The change was received with enthusiasm by the people, but in the course of time General Meade became about as unpopular as his predecessor had grown. It it probable that both of these officials endeavored to discharge their duties with as lit tle friction as possible, and the resultant dissat isfaction was due, not to any desire on their part to be harsh or extreme, but to the fact that the laws under which they worked were harsh and extreme and could not be interpreted and admin istered in a manner wholly foreign to their funda mental character, however well intentioned the administrator might be.
The method of restoration to the Union was the point upon which the differences of this per iod largely turned, and it was while discussion upon this subject was at fever heat that a flam ing and dramatic figure leaped to the front. With a fearlessness that astonished those given to equivocation, and with an eloquence that was as a consuming fire, Benjamin H. Hill stepped into
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the arena and exposed the reconstruction scheme in all its nakedness. Speaking before a great convention in Atlanta, with the people hanging upon his every word, he urged the sacredness of the Constitution, denounced the Sherman act as violative of that great document, and continued "I charge before Heaven and the American peo ple this day, that every evil by which we have been afflicted has been attributable directly to the violation of the constitution. Tinkers may work, quacks may prescribe, and demagogues may de ceive, but I declare to you there is no remedy for us, and no hope to escape the threatened evils, but in adherence to the constitution."
He then denounced in the most scathing terms those who would support a convention which they knew to be contrary to the constitution. "I shall discharge the obligation of the amnistry oath," he said. "It required me to support the consti tution and the emancipation of the negro, and I do, but I will not bind myself to a new slavery-- to hell--by violating it."
Many others of prominence and influence adopted a like attitude toward the approaching State Convention, holding that it was called in defiance of the fundamental law of the land and that to participate in it was to trample under foot the one document under which liberty was guaranteed unto the people. Robert Toombs, former Governor Herschel V. Johnson and others were of like mind. The latter advised regis tration on the part of the people, but noncompliance with the terms imposed. He warned them "never to embrace their despotism," but to hope
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 79
for a reaction in the North and West against "the overthrow of constitutional liberty."
The convention at which these brilliant orators poured out the vials of their wrath before a vast and embittered audience, was held in an immense arbor erected on Alabama Street, July 23, 1868. The day was fearfully hot, and the multitude com posing the audience occupied hard wooden benches, but for five hours they listened eagerly to the words of such men as Robert Toombs, Benjamine Hill, Ralph J. Moses and Howell Cobb, their passionate sentences, as they described the evils of the reconstruction program, being greet ed with storms of applause.
Governor Jenkins, who was active in the pros ecution of the injunction proceedings in the United States Supreme Court, was also out spoken in his denunciation of the illegality of the methods proposed under the military acts; so much so that it brought on a sharp exchange of letters between General Pope and himself. These differences continued under the new military commander, General Meade, culminating finally in the removal of Governor Jennings from office and the appointment of Brigadier-General Thom as H. Ruger, to this position. This action was taken by General Meade on January 13, 1868, and the immediate cause was the refusal of Governor Jennings to authorize the payment of a bill, amounting to some forty thousand dollars, which money was to pay the cost of holding the state convention; a gathering which the governor held was unconstitutional. The State Treasurer, John Jones, was removed at the same time for the same
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cause, and he was succeeded by Captain Charles F. Rockwell, also of the United States army.
The order for the State Convention, about which so much bitter controversy raged, was is sued by General Pope on November 19, 1867. It
was to be held in Macon on December 5,1867, and was for the purpose of framing a constitution for the civil government of the State of Georgia.
When this convention met there were twentytwo negroes among the delegates, and one of these was made a door-keeper while another was
designated for the duties of messenger. Thus for the first time the black man made his appear ance in a gathering of this character in the State
of Georgia. "While the convention was in session and
shortly after he had appeared before the body and delivered an address, General Pope was removed from office, and a few days thereafter his succes sor, General Meade arrived in Atlanta. He was met here by an enthusiastic citizenship, and was presented with a set of resolutions shrewdly de signed to flatter him, and at the same time, afford the populace an opportunity to flay his predeces sor. These resolutions were adopted at a mass meeting held at the City Hall in Atlanta on the night of January 4, and were presented to Gen eral Pope upon his arrival two days later.
In the preamble to this remarkable set of reso lutions, the facts, surrounding the attempt of Gen eral Pope to force the payment of the $40,000 heretofore referred to, were set forth, while the convention itself was denounced as "conceived in fraud and brought forth in iniquity." It was
FULTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 81
also charged that the retiring general had been
"surrounded while in this city by evil counsellors
in civil life to whom he lent a listening ear, and
whose thirst for office influenced them to coun
sel to further oppression and degradation of our
people, in order that they might fatten on the
spoils thereof."
The first part of these resolutions, which so
seethed with the popular feeling of the hour, went
on most ingeniously, "While this meeting is un
alterably opposed to the military acts of Cong
ress, under which it proposed to 'reconstruct' the
Southern States, and while it disclaims any wish
(were it possible) to influence the action of Maj-
or-General George G. Meade, politically or other
wise, yet it can but express its gratitude that our
people shall have in him, as military commander
of this district, a gentleman and a soldier, who,
we have reason to believe, will uphold and not
destroy the civil government of the State; who
will uphold and not trample under foot the civil
laws he may find in force, and who will restore
those set aside by his predecessor; who will guar
antee freedom from fraud and corruption in reg
istrars, managers and voters, in any future elec-
|
tions or registrations that may be had under said
military acts; and who will tolerate, in its fullest
extent, freedom of speech and of the press in the
discussion of the great questions affecting the
present and future welfare of the people of Geor
gia."
The resolutions concluded "Entertaining these
j
views with reference to General Meade and to the
f
course he will pursue in the administration of his
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office, we welcome him to our City, and trust he will continue Ms headquarters in Atlanta, as Commander of The Third Military District."
A committee of seven was appointed to present the document to the military commander and to forward a copy to the President of the United States. The committee, in waiting upon General Meade, was cordially received, and if he saw in the resolutions any effort to shape his conduct, he did not betray the fact. Indeed, he was quite as cordial as his predecessors had been on a similar occasion, and made quite as favorable impres sion. That he was not greatly moved, however, was demonstrated exactly four days later when he threw Governor Jenkins out of office for de clining to put his O. K. on that much discussed bill for $40,000!
The Constitution Convention, which had been the subject of so much bitterness, completed its labors March 11, 1868, and the new constitution was ratified in an election held April 20, 21 and 22. Fulton County, of which Atlanta is the heart, voted for ratification by the narrow majority of 210 out of a total vote of 4,248, but gave an em phatic majority for John B. Gordon for Gov ernor, in opposition to E. B. Bullock. The latter was nominated by the delegates to the constitu tional convention, who had resolved themselves into a nominating convention for this purpose, and he was elected by the vote of the people in the State at large. In Fulton County he received 1,914 votes, while General Gordon received 2,357. The vote for these two candidates showed about the relative strength of the white and colored vot-
WITH FACES TO THE FUTUEE 83
ers in Fulton County, the whites being in the ma jority. However, this condition did not obtain universally, the negro voters greatly outnumber ing the whites in some quarters.
Called together under a proclamation issued by Governor-elect Bullock on June 25,1868, the Leg islature of Georgia convened in Atlanta on the Fourth of July, and had become organized to the satisfaction of General Meade, Military Com mander, by July 21. Immediately thereafter a resolution was offered ratifying the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and it was passed by the following vote: House 89 for and 69 against: Senate, 28 for and 14 against.
Governor Bullock was formerly inaugurated on the day following and served until his acts of incompetence and alleged venality created such a crisis that he fled the State, soon thereafter to be come the subject of a warrant, charging larceny in connection with certain bond transactions.
This session of the Legislature furnished one of the most sensational and amazing incidents in the entire history of the Commonwealth, when a Republican was elected to the United States Sen ate over Joseph E. Brown, former Democratic Governor of Georgia, the end being accomplished by Democratic votes. Another extraordinary phase of the picture was the delirious joy the re sult occasioned in Atlanta and throughout the en tire State.
The candidates whose names were ballotted up on were Joseph E. Brown, Alexander H. Steph ens, Joshua Hill and C. H. Hopkins. On the first
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ballot Former Governor Brown received 102 votes, Alexander H. Stephens 96, Joshua Hill 13
and C. H. HopMns 1. Fearing that Brown might win on the next ballot and determined to beat Tnim at any cost, the Democratic members, who had been supporting Stephens, flocked solidly to the support of Hill, the Republican, and on the second ballot Hill received 110, Brown 94, Stevens 1 and C. W. Stiles 1. Hill, Republican was elected.
Excitement over this contest was intense, and when the news went forth that Former Gov ernor Brown had been defeated, an immense crowd gathered in front of the United States Ho
tel, where a remarkable demonstration of enthu siasm was witnessed.
On the same day, H. V. M. Miller was elected to the Senate, defeating Foster Bloodgett, a very unpopular representative of the Republican party, and this added to the cup of joy.
The reason for this attitude of bitterness to ward former Governor Brown was his alleged "desertion of the South and the Democratic party" during the fervid days of Reconstruction, and even now, after the passing of more than a half century, one still may find among older cit izens some evidence of this feeling. Indeed, in
all the history of Georgia it is doubtful if another man has been more genuinely hated by his en emies--or more loyally supported by his friends --than was Governor Brown. The former de nounced Viini with all the heat of an unusually torrid period; the latter credited him with greater vision than is given to most men and with the
WITH FACES TO THE FUTURE 85
courage to stand for the things he deemed right, despite consequences to himself. Upon his death in November, 1894, his body lay in state at the Capitol for twenty-four hours, viewed by hun dreds, and impressive ceremonies were held in the Senate Chamber.
The Legislature of 1868 did another thing that created great excitement and which brought addi tional troubles to the State, when it threw out twenty-seven negro members, Including two sen ators. This action was participated in by a num ber of Eepublican members, as well as by the Democrats, and it met with popular approval, but one may well imagine its effect upon the extrem ists in Congress who were writing prescriptions for the conduct of Southern States. Thaddius Stevens was dead, but Charles Stunner was much alive, and he took immediate steps to have the State of Georgia punished. The result was another "reconstruction" for Georgia, in the pro cess of which thirty-one negroes were admitted to seats in the Legislature and twenty-four Demo crats were thrown out.
Governor Bullock went to Washington himself, and directed personally the fight for the legisla tion which finally was adopted. The act finally passed by Congress required members of the Legislature to take an oath that they had not participated in rebellion after holding office; pro hibited the exclusion of members by reason of race or color, and required the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment before the representatives of the State of Georgia would be seated by Con gress.
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The Legislature was called together on January
10,1870, and other unique chapters in reconstruc tion history were written. An attempt was made to elect three United States Senators at this one session, the body actually undertaking to select one
senator whose election was due to come hefore the next Legislature. The men elected to the Senate were B. H. Whatley, H. P. Farrow and Foster Bloodgett--all of whom were denied seats when they appeared in Washington, though Gov ernor Bullock once more went to that City and at tempted to have his amazing legislative manuvers approved by Congress. However, his indif ference to constitutional requirements had been observed in Washington and this time he met de feat at every turn. Congress condemned the pro ceedings of the Legislature, and passed an amend ment forbidding the extension of terms of office --the last being a bitter disappointment to Bul
lock. But even in the face of these reversals, Bul
lock did not surrender, but straightway set about trying to so fix matters that he could dominate the approaching election. His star was waning, however, and he failed in this also. The election
was held; the Democrats swept the State, and from that day to this have remained in control
of public affairs.
CHAPTER VI.
INCIDENTS OF LOJTG AGO
MANY other spectacular and thrilling events transpired in Atlanta during the years intervening between the close of the war and the final restoration of the government to the people of the State. This City became the political center of the commonwealth and the pivot around which turned events of an absorbing character.
Seeing no reason why the State Government should not function, especially in the light of the fact that action was needed as never before in the history of the State, Governor Brown called the Legislature to meet on May 22, 1865, and immediately thereafter he was placed under ar rest by order of General Wilson, who also issued an order forbidding the Legislature to assemble. Governor Brown was carried to Washington, where he was placed in prison, but he obtained an audience with President Johnson and was re leased after the passage of some ten days. Re turning to Georgia, he was denied the right to exercise the duties of Governor--James Johnson, of Chambers, having been appointed Provisional Governor on June 17--and on June 29, 1865, Governor Brown resigned.
At the time of the arrest of Governor Brown, Alexander H. Stephens, General Howell Cobb and B. H. Hill were also taken into custody. The arrest of these conspicuous figures in the public
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life of the State created a great sensation, and added fuel to the flames of passion burning throughout the length and breadth of the Com monwealth.
As throwing light upon the mental attitude of the newly liberated negroes, it is interesting to note that one of the early acts of Provisional Governor Johnson was to issue a proclamation in which was set at rest the expectation that pri vate property would be parceled out. Many ne groes were under the impression that the land of the white people was to be divided among them, this being the outgrowth of a report that came from some source during the war that each negro would get "forty acres and a mule" when the South was subdued.
Provisional Governor Johnson called a State Convention for October 25, and when this body assembled, he delivered a message that created widespread controversy because of a recommen dation that the war debts of the State be repu diated. These debts amounted to $18,135,775, whereas the debt of the State for other purposes was only $2,678,760. A violent protest against
repudiation arose and the act was passed only after notice had been received from President Johnson and Secretary Seward that repudiation was necessary to readmission to the Union. In addition to repudiating this debt, the Convention formally abolished slavery and adopted a new
constitution.
The legislative session beginning January 5, 1866, developed incidents of widespread interest. Among other things, this body elected Alexander
INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO
89
H. Stephens and Herschell V. Johnson to the United States Senate, but they were never seated. By now the fierce conflict between President John
son and the Congress of the United States was on, with Thaddius Stevens leading the fight for
making the conditions as onorous as possible. Southern representatives were denied admission, and the whole matter went to the Eeconstruction Committee, of which Stevens was Chairman, and before which he had his way. He also won in
Congress, when the fight was renewed and when the vetoes of the President, which precipitated the agitation for his impeachment, were overrid den.
The extraordinary condition brought about by the disfranchisement of many prominent citizens, was illustrated in striking fashion when the Dem
ocrats, in 1868, undertook to place a candidate in the field for Governor. Meeting in Atlanta on March 13, the State Democratic Executive Com
mittee placed Judge August Eeese in nomination for Governor. On the 24th of the same month
Judge David Irwin announced his candidacy for this position, and thereupon Judge Eeese with
drew, saying that he had found himself ineligible to hold the office. The party then got behind Judge Irwin, but presently the Eepublicans
pointed out that Judge Irwin was ineligible by reason of the fact that he had been a Confederate presidential elector. This point was sustained
by the Military Commander, and the Democrats were left without a standard bearer. In this emergency they went to General Meade, Military
Commander, to find out who among Democrats
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was qualified to hold the office. General Meade
thought the situation over and then announced that General John B. Gordon was eligible. There upon this great soldier and highly popular leader
was given the nomination, going down to defeat, however, in the chaotic state that existed at that time--thousands of white men disqualified and
thousands of negroes having the ballot.
One of the greatest sensations of the period was furnished by Governor Bufus B. Bullock, who succeeded Governor Jenkins after the brief reign of Thomas Ruger, the military appointee. Under his administration, which was character
ized by great bitterness, State bond issues were handled with a disregard for the properties that was amazing, and charges of corruption and in efficiency mounted until they reached such pro portions that drastic action appeared inevitable.
His administration became a national scandal, attracting the notice of newspapers in New York and elsewhere, and finally the storm of public dis
approval became so threatening that, on October 23, 1871, he secretly resigned and fled from the
State.
A warrant for the arrest of the fugitive exGovernor was issued early in 1872, it being charged that he was guilty of the larceny of cer tain bonds, but it was not until 1876 that he was arrested. The Governor of New York, to which state he fled, refused to grant a requisition, and when the accused was finally brought back and placed on trial, five years after his flight, acquit tal resulted, it being impossible to connect him directly with the transaction involving the bonds.
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In January, 1872, a scene of rejoicing such as Atlanta had not witnessed in years, attended the inauguration of James M. Smith as Governor. Coincident with his election, the Democrats of the State had come into complete control of the legis lative machinery for the first time since the war, and the rule of a free people was restored. Carpet-bagism, with all its attendant terrors and in timidations, was at an end.
A stirring event of this year was the meeting of the Democratic State Convention in Atlanta on June 26, which was characterized by a sensational fight over the impending nomination of Horace Greely for President, in opposition to the regular Republican candidate. Greely was then the nom inee of the Liberal Republicans and had been endorsed by the Democrats of the North, who saw the futility of attempting to carry the coun try with a candidate of their own in the face of the popular feeling in the North which had grown out of the war. The Atlanta convention, after a spirited contest, declined to endorse Greely or to oppose him, preferring to send an untrammeled delegation to the Democratic Con vention, which soon was to meet at Baltimore. However, when the Baltimore Convention form ally endorsed Greely, another meeting was held in Atlanta, July 24, and the convention endorsed the nominee and pledged its support to the ticket. In the national election which followed, Greely carried the State.
Another convention held in Atlanta that ex cited widespread interest, was in 1873, when Gen eral John B. Gordon was elected to the United
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States Senate after a spectacular and sensational fight, in which the honor came very near going to the eloquent and popular Alexander H. Steph ens. The candidates were General Gordon, Alexander H. Stephens, B. H. Hill, Herbert Felder and A. T. Akerman, but the struggle narrowed down to the two first named, and in the end Gen eral Gordon won.
The popularity of Stephens was attested im mediately thereafter by his election to Congress, where he was returned after an absence of thir teen years, during a portion of which interval he occupied the high office of Vice-President of the Confederate States of .America.
Senator Gordon inadvertently added fuel to a flaming state fight by resigning his seat in the Senate in May, 1880. At that time Governor Alfred H. Colquitt was a candidate for re-election, his campaign being managed by the famous Henry Grady, and it was one of the bitterest fights Georgia had ever known. The State Con vention, which had met in Atlanta on August 4, was unprecedented in that it failed to make a nomination after a prolonged and fiercely bitter struggle. Governor Colquitt's forces were in the majority by a wide margin and might have in sisted upon majority rule, which had prevailed in previous conventions, but they accepted the two-thirds rule, and fought for days to bring about the nomination of their man. At one time they came within nine votes of winning, but the opposition was implacable, and in the end the body adjourned after passing a resolution
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"recommending" Governor Colquitt to the Dem ocrats of the State.
The element which had waged this fierce and uncompromizing fight upon Governor Colquitt, put Thomas M. Norwood in the field for governor, and the struggle raged with unprecidented fury. The most sensational charges were brought against the Governor, and when Senator Gordon resigned and former Governor Brown was ap pointed in his place, the cry of "trade" was raised by the opposition, and the struggle became more embittered. This development threw three powerful figures side by side in the struggle-- Colquitt, Gordon and Brown, and the result was a landslide for Colquitt.
The Colquitt campaign, which Grady conducted with such conspicuous success, assisted by Evan P. Howell and other distinguished leaders, re sulted in the choice of a Legislature which elected Joseph E. Brown to the United States Senate--
the post to which he had been appointed by Gov ernor Colquitt.
By this time, 1880, the population of Atlanta
was approaching 40,000 and the City was pulsing with life and energy. Its fame had grown until it was recognized as one of the coming cities of America, and the tide which carried it to the
greatness of today was running strong. It is a
far cry from that stirring and progressive period to 1849, but it is worth while to turn back for a
little while and consider some of the intervening events.
Communication between Atlanta and the out side world, which is now carried on with so much
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ease by means of telegraph and telephone sys
tems and numerous radio stations, was limited to the United States mails until the Spring of 1849, when the Macon and Western Branch Tel
egraph Company brought a line into the City from Macon. The telegraph office, with its single wire and one instrument, was located in a building at the corner of Pryor and Alabama Streets, the operator being C. R. Hanleiter.
The coming of the telegraph was an incident of widespread interest and the instrument, being of that type which printed the message upon a long ribbon of paper, was an object of much curiosity. The first commercial message to pass over this wire was sent by Dr. E. K. Kane, a celebrated
artic explorer of that period, who was passing through Atlanta about the time the office opened. The message went to his father at Philadelphia and related to the purchase of materials for an expedition for which he was then preparing.
Later, in 1850, another telegraph operator was sent to Atlanta in the person of Col. N. D. Sloan, and in a speech made at a banquet given to the old settlers at the National Hotel in 1884, he told some interesting experiences connected with those early days. Among other famous men who vis ited the little telegraph office was Col. Sam Hous ton, of Texas, then a member of Congress. He had never seen a telegraph instrument before and was greatly interested in it. Another famous visitor was the Hungarian patriot, General Kossuth, who passed through Atlanta enroute to Sa vannah with a large body of followers. He sent a telegram here and displayed considerable indig-
INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO
95
nation when asked to pay for it, but finally did so. On another occasion, a group of young fellows
encountered a farmer who had come to town for the purpose of sending a negro to Macon. They told him that it would be much cheaper to send the darky by telegraph, and so the farmer, the negro and the practical jokers all repaired to the office. Here the farmer and the negro were lined up and told to hold to a wire which connected with the battery, and both did an impromptu dance as they felt the force of the current. "When the farmer found that he was the victim of a joke, he was furious and Col. Sloan had to vacate the office for a time in order to avoid a personal diffi culty.
Practical jokes of this character were common
enough in those rollicking days, and one which attracted no little attention was perpetrated when
a group of boys one night took the bell from the Methodist Church and dropped it into the well
at the home of the Baptist minister.
Illustrating the tendency of the youth of this period toward mischief, a writer in the Pioneers'
History of Atlanta, said: "It was not an easy job to police Atlanta in
those days, for the old inhabitants will agree that
there never was a town of like size that had as
many wild and mischievous boys in it. One little harmless amusement that the boys about town
were wont to indulge in at that time, consisted
in rolling a hogs-head full of hogs down the Ala
bama Street hill. They would get a big sugar
hogshead and, putting four or five 'grunters' se
curely inside, start it rolling at the top of the Ala-
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bama Street hill, where Whitehall now crosses. The hogshead would roll until it hit the big em bankment on which the calaboose stood, and the racket made by the imprisoned porkers would
bring everybody in the village running to the place of the terrific noise. This was one of the mild jokes the town marshal of those days had to put up with."
Many curious and interesting events occurred in those old days, as one may learn by browsing among ancient tomes and musty newspaper files. For instance, it is recorded that in 1859 Jefferson Davis, then a member of the United States Sen
ate, was arrested in this City. He was passing through, and when the train stopped at the" shed"
he got off and was taking a bit of exercise by the side of the track, when two local officers walked up to him and told Tiim he was under ar
rest. Accosted thus, Senator Davis told the officers
that they were mistaken in their man, but nothing
he said had any weight with them, and he was only saved from going to jail by an earnest re quest to be carried before Mayor James M. Calhoun, whom he knew well. When the mayor saw this old friend and distinguished citizen under ar rest he was filled with indignation and mortifica tion, and he read the officers a severe lecture. The latter, who were on the lookout for a train rob ber and who had thought that they had captured
the fugitive, were profuse in their apoligies, and the incident ended there. At a later period, when he had become President of the Confederate States of America, the citizens of Atlanta had an oppor-
UPPER--PIEDMONT DRIVING CLUB LOWER--HABERSHAM HALL, D. A. R.
INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO
97
ttmity to honor Mr. Davis and his visit on this
occasion was noted for its fervent enthusiasm. Again, when in 1893, the body of Jefferson Davis passed through Atlanta enroute to Richmond,
where it was consigned to the earth, the people of this City assembled in great numbers to pay tribute to the fallen leader.
In the early fifties, President Fillmore, who had succeeded President Taylor upon the death of the latter, visited Atlanta and the event was celebrated in notable fashion, though a tragedy which marked the occasion added a sombre touch.
A feature of the celebration was to be a flag raising, and in anticipation of this event two tall trees had been felled and a very high pole had been erected by fastening the two trees together. When it was sought to raise the flag, the ropes became entangled, and the ceremony was halted, much to the embarrassment of the committee and
the assembled citizens. The committee promptly offered a reward of
$100 to any person who would climb the pole and untangle the rope, and thereupon a stranger
who said that he had been a sailor, came forward and volunteered. He climbed to the point where the ropes had become entangled, and cutting one of the ropes with his knife, was instantly killed by falling to the earth. He evidently was holding to the rope that he cut. Investigation showed
that he had left a family, and when this fact was made known to the crowd, a fund of $2,000 was raised and presented to the widow.
"Whig" sentiment was strong in the commun ity at this time, and there had been great rej
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joicing over the election of the "Whig" ticket.
Prior to this election, one of the greatest political meetings ever witnessed in Georgia was held at Walton Spring, the crowd being estimated at ten thousand. This was in 1848, and one of the strik ing features was a highly emotional demonstra tion upon the appearance of Alexander H.
Stephens, destined to become the Vice-President of the Confederate States of America.
Mr. Stephens was on the program as one of
the speakers, but a few days before the meeting, while upon the veranda of the then famous "At lanta Hofel," he was attacked by Judge Francis
H. Cone, who was armed both with a cane and a knife. Mr. Stephens was stabbed several times before his assailant was overpowered, and while the wounds were not serious, they were severe enough to incapacitate him for some days.
Confined to his room at the hotel, Mr. Steph ens did not intend to appear at the meeting, but when that vast throng had assembled, a large crowd of his admirers came to the hotel with a buggy and carried him to Walton Spring. No horses were used, the vehicle being drawn through the streets by the cheering crowd of enthusiasts. When the time came for him to speak, Mr. Steph ens was unable to do so, but his valient friends
lifted him up so that the great company could see him, and thereupon was witnessed such a
demonstration as this community had never be
fore beheld. Following the - election of Taylor and Fill-
more as President and Vice-President of the United States, there was another tremendous
INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO
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demonstration in Atlanta, the central fea ture of which was a torch-light parade. The marchers, representing communities scattered for many miles about Atlanta, carried burning pine faggots, and the enthusiasm was unparal leled. Years later one who witnessed this demon stration said "Atlanta never saw another that approached it until the great torch-light parade held in honor of Grover Cleveland when, as Pres ident, he visited the City in 1887."
These early days developed in Atlanta an in vention of a crude sort that was the forerunner
of others that, years later, attracted world-wide attention. This was a rotary wheel, grandfather
of the Ferris Wheel, and was the invention of a local Frenchman, Antonio Marquino, by name. He operated a refreshment stand near Walton Spring, which at that time constituted the amuse ment resort of Atlanta, and in order to attract more trade and, at the same time, turn a little profit on the side, he erected a giant wheel, about
forty feet in diameter, and attached thereto a number of boxes in which were board seats for the passengers to ride upon. It operated exactly as the now familiar Ferris wheels operate, and attracted much attention at the time. The only
difficulty was that, because it was made of wood and crudely constructed, wet weather caused the bearings to swell and made it difficult, and some
times impossible to operate. Motive power was supplied by two darkies.
While Walton Spring was the chief "resort"
of Atlanta, the favorite "breathing spot" was located in the very heart of town--a little park
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that was bounded by Pryor, Decatur and Loyd Streets and the Western & Atlantic Railroad. This square was the property of the Western & At lantic Railroad Company, having been deeded to the Company by Samuel Mitchell for rail road purposes. In 1858 the City obtained from the Company an agreement for its use as a park, and it was made a place of real beauty. Atlantans enjoyed its restful shade and its pleas ing flowers and foliage until the City reached that stage when it was being beseiged by the Federal forces. As the number of wounded defenders increased and overflowed the emergency hospitals this park was converted into an open-air hos pital, and then such scenes were witnessed as
made sore the hearts of all observers. Men maimed by shot and shell were hurried to
this open space, where many tables !had been erected, and here busy surgeons carried on their work amid the groans of the suffering. When this frightful tragedy was succeeded by the trag edy of Atlanta's destruction, the park was prac tically obliterated by the force of the Shennan war machine, and it was never restored. The property had been given to the State road by Samuel Mitchell for railroad purposes, but that portion of it which was used as a park not being required for the purposes set forth in the deed of transfer, his heirs made a prolonged fight for its recovery. This fight culminated in the passage of an act by the Legislature under which the land was restored to the heirs upon payment of $35,000. The land was then sold at public auction and soon thereafter began to be covered with bus-
INCIDENTS OF LONG AGO 101 iness structures. Thus passed Atlanta's first and only down town park.
ENTRANCE LOWRT NATIONAL BANK
CHAPTEB Vll.
EVENTS MOVE SWIFTLY
THE inherient strength and vitality of At lanta was never more clearly demon strated than in those days immediately following the war. Its people driven into exile, and the City destroyed in the Fall of 1864,. the City is found two years later a veritable hive of industry. This year, 1866, the total income of the City government reached $294,641.03, an amazing sum even when the proceeds of a bond sale, aggregating $130,062.50, and a loan of $46,000, are deducted. Receipts from licenses alone amounted to $23,311.80, while tax receipts mounted to $41,910.17.
Stores of every kind had sprung into existence; the market of the wholesale and retail merchants had been extended in every direction, building had gone forward upon an unprecedented scale, and sundry places of amusement and entertainment had come into being. Moreover, the prosperity which had attended certain manufacturing enter prises prior to the war, led to the establishment of kindred undertakings. A rolling mill company was organized with a capital stock of $200,000, and began operations. A large machine shop, destroyed during the war, was rehabilitated and again put in commission, and numerous lesser en terprises were revived and set going under the most favorable circumstances.
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Several new banks had opened for business: The Bank of Fulton, with capital stock of $300,000; the Lowery Banking Company, with author
ized capital stock of $600,000, while a branch in stitution of the Georgia Kailroad & Banking Company had been opened. Brown & Wildman also had opened a private bank.
Georgians who had turned their attention from warfare to agriculture, found Atlanta a conven ient market, and products of every kind poured into the City, finding here ample transportation facilities for reaching points in the country at large.
It was thus that Atlanta leaped to the task of rehabilitation, and thus that the foundations of the magnificent metropolis of the present were laid. Marvels in constructive achievement were performed during the first twelve months after the close of the war, and marvels of a like charac ter have been performed throughout the years that have intervened.
The South had leaned almost wholly upon agri culture, and what was known as "industrial back wardness" prevailed almost universally; not only before, but for many years after the war. Now, in Atlanta, was introduced progressiveness, in dustrial and commercial, of the highest order. The effect of this spirit in the awakening of the South to its opportunities and privileges, no man can measure. Yet it is obvious that the influence
was most potent. Refer to this "industrial backwardness" in
Atlanta, and some one is almost sure to ask if yon have ever read Henry Grady's "A Georgia
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Funeral," and if you reply in the negative, the chances are that he will produce a copy (it hav ing been printed many, many times,) and read it to you, as follows:
"It was a 'one-gallus' fellow, whose breeches struck him under the arm-pits and hit him at the other end about the knee. He didn't believe in decollete clothes. They buried him in the midst of a marble quarry; they cut through solid mar ble to make his grave; and yet a little tombstone they put above him was from Vermont. They buried him in the heart of a pine forest, and yet the pine coffin was imported from Cincinnati. They buried him within touch of an iron mine, yet the nails in his coffin and the iron in the shovel that dug his grave were imported from Pittsburgh. They buried him by the side of the best sheep-grazing country on earth, yet the wool in the coffin bands themselves were brought from the North.
"The South didn't furnish a thing on earth for that funeral but the corpse and the hole in the ground. And they put him away and the clods rattled down on the coffin. And they buried him in a New York coat and a Boston pair of shoes and a pair of breeches from Chicago and a shirt from Cincinnati, leaving him nothing to carry into the next world with him to remind him of the country in which he lived, and for which he fought for four years, but the chilled blood in bis veins and the marrow in his bones."
By precept and by example, and by the occas ional use of such satire as that embodied in "A Georgia Funeral," Atlanta led the vanguard of
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revival in the South, and still is a potent influence in the vast and widespread movement for a more generous development of Southern resources.
The people of Atlanta were surrounded in 1866 by abundant evidence of the destructive nature of fire, and this, coupled with the fact that the community was growing at an astonishing rate,
served to arouse eager interest in the subject of
an adequate water supply. Cisterns and wells were numerous, but they were insufficient to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community, with
its expanding industrial life, and in less than eighteen months after the destruction of the City, a company was incorporated for the purpose of providing a waterworks system for Atlanta the proposed expenditure being $100,000.
The plans of this pioneer organization, known as the Atlanta Canal & Waterworks Company, did not reach fruition, but the agitation begun at
that time was continued until, in 1875, the City fin ally was provided with what for that period was a modern water works system. The plans of the ineorporators of the early company was to bring the waters of the Chattahoochee Eiver to Atlanta by means of a canal. This company failing in its mission, another was organized in March, 1869, with capital stock of $100,000, with the priv ilege of increasing it to $1,000,000, and a plan was worked out by this concern, the Atlanta Canal & Water Company, to bring the waters of Peach-
tree Creek to the City. But its plans also went awry.
The failure of private capital to provide water, led finally to the establishment of a municipally
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owned plant--a fortunate circumstance, as the people learned later. Anthony Murphy, who while chairman of the city council committee on pumps, wells and cisterns in 1866, began the agi tation for a water works system, was still a mem ber of the board in 1870, and was still urging the necessity of action. As a result of his persistent activities, the Legislature of that year passed an act authorizing the City of Atlanta to provide a water -works system and creating a water commis sion to have direction of the enterprise.
When it was sought to comply with the provis
ions of this act, and to issue bonds for the instal lation of the system, litigation arose and the con stitutionality of the law had to be fought out in the courts. This occasioned considerable delay but the work was completed in 1875 at a cost of $226,000. The water was brought from South River into an impounding reservoir, whence it was conveyed to the City by means of a pump having a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons. A filteration plant was installed at the beginning and At lanta never had the experience of drinking muddy and impure water, as was the experience of so many communities in the days of pioneer develop
ment.
Atlanta was now growing with increasing rapidity, and the inadequacy of the existing sys
tem became so obvious by 1888 that the City caused to be dug an artesian well at the intersec
tion of Whitehall and Peachtree Streets, for the purpose of supplementing the water supply in the down-town 'business section. This well, which
long since was abandoned, was carried to a depth
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of 2,044 feet, though the last 900 feet added lit tle to the flow. Its capacity was about 200,000 gallons per day, and the water was conveyed along the principal down-town streets in pipes varying from three to six inches in diameter. Taps, pro vided with iron cups, were placed at convenient points for the accommodation of the thirsty. The cups were securely chained to the taps as a pre caution against absent-minded people carrying them off, though the modern sanitarian no doubt would declare that this would have been the best thing that could have happened to them. But germs had not then attained the dignity and im portance which attaches to them today.
The momentum behind Atlanta's growth in creased and the futility of attempting to meet its needs by digging wells became obvious. There upon definite steps were taken to obtain a source of supply that would take care of the future as well as the present. It was recognized that the Chattahoochee River offered the only permanent solution of the problem, and the next step was to bring the waters of this stream to the City. A site was selected near Bolton, Ga., and there a huge plant was erected. This plant, enlarged as the needs arose, now supplies about nine billion gallons of water per annum, with a gross revenue to the City of nearly a million dollars. The most modern methods of Alteration and purification are used, and when the water flows through the more than four hundred miles of pipe to the consumers in Atlanta and vicinity, it is clear and pure.
Municipal ownership of public utilities has been the theme of much controversy, and undoubtedly
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there have been failure along this line, but At lanta's experience with its water works system has been a most gratifying success. The system
is maintained upon an efficient basis, and the profits arising from its operation, aggregating around a quarter of a million dollars a year, have been of great value to the City, making it pos sible to carry through numerous projects of ben efit that would have been impossible had these earnings been flowing into the coffers of a pri vately owned enterprise.
While the agitation for an adequate water sup ply was going on in 1866, the subject of an effi cient fire department also was receiving atten
tion. For a number of years prior to the war, and throughout that conflict, fire protection was furnished by volunteer organizations, and there is no more brilliant chapter in the annals of At lanta than that which concerns the work of these pioneer organizations. They performed their duty well during the times of peace and their ser vices became glorious in times of war. During the weeks that Atlanta was under fire from the Fed eral guns, and exploding shells were causing the outbreak of flames in all directions, these volun
teers displayed a heroism and a devotion to duty that entitled them to rank among the bravest of the brave.
The work of these men was made doubly dan gerous during this period by reason of the fact that mounting flames furnished as good a target as the Union gunners could desire, and when the vol unteers went out to subdue a burning structure it was to face, not only the possibilities of being
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crushed by falling walls--one of the usual hazards of fire fighting--but they were in imminent peril
of being blown to atoms by exploding shells. Men never fought tinder more difficult circumstances, or distinguished themselves with greater valor.
But for their devotion to duty and their indiffer ence to personal danger, General Shennan would have found his labors in burning Atlanta greatly minimized. In addition to serving as firemen, these men were members of the home militia, member ship in which also involved certain perils.
The first of these early fire companies was in corporated in 1851 and re-incorporated in 1854, as Atlanta Fire Company No. 1. The following names appear as the incorporators: W. A. Bald win, W. Barnes, C. C. Eodes, G. E. Rrazier, H. Muhlenbrink, B. S. Lamb, E. Gardner, S. Frankford, H. M. Mitchell, W. J. Houston, P. J. Emmel, L. J. Parr, E. W. Hunnicutt, J. F. Eeynolds, C. A. Whaley, John Kershaw, A. C. Pulliam and J. S. Stone. Terence Doonan was the first pres
ident, being succeeded by J. A. Hayden. The lat ter was succeeded by J. H. Meeaslin, who occu pied the office for over a score of years, being at this post when a paid fire department was insti tuted in 1882, and the pioneer fire-fighting com pany became a social organization, membership in which justly was counted a great distinction.
With the growth of the City and the increased demand for fire protection, other companies were formed, volunteers being organized in the follow ing order: December 10, 1856, the Mechanic's Fire Company No. 2; February 28,1859, Tallulah Fire Company No. 3; November 28, 1859, At-
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lanta Hook and Ladder Company; April 3, 1871, E. E. Lee Fire Company No. 4; October 2, 1871, Gate City Fire Company No. 5.
Hand pumps and buckets were used by these early companies, but in 1866, at the time of the great industrial and commercial revival referred to at the opening of this chapter, a steam fire en gine was purchased at a cost of $5,000. It was considered a marvel of efficiency in those days as it could be fired and made ready for action in seven minutes. Its efficiency was demonstrated at a public performance on October 16, 1866, and property owners breathed more freely when they saw it throw a one-inch stream 225 feet. Its ac quisition was celebrated by a street parade, fol lowed by a banquet at the city hall, in which city officials and prominent citizens paid homage to the firemen. In 1871 two additional steam engines were purchased, and from that time until now persistent effort has been made to maintain a high degree of efficiency.
The length of time that Atlanta managed to
get along and escape serious losses from fire, while protected by volunteers, forms a striking testimonial to the men who composed these organ izations. Though the community continued to
grow rapidly and had attained the proportions of a city long before 1882, it was not until that
year that the paid system was organized. Inci
dentally, it was during this year that the City suf fered its most serious loss from flames. The Kimball House, one of the most monumental structures in the City at that time, was destroyed,
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miming the total losses for the year up to $550,000.
The old-time fire-horse, with his straining mus cles and flying feet, and the old-time fire engine, with its rain of sparks and cloud of smoke, disap
peared in Atlanta in 1917, at which time the en tire department was motorized and placed upon a basis of efficiency unexcelled in the South.
Reverting again to that first year after the war, 1866, it is found that the gas company, whose plant had been destroyed with the other indus tries of the City, was again ready for business, but, after the manner of gas companies, then and now, wanted more money for furnishing this fuel. In a memorial addressed to the city council in September of that year, the company sets forth that "coal, which is the main element in the man ufacture of gas, could be bought in 1855 for fif teen cents per bushel, laid down at the works; but at present it costs from twenty-eight to thirtythree cents a bushel; lime at the same period could be bought for from twenty-eight to thirty-five cents per bushel, while now the price is from six ty-five to eighty cents. Labor used to cost from $32 to $35 per month. Now the price of labor is
from $50 to $70 per month." A wail also went up from the company on ac
count of the alleged negligence of the City in turn ing off the lights, it being charged that they "were often found burning at noonday." Gas had been paid for prior to this at the rate of $5
per thousand feet, a price which would be consid ered prohibitive at this time, but the company ap pears not to have prospered measurably even at
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this rate. However, prosperity did come to it later, and inasmuch as the City was a stockholder in the enterprise, it shared in the profits.
The second election in Atlanta after the war, was held on October 16,1866, and was for the pur pose of voting upon the adoption or rejection of a legislative proposal to extend the limits of the City "to a distance of one and a half miles in all directions from the passenger depot." The cit izens declared in favor of the extension by a vote of 152 to 30. The next election came on Decem ber 5, of the same year, when city officials were chosen, James E. Williams succeeding Mayor Calhoun, who had occupied the office during the troubled years of the war and who was not a can didate for re-election.
The problem of streets, sidewalks, sewers and water works all being of a more or less urgent character at this time, one of the first acts of the new administration was to create the office of Commissioner of Public Works, and to elect to this important post Eobert Crawford, whose sal
ary was fixed at $1,500 per annum. The status of educational affairs in Atlanta the
first year after the war also was indicative of the general atmosphere of progress. The Atlanta Medical College, which had been organized in 1855, but went out of business along with other
like enterprises as the City became firmly gripped in the jaws of war, was reopened and moved for
ward with alacraty. Its first graduation exercises after the war, August, 1866, witnessed the pre sentation of diplomas to a class of twenty-three. Former students had returned at once and enter-
"ill I II II
UPPER--PERSHING POTXT, SHOWING MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR
LOWER--OLD JOEL HURT RESIDENCE, OX LOT WHERE HARDY IVY BUILT THE FIRST HOUSE ERECTED IAT ATLANTA, A LOG CABIX
EVENTS MOVE SWIFTLY
113
ed enthusiastically upon their labors. The building of the Medical College was one of
the few that escaped the torch when the City was burned by the order of General Sherman, and this was due entirely to the ingenuity and boldness of
Dr. N. D 'Alvigny, curator of the museum. Word had gone forth for the building to be burned, and the force assigned to the destruction went to the scene to apply the torch. Dr. DAlvigny confront ed the squad at the door with the question:
"Would you burn a building that is filled with patients?"
"No," was the reply, "but all the patients have been removed from this building.'"
"You are mistaken," cried the Doctor, and thereupon he threw open the door and invited the torch-bearers in. What they saw made them gasp, for every bed had an occupant, and from the groans that were arising these occupants were
suffering no little. Feeling that he had no time to correct what
seemed to be the error of some one else, the man
in charge of the destroyers ordered his forces to vacate, and the building was spared.
What the resourceful doctor had done was to
put all of the attendants of the hospital to bed, each with instructions to play sick or wounded, and the ruse worked beautifully. As a matter of
fact, the patients had been removed, but the of ficer in charge of the burning had no means of ascertaining this, and, in the face of what he saw, thought that an error had been made. During the fighting about Atlanta the building had been used
as a hospital, and some wounded Confederates
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were in it when the destruction of the City was determined upon, but they were carried else
where before the order went forth for its destruc tion.
Dr. D'Alvigny was a soldier, having seen ser vice in the army of France, and he was devoted to the cause of the Confederacy. When General Hood evacuated the City he was left in charge of the hospital, into which the college had been con verted, and no man could have been more faithful in discharging his responsibilities.
In addition to the Medical College, there were twenty-two schools in operation in the latter part of 1866, chief among them being the Atlanta High School, the West End Academy, the Atlanta Fe male Institute and College of Music and a school for boys conducted by W. M. Bray. During this year a school for negroes was founded here by the American Missionary Society, a building be ing brought to the City from Chattanooga in which to house the children. This became known as the Storrs School. There were three other schools for colored children in operation.
Up to this time, and for some years thereafter, such educational facilities as existed in Atlanta, and throughout Georgia, for that matter, were supplied by private schools. The public scarcely had begun to recognize the responsibility that rested upon it to provide for the education of the
youth of the State. Those who had the means sent their children to private schools and paid the tolls. Those who were less fortunate, let their children grow up with little preparation for the duties of life. To this deplorable situation is
EVENTS MOVE SWIFTLY
115
due the fact that tens of thousands of boys and girls growing up at that time grew up in ignor ance, thus establishing for the South a most un enviable reputation for illiteracy.
It is worthy of note, and is complimentary to the intelligence of the citizenship of Atlanta, that the first awakening to the necessity of education at the public expense, was experienced in this City. As far back as 1858, the agitation for free public schools began in this City, and those behind it did not rest until this great agency for enlighten ment became an established fact, both in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. Immediate
results were not obtained however, and presently all such issues were overshadowed by the ap proach of war. But with the passing of that tragedy and the slow return to normal activities, the agitation was renewed, and was continued un til success was achieved in 1872. In this year was
founded the magnificent free public school sys tem of the present. A school census taken in 1870 showed a total of 6,474, which embraced all chil dren between the ages of six and eighteen years. Of these 3,345 were white and 3,129 were colored. The initial attendance, when the free schools were opened in 1872, was 1,844, which underwent a
rapid increase. About this time agitation for the removal of
the State Capital from Hilledgeville to Atlanta, begun when the City was in its swaddling clothes, had developed into a systematic movement, which was being pushed with characteristic zeal. The Legislature finally was induced to submit the is
sue to a vote of the people, and when the election
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was held in 1877, it resulted in Atlanta being chosen as the Capital of Georgia. Thus culmin ated a movement begun in 1854 when Atlanta was a mere village and when many considered the ambition of the community as expressed in this movement to be either a joke or a clever adver tising stunt.
With the establishment of free public schools, and the careful selection of school teachers by which it was characterized, passed the day of limited, educational opportunity, and also the day of uncertainty regarding the fitness of those en trusted with the important work of developing the mental powers of the boys and girls. The long fight for free schools was accompanied by a campaign of education that served to create a high degree of appreciation both as to the im portance of education and the wisdom of wise selection in the appointment of instructors. Un like the legendary school trustee, who was uncer tain whether the "flat" or "round" system should be adopted, Atlantans knew what they wanted, and insisted upon the best. This legend ary trustee, as the story goes, was aiding in the examination of an applicant for teacher in the rural school, and among other questions, he asked
this one:
"Which system do you teach, that the world is
round or is flat?"
The applicant, who wanted the job and wanted
it now, answered at once:
"I understand both systems thoroughly and
can teach either one you want!"
EVENTS MOVE SWIFTLY
117
Unhappily, this tale illustrated a condition that existed in some quarters for a number of years
following the war, and it required skilled leader ship, such as was displayed in Atlanta, to bring about the tremendous advances that have been made during the past quarter of a century.
Another development of the year 1866. when Atlanta was laying so many plans for future greatness, was the inception of a movement for street railway transportation. A charter was ob tained from the Legislature that year for a street railway company, showing the fine faith of the people in the future of their new-born city at a time when they were still surrounded by the ash
es and debris of war.
CHAPTEE VJLIL
TKAGIC CLOSE or DABIKG DEED
I N Atlanta, during the month of June, 1862, was witnessed the tragic close of one of the most daring and spectacular exploits of the war-- the execution of James J. Andrews, leader of the famous Andrews' Raiders, and seven members of his band, who came very near to wrecking the hopes of the South far in advance of the actual collapse.
There is nothing more thrilling in the annals of the War Between the States than the effort made by this little group of adventurers to destroy the line of communication between Atlanta and Chat tanooga, coupled with the stern and exciting pursuit which culminated finally in their capture --nor nothing more tragic than the fate which the leaders met when their plans were circum vented by the skill and energy of their captors.
As it is difficult in this time of calm and peace to visualize showers of shells falling upon At lanta day after day as Federal guns pounded away at the gates of the City, so also is it difficult to visualize that scene when, on June 7, 1862, young Andrews was carried into the woods near where the Georgian Terrace now stands, and was there "hanged by the neck until dead," or to grasp the reality of that other scene, presented on June 18 of the same year, when seven other members of the daring party were taken out in similar fashion and dropped to their death.
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 119
Events must be interpreted in the light of the times, and those were times of war; times when the lives and the fortunes of nations hung in the balance, and when all else was made subordinate to the grim requirements of war. According to this code, if a city seemed to stand in the way of ultimate triumph, it must be destroyed, and if an individual threatend the success of a campaign, then that individual had to be removed. North and South, as always in times of war, there was but one penalty for the disguised spy, and this penalty was death. Soldiers, fighting as such, en joyed immunity from physical harm when taken prisoner, but the spy; the man who crept into the lines of the enemy and sought by subtle and secret means to obtain information, or to inflict an un expected blow, there was no mercy for him. In laying down his weapons and discarding his uni form, he cast aside all claim to consideration in the event of exposure and capture--a thing he well knew and a system which he, as a part of the military system of the contending force, ac quiesced in.
But the very fact of the existence of this set tled rule of "death for the spy" but served to kindle popular appreciation of the work of the men who, knowing full well what awaited them should they be taken, dared to go on; an appre ciation, however, that at the time was limited largely to the side for which the spy was at work t
Naturally, few witnesses survive sixty years after the enactment of any deed where the num ber of spectators is comparatively small, but there are several men living who saw Andrews
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and his companions put to death, among them being J. C. Looney, a citizen of Atlanta, who was then a member of Col. W. J. Lawton's cavalry regiment, of the Second Georgia, and G. A. Hornady, who was a Confederate private.
At the time of the Andrews Raid CoL Lawton's regiment constituted the provost guard of At lanta, and it was a detail of officers from this guard that carried the men, who had been con demned by court-martial, to their place of execu tion.
"It was a pathetic scene," said Mr. Looney, in recalling the execution of Andrews, "and all who witnessed it felt depressed. Andrews, who real ized the seriousness of the venture in which he had engaged, took the consequences philsophically, and went to his death without a protest. The hero of a daring adventure in which he had lost, he died as a soldier should, calmly and courag eously. The seven, who were executed some days later, died as one would expect such men to die, but the execution was made doubly tragic by reas on of the fact that the weight of two of the con demned men caused the ropes to break, and they had to be hanged the second time. It was dread ful, and while all of us recognized the justice of
the rule under which death was made the fate of the spy, we found but poor satisfaction in its application and deplored the conditions which made such things necessary. We were witness ing one of the worst phases of war, and were all
glad to turn our backs upon the scene when the bodies had been cut down and buried from view."
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 121
G. A. Hornady, another veteran of the Confed eracy, who "witnessed the execution of these dar ing men, relates that Andrews made a little talk on the gallows, in which he said that he entered upon the exploit knowing its dangers and having lost, he was ready to pay the penalty. He said that he was to have received $10,000 in money and also the right to convey cotton through the lines as a reward for his services if his plans had gone through.
"Andrews was a tall, good-looking young fel low," said Mr. Hornady, "and when the trap was sprung his feet reached the ground. Thereupon some one in the crowd quickly obtained a spade and shoveled the dirt aside so that the body would hang free and that death might result as speedily as possible/'
The incidents leading up to these executions are familiar to students of history, but the theme is one that will not grow old so long as feats of daring stir the imagination.
To grasp the tremendous significance of the plot that brought Andrews and his party into Georgia one must have some idea of the position of the Confederate forces at the time of the raid, such an understanding of the geographical situa tion being essential to an adequate appreciation of the disastrous consequences that would have resulted had the mission of the raiders been suc cessful.
The main armies of the Confederacy were held together by a chain of railroads extending from Memphis to Richmond, passing through Chatta nooga. This main, artery of communication was
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met at Chattanooga by the railroad running to Atlanta, and through the latter road communica tion was maintained with a large part of the South. To keep this source of communication and supply open was absolutely essential to the maintenance of the Confederate armies. Sever ance would have spelled disaster; a fact so well recognized that the Union leaders were eager for any measures which promised fulfillment of the de sire. Therefore, when James L. Andrews con ceived the idea of organizing a small party of raid ers and coming to Atlanta for the purpose of plot ting the destruction of the line of communication to Chattanooga, his plan met the instant approval of General Bnell, before whom it was laid in March, 1862, shortly after the capture of Fort Donelson, which led to the capture of Nashville.
The plan of Andrews, as outlined to General Buell, was to come to Atlanta with his raiders. Here, he said, they would take passage on the train for Chattanooga, and, at a convenient mo ment, seize the locomotive. This done, they would cut communication and proceed along the highway, burning all bridges and inflicting such
other damage as was found possible. The snccess of the plan, he argued, would mean the in terruption of communication for a length of time sufficient to accomplish the overwhelming defeat of the isolated armies.
Disguised as Southerners, Andrews and eight others succeeded in making their way into Geor gia, but for some reason they failed in the first instance to find the train they sought to seize, and nothing was accomplished. Their success, how-
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 123
ever, in invading the South and making their es cape, increased the boldness of Andrews, who was eager for another excursion into the lines of the enemy. This second expedition was formed after a consultation by Andrews with General Mitchell then at Fort Donelson. This was on April 6,1862, the conference being held in the tent of General Mitchell. On the following night a request went to the Colonels of three Ohio regiments asking for a man from each company for "special and hazardous" service. No difficulty was experi enced in getting together a company of twentyfour adventurous spirits, and these men started on their perilous journey after receiving specific instructions from Andrews where to meet in Georgia and what to do and say in the event that suspicion was aroused at any point. The rendesvouse was Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta, and the men were instructed to proceed there in groups of two and three.
On the morning of Saturday, April 12, 1862, twenty-two members of the party were gathered in the room which Andrews had engaged at the hotel in Marietta, and here final instructions were given. They were to get on the Chattanogoa train leaving Marietta early that morning. This train stopped at Big Shanty, the next station, for breakfast, and when it stopped the plan was to seize the engine, while the crew and passengers were in the dining room.
This program was carried out exactly as sketched by Andrews. All members of the party boarded the train and when the stop was made at Big Shanty they remained passive while the
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passengers and crew went in for breakfast. When the coast seemed clear, Andrews and two en gineers in the party--Wilson W. Brown and Wil liam Knight--made their way to the engine, walk ing in leisurely fashion. Not the slightest sus picion had been aroused, and after briefly review ing the peaceful surroundings, Andrews quietly withdrew a coupling pin which disengaged two box cars in the forward part of the train from the remainder. His men climbed into one of these cars, Engineer Knight mounted to the cab of the locomotive, cut the bell cord and placed his hand upon the throttle, ready for action. Upon a signal from Andrews, Knight pulled the throt tle open and the engine, the far-famed "Gen eral," began to move. With but two cars behind it, the locomotive gathered speed rapidly, and before the members of the crew realized what was happening, the raiders were on their way to what they believed was to be a magnificent success. None saw the shadow of the gallows just ahead.
The telegraph wires had been cut to prevent the alarm being given, and as there was no loco motive available upon which pursuers might give chase, Andrews and his party felt that the worst was over; that to go forward, burning bridges as they went, would be a comparatively easy task. But fate plays queer tricks at times and small developments of an unexpected character can put at naught the shrewdest plans of man.
First in the chain of untoward events, the lo comotive came practically to a stop after the party had gone only a short distance. This was found to be due to the failure to open the damper
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 125
in the fire box, which had been closed by the reg ular engineer when he dismounted for breakfast. The matter was remedied in a short time, but meanwhile precious minutes had fled. Another development, and one of far more importance was the presence of a locomotive at Etowah, a small station about mid-way between Big Shanty and Kingston. This engine stood on a spur track which ran to the Etowah Iron Works, about five miles distant, and had up a full head of steam. Some member of the part suggested to Andrews the wisdom of destroying this engine, but, anx ious to push on and begin the work of burning the eleven bridges which spanned the serpent-like Chickamauga, he answered that the engine "will make no difference," and urged the crew for ward. This anxiety to hurry on, and this failure to appreciate the significance of the locomotive which might easily have been destroyed, proved the undoing of the expedition and was one of the prime factors which led to the melancholy execu tions in Atlanta some sixty days later. For it was by the utilization of this engine that the dar ing raiders were run down and captured and eight members of the party, including Andrews him self, were started on the road to the gallows.
At Cass, a half-dozen miles further on, was a
water tank and wood station, and the man in
charge at this point was filled with amazement
when the train rolled up, minus the regular crew
and the usual passenger coaches, but Andrews
related a plausible tale to the effect that he had a
quantity of powder which he was hurrying through
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to General Beauregard at Corinth, and no sus picion was aroused.
Things were running smoothly now, and Kings ton was reached slightly ahead of schedule. Here
Andrews repeating his ingenious fabrication about a load of powder for the hard-pressed
Beauregard, was switched into a siding to await the coming of a freight train, due to pass at this point. But ill luck for the raiders began to ac cumulate at this point When the regular freight came it developed that there was an "extra" train behind it, necessitating a further wait, and when the "extra" appeared finally, it, too, was followed by an "extra."
These extra trains delayed the raiders for over an hour, and lent wings to the forces which now were in full pursuit. Leaving Kingston three hours after seizing the engine, the raiders made fast time and were confident of success despite the delays. But before reaching Besaca, where they expected to destroy a long bridge, across the Oostanoola River, they became aware that they were being pursued and that the pursuit was so rapid that they were in grave danger of being overtaken. Meanwhile a heavy rain had begun to fall, and when they stopped to build the fire which they hoped would end all chance of capture, everything was so wet that great difficulty was experienced in starting the flames. Before the
fire could be gotten under way, the sound of the locomotive giving pursuit was heard, and the raiders leaped back upon their train and made off, tossing wood and ties upon the track in the hope of wrecking the train behind them.
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 127
In several instances, the raiders had torn up rails, and it became evident now that the engine in pursuit was more speedy than the "General," since the crew was able to replace the torn-up rails and make the best time of the two.
The pursuit continued, the raiders hard press ed and having no time to either remove more rails or to burn bridges. All they could do was to throw obstructions on the track, and most of these bounced off. However, enough remained to make the pursuers run with caution, and the end did not come until Dalton was passed and a long wooden bridge across the Chickamauga was reached. Up on approaching this bridge, an effort was made to set the last of the box cars on fire, the other car having been cut off to lighten the load, but by this time the wood had become so soaked by the heavy downpour that it was practically impossible to get the flames going. But the raiders did the best they could, and the car, with the smouldering fire, was drawn upon the long, covered bridge, and the engine was brought to a stop. The car, with its slow-burning fire, was cut off and left standing, while all members of the fleeing party climbed
aboard the engine and were off--not before the
pursuing party was in full view, however.
Bunning upon the bridge, and easing gently against the truant box car, the engine carrying the pursuing party, pushed it ahead, gathering speed as it went, and thus the train came into
Ringgold, the now blazing car at the front like
the head of a flaming comet. At Ringgold, near the Tennessee line and not far from Chattanooga,
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the burning car was run into a siding, and the pursuit continued.
Meanwhile the raiders, unable to stop long enough to get either wood or water, were coming to the end of their tether. The old "General" was gradually slowing down, and at a point some five miles from Chattanooga it came to a stop. The bold and sensational raid was over.
As the engine slowed down for its final stop, Andrews told his men to leap one by one and
make off, reasoning that to leave in this fashion would enhance the possibilities of escape. This order to abandon the engine was the last the bold and reckless Andrews gave, and it was obeyed, as had been his instructions in the past. In a little while members of the party were miming through the woods in all directions, but the pursuers were close at hand, and before the raiders were well raider way Confederate soldiers who had been picked up enroute, were leaping from the pursu ing train and were hot on the trail.
A number of the raiders, including Andrews, were taken immediately, and within a few days the entire party had been captured and impris
oned at Chattanooga. Later Andrews, and a com panion named Wollman, escaped but they were quickly recaptured.
How the purposes of the raiders were circum vented and their excursion was brought to a trag ic culmination is another thrilling chapter in which courage and initiative are dominant feat ures.
When the noise of escaping steam attracted the attention of Conductor William A. Fuller,
UPPER--CAPITAL CITY CLUB LOWER--"BOBBY" BURNS' HOME
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 129
who was in charge of the captured train, he was at breakfast with Engineer Cain and Anthony Murphy, foreman of the railroad shop. He dash ed out at once, followed by others of the crew, but by this time the engine and the two cars were well under way. That Federal raiders were re sponsible was not at first suspected, the idea being that the train had been captured by conscripts who were anxious to escape service. This theory was also entertained by soldiers who caine run ning up and who had not noticed the eighteen men enter the box car but had seen four men on the engine.
Determined not to let these "conscripts" get away with his engine, or with their plans to dodge their duty, Conductor Fuller started in pursuit, running as fast as he could, being followed by Cain and Murphy. His theory was that the men would stop and abandon the engine soon after they got out of sight, and not yet had it occurred to him or to the others that one of the greatest coups of the war was being attempted. Two miles from Big Shanty, Fuller, who had outrun his companions, found a little car that was being used by a repair crew. It was propelled by means of long poles, which were braced against the ground and "pushed," each push carrying the car forward a number of feet. Men skilled in the operation of such a car could make very good time, and Fuller was such a man. He pushed the car back, met his companions, and then the three started in pursuit of the train. About two miles distant they picked up two more men, and were
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able thereafter to make about seven miles an honr except when grades were encountered.
Just before reaching Etowah, the pursuers came in violent contact with the first obstructive tactics of the fleeing raiders, for at this point they ran into a section where a rail had been removed, and were thrown off the track, but no one was in jured. From this point, the smoke of the loco motive which Andrews did not think it worth while to disable, could be plainly seen, and put ting their push car back on the rails, the pursuers made all possible speed, hoping to reach the point before the engine left for the terminus of the spur. In this they were successful, and inasmuch as this engine, the "Yonah," was more speedy than the "General," the fate of the latter was sealed when they took possession of this loco motive and began the stern chase which ended so near Chattanooga. However, though the "Yonah" was a prime factor in the capture, it was not in at the finish, for the "Texas,*' an even faster engine, was encountered at Adairsville and this was commandered for the chase.
Making fast time on the straight stretches, and
turning the curves with extreme caution, the pur
suers gained steadily upon the fleeing raiders,
despite the fact that constant vigilance was nec
essary and repeated stops had to be made to re move obstructions. That the engine was not
wrecked was considered a miracle, in view of the average speed maintained, and it is doubtful if
ever before or since there has been a more thril
ling ride or one calling for greater "nerve."
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 131
Additions to the pursuing party were picked up along the way, and when the end came a formid able force, well armed, was ready to give chase to the raiders as they took to the woods.
The court-martial of the men who were execut ed took place in Knoxville, the convicted men be ing brought to Atlanta under a heavy guard.
At the same time, the other members of the raiding party were brought to Atlanta and placed in prison, awaiting final disposition of their cases. Here they formulated a successful plan of escape and, on the night of October 16, overpow ered the guard and fled. Of the escaping party, four were captured at once, and a fifth was taken the following day. The others eluded pursuit and finally reached the Union lines, where they were greeted as heroes. Those recaptured, Jacob Parrott, Robert Huffman, William Reddick, Wil liam Bensinger, William Pittenger and Arthur H. Mason, were held in prison until March 16, 1863, when they were exchanged, and returned, very happy and very fortunate men, to the North, The difference in their fate and that which befell those who died on the gallows, was due to the fact that the men executed had voluntarily enter ed upon the campaign of destruction while the others were detailed to the work.
The bodies of Andrews and his associates who died were removed some years after the close
of the war and placed, with fitting ceremonies, in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, thus going in death to the point toward which they fled for their lives on that thrilling day in 1862.
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Conductor Fuller was proclaimed one of the conspicuous heroes of the war because of the zeal, courage and intelligence displayed in giv
ing pursuit to the raiders, and he was given the thanks of the Georgia Legislature. Gold medals also were voted to him and to Cain and Murphy. However, the medals were never struck, as events were moving swiftly and the time was at
hand when major affairs absorbed the thoughts of the people to the exclusion of many matters that ordinarily would have received a large share of public attention.
At this period Atlanta was a veritable bee hive of industry. Manufacturing plants of every description were converted to purposes of war, and immense quantities of munitions were turned out. Shells, revolvers, bowie knives,
swords, percussion caps, bass drums, kettle drums, shoes, hats, hard tack, candles, matches, gold leaf and gold wire (used for surgical pur poses) and coffins, were among some of the varied articles produced in vast quantities to meet the demands of war.
The fact that this City had become a vast reser voir from which flowed an endless stream of war materials, served to put edge to the keen desire of General Sherman for the capture of the City, and was in part responsible for the de struction of the place when he abandoned it. But this was not the only effect. The tremend ous industrial expansion experienced during those hurried days made a profound impression upon the thoughtful men of the community and, when the conflict had ended and these men came
TRAGIC CLOSE OF DARING DEED 133
back to the ashes and debris that had been At lanta, they came with a vision of a city whose products should penetrate to far places. It had been demonstrated that Atlanta's location was ideal for reaching all parts of the South, and, this being true, it was an ideal place in which to make the things the South had need of.
Something of the tremendous results achieved along the lines of industrial expansion during the year following the war, is related in another chapter. This growth continued for several years, but the momentum was not sufficient to satisfy the more forward-looking citizens, and in the Winter of 1872 it was decided that the time had come when sheer momentum should be supplemented by organized community effort.
In response to this sentiment, a meeting was held on January 10, 1873, for the purpose of organizing the Atlanta Manufacturers Associa tion. At this meeting the industrial future of the City was discussed from every angle, and the concensus of opinion seems to have been that the prime difficulty in the way of continued industrial growth was the high price for coal which prevailed at that time. This commodity was selling for from twenty-five to thirty-five cents a bushel, and it was pointed out that cheaper fuel would have to be provided if Atlanta was to realize her true destiny as a manufacturing community.
The urgent need of rail connection with the coal fields of Alabama was stressed, and here was born one of the initial influences which led to the building of the Georgia Pacific Railroad (now the Southern) between Atlanta and Bir-
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mingham. Until this road was built, connection with Birmingham was by way of Chattanooga.
Formal organization of the Manufacturers
Association was completed on January 17, with J. C. Peck as president, and the organization continued in existence for a number of years, playing a virile part in the growth of the City. After being reorganized several times, this pio neer association was allowed to die, but in the meantime others had arisen to carry on the work, and the spirit behind the initial movement sur vived.
There are today more than a hundred com mercial, trade and civic organizations in Atlanta, each imbued with the spirit of accomplishment.
CHAPTER IX.
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS
THE men who laid the foundations of At lanta with such security in the beginning, were thoughtful enough, in latter years to get together for the preservation of historical facts relating to the early days, and thus much information which otherwise might have been lost, was made a matter of record.
On October 26, 1891, the Pioneer Citizens' So ciety of Atlanta was organized, Jonathan Norcross, President; W. L. Calhoun, First Vice-Pres ident ; John Collier, Second Vice-President; John H. James, Third Vice-President; William H. Hulsey, Fourth Vice-President; A. Leyden, Secre tary; John A. Doane, Assistant Secretary; R. F. Maddox, Treasurer; B. F. Abbott, and W. H. Fuller, Historians, and Rev. A. .G. Thomas, Chap lain. This organization was incorporated for mally, and at once became active. The member ship grew rapidly, and in a short time embraced a large number of those who had been identified with the early growth of the City.
In 1902, the Society caused to be published a book called the "History of Atlanta and its Pio neers," which formed a composite of the recol lections of the "Pioneers" as they met from time to time and discussed the old days. Incorporated in it also, are a number of historical documents, and numerous sketches of the men who formed the
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brain and brawn of Atlanta in the days of its youth.
Prior to the organization of the Pioneer Cit izens' Society, there had been an attempt to form such an association, bnt for some reason it failed --perhaps because of the comparative youth of the City when the initial effort was made. On the evening of April 24, 1871, a meeting was held in the parlors of the Kimball House for the or ganization of the "Atlanta Pioneer and Historic Society," and quite a number of gentlemen as sembled. The project was concurred in most heartily, and organization was perfected by the election of William Ezzard, President; Jonathan Norcross, Vice-President, and "William R. Hanleiter, Secretary.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Hanleiter, who had called the meeting and was the prime exponent of the idea, moved to Griffin, and the society never became active. However, as a result of this one meeting, a number of interesting facts were developed. Those present told many incidents of the early days, which were jotted down by the secretary, and finally found their way into the book which appeared more than thirty years thereafter.
Some of the recollections recorded upon that occasion, as these pioneers "spoke from the
heart," are worthy of being passed on, and are reproduced here:
. John Thrasher, who built the first store erected upon the ground where ;so many sky-scrapers stand today, said in part:
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 137
"When I arrived here in 1839, the country was entirely covered by forest. There was but one house here. It was built of logs and was occupied by an old woman and her daughter. I went to work and built a store. First one person moved in from the country and then another, until we had a right smart little town, but the people around here were very poor. Many of the women wore no shoes at all. We had dirt floors in our houses.
"As the place grew up, the present Whitehall Street was a place for drinking and fighting. After a while I sold out and went to Griffin. I came back in 1844 and went into business on Mari etta Street. At that time Mr. Norcross had a 'horse' saw mill which was regarded as a curios ity. People came from the country on purpose to look at it."
That Mr. Thrasher did not have much faith in the future of the community, is revealed by his next statement:
"At one time, while I was absent from town, my brother-in-law, who was associated with me in the store, bought a piece of land thirty feet wide, running back two hundred ! feet, between Mitchell and Hunter Streets, paying sixty dollars for it. I was very much provoked when I heard of it, for I had previously refused to give five dollars an acre for the same land, and he had given at the rate of two dollars a foot for it. I told him if he made any more such trades I would dissolve partnership with him sure. A little while after he sold the same piece of property for ninety dollars, and I told him the fools are not all dead
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yet, and never to buy another piece of property in Atlanta by the foot."
In view of the foregoing, it is interesting to observe Mr. Thrasher's own experience in ac
quiring a piece of property that he wanted. He related it thus:
"There was one piece of property that I wanted after the town got settled and was named Atlan ta, and that was called Lloyd's Corner. I tried for fifteen years to buy that property. The first time he asked me $3,000 and I offered $2,500. After a while I concluded to give him his price,
and then he asked me $4,000. I finally concluded to give him $4,000 and he asked me $5,000, and he went on that way until he got up to $25,000,
and I finally took it at that price. It went up from $3,000 to $25,000 before the trade was made."
William Ezzard, former Mayor, told of how Atlanta came to be known as the "Gate City,"
and, at the same time, revealed the details of an interesting ceremony enacted when the waters of the Mississippi were carried to Charleston and
made "to mingle with the waters of the Atlantic."
He said: "The name of the 'Gate City' was given to
Atlanta in Charleston in 1857, and it came about in this way: When the road was completed con
necting Charleston with Memphis, the people of
Charleston took a hogshead of water from the bay and placed it on a car, together with a fire en
gine, and went to Memphis for the purpose of mingling the waters of the Atlantic with those
of the Mississippi. In May or June of 1857, the
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 139
Mayor of Memphis and a large number of ladies and gentlemen, came through Atlanta on their way to Charleston, carrying water from the Mis sissippi, and they had a fire engine with them also. I was then Mayor of Atlanta and gave them a reception and prepared a handsome collation for them. They seemed very much pleased with the treatment they received. The next morning they left for Charleston, and with them myself and a large number of ladies and gentlemen from this City. We arrived in Charleston and had a grand time. We paraded there and marched down to the bay and there went through the ceremony of pumping the water from the Missis sippi into the ocean.
"A great many people were in Charleston on this occasion, and a grand banquet was given by the people of Charleston. Toasts were prepared for Savannah, for Macon, for Augusta and At lanta. The toast to Atlanta was 'The Gate City' --the only tribute she requires of those who pass through her boundries is that they stop long enough to partake of the hospitality of her cit izens. After that Atlanta was always called the 'Gate City' and it was never known as that be fore. The name was given, I suppose, from the fact that this railroad had just been constructed through the mountains for the purpose of con necting the West with the Atlantic ocean, and there was no other way to get to either place ex cept to pass through Atlanta."
Mr. Norcross then gave a description of the first hotel opened in Atlanta, after the Georgia road was finished, saying that it was started by
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a Dr. Joseph Thompson. "Prior to this," he
said, "there was a little house on Kimhall House
square, that was the only hotel or boarding house
there was in Atlanta. The postoffice was there,
too."
That the rural population of this vicinity looked
somewhat askance at the coming of the railroads, was shown by a remark of the next speaker, Mr.
Ezzard, who observed: "I recollect very well
when the first passenger car came up from Milledgeville. The Western and Atlantic was then
finished as far as Marietta, and the car went on
through. There was one old farmer who made
the engineer promise that he would stop and let
him and his daughter walk over the bridge across the Chattahooehee river."
A tragedy which marked the coming of the first train over the Georgia Eailroad was then recalled by Mr. Norcross, who said: "I recollect very well
the first train of cars that came over the Georgia Railroad. It was on the 15th of September, 1845. The train came in about dark. Judge King was
j
on board, and a great many others. There were
a great many people out and there was great ex
citement. There was a well in the square here,
and such was the excitement, and it being dark, a man fell into the well and was drowned. Judge
King came very near falling in there also. He
was just on the brink of stepping in when some
one caught and saved him. I suppose there were
about twenty families here at that time."
That the community grew rapidly during the next few years, was shown by the next speaker,
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 141
Mr. Mayer, who said: "In 1848 there weie 215 votes polled in the election for mayor."
Mr. Kyle thereupon observed that "In 1843 there were about seven families here."
Mr. Norcross then told how a change in the location of the terminus of the road from Macon changed the location of the future city. He said: "They at first decided to run the track up by the State road shop and build the depot there. With that view, the embankment up there was con structed. Those of us who lived up there and had bought property, thought that the town would be up there, and we held a meeting and brought all the influence we could to bear upon the company to get them to change the location and bring it down here. We finally prevailed on Mr. Tyler, president of the company, to bring the road down here (by the Kimball House) to the public square, upon condition that Mr. Mitchell would give a place for the depot. This was done, and it was the turning point in the history of Atlanta."
That this change of plans was not satisfactory to all the citizenship, was shown by the experience of Mr. Thrasher, that pioneer merchant and closer trader, who had just (described how he finally gave $25,000 for a piece of property that was offered him for $3,000 at one time. He took the floor again and said:
"That change was my ruin. I bought one hun dred acres of land with the expectation that the Macon road would stop up by the State road shops, and when I found that it was going down here, I was very much enraged and sold out my
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interest on that hundred acres for four dollars an acre, about one-half of what I gave for it."
Next came an explanation of why the streets of Atlanta are so lacking in uniformity. It was given by Mr. Norcross, who said: "The reason why the streets are so crooked is that every man built on his own land just to suit himself. There were only a few who believed that there would ever be a town here at all. Governor Crawford did not believe there would ever be a city here, and Colonel Long, Chief Engineer of the Geor gia Road, said that Atlanta would never be any thing but a wood station."
That this lack of faith in the future of Atlanta cost Colonel Long no little, was shown by the next speaker, Judge Hayden, who said Colonel
Long spent all of his money at Marietta. He invested thousands of dollars there, giving it as his opinion that "Atlanta would consist of & cross-roads store, a blacksmith shop and, perhaps, a little cobbler's shop."
The concluding speaker on this interesting oc casion was H. C. Holcombe, who visited Atlanta, then Marthasville, first in 1844, and located here in 1847. When he first saw the place, he said,
there were a few small houses on Decatur Street opposite the Kimball House site, "and a few scattering shanties at other points." Contin
uing he said: "I became a citizen of Atlanta on May 4,1847.
I found a population of about 250 or 300 persons, counting all ages and colors, male and female. In September of that year the Methodist Episcopal Church held its quarterly meeting under a cotton
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 143
shed that stood on Wheat Street. There was not a church building in the community sufficient ly large in which that assembly could be held. All of the lots now occupied by churches were then in brush and forest trees. The ground upon which the depot and office building of the State Railroad now stands was surrounded by sturdy oaks of the forest, the immediate ground being a caney marsh, the surface of which was some twenty-five to thirty feet below the grading. Cat tle were frequently found mired and fast in the marsh, having gone there to feed on the switch cane and other marsh growth. The grounds now occupied by the Medical College were covered with a deep and thick forest, in which small wild game were to be seen and frequently picked off by the apt and anxious marksman."
The density of the wilderness that existed in this vicinity in the days of Atlanta's founding, is emphasized by many commentators upon condi tions and events of that period. N. A. MeLendon, writing years ago, said: "In 1848 Atlanta was only a small country village in the heart of an almost impenetrable wilderness, surrounded by huge forest trees and thick undergrowth."
Mr. MeLendon's description of Atlanta as it was at that time was prepared with considerable attention to detail, and because of its compre hensive character, much of it is reproduced here. He said:
"In September, 1848, Atlanta claimed a popu lation of 2,000. The principal means of communi cation then were the five public roads which en tered the town from the adjacent counties, viz:
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Deeatur, Marietta, McDonough (now Capitol Avenue) and the road leading westward to Newnan and Cambleton. The fifth and last street was Peachtree Road, running north, which took its name from Peachtree Creek. At that time there were* only two houses on that road within the corporate limits. There was a Methodist camp-ground on the right of Peachtree, near North Avenue and Piedmont Avenue, near a large bold spring.
"All of the streets in Atlanta at that time were original soil, except from Alabama to Marietta, on Whitehall, where plank walks and streets had been laid. This street crossed a small stream near where Wall Street now is located. The older portion of Atlanta was then on the North side of Decatur Street, down to Ivy. Here small wooden stores and dwellings were located. The block from Pryor to Loyd, opposite the Kimball House
and Union Depot, was the property of the State road, and the freight depot of this road stood near the corner of Wall and Pryor. Near the center of the block, the offices of the State road were located. The postoffice was a wooden build ing, located on the Corner of Peachtree. Edge-
wood and Decatur Streets. Washington Collier was postmaster, under President Polk.
"Thomas Kyle was the proprietor of a small store that stood on the corner of Peachtree and Marietta Streets. He carried a mixed stock of
goods, but the biggest part of his stock was in very wet goods. Jonathan Norcross carried a
general stock and did a large business. On the corner of the railroad crossing and Peachtree
Courtesy of G. L. Miller & Co. SOME OF MAXY IMPORTANT BUILDINGS MADE POSSI
BLE BY AX ATLAXTA FIXAXCIAL INSTITUTION
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 145
Street, was a small confectionary store and soda fountain ran by Mr. Dougherty. From the rail road to Alabama, on the East side of Whitehall, there was a small wooden house, called the Hol land House. Richard Peters had a stage stand, which occupied about one-half the block from the railroad to Alabama Street. The other portion of this block was filled with horse-racks. There was no livery stable in Atlanta, and people vis iting Atlanta used these racks for the purpose of hitching their horses. On the North side of the block, from Whitehall to Pryor, was the freight depot of the 'Monroe Railroad.'
"The block on the North side of Alabama be tween Pryor and Loyd, were three stores, one of them owned by Loyd, Coffins & Clark, who car ried a stock of general merchandise. Another was occupied by A. Wheat, general merchant, and the other was occupied by Daniel McShuffrie, who dealt in wet goods exclusively.
"On the South side, from Pryor to Whitehall, there was only one store house, a grocery store run by IT. L. Wright. On the opposite corner Johnson and Smith occupied a storehouse and dealt in general merchandise. There were about a dozen other storehouses on Whitehall between Alabama and Mitchell. They were occupied by James Doan, A. Dulin, Terrence Doonan, William Mann, Robert Mangum, William Herring, Richard Hightower, James Davis, A. B. Forsyth, and I. 0. and P. E. Daniel. All dealt in general mer chandise. I. 0. and P. E. Daniel occupied a twostory brick building on the corner of Whitehall and Hunter. The upper story of this building
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was used as a public hall. It was the only brick storehouse in the town. Hass & Levi, Sternberg
& Co., and B. F. Bomar & Co., also had stores and dealt in dry goods and clothing. Dr. N. L. Angier, drugs; Lewis Lawshe, merchant tailor; MePherson & Richards, books and stationary; John Tomlinson, tinware; were all in business and oc cupied stores on "Whitehall.
"U. L. Wright, A. Dolin, I. O. and P. E. McDaniel, John Trammell, Jonathan Noreross, Terrence Doonan, Fields Hight and A. B. Forsyth, were the principal cotton buyers. The manufac turers were Humphries Brothers, phoes; John Tomlinson, tinware; James Craven, jugware, and Andy Wells, bricks.
"There were four churches in Atlanta: "Wesley Chapel, corner of Peachtree, Pryor and Houston; First Baptist, corner Forsyth and "Walton; First Presbyterian, near the corner of Marietta and Spring, and the Episcopal Church, corner "Wash ington and Hunter. The cemetery at that time was on the West side of Peachtree, corner of Baker Street. About 1849 or 1850, Oakland Cem etery was bought by the City and the dead were moved from the old cemetery and re-interred in
Oakland. "The physicians were William Gilbert, N. L.
Angier and George Smith. Dr. James F. Alex ander moved to Atlanta in 1849 during the small pox epidemic. Dr. Nick Welch was one of the dentists and Dr. N. G. Hilburn the other. The lawyers were Logan E. Bleekley, Chris Simpson, Green B. Haygood, John L. Harris and Luther
J. Glenn.
PIONEERS EECALL OLD DAYS 147
"The resident portion of the town was scat tered from North Forsyth to LucMe, and on Decatur, Pryor and McDonough (now Capitol Ave nue), West Alabama and South Forsyth as far as Peters, and Atlanta's '400' dwelt on these streets at that date.
" Castleberry Hill was the center of the street from the railroad crossing on Peters Street to the junction of Walker, and had a very unsavory reputation. It was then known as the 'Midway' of Atlanta. The principle resort was Walton Spring, corner James and Spring. This resort at that time was as popular as Grant Park is now. The water from this spring was quite cold and ran from under a rock. Antonie kept a re freshment stand at the spring where he sold soda water, ice cream, cakes and fruits. The baptismal pool was also located near this spring. A man. known as 'Monkey' Baker had a menagerie of monkeys and guinea pigs near the junction of Walker and Peters Streets.
"From 1848 until the completion of the West Point Eailroad, the wagon trade of Atlanta was immense. Long trains, with two, four and six mules, and many yoke of oxen, came in daily with cotton. Some days there was so much that it was impossible to weigh all of it the day it was received. The merchants did an immense business, and nearly every wagon returned home laden with merchandise. Nearly all of the cot ton shipped from Atlanta went to Charleston and Savannah."
A graphic insight into conditions as they were in 1841, is furnished by Mrs. Willis Carlisle,
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mother of the first child born in "Terminus,"
who, with her husband, came here that year. They had just been married in Marietta, where the parents of Mrs. Carlisle located in 1828, and they
moved to Terminus at the suggestion of the offi ciating pastor, Rev. Josiah Bttrke, who expressed the opinion that Terminus would be a great city some day and was just the place for a young couple to start out. Writing in 1892, Mrs. Car lisle said of her early experiences:
"We took his (Dr. Burke's) advice, and one warm June day we started on our journey (From Marietta to Terminus). Not greater was the fire
of enthusiasm that coursed through the veins of those who long ago turned their faces toward California wilds in search of gold than was that of this young couple as they started to win the goal (or gold) at Terminus. As we, with our wagons and worldly effects, reached our destina tion, a rude structure which we had procured from Judge" Cone, of Deeatur, as a dwelling, we, found, to our consternation, that it was occupied, and, what was more, by rude people who refused to vacate. There we were, alone, thrust out into
the wilderness without shelter, neighbor or friend. It was the only available shelter for miles around, having been built by Mr. John Thrasher and used years before as a commissary for the old 'Monroe' road hands. It was situated on Marietta Road. The families occupying it were Irish, em
ployed to grade the road, and seemed to be fixcould notify Judge Cone, and finally found an old, tures.
"We began looking about for shelter until we
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 149
dilapidated shanty in which cattle had found refuge, and here we camped. After some delay, we obtained possession of shanty number one, which, for comfort, was little better than the one we had just vacated. But it was to be home; and let not the reader forget that we were young, am bitious and quite visionary. We felt that Term inus would not always be a terminus, but the beginning of much grand and glorious future prosperity.
"Notwithstanding the noble resolve of this young wife to stand by her husband and suffer as he suffered, our finer feelings recoiled at the sight of the rude floor and bare walls of the one room, which she realized was to be parlor, bed room, store for groceries, and possibly dining room and kitchen, all in one. Imagine, if you can, young reader, if you are a mother or wife, this young wife's feelings as she stood and gazed at her surroundings. Yet, as she gazed in disap pointment and uncertain fear, this sweet reflec tion came to her: Mary, the mother of Jesus, had only a manger for her cherished one to be born in, and why should I ask for morel So the young and expectant mother of only seventeen summers, bowed her head in meek submission
and grieved no more." Mrs. Carlisle then describes the vain search
made by her husband for more comfortable and pleasing surroundings in which to place his wife, and his failure to find anything better in all ttie vast wilderness. At times she joined n!m in the search, and speaking of these excursions into the wilds, she said that they followed many trails,
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hoping that they would lead to some house, but they would lead only to some spring used by rail
road hands years before. One of these springs, she said, was near the present Forsyth Street bridge, and another was Walton Spring.
Referring again to their place of habitation, she said: "The stage driven by Tom Shivers passed every other day, back and forth from Decatur to Marietta. This event was an oasis in the desert of our lives, for it was the only thing that broke the terrible monotony. There were no churches and no Sabbath-schools, so we spent Sunday quietly at home.
"When the land was surveyed and lots in Terminus were offered for sale, we bought the second that was sold, which was in the block run ning from the corner of Pryor and Decatur Streets back to Line Street, now Edgewood Ave nue. On the corner fronting Decatur, my hus band erected a small building in which he con tinued to keep and to sell groceries. His was the first grocery store, and the store moved here later from Bolton by Loyd & Collins, was the first dry goods store in the place. To the rear of this block, fronting on Line Street, we had moved our dwelling, and had as a neighbor A. B. Forsyth. The first sermon was preached in the rock ware house by Eev. John L. Thomas, a Methodist minister, and the first boarding house was kept in the engineer's office by Mr. Grannan for the
benefit of the engineers. "As the days, weeks and months rolled by, the
modest little Termrras put on a new garb and changed its name : c ?farthasville. The same
PIONEERS RECALL OLD DAYS 151
characteristics which mark Atlanta today were hers then, namely: thrift, energy and steady pur pose. The growth was so marvelous and rapid that it was impossible to keep pace with it."
CHAPTER X.
GBOWTH IN VALUES
WHILE Atlanta's growth has been very rapid, and there has been a steady en hancement in realty values, the City has never known one of those hectic periods commonly described as a "boom," with sndden and enormous inflations and quite as sud den and even more pronounced deflations. Such booms were common enough in the South, as well as in other parts of the country, during the first quarter of a century following the Civil War, and in most instances their effects were disasterous, the last state of the town passing through one of these abnormal periods being worse than its first. In all these "booms" enormous; profits were taken while the fictitious rise continued, but as a rule the losses were even greater when the bubble had collapsed. In many instances irrepairable injury was done to communities which had fair prospects of achieving a generous meas ure of growth. Property values would attain such impossible figures during the height of the excitement, that those who were left with the bag to hold, found it impossible to realize more than a, fraction of what they had paid, and as a con sequence, the town became "dead," and either passed out of existence or remained stunted for A great many years. To survive at all required extraordinary vitality.
GROWTH IN VALUES
153
Any fast-growing city that escapes such a "boom" is entitled to congratulation, and Atlan
ta is such a place. There have been neither ab normal advances nor quick recessions here, but a sustained increase, both in population and in
realty values. It is only under such conditions that the investor can feel assured that the money
put in property will grow, and it is because of the fixity of Atlanta's growth that its real estate has become so attractive to investors.
The larger part of Atlanta's most compact busi ness section, with its great sky-scraper, its com manding public buildings and its vast mercantile establishments, occupies what is known in the rec ords as Land Lot 78, of the 14th District, consist ing of 20214 acres. Originally owned by the Creek Nation, this property passed into the hands of the State on January 1,1821, being a small part of the acreage that passed from the Creeks to the State. Some four and a half years later, July 18,1825, a land lottery was held in which this and other prop erty was passed to private owners, and the person to whom Lot 78 fell was Jane Doss. It cost her
nothing. After holding this site of a future city for six
months, Mrs. Doss sold it, December 21, 1825, to Mathew Henry for $50, or less than 25 cents an
acre. Fancy if you wiH, property occupied now by such structures as the Candler Building, the Piedmont Hotel, the Ansley Hotel, the Healey Building and the United States postoffiee, selling for a sum like this! But already some enhance ment was in sight, for on January 27, 1838, Mathew Henry sold it to Buben Cone for $300.
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This advance to nearly $1.50 an acre was followed by another slight enhancement five years later, when, on August 19, 1843, one-half interest in
the plot, less seven lots and three acres, was sold to Ami "Williams for $200. On September 17,
1849, Ami. Williams acquired about fifty lots addi tional for the sum of $1,000. By this time At
lanta had become established as a growing town, and a large part of the property within the future metropolis had been divided into lots and no longer was selling by the acre.
On January 23, 1863, Ami Williams sold a lot at Peachtree and Baker Streets, fronting 200 feet on Peachtree and rnnning back to Spring, for $3,000. This parcel comprised about two acres, and the price indicates how realty values were growing in Atlanta in spite of the fact that the War Between the States then was at its height.
In a little over a month after acquiring this property, McLendon sold one half of it to J. W. Rucker for $5,000. This property fronted
100% feet on Peachtree Street and run back to Baker, and then contained a small frame cottage. Following the burning of the City and the close of the war, there was a recession in values, this lot selling on November 14, 1868, for $4,000, the purchaser being Austin Leyden. The latter sold it on March 13, 1869, for exactly what he paid for it, the purchaser being James B. Wiley. It is
now the property of the James B. Wiley Com
pany. It was assessed for this year, 1922, by the City of Atlanta at $180,000, its actual value, of course, being much in excess of this figure. It
comprises less than one acre.
GROWTH IN VALUES
155
The transactions traced here represents but a few out of the many thousands that followed the original purchase, many of them furnishing even more striking illustrations of the tremendous growth in realty values, but it is sufficiently representative to show the way in which acreage of low value developed into city lots worth fab ulous sums.
In this connection, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce is circulating a handsome little booklet entitled "The Romance of Atlanta Realty," and it presents some astonishing facts, compiled by B. H. Scott, while president of the Atlanta Realty Board. The introductory paragraph of this little booklet reads:
"Herewith is the most astounding story of real estate values known to any community in the United States for anything like the same length of time. It is, at the same time, the record of the growth and progress of a city and section that is hardly conceivable--certainly not duplicated in any of the conservative localities in the known world."
Here are some of the astonishing facts set forth in the pages which follow:
One hundred acres of land situated in "West End sold in 1909 for $20,000. One half of this land, with the improvements, is now valued for taxation at $1,390,000. Over $360,000 has been realized from the sale of lots on this fifty acres, and the other is still held.
In 1849, J. F. Johnson bought a half acre of
land fronting 105 feet on Whitehall Street for
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$200. Twenty-one feet of this property sold in 1920 for $160,000.
Five acres of land lying in the block bound by Alabama and Hunter Streets was bought by Nedom Angier in 1849 for $200. One lot in this plot was sold in 1919 for $75,500.
In 1864 Alfred Austell bought one and threefourths acres on Marietta Street for $5,000. In 1921 a piece of this property, fronting 90 feet on Marietta Street, was sold for $180,000. This is the site of the new Federal Reserve Bank.
Adjoining this is a lot for which the Presby terian Church paid $300 in 1848, and for which it received $102,500 when sold to the Federal Re serve Bank.
What is known as the "Tom Pitts Corner," at Five Points, was sold in 1845 for $130. It is one of the busiest corners in Atlanta and is worth a fabulous sum today.
The Clarke property at Peachtree and Edgewood Avenue, was sold in 1862 for $12,800. It was sold in 1919 for $425,000. The same pur chaser, Asa G. Candler, Incorporated, bought the Hunnieutt property at Peaehtree and Walton Streets in 1917, paying $420,000. It was bought in 1862 for $6,000.
On September 17,1849, Ammie Williams estate bought the land between Peachtree and Pryor Streets on Auburn avenue for $1,000. It was sold recently for $232,000.
The Piedmont Hotel, one of the familiar landnarks in Atlanta, occupies a piece of ground that was sold in 1860 for $300. The hotel company
GROWTH IN VALUES
157
paid $125,000 for it years ago, and the land is worth vastly more today.
The property at 138 Peachtree Street, which gold in 1920 for $115,000, was purchased in 1869
for $1,100.
The Howard Theatre, among the most beauti
ful motion picture theatres in the world, occupies a site which the theatre company leased for twenty-five years upon a valuation of $625,000.
The lot was bought in 1862 for $580. Sixty feet of land in the block where the Gov
ernor's Mansion stood on Peachtree Street, was purchased in 1882 for $10,200. It was sold in 1914 for $155,000.
A half acre on Ivy Street, near Decatur, was sold in 1853 by Lemuel P. Grant for $150. In 1920 it sold for $100,000, and it has since changed hands at a substantial advance over this price.
At the northwest corner of Peachtree and Kilnball Streets, a lot 79x196 feet sold in 1882 for $1,200. Sold in 1920, it brought $85,000.
Another very fortunate investment was made by Eichard Peters when in 1849 he bought 405
acres extending from North Avenue to Eighth
Street, and from Bedford Place to a point beyond Plum Street, paying $2,100 for the whole. This property embraces one of the most thickly popu
lated sections of Atlanta today, among the many buildings thereon being the Georgian Terrace Hotel, the Ponce de Leon Apartments, the Tech nological School, All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Marks Methodist Church, and hundreds of
other buildings. Its worth today would be diffi cult to estimate, but it is truly a staggering sum.
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The history of "Land Lot No. 105," forms another amazing story of enhancement. It con
sists of 202% acres and was bonght in 1847 for $150. It was bonght in 1904 by Hugh T. Inman for $300,000, and was developed into a high-class residential property, selling as high as $250 per front foot. One choice block in this tract is said to be now worth as much as Mr. Inman paid for the whole.
Many other instances of a similar character are recited in this little booklet, all emphasizing the obvious fact that money placed in Atlanta real estate is planted in fertile soil.
Two factors account for the tremendous ad vances that have been noted in Atlanta real estate. One is growth achieved and the other is the certainty of growth to be achieved in the
future. In the development of values outside of the bus
iness districts, individual initiative has been an important feature. Real estate development pur
posed long ago to make Atlanta an attractive place in which to live as well as an ideal place in which to make a living. Residential sections of
exceptional charm, such as Druid Hills, Inman Park and others, were developed with rare taste, and as a consequence visitors to this City are cer tain to be impressed with the beauty, the dignity and the restfumess of home life in this commun
ity.
Beautiful homes are also found in places even more remote. On Paces' Ferry Road, far beyond
historic Peachtree Creek, a number of homes of an exceptionally impressive character are found.
GROWTH IN VALUES
159
Most of these are surrounded by grounds of such spaciousness that they reach the dignity of es tates, and some of the homes are truly palatial in character and diminsions. Here the ground is high and rolling, affording abundant opportunity for the display of skill on the part of the land scape architect, and the scenic effects obtained "are as restful as they are beautiful.
This creation of splendid semi-rural estates, is a comparatively new departure in the develop ment of Atlanta, but the idea has taken firm hold upon those provided with ample means, and the number of these spacious and beautifully situated liomes is multiplying constantly, the whole lend ing great charm to the City as a place of resi dence.
The abundance and excellence of the building materials found in Georgia is reflected in the liberality with which these materials are used in Atlanta, where the choicest marble and the ever lasting granite plays a prominent part in the ar
chitecture of the City. Marble of the finest quality exists in this State
in unlimited quantities, being found in the north west corner of the commonwealth. Here one de posit alone stretches its length for a distance of some sixty miles, with a varying width of from two to three miles and with a depth of from 150 to 200 feet. This one deposit is estimated to con tain about five hundred billion cubic feet, and
marble therefrom has gone into the erection of many notable buildings throughout the country, as well as into many memorials of one kind and
another.
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ATLANTA
It is only in recent years that the tremendous value of these marble deposits has been realized, and there is an element of irony in the fact that just about the time the public began to realize something of their importance, the State was en gaged in the erection of its magnificent new Cap itol in Atlanta--and was building it of Indiana sandstone! "What an opportunity for displaying a great home product to the world was missed at this time!
But, it might be said in passing, such colossal indifference to the things under ones own heels is not unusual. It has been the greatest single handicap under which the South has struggled. For many years before the War Between the States, the South raised cotton and bought what it needed elsewhere. Thus the habit of looking to other quarters when needs were to be sup plied grew and became fixed. And, when the war was at an end and the slave labor which helped to make cotton growing profitable, disappeared, the habit survived. Hence the spectacle of men and of institutions sending into far places for things that could be found at their very doors, continued to be a common one--is a common one
today. However, time is bringing about a mighty
change in this respect. The South, having taken stock of its major possessions and having found these possessions of a value far surpassing any thing imigination may have pictured, is taking hold and developing its own. Thus, while Geor gia's splendid State building is made of Indiana stone, Atlanta's greatest temple of business--the
STONE MOUNTAIN, ONE OP THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD
GROWTH IN VALUES
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Candler sky-scraper, is made of Georgia marble, as are many other structures in and about the City, including the splendid Terminal Station, the Public Library, and the Federal Reserve Bank, a magnificent structure in its enlarged state.
Today the beauty and utility of Georgia mar ble is so well recognized that it is used almost un iversally. At least four states have rubbed it in to Georgia, so to speak, by adopting for their own Capitals the marble which Georgia itself ignored, these States being Minnesota, Kentucky, Arkans as and Rhode Island. Moreover, it has been rec ognized by the Federal Government, in the erec tion of its building in Boston, and in a num ber of other structures, and is represented in New York by the Stock Exchange and numerous other buildings. The Royal Banks of Canada in Mon treal and in "Winnipeg, are built of Georgia mar ble, as is the Illinois State Memorial at Vicksburg, the Louisville & Nashville passenger station in Louisville, the Cocoran Art Galleries in Wash ington, and so forth and so on. Verily, Georgia marble has come into its own!
Granite rock, another building material of rare excellence and wide usage, is found in abundance, the most impressive and most colossal example being situated in plain view of Atlanta. As I glance out of the window where these words are being written, I see Stone Mountain, like some brown, gigantic dolphin swimming in a sea of green. Six hundred and eighty-six feet, this
mighty mass of stone towers above the surround ing country, the largest and most amazing mon olith in the entire world. Seven miles in circum-
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ATLANTA
ference, and composed of a single unit, it is esti mated to contain sixteen billion feet of workable stone.
But while Stone Mountain contains this vast quantity of building material, it is valued chiefly because of its unique character, and though a con siderable amount of "pecking" has been done about its base in the gathering of building mater ials, it is now to be preserved and is to form a unique and truly wonderful memorial. A monu mental panorama, commemorating the valor of the Confederate soldier, is being carved upon its sheer side, with heroic figures, fifty feet in height, and when the work is done it will be without a parallel .
Georgia's granite field extends throughout the Piedmont region, comprising sixty-one counties, but the most beautiful material is found in the Oglesby-Lexington territory. Here monumental material abounds and it has come into wide usage.
Atlantans are justly proud of the State which has contributed so much to the greatness of their own City, and there is a genuine zeal for the en couragement of home institutions and enter prises. The development of mines and quarries, the diversification of crops, the promotion of dairying, of live stock and swine production, and similar enterprises have received their cordial support, and they show the measure of their faith in Georgia products by the practical use of the same whenever and wherever possible.
The influence of this attitude of helpfulness and co-operation upon the State at large has been
GROWTH IN VALUES
163
tremendous. Largely through the efforts of one great packing plant in Atlanta, Georgia, has been brought to a high state of productivity along this line; its record for the production of beef and swine having grown rapidly. Atlanta flour mills have encouraged the production of wheat, with excellent results. Its hotels have fostered the pro duction of poultry, eggs, milk, butter and cream, and so it has gone--consumers doing what they can to bring about the production in Georgia of things that are consumed here.
The Southeastern Fair, held annually in At lanta, is another vital factor in the development of production and in linking the producer up with the consumer. The commercial and industrial exhibits at this fair serve to parade before the agricultural population the products of the fac tories and mills, while the exhibits from farms and dairies and orchards serve to keep the city dwellers informed concerning the things the soil of Georgia will produce.
This fair, which is much more than a local event, its fame spreading throughout the South, does far more than one -might infer from this brief reference, but the only point I seek to em phasize in touching upon it is its wide influence upon the movement to keep Georgia products to the front. The fair buildings are large and mod ern, and the exhibits, coming from practically all points of the compass, are numerous and repre sentative. The attendance, comprising visitors from all the Southeastern States, is always large and the beneficial effects to Atlanta and to Geor
gia and the South are great.
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ATLANTA
The developments preceding the establishment of the Southeastern Fair Association were of a character well calculated to foster a permanent institution of this kind. The Cotton Exposition of 1881, followed by the Piedmont Expositions, creat ed here an apt appreciation of the value of dis playing the products of the soil and the creations of man's genius, and the community also became well-grounded in the fundamentals involved both in the presentation of such exhibits, and. in the handling of the masses of people who are attract ed. So it is not surprising that the Southeastern Fair has become a great institution, nor that it
serves a most useful purpose. Its exhibits are held each October and always brings a large num
ber of visitors. Visitors to Atlanta, whether coming to the ex
position, or to grand opera, or to some other at traction, find many points of interest in this City. Few, however, possess a stronger appeal to the student of history than the Cyclorama at Grant Park, where is housed the most colossal painting of a battle scene that human conflict has in spired. This painting is fifty feet high and four
hundred feet in circumference, and is a graphic portrayal of the Battle of Atlanta, which sealed the fate of the "Citidal of the Confederacy."
This remarkable painting, the work of three German artists, is housed in a beautiful stone building which occupies a commanding bluff. The building is approaching completion as these lines are written, and in addition to providing a splen did and eminently fitting setting for so remarkable
GROWTH IN VALUES
165
a work of art, it provides space for numerous rel ics of "The Lost Cause." It takes the place of a frame structure in which the painting was housed for years, and in which it finally began to show signs of deterioration. Thereupon it was determ ined to provide a structure in which the work "would be preserved for centuries to come, and the splendid building now practically completed is the result.
Through the main entrance, which is flanked by large and graceful columns, one enters the Cyclorama through a wide, high tunnel, which leads to stairways upon which the visitor mounts to an el evated stage, circular in form, and there, spread before the eyes in a vast circle, is the Battle of Atlanta. The painting, since being placed in its permanent setting, has been skillfully retouched and today has all the appearance of having been completed only a few weeks ago.
The Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, raged chiefly about the Georgia Bailroad, which Gen eral Sherman had thrown his forces across and was attempting to hold as a part of his plan of isolating the City. This railroad, the track torn up and the rails bent in all directions, forms the central theme in the painting, and by a clever bit of stage work, the road is carried across the earth en floor which divides the circular walls of canvas, helping thus to create an illusion of continuity. Broken wheels and dismantled cannon, together with other debris of war, are also scattered over the ground, lending realism to the scene.
The house in which General Sherman made Ms neadquarters, and from in front of which he
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ATLANTA
viewed the ebb and flow of this crucial battle, is clearly visible in the distance, while in the oppos ite direction, across hill and vale and over the vast and troubled sea of struggling men,is seen the sky line of Atlanta just as it was silhouetted against
the smoke-laden horizon upon that memorable oc casion, a number of its spires and domes still standing in spite of the shells which had been rained upon the City.
Remarkable detail characterizes the work in a number of instances. Amid the multitudenous fig ures, one may easily discover the forms of the two brothers who met upon this battle field; one a Con federate and the other a Federal. The Confeder
ate is prostrate upon the ground, severely wound ed, while above him kneels the Federal, a canteen of water in his hand. As he performs this act of mercy, he discovers that the man upon the ground is his brother; one fighting for the preservation of
the Union, the other to establish a purely South ern State. For members of one family to be on opposite sides in this conflict was not unusual, as wide differences of opinion prevailed among the
people residing in the border states, but that broth ers should meet in the fashion depicted here, pre
sents an element of romance that the lecturer, who explains the great painting to visitors never fails to touch upon.
The nicity of detail lends to the immense paint ing an interest that sweeping generalities could
not arouse, and one may spend hours studying the work if accompanied by a person familar with the meaning of all the spirited scenes depicted upon the immense sweep of canvas. If interested in
GBOWTH IN VALUES
167
statistics, the visitor may learn that this 400 x 50 painting weighs five tons and that it represents the work of three artists for a period of three
years. It is valued at $100,000. Grant Park, which itself embraces a portion of
the ground upon which the Battle of Atlanta was fought, contains another war relic of unusual in terest: "The Texas," that fleet locomotive of the '60's, which took the last leg in the pursuit of An drews' Raiders when they decamped from Big Shanty with the "General," their purpose being to burn the bridges between Atlanta and Chatta nooga and thus cut off the Confederate armies from a fundamentally important source of supply.
Well preserved and carefully tended, this historic locomotive is an unfailing point of attraction.
CHAPTER XI.
THE STAGE--Now AND THEN.
T HE fact that Atlanta is the only city in the United States, outside of New York, where the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company regularly performs, gives this City a remarkable distinction, and one which il lumines the enterprise of the City in a peculiarly impressive way. A more daring enterprise was never launched in a Southern city, and the fact that it has become a brilliant and permanent feat ure, forms a striking tribute to the foresight of those cultured men and women whose courage and enterprise made it possible.
Grand Opera week in Atlanta is far more than a local or State event. It is Southern in its scope, and its influence upon the cultural life of the South has become marked. Thousands of music lovers from all parts of Dixie come to Atlanta for Opera Week, and during this period there assembles in the great auditorium an audience more representa tive of the wealth and culture of the South than is drawn together upon any other occasion. The ef fect is to have the message of good music carried into far places. Through this influence scores of communities throughout the Southern States have been inspired to stage musical productions upon a scale not dreamed of until Atlanta demonstrated that Grand Opera could be supported in the South. No other city has attempted any such ambitious
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 169
program as is presented in this City, but many iave presented events featured by the presence of several stars of international reputation. An ambition for the best has been fired in the breasts of music lovers, and the circle of their influence is
an ever widening one.
The scene in the Atlanta Auditorium during Grand Opera Week for brilliancy is unsurpassed. On such occasions the family jewels are brought forth, and the most marvelous creations of the milliners are on display. The great auditorium is decorated in keeping with the occasion, and on the whole it is a wonderfully brilliant and colorful spectacle.
It is also a week of wonderful entertainments. The social affairs presented in the many beautiful homes of Atlanta reach the peak in point of per fection, and it is little wonder that multitudes of visitors leave at the close of this remarkable week feeling that they have found here all of the bril liance and more of the delights than would have Tseen found even in the gay and cultured city of Paris.
The Metropolian Grand Opera Company was first brought to Atlanta in 1910, this bold adven ture into the realms of opera being the outgrowth of an elaborate musical festival presented in com memoration of the completion of the Atlanta Auditorium in 1909. Until the inauguration of
Grand Opera Week, this was the most ambitious musical venture ever presented in the South. The Atlanta Music Festival Association was organized in anticipation of this event, and a number of
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ATLANTA
famous singers were engaged, ineuding Farrar, Fremstad, Jomelli, Langendorff, Maeonda, Lansing, Zenatello, Scotti, Martin, Lawson, Hastings and Loekhart, with Schinitzer and Chabot as pian ists and Spalding as violinist. The Dresden Phil harmonic Orchestra also was engaged, and a chorus of five hundred voices was trained for the
event.
The cost of this undertaking was very large, and the guarantors expected to be called upon to make up some deficit, but community pride in the completion of the new auditorium was high, and the desire to make it the vehicle for converting Atlanta into the musical center of the South keen, and not the least difficulty was experienced in having the guarantee fund largely oversubscribed. But there was no deficit. The people of Atlanta, and of the States, supported the effort brilliantly, and so pronounced was its success that the Music Festival Association was inspired to attempt something even more elaborate. "Atlanta," the members of this- organization said, "should have the best in music, and should have it as a perm anent thing."
This spontaneous demand for the best, prompt ed the inquiry "what is the best?" and the answer was "Grand Opera, by the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company."
The tremendous cost of such a venture stag gered a few, but the very boldness of it stirred the imagination of the leading citizens and after the idea had become thoroughly assimilated, they went to it with a boundless enthusiasm.
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 171
The idea of playing an engagement in the South had not occurred to the management of the Metro politan Grand Opera Company, and doubt existed as to the feasibility of this great musical organiza tion performing outside of New York, but finally a figure was named--and a large figure it was--and the music lovers of Atlanta knew what they would have to do. They met the challenge by subscrib ing promptly the amount necessary to bring grand opera to their City, and the initial performance was presented in 1910. Eesults more than justified the faith of those who made possible the wonderful series of performances. Eeceipts exceeded ex penditures, as large as they were, and the guaran tors were not called upon for a cent.
The success of this early presentation, both financially and artistically, was such that the Music Festival Association adopted grand opera as a permanent feature, and it has been presented each year since 1910, with the exception of 1918, when it was omitted on account of the war, and only once during this interval has it been neces sary to supplement the funds necessary to pay all cost incident to the presentation. This was in 1922, when an unusual condition of depression prevailed, due to severe deflation and the destruc tion of the cotton crop by the boll weevil.
In addition to the notable triumph achieved in presenting the Metropolitan Grand Opera Com pany as a permanent feature, the Music Festival Association caused to be installed in the new audi torium a magnificent organ, said to be the third largest in the United States. The cost of this in strument was fifty thousand dollars, and when it
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ATLANTA
had been paid for it was turned over to the City. Since its installation, it has been a source of de
light to the people of Atlanta as well as to those in many surrounding communities. Sunday after
noon concerts are held regularly, the music being conveyed to countless "listeners-in" by the radio department of the Atlanta Constitution, and also to the throngs in the city parks by means of tele phone amplifiers. Thus multitudes are enabled to enjoy the pleasure and inspiration of beautiful
and majestic harmony. The executive head of the Music Festival As
sociation is the same now as in the beginning, the office of president being occupied by Col. W. L. Peel, a man of exceptional culture and one devot ed to all that makes for the progress of Atlanta along the highest and best lines. His wife, who might well be referred to as one of the great mov ing forces of Atlanta, has been as eager and alert in the promotion of things musical, and she, too, deserves much credit for the success which has crowned the effort to make Atlanta a center of imisical culture.
Few changes have been made in the executive family of the Music Festival Association since its organization. In the beginning, when few real ized how notable the achievements were to be
come, the Executive Committee consisted of W. L. Peel, C. B. Bidwell, H. M. Atkinson, G. W. Wilkins, Clark Howell, John E. Murphy, James B. Gray, V. H. Kreigshaber, Ben Lee Crew, W. Woods White, C. L. Anderson, Victor L. Smith, John Temple Graves, John W. Grant and E. S. Wessels. To day, after the passage of more than a dozen years,
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 173
the list reads much the same: W. L. Peel, H. M. Atkinson, C. B. Bidwell, W. Woods White, Clark Howell, John E. Murphy, V. H. Kreigshaber, Ben Lee Crew, John W. Grant, J. B. Nevins, J. S. Cohen, W. M. Brownlee, Robert S. Parker, with S. Davies Warfield, of Baltimore, and Otto H. Kahn, of New York City.
The huge auditorium in which grand opera is presented is also a concrete testimonial to the pub lic spirit of Atlanta. Built through private initia tive and individual pluck, it is a permanent re minder of the fact that when the Atlanta people want a thing they go after it with an energy that overthrows all obstacles. Legal restrictions pre vented the City of Atlanta from building an audi torium, and while the municipal officials were in thorough sympathy with the project, it was nec essary for private individuals to point the way and to develop the means to the end. That they did it, providing Atlanta with an auditorium of great size and modern in all respects, at a time of gen eral financial depression, forms a striking tribute to the genius and the courage of the moving spir its.
When the movement for an auditorium was be gun, grand opera was not thought of, but it was believed that if this City were provided with such a building, it speedily would become the conven ient center of the South--an expectation fully jus tified by subsequent events, for it is a fact that At lanta now entertains a convention of some kind al most every day of the year. Not all of them, as a matter of course, are held in the auditorium, that structure being far too large for a majority of
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ATLANTA
such gatherings, but the fact that the City can care comfortably for the greatest event of this kind, and does entertain many of them, has served so to pop ularize the City that meetings of every kind and character are brought here.
The building of this great asset to community life had its inception in the fall of 1906, when a
committee of seven, consisting of Eobert F. Maddox, Asa Gr. Candler, Sam D. Jones, W. H. Baser, David "Woodward, J. Willie Pope and J. W. English, called a mass meeting in the Chamber of
Commerce building and there urged the great im portance of providing an auditorium of sufficient capacity to meet the present and future require ments of the City. This committee was created for the purpose of providing an alternative plan of investing certain funds and certain energies which had been gathered for the purpose of holding an exposition in Atlanta--a project that finally was
declared inexpedient. The desire of those con cerned was to direct the energies of this move ment into a more constructive and more perma nent channel.
At the mass meeting just referred to, a resolu tion was adopted providing for the creation of a
committee of twenty-five, whose duties should be to appear before the Mayor and General Council
and urge the building of an auditorium; "also to suggest a financial plan by which this may be done." This provision was inserted because it was well known that the charter of the City pre vented tlhe execution of any contract that was to continue beyond the year in which it was made, and that some means woud have to be provided
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 175
for financing the project before the City could take hold. The situation was such that it was neces sary to form a corporation and to issue the bonds. Bonds in the sum of $175,000 were issued, payable in annual installments of $25,000. The bonds were sold to an insurance company and the money was paid over as the building progressed and the City assumed the contracts. The building was erected under the supervision of the Building committee.
From the first the City officials were in thorough sympathy with the movement and gave all need ful assurance of support. The Atlanta Auditor ium-Armory Company was organized with a cap ital of $75,000, the date of organization being Feb. 7, 1907. James R. Gray was elected president, John E. Murphy, vice-president, Walter G. Coop er, secretary, Robert F. Maddox, treasurer, the board of directors consisting of these gentlemen with Clark Howell, Asa G. Candler, J. W. English, C. L. Anderson, W. L. Peel, C. E. Caverly, J. J. Spalding, Wilmer L. Moore, Robert S. Wessels, P. S. Arkwright, Sam D. Jones, F. J. Paxon, J. K. Orr, E. R. DuBose, John Temple Graves, Burton Smith, Frank HawMns, W. T. Gentry, J. Wiley
Pope, David Woodward and George W. Sciple. A building committee was named, consisting of John E. Murphy, chairman; W. L. Peel, James R. Gray, Clifford L. Anderson and Robert S. Wessels. The ity Council created a co-operative committee con sisting of F. A. Quillian, chairman; E. E. Pom-
eroy, E. W. Martin, W. A. Hancock and E. C. Pet ers, which served during the first year. The com
mittee for the second year consisted of E. E. Pom-
1
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ATLANTA
eroy, chairman; Martin F. Amorous, Charles M. Eoberts, Aldine Chambers and Eugene Dodd.
A lot two hundred by three hundred feet was purchased as the site of the auditorium, at a cost of about $60,000, and the structure was erected thereon at a total outlay of approximately $190,000. The building has a seating capacity of ap proximately eight thousand. The center of the auditorium is an eliptical arena ninety feet wide and one hundred and fifty feet long, surrounded by a series of boxes, back of which is the dress circle. Above are two spacious balconies, reached by in clines instead of by steps. At the eastern end of the building is the organ loft, where is housed the magnificent $50,000 instrument.
The building is also provided with a small con vention hall, seventy-five by seventy-eight feet, with a twenty-nine-foot ceiling. Here smaller con ventions and similar gatherings are held, the seat ing capacity being about nine hundred. This hall was "christened" on January 15,1909, with a "possum supper" to President Taft, who was the guest of the City on that date. Incidentally, Pres ident Taft liked nothing better than a visit to Georgia. He spent his vacation in this State upon a number of occasions, and won many friends and admirers by his affable manner and genial tem perament.
In financing the auditorium at a time of general depression, the committee encounterd numerous obstacles, but every difficulty was overcome be cause of the unanimity with which the public spir ited citizens of Atlanta wrought upon the project. It is doubtful if there is another building any-
GIANT TURBINES IN PLANT OF GEORGIA RAILWAY AND POWER CO.
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 177
where in the country that represents so much in spaciousness, in permanency, in convenience and in architectural detail, and so little in financial out lay. This result was due in part to the conditions above referred to, but another factor was repre sented in the skill and intelligence displayed by the building committee. This committee got full value, "pressed down and running over," for every dollar expended.
It is a far cry from this great auditorium to At lanta's first important house of entertainment, but the journey is not without interest. Indeed, a mere reference to the DeGive Theatre is enough to start the old-time theatrical patron upon a voyage of delightful reminiscence. "Ah, those were the days!" Names to conjure with appeared on the boards then--Joe Jefferson, Booth and Barrett, Sol Smith Russell, John T. Raymond, Fannie Davenport, Sarah Bernhardt, Ezra Kendell, Rich ard Mansfield, J. K. Emmett, Denman Thompson, Frederick Warde, Julia Marlowe, Bob Slavin, Ada Gray, Annie Pixley, Louis James, Madam Rhea, James 0 'Neill, Thomas W. Keene, Cora Van Tassell, Roland Reed, Lewis Morrison, Henry Dixie, Emma Abbott, Scott Thornton, Atlanta's own gifted tragedian, and a host of others, including those gifted fun-makers, Al G. Fields, Lew Dockstader, Y. H. Primrose, Billy Van, James A. Decker, James German, Bob Slavin, Milt Barlow, George Wilson and W. S. Cleveland. Bill Hart, too, was here in those early days, but needless to say, he wasn't a "movie" star at that time.
While the DeGive Theatre was not the first playhouse, it having been preceded by the old
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ATLANTA
Atheneum, it was the first pretentious place of
amusement and for twenty-five years occupied a
place in the life of the people such as has been
occupied by no other, before or since. During
nearly all these years, it was the center around
which revolved the life of Atlanta, insofar as
things theatrical were concerned. Here the great
est interpreters of the drama were seen; here
the world's most distinguished fun-makers held
forth, and here the most famous lecturers upon
:j
the platform were heard,
:
This playhouse, which stood on Marietta Street
j
and extended back to the Grant Building, was
I'
erected by Laurent DeGive. It occupied four
j
lots. The first three fronting twenty-five feet
]
each on Marietta Street, were purchased by Mr.
I
DeGive in 1862 for $700 each--a total of $2,100.
)
Later a fourth lot was purchased for $5,000.
[
After this pioneer house had been operated for
i
a time as the DeGive Theatre, it was remodeled
j
and the name was changed to the DeGive Opera
!;
House, the idea being that "Opera House" was
j
more dignified and more suggestive of a great
j
playhouse than the term "theatre." This name
|
remained until the opening of the great Cotton
i
Exposition in 1881, when it was decided that
i
"The Columbia" would appeal more to the great
exposition throngs, and it was so named. This
title remained until the theatre was leased by
i
Jake "Wells, and then it became "The Bijou."
i;
Under this name it continued to furnish enter
tainment to the people of Atlanta until a couple
i
of years ago, when it finally passed forever--going
to make room for an office building. Meanwhile,
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 179
however, numerous other places of amusement had come into being, including a much finer the atre for the presentation of the best in the spoken drama, and the loss of the pioneer structure was notable only for sentimental reasons.
But what a wealth of sentiment clustered about the ancient pile! Students of the public schools graduated there. As they started out in life, the boys took their sweethearts there; then their wives; then their children. Friends entertained friends there, orators discussed great issues there, and there the greatest actors that ever trod the boards were seen in the prime of their powers. Lucian York, now manager for M. Rich & Brothers, stood at the door of the old theatre for many years, coming in intimate contact with the great of the stage, and accumulating a wealth of infor mation about plays and players such as is pos sessed by few men. He kept notes in a little red book, and when this first little book was filled, he got another, and there the record of many a great performance was put down. Prom this record one learns that Sarah Bernhardt played "La Tosca," that Frank Bangs appeared in "The Silver King," and that Fanny Davenport starred in "Cleopatra" and in "Tosca." William H.
Crane and Stuart Eobson appeared in "Merry Wives of Windsor," "Henrietta" and "A Com edy of Errors." Joe Jefferson appeared in Hip Van Winkle and "The Rivals."
Both Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett ap peared at this old theatre, separately and to
gether, presenting when together "Hamlet," "Caesar," and "Othello." But the list of those
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ATLANTA
who walked the boards of this old-time theatre and caused laughter and applanse and tears and sighs, according to the humor of the play, might be extended endlessly. Atlanta came in these times to rank as one of the great theatrical cen ters of the South, and it obtained the best then, as it does now. Practically all the great plays and players, starting from New York for New Orleans, passed through this City and the people here had the opportunity to see and to enjoy the best.
As a matter of course, many amusing incidents occurred during the quarter of a century that this theatre formed the chief center of attraction to Atlanta theatre patrons, and it is well that some of these incidents were preserved. Joe Stewart, who was stage carpenter at the old the atre for many years, possessed an observant eye, plus a retentive memory, and he is responsible for the fact that some of the laughable incidents witnessed "back stage" have been recorded. In an interview in the Atlanta Journal some years ago, he related how a crowd of stage hands, in dignant at. Richard Mansfield because he made them place rubber on the bottom of their shoes so that the clatter of their feet might not get upon his nerves, made a combined assault upon that distinguished actor. These hands discovered a number of stuffed clubs, which had been left by a preceding company, and arming themselves with these dangerous-looking but harmless instru ments, they "laid for" Mansfield, and when he came back between the acts they went at him hammer and tongs, pounding him from all sides.
I
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 181
He finally escaped to his dressing room, a greatly outraged gentleman, but though he offered a re ward of $100 for the identification of his assail ants, no one claimed it and the culprits escaped. Continuing, Mr. Stewart said:
"Mansfield was the greatest stickler for details I ever saw. He always went on the stage, just before time for the curtain, and set it over. Once I knew him to hold the curtain for thirty-two min utes until I could get a certain sort of Champaigne glass that he held in his hand for about two sec onds. On another occasion, the management wanted him to give a double bill made up of a part of 'Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde,' and a part of the 'Parisian Romance.' He refused to mutilate the plays that way and said he would give all of them. And he did. The curtain went up at 8 and went down at 2 in the morning. But despite his oddi ties he was one of the greatest actors of all time, and a man you got along with famously when you did just what he wanted.
"Tom Kenne's production of 'Richard HE' was almost broken up one time when an old woman
from Darktown made her appearance upon the stage in the midst of a big scene. The ladies of the show had given out their washing and had cautioned the old woman to have it back on time. She was a little late and a little flustered, and when she got through the stage door she walked right out before the audience, the clothes-basket in her arms. 'Lady,' she said, 'here's yo' wash-
in', and handed it to the queen or the duchess, or whoever it was.
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ATLANTA
"Charley Osgood, advance agent for the 'Coun
try Circus,' the first show ever put on here by
Klaw and Erlanger, tried a joke on us that had
a boomer-rang effect. Charley told us they were
going to have a lot of elephants with the show
and that the stage would need special bracing.
We put so many braces under it that an engine
could have run across the boards without shak
ing it, then we waited for the elephants. They
came along all right, paper-mache, so heavy that
you couldn't lift more than two of them with
one hand.
" 'So those are the elephants, are they, Buddy!'
said Mr. DeGive, talking to me. 'Well, we'll see.'
And we did. He presented Charley with a bill
for $500 for extra expenses, and that was the
i
last stage he ever had braced for those paper-
>|
mache elephants.
"One of the biggest productions ever put on
here was 'Cleopatra' with Fannie Davenport in
the principal part. Pine trees were fixed on
blocks so that they could be moved back and forth,
giving the idea of swaying. We had a lot of ne
groes to work the trees, and their swaying was
to be one of the most realistic parts of the big
storm scene. But we hadn't counted on the noise
the big storm would make and what effect it
would have on the hired help. The thunder
started rolling, the lightning flashing, and the rain
falling, and every one of the negroes left right
away. They didn't hesitate a minute. They just
left, and throughout the storm those pine trees
stood as though no wind in the world could shake
them."
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 183
This theatre remained the only one of any im portance in the City until 1891, when the Edgewood Avenue Theatre was built by Barney Kleibaker. Others were erected from time to time until the climax was reached a couple of years ago with the erection of the Howard, the most beautiful picture theatre in the South and one that is not surpassed anywhere for the charm of its lighting effects and the convenience of arrangement.
The introduction of the motion picture indus try gave a tremendous impetus to the work of theatre building, and, as stated elsewhere, At lanta has many houses devoted to this art, a num ber of them being exceptionally attractive.
Atlanta has a wonderfully active Little Theatre Guild, an organization whose purpose is "to give drama with a literary quality, acted and staged with sincerity and artistic simplicity--in short, to study the community that its theatre may express its ideals; to make of the theatre a place where good drama, wholesome amusements and intelli gent recreation may be enjoyed; a place where . may be seen those plays seldom seen on the com mercial stage--and finally to encourage the cre ative spirit of our own people."
The membership of this organization embraces playwrights, scene designers and painters, ama teur actors and costume creators, and lovers of the dramatic art. At present the productions are being given on a small stage in Cable Hall. With only a fifteen foot proscenium opening and fifteen foot depth this small stage lends itself admirably to the type of plays usually produced by Little Theatres. Among the one act plays
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ATLANTA
already produced upon this stage before large
and appreciative audiences are "The Pot Boiler"
by Alice Gerstenberger, "Buby Bed" by Clar
ence Stratton, "Boccaccio's Untold Tale" by
Harry Kemp, "The Maker of Dreams" by Oli-
phant Dnwn, "The Unseen" by Alice Gersten-
berg, and two plays by a local playwright, Mr.
Parker A. Hord, "The End of Summer" and "A
Chance of a Lifetime."
The plans of this organization for the future
call for their own permanent Community The-
atre which will have the backing of the municipal
i!'
authorities and civic clubs. In such an art build
ing it is proposed to have rehearsal room, club
rooms for the members, and a stage whose equip
ment will rank with the best in the country.
The leader of this movement, Mrs. Earl Sher
wood Jackson, has been a prominent figure in
Atlanta's dramatic and artistic world for the past
ten years. Among the splendid things which
she has sponsored and developed is the beautiful
Municipal Christmas Festival, "The Light of the
World." This pageant-drama, combining music,
pantomine and spoken lines, together with tab
leaux, seeks to present the story of the Nativity
in such a way that it will give the true spirit of
the Christmas message "Peace on earth--good
will toward men."
This Nativity Play, an annual event in Atlanta,
is presented on the stage of the City Auditorium.
There are no tickets sold and no reserved seats
except for inmates of the charity institutions and
wounded soldiers. The production was first
sponsored by the Atlanta Woman's Club when
I
THE STAGE--NOW AND THEN 185
Mrs. Jackson was chairman of drama and page antry. The first performance was given in 1916, a little pantomine drama "The Gift," written by Mrs. Jackson and produced by her. Thousands were turned away from this simple production which was made possible by voluntary subscrip tions. There were incessant demands for a sec ond production, but only one performance was given. The next year a larger and more spec tacular production called "The Vision" was written and staged by Mrs. Jackson at the City Auditorium and also, by request, was presented at the dedication of the Camp Gordon Liberty Theatre.
Last year the full co-operation of the City Offi cials was secured. Financed entirely by appro priation from City Council, "The Light of the World"--a stupendous drama of the Nativity was written and produced. This production re quired nearly two hundred participants, as well as a large augmented chorus. By well known critics it is declared to rank with the Oberammergau production in its sublimity, costuming and staging and brilliant lighting effects. Unlike the Oberammergau play, the names of the actors do not appear upon the program, but every effort is made to submerge the personalities of the per formers in the characters they are interpreting. The personnel of the players is recruited from every walk of life--city officials, society matrons, bank clerks, ministers, school children and work ing girls. Busy men of affairs prominent in the financial world take a keen interest in their minor parts as Shepherds or men of Israel.
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ATLANTA
At Christmas every year this play is produced and Atlanta is earning the name of the "Chirstmas City," whose welqome is extended alike to the stranger within and the wanderer without her gates.
CHAPTER XII.
PLACES OF BENOWN
T HE vigor of Atlanta's citizenship may be accounted for in a measure by the fact that abundant provision has been made for taking care of the physical being. Atlantans are not too busy to play, and the enthu siasm with which they enter into the enjoyment of sundry forms of exercise is contagious.
Golf is the outstanding mode of recreation, and here the game has developed not only a multitude of enthusiasts, but a number of players of inter national reputation. There is Miss Alexa Stir ling, three times national woman's champion; Bobby Jones, known wherever golfers congregate, and Perry Adair, another whose name is a house hold word among devotees of the sport. In addi tion to these brilliant and famous stars, there are any number of skillful players. And following in their wake is a long line of performers, some of whom merely knock the ball about, but all of whom are fired by boundless enthusiasm for the game.
In Atlanta, golf is strictly a democratic insti tution, "going democratic when municipal golf links were opened," as one writer has expressed it, and here the game has its devotees among all classes.
Atlanta has six golf clubs, with several courses that rank among the best. The East Lake course is credited with being the finest in the South and
.:
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ATLANTA
among the ten best in the United States. Here have been staged a number of brilliant champion ship tournaments which attracted the best players in the game. East Lake is the country home of the Atlanta Athletic Club, and is a most delight ful place.
The Druid Hills Golf Club has a remarkably
beautiful course, as has the Capital City Country Club. Then there is the Ansley Park Golf Club and the Ingleside Country Club, "with exception ally fine courses of nine holes each. Another ex cellent course is that of the West End Golf Club. The new municipal course, named in honor of Mayor Key, who is an enthusiastic advocate of recreation for all the people, naturally is one of the most popular in the City. Here men and wo men of all ages, as well as boys and girls, are seen, all intent upon putting the ball across with the TniTnTrrqm number of strokes.
This tremendous increase in golf enthusiasm, and in the number of places where the enthu siasm may be spent, is of comparatively recent origin. In the early nineties there was but one club, the members of which were objects of more or less curiosity--and no little derision--as they tried to coax the tiny ball to do their bidding. This early course was in Piedmont Park, where a tremendous transformation has been brought about. No corporals guard follows the ball today, but companies and battalions go out to slam it hither and yon upon this splendid municipal
course. A mighty asset to Atlanta, is this park--the
great recreational center of the City. In addi-
PLACES OF RENOWN
189
tion to golf, one sees scores of white-clad figures engaged in tennis, while other scores engage in the great American game of baseball. ''Meanwhile multitudes of swimmers enjoy the limpid waters of the beautiful lake, or indulge in boating. A
more animated scene than is presented here on
summer afternoons would be difficult to imagine. Grant Park also affords many recreational fea
tures, chief of which is swimming, but there are many other attractions, including the "Zoo," the wonderful Cyclorama, showing the "Battle" of Atlanta, the numerous war relies, and the native beauty of the park itself.
Lakewood, the home of the Southeastern Fair, is an amusement resort, where boating and bath ing and all the other forms of entertainment may be enjoyed. Across the way is an Ostrich Farm, said to be the largest East of the Rockies.
Ponce de Leon Park is another beautiful recre ational center, with swimming, boating, etc., and there are many other delightful places, including Ansley Park, Lucile Park, Druid Hill, Heard Park, Hillyer Park, Howell Park, Joyner Park, Maddox Park, Mims Park, Mozeley Park, Pershing Park, and any number of playgrounds where children may make merry and enjoy themselves
to their hearts content. At a distance of sixteen miles, is Stone Moun
tain, one of the wonders of the world, reached either by train, street car or by automobile over an excellent road. This mountain is plainly vis
ible from Atlanta, and its changing aspects, with the varying weather conditions, is an unfailing
source of interest. Some days, when smoke from
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ATLANTA
far-off factories floats above its mighty bulk, it is suggestive of that great Italian volcano which long since buried Pompii and Herculanium--an illusion that is heightened by the great patches of bare granite appearing between the ragged patches of green. Again, when the atmosphere is damp, as after a rain, it is deep blue, like the ocean, not a single scar appearing.
Rainbows seem to have a fondness for this mountain, too, and four times within the past few weeks I have seen it arched by these marvelous formations of color, as the sun was sinking into the West and pointing its rays at the clouds above the mountain. Again, the haze gathers and slowly obliterates the towering pile of granite, as though it were but a picture upon a slate, and it seems to be among the things missing. But pres
ently the haze disappears, and there it is, as it
has been through countless ages. One of the theories which has been advanced
to account for this immense mountain of stone, is that it was a wanderer through space--a great tramp of the ethereal deep--until it came within the influence of the earth, and was drawn down by the irresistible force of gravity. A fascinating idea, this, but one which no tangible evidence
supports. However, if it is true, then the old earth received one of its severest jolts when the impact occurred, and the mountain buried itself deep into the crumbling crust of the earth.
As a matter of course, romance has woven its spell about the mountain. Before the coming of the white man it was a rendesvous and land mark for the Indian, and in the long ago first-
PLACES OF RENOWN
191
settlers used to repeat legendary tales of Indian maidens leaping from the sheer side of the great granite pile, falling mute and still at the base, tragic offerings for the favor of the great spirit. Here, too, sacrifices were made to the Sun God, and from here the warriors went forth upon their conquests.
The first State Fair held in this part of Geor gia was at Stone Mountain in 1846, being the outcome of a discussion between John W. Graves and Mark A. Cooper, a Newton County planter
and a Cass County manufacturer, who met on a train in 1844 while enroute to Greensboro, Ga., to attend a sale of slaves. The discussion related to methods of advertising to the world the advan tages of the mountain section of Georgia, and the result was that these gentlemen called a meet
ing of prominent citizens to be held at Stone Mountain, where Mr. Graves owned the land upon which was an inn. This meeting was held on August 1, 1846, and was attended by sixty-one men who were representative of the progressive spirit of the State. They organized the South ern Central Agricultural Society and contributed one dollar each toward a fund for holding a fair. This movement led to a very modest exhi
bition the first year, but interest grew and the
fair held the following year was quite a success --though still very small. By 1849, however, the enterprise gained large proportions for that period, and attracted immense crowds--due in part to the presence of Barnum's circus.
The tremendous success of this fair had the effect of raising a large and interesting question
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ATLANTA
mark La the new City of Atlanta. "Why should n't we have this fair?" those progressive citizens asked, and straightway they went after it. They captured it, too, and the exhibition of 1850 was held in this City.
To automobile owners--and from the number on the streets one might well imagine that this term includes practically the whole adult popula tion--there is an abundance of recreational possi bilities open upon the hills and in tile valleys, which stretch far and wide. Splendidly paved highways extend in all directions from Atlanta and there are any number of interesting and pic turesque places where one may go with friends and enjoy such delights as automobiling affords when at its best.
In addition to the parks, places of interest in Atlanta and its immediate vicinity, include the Federal Penitentiary, one of the largest and most noted prisons operated by the Government and one which has housed many distinguished indi viduals. A recent guest was Eugene V. Debs who, as these lines are written, is publishing a series of articles based upon his experiences with in its walls. Another, who has T>een in the lime
light recently, toras Charles W. Morse. Many others of more or less note have spent months or years here, and there are associations enough to make it a place of unfailing interest.
The Government also maintains a pretentious military establishment here, Fort McPherson, which is not to be confused with the short-lived establishments that sprang up during the World War. It is an old and permanent institution.
BIRD'S BYE VIEW OP EMORY UNIVKRS1TY
PLACES OF RENOWN
193
The Confederate Soldiers' Home is another point of interest, where one, while standing upon the very ground over which the contending forces fought long ago, may hear tales of that conflict from the lips of the men who were in it and of it.
Near this home is the "Bobby Burns Cottage," a replica of the home of the famous Scotch poet, where mementoes of an interesting nature repose and where vistors are welcomed.
The State Capitol of Georgia is well worth a visit. Here is a museum containing many things of interest, and here also are many paintings of Georgia's distinguished sons.
If one wishes to see the source of Atlanta's water supply, it is a run of only seven miles to the Chattahooehee River--historic stream the crossing of which by the forces of General Sherman sealed the doom of Atlanta, then the "Cit-
idal of the Confederacy." One of the familiar shrines of Atlanta is "The
Wren's Nest," where the immortal "Uncle Remus" was born and where his creator, the gen
tle and kindly Joel Chandler Harris, wove the wonderfully fanciful stories that won for him a
lasting place in the warm and loving heart of
childhood. Just the other day I read in The Saturday Eve
ning Post an article by H. H. Kohlsaat, the fam
ous newspaper publisher, in which he told of a visit made to Atlanta in 1895, on which occasion he went out to the home of Joel Chandler Harris in company with the author. When the two, the mod
est writer of children's tales, and the distinguish-
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ATLANTA
ed head of a great Chicago newspaper, reached the gate, Mr. Harris said:
"Mr. Kohlsaat, would you mind our going around to the kitchen gate* A little wren has built her nest in the gate post, so we boarded it up until the little birds are hatched." Thereupon the distinguished visitor went around to the "kit chen gate;" going with a newer and higher appre ciation of the fine heart qualities of the creator of "Uncle Remus."
This incident of the wren's nest gave to the home of Joel Chandler Harris the name by which it is known today, and it also served to illumine the impulses of the heart and mind out of which came so much that was beautiful and which served to draw to him the love and affection of multi
tudes. The Wren's Nest is a modest frame cottage,
well back from the road, on Gordon Street, West End, and it stands today just as it stood in the life-time of the author. The home is carefully
preserved by the Joel Chandler Harris Memorial Association, and the room in which the author evolved his beautiful creations, stands just as he left it when he laid his pen aside and passed serenely into the city not made with hands.
Joel Chandler Harris was a Georgian by birth and an Atlantan by selection. The place of Ms birth was Eatonton, a village in Putnam County, and the date was December 9, 1848. Until he was twelve years of age, his educational advan tages were limited, but so great was "his apprecia tion of literature and his thirst for knowledge, that he absorbed everything that came within his
PLACES OF RENOWN
195
grasp. At the age of six, the trend of his re markable mind was demonstrated when, finding a copy of the Vicar of "Wakefield, he devoured it eagerly, and from this tender age until the end came after the production of his own master pieces, he never ceased to enjoy the intellectual fruits of the centuries.
Fate guided the boy Harris into an extraordi nary channel at this age; leading him to become connected with a very remarkable newspaper called "The Countryman," which was then being published by a wealthy and cultured gentleman upon a nearby plantation--a remarkable enter prise designed altogether for the gratification of a highly developed literary taste and in no sense a mercenary enterprise. This extraordinary journal was published by a Colonel Turner, a man of wise discrimination in the choice of books, and he had a very fine library. Young Harris speedily won his way into the affectionate regard of his employer, and the lad took full advantage of the opportunity to become acquainted with the masters of literature.
After becoming somewhat versed in the meth
ods of men of letters, yonng Harris bravely under
took to create some literature of his own. These creations he contributed to "The Countryman" under a fictitious name, but when the editor spoke
in praise of the work, he made known the fact that he was the author, and thereafter he became a regular contributor to the paper, profiting by such suggestions, both as to reading and writing
as were made by Colonel Turner.
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ATLANTA
This delightful and congenial relationship con tinued until the tide of civil conflict rolled into the South, when there came a somewhat sensa tional interruption. General Sherman, who had captured and finally destroyed Atlanta, began to push his way to the sea, and it so happened that the territory surrounding the village of Eatonton was in the direct path of the invading army. Col onel Turner left for more tranquil scenes, taking his family with him, but young Harris remained, being left in full charge of the splendid old man sion and all its valuable contents, as well as the wide plantation of which it was the center.
Shortly thereafter, G-eneral Slocum's corps swept across the place, the members helping
themselves to such things as struck their fancy, but treating the youthful custodian with reason able consideration. When the destructive tide
had swept on, and Harris found his occupation as newspaper man gone with the passing of The Countryman, he began to look for another con
nection. Then began a perib'd of wandering. He worked for a time in Macon, then in New Orleans, but was back in Georgia before a great Ms-bile, working at Forsyth. Later he formed a connec tion with the Savannah Morning News, which at that time was under the editorial direction of W. T. Thompson, a man who had won considerable reputation as a humorous writer, "Major Jones'
Courtship," being one of his productions. Here Harris found the atmosphere congenial,
and he remained in Savannah until 1876, form ing there the acquaintance which culminated in his marriage. The newspaper connection which
PLACES OF RENOWN
197
was maintained until his death, and in the occu pancy of which he won lasting fame, was estab lished in 1907, when Mr. Harris became a member of the staff of the Atlanta Constitution. His opportunity to demonstrate what he could do in the way of writing entertaining fiction, came quickly. Sam W. Small, who for a number of years was associated with Eev. Sam Jones, the famous Georgia evangelist, retired from the Con stitution shortly after Harris joined it, and with his retirement the Constitution lost what had been a popular feature, "Old Si," being a series of negro dialect sketches from the pen of Mr. Small.
Casting about for a feature to take the place of "Old Si," the editor of the Constitution be thought himself of the newcomer, Joel Chandler Harris, and made the suggestion that the latter try his hand at the production of something that would fit into the gap. Confronted with this opportunity--and challenge--Harris decided to prepare a series of articles based on the tales he had heard from the darkies upon the old Turner plantation, and with this decision was born "Uncle Remus."
It is seldom in the history of literary endeavor that a hit so instantaneous as that made by the "Uncle Remus" tales is recorded. The sketches met instant and widespread favor, and before the author realized that he had struck a popular chord, his works were attracting widespread at tention both in this country and in Europe. Then began the production of his works in book form. "Nights With Uncle Remus" appeared in 1883,
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ATLANTA
to be quickly followed by "Mingo and Other Sketches in Black and White." "Free Joe and Other Sketches" came in 1887, and from then on until the day of his death, the literary produc tions of this remarkably talented writer were in great demand. He developed a large following in Europe as well as in America, and nearly all of his books were reprinted in England.
The visit of Mr. Kohlsaat at the time he be came the guest of Mr. Harris at Wren's Nest, recalls an interesting incident in the history of Atlanta, connected with a visit to the City by President William McKinley. When Mr. Kohlsaat was in Atlanta Mr. McKinley, then an aspirant
for President, was visiting at Thomasville, Gra., where his presence served to bring numerous Eepublicans of national reputation, including Mark Hanna, to confer upon the political situa
tion. This visit also brought the President-to-be in contact with a number of leading Democrats of Georgia, and some warm personal attachments
were formed. Then, when Mr. McKinley became President of the United States, there was a very general desire to have him visit this City, which
he did in 1898. A "Peace Jubilee" banquet, celebrating the
close of the Spanish-American war in 1898, was
made the vehicle for bringing the President to
Atlanta, where he was shown the attentions due one of his high station. But nothing of an un usual nature characterized the event until the President appeared before the Legislature by special invitation, and there made his memorable statement concerning the duty of the United
PLACES OF EENOWN
199
States Government to take care of the graves of the Confederate dead. This remarkable, yet wholly sympathetic utterance, was totally unex pected by the great mass of listeners, and it was the occasion of a tremendous outburst of ap plause. As the significance of the remarks be came more apparent, the demonstration devel oped into an ovation that became an uproar, and
so deeply were many veterans of the Confederacy moved that tears coursed down their faces.
CHAPTER
ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS
I X seeking what might be termed an air-plane view of Atlanta as it is today, one of the ways to get quick results is to visit the Chamber of Commerce, where a great store of condensed information is on file, and where there is a char acteristic eagerness to convey this information to the visitor. Here, by rapid fire methods, one learns:
That Atlanta is the financial center and dis tributing point of the Southeast; that it is the leading city of the South in building construc tion; that it is the convention city of the South, and that it leads the automobile industry in the Southern states.
One is also reminded that Atlanta is the one city in the South which supports an annual sea son of the Metropolitan Grand Opera, and that it is the Southeastern center for most of the gov ernment's activities; that it is the film distribu ting headquarters for the Southeast; is head quarters of the Southern Division of the Bed Cross; is Southeastern headquarters for rail roads, telegraph and telephone companies, insur ance underwriters, United States Public Health Service, Federal Board for Vocational Educa tion, Fourth Corps Area of United States Army, "and scores of other organizations."
The Georgia mules is famed throughout the world, both for its ability to kick high and hard,
ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS 201
and to do a real job, whether in front of a truck or plow, and one learns here that Atlanta is the second largest mule market in the country.
This word "largest" becomes familiar as the assets of Atlanta are enumerated. It is the larg est manufacturer of syrups for making "soft" drinks to be found in the world. This is cover ing considerable territory, but the facts sustain the claim. Atlanta entered the soft drink indusindustry when that industry was the merest in fant, and, taking the leadership then, it has held it ever since, in spite of the fact that it is well within what used to be the mint-julep circuit.
Advertising, that modern art, also plays a con spicuous part in the life of Atlanta, and one see ing the great amount of national advertising flowing from this City, is quite prepared for the statement that it is the largest advertising cen ter south of Philadelphia. More than $8,000,000 a year is expended through Atlanta agencies for newspaper, magazine and other advertising space, much of this going to exploit Atlanta products.
Other claims made for Atlanta, all based upon facts that have been carefully compiled by the Chamber of Commerce, are set forth as follows:
The largest manufacturing and distributing center for plows, farm tools and agricultural im plements in the South.
The South's manufacturer of ornamental terra cotta.
The center of the photo-engraving industry of the South.
The largest manufacturer of market and pack ing house coolers in the South.
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ATLANTA
One of the largest manufacturers of furniture in the South.
The largest manufacturer of mattresses in the South.
One of the largest manufacturers and distribu tors of high grade lumber and lumber products in the South.
The recognized dental center of the South.
Southeastern headquarters for window and plate glass.
The largest manufacturer of high grade candies in the South.
Headquarters of the largest ice manufacturing concern in the world.
The largest distributor of office furniture and commercial stationery in the Southeast.
When these facts have been recited, the inform ant is not half through, and he continues:
Atlanta has a large municipally-owned charity hospital.
The model orthopedic hospital of the world for crippled children.
The oldest and largest manufactory of disin fectants and is the largest distributing point of disinfectants in the South.
The trade of ninety thousand Southeastern merchants.
Twenty banks and trust companies. Five hundred factories turning out more than 1,000 different articles. An industrial pay-roll of $35,000,000 annually. The best hotels in the South--44 of them, with more than 3,000 rooms.
ELEMENTS OF GBEATNESS 203
Four hundred and twenty-five miles of water mains--tapped 32,900 times.
Eighteen public parks and playgrounds, valued at $1,853,625.
One hundred and sixteen educational institu tions.
An auditorium with a seating capacity of 8,000. The largest ostrich farm east of the Rocky Mountains. A good aeroplane landing field. A completely motorized fire department, with fifteen stations and 212 picked men. More miles of street railway per thousand pop ulation than any other city in the country except Salt Lake City. The largest commercial printing plants in the South and has more publications than any other southern city. The only factory in the South making a full line of school and college stationery, envelopes, tablets and box stationery. The largest overhauled locomotive business in the South and the largest rebuilt car and loco motive plants in the country, with pay-rolls ag gregating half a million dollars annually. A large spring vehicle plant. The largest Southern plant for the manufac ture of all kinds of industrial brushes. Headquarters and a large factory of the largest manufacturer of corrugated culverts in the South, and one of the five largest in the entire country. The pioneer packing plant of the South. The largest shoe manufacturer south of Vir ginia.
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ATLANTA
The largest mail order seed house in the coun try.
The largest secret order paraphernalia house in the South.
More overall factories than any city in the South.
Several good paint factories, and in addition to all these things, one is reminded:
The value of Atlanta's manufactures is upward of $180,000,000 each year.
That the Southeastern Fair, one of the largest and best agricultural and live stock exhibits in the country, was founded by the Chamber of Commerce and is held annually at its permanent home, Lakewood Park, in Atlanta.
That the first casket factory in the South was built in Atlanta, and Atlanta makes more burial goods than any other southern city.
That Atlanta leads in machinery for sharpen ing safety razor blades.
That Atlanta leads in the manufacture of ladies' and children's hats.
That Atlanta leads in the manufacture of paper boxes, including corrugated shipping cases, and that--
Atlanta's foundries and machine shops are sur passed by none.
In the vast Southeast territory, Atlanta stands preeminent as a distributing center, its advan tages from this standpoint having served to at tract some five hundred sales agencies, repre senting Northern and Eastern manufacturers and jobbers. Many of these carry large stocks in local warehouses, and the demand for office space
ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS 205
which they create is made manifest by the num ber and magnitude of Atlanta's "sky-scrapers."
Sherman, likened Atlanta to an open hand, the palm representing the city and the fingers the five routes by which the city is connected with the Atlantic and the Gulf,' and the tips the five port cities of Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Mobile and New Orleans. Any one of these cities may be reached over-night, and the same is true of Memphis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and many other important points.
Because of its geographical location, in the heart of a zone comprising one-half of the cotton producing aera, and {containing one-seventh of the population of the United States, Atlanta was chosen for the location of the Southeastern Re gional Bank, and is the financial center of this vast territory.
Atlanta's growth as a commercial and financial center has been so pronounced that it has served in a measure to overshadow its expansion along industrial lines, though its growth in this field of activity has been large and continuous. Its fac tories give employment to over twenty-five thous and workers, whose yearly wage exceeds $35,000,000.
The same influences that have made Atlanta great commercially and industrially and have given it its pre-eminence as a financial center, have served to make it a great live stock center --the largest in the South--with an annual bus iness in excess of eighteen million dollars.
It is in the appearance of its retail stores that Atlanta best deserves the title sometimes con-
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ferred upon it as "The New York of the South," for there is a smartness about the big stores in the shopping district 'that i is (quite distinctive. The window displays are particularly striking. No where do I recall having seen displays more uniformly beautiful or better designed to catch and hold the eyes of the pedestrians. These window displays, striking in their number, are true indications of conditions in the stores proper. Goods are arranged in the most alluring fashion, and it is little wonder that Atlanta's fame as a shopping center is widespread or that many thousands of women, as well as men, re siding in the surrounding territory flock to this City to gratify their desire for smart apparel, as well as for many other things.
Visitors are multiplied annually by the week of grand opera, and almost daily by reason of con ventions of one kind or another, and for the enter tainment of these visitors, there are numerous amuvsements, not the least of which is a picture theatre, said to be the most beautiful in the coun try, and really a very unusual house of entertain ment. This theatre, The Howard, was erected at a cost said to approximate one million dollars, and it is delightfully arranged. The decorations are elaborate and in good taste, and the lighting effects are exceptionally beautiful. It is a dis tinct asset to Atlanta.
Other theatres include The Atlanta, where the best in spoken drama is presented; The Lyric and the Grand, vaudeville houses; the Forsyth, where stock productions appear, and numerous picture houses, another very attractive place be-
ELEMENTS OF G-REATNESS 207
ing the Metropolitan. There are thirteen in all. Forty-odd hotels serve to care for the visitors,
and a number are pretentious and well-appointed. The large, down-town hotels are the Ansley, the Wineeoff, the Piedmont, the Aragon, the Kimball, the Cecil, and the Pickwick, while the Georgian Terrace, a large and fashionable structure, is lo cated some blocks from the heart of the city. Others include the Adair, the Childs, the Cooledge, the Exchange, the Hampton, the Empire, the Oliver, the Park, the Imperial, the Marion, the Martinique, the Northern, the Peachtree Inn, the Postal, the Princeton, the Scoville, the South ern, the New Terminal and the Wilmot.
The presence of so many hotels, however, is no guarantee that one will be able to find accom modations upon reaching the city, and it is always wise to make reservations. Many conventions mean many delegates, and hotels are crowded most of the time. It is a good place for one whose hobby is the collection of badges, for here they are seen in infinite variety; big badges, lit tle badges, gaudy badges that cry aloud the mis sion of the wearer, and modest badges that serve only to inform that here is another delegate. Noting these things one can but be impressed with the fact that President Paxon and Secretary Houser of the Atlanta Convention Bureau, are busy individuals, and that when they start after a meeting, that meeting is very likely to be held in Atlanta. An average of one convention a day might well be termed a regular Ty Cobb record.
One may easily obtain many statistics in At lanta, the boosters fairly oozing figures. For in-
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stance, the statement is made that there is space sufficient in the halls of the city to care for 30,000 delegates at one sitting. The Auditorium, with a seating capacity of 8,000, heads the list of con vention halls, and following in the train are doz ens where gatherings may be held. All the big hotels have such meeting places, and all over the city are other halls that are available.
Another interesting bit of information that one obtains from the statisticians is that Atlanta has forty-nine office buildings, operating a hundred and thirty-one elevators, and that these elevators carry 532,000 passengers a day, traveling mean while a total distance of 783 miles.
While quoting statistics, I would like to make some observations about the State of Georgia, which contributes so much to the greatness of Atlanta, but one is appalled when he faces the task of trying to convey an adequate conception of the commonwealth in a few words, especially when he is confronted with a statement like this, culled from a handsome book of 275 pages, pub lished by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce:
"The difficulties involved in an attempt to pre sent within the compass of this book the agricul tural potentialities of Georgia would be appre ciated by any one who tried to place the Atlantic Ocean in a barrel with the aid of a teacup."
Georgia furnishes a theme that has inspired poets to sing their warmest praises; its lure has drawn bold and adventurous spirits from all
parts of the world, and its boundless resources have formed the basis of fortunes such as poets
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS 209
never dreamed of nor mere dreamers quite at tained.
Frank L. Stanton, native poet, strums his lute in this fashion when Georgia is the theme:
Queen of the richest Promised Land, Here's Georgia!
Ringed and wreathed with a golden band, Here's Georgia!
With a winnin' smile for her lovers true, Bright as light in her skies of blue, She's tellin' the country "Howdy-do,"
Here's Georgia!
Her tables creak with the plenty spread By Georgia;
With Peace herself for to bless the bread For Georgia;
The welcome word is the word we know: God's own land, where the good things grow; The Horn o' Plenty's the horn we blow
In Georgia!
That bold and adventurous spirit, Sir Richard Montgomery, who more than two centuries ago dreamed of establishing his Margravate of Azilla in Georgia, (a part of this territory having been granted him by the Lord Proprietors of the Carolinas) described the land as "a most delightful country," a place "where the flowers bloomed earlier, the birds sang sweeter, the water was colder and purer, the air was always balmy, and winter was not Jknown."
Mark Twain, that prince among prose poets, and sometimes humorist, went into ecstacies when
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he visited Georgia, pouring out the profound emotions of Ms heart in the following tribute to a great Georgia product:
The true Georgia watermelon is above, apart and not to be mentioned with the common things of earth. It is one of the world's chief luxuries, being, by the grace of God, over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it he knows what angels eat. It certainly was not a Georgia water melon that Eve partook; We know it because she repented."
Georgian's claim that one of the best descrip tions of Georgia that has ever been penned, was produced by Dionysius, a distinguished citizen of Borne, who, writing many centuries ago, said:
"I look upon that country as the best which stands least in need of foreign commodities. Now I am persuaded that Italy (substitute Geor gia) enjoys this universal fertility beyond all countries in the world. For it contains a good deal of arable land, without wanting pastures and forests, and abounds, I may say, in delights and advantages. Unparalleled are their plains... which yield three crops a year, bringing to per fection the winter, summer and autumnal grain .. .there are pastures for sheep, goats, horses and neat cattle; there are marsh grasses wet with dew, and the meadow grasses of the hills are
grown in untilled places. I can not help admiring the forests full of all kinds of trees, which sup ply timber for ships and houses. All these ma terials are ready at hand, for the coast is near, and there are many rivers that water the land
ELEMENTS OF GREATNESS 211
and make easy the exchange of everything the country produces.
"Hot water springs, also, have been discovered in many places, affording pleasant baths and cures for chronic sickness. There are mines of various sorts, plenty of beasts for hunting, and a variety of sea-fish, besides other things innum erable, some useful and others worthy of admira tion. But the most advantageous of all is the happy temper of the air at all seasons. So that neither the formation of the fruits nor the con stitutions of the animals is in the least injured by the excessive heat or cold."
Had this ancient Roman made a tour of Geor gia before penning these lines, he could not have written a more accurate description of its advan tages, and Georgians believe that he had a vision of this commonwealth in mind when the glowing words were set down.
Mark Twain paid eloquent tribute to the Geor gia melon, but what pen can do justice to the Geor gia peach! What poet is worthy to pay tribute to a fruit like this; a fruit whose delicate tints could be appled only by the grand old masters in the studio of Nature, and whose flavor represents the highest achievement of those who brew am brosial concoctions in the same great workshop. It, too, has been the theme of poets, but it is doubt ful if any bard has done it justice. (For the in formation of those who acquire most of their education from the sport page, it might be ob served that the Georgia peach here referred to grows on trees.)
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Poets and dreamers have not been the only ones to sing the praises of Georgia. Not by any means. The hard-headed business man comes and sees and then goes to work with pencil and pad to prove to the world that here is the fairest and richest spot on the face of the globe. He will tell you that there is enough cypruss in Georgia to cover every house in New York City, and that if this were done, there would be enough left to manufacture a million barrells of 55 gallons capa city each. Then, if egged on, he might tell you that Georgia produces enough of something to fill the barrels, too, but he is busy at the moment with the possibilities of the cypruss, and he will add that a cord and a half of this wood is capable of producing a ton of Kraft gaper worth $70. What he means is that the paper making industry in Georgia affords abundant opportunities for prof it, and in this he is eminently correct.
Other timbers abound, hickory, pine and the like, forming the basis of many flourishing enter prises. Georgia made chairs go to all parts of the country, as do vehicles, etc., and Georgia naval stores are found everywhere that such things are in demand. "On one acre of Georgia soil," \\*e are told in this connection, "enough black walnut
can be grown to manufacture more than a hun
dred pianos." To remove any doubt about where these pianos and other products might be dis
posed of, the informant goes on to say "Georgia
occupies a stragetic position as regards the
world's markets, commanding the West Indies
and Central and South America, toward which
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American trade is growing with special rapid ity."
The extent and variety of farm products grown in Georgia is truly amazing, and when one ob serves the comparative ease with which these crops are produced, and the year-around condi tions under which the farmer labors, it is to ex perience a feeling of astonishment that men who till the soil will spend their time and energies in far less favored sections. Georgia has an abund ance of room for farmers, arid here they will find a wonderfully productive soil and climatic condi tions which make for long life and happiness.
Reference has been made to the watermelon and the peach, but it would be a grevious error to assume that these delicious products run the gaumet of Georgia's productivity in the matter of fruits. Georgia apples took first prize at the International Shippers' convention at Niagra Falls in 1916, and finer fruit is grown no where. Many other fruits are produced, and berries grow in infinite variety. The same is true of vegetables --a circumstance which has much to do with the lure of the bill of fare laid before one in Atlanta.
Dairy farming, cattle raising, swine produc tion, stock growing; all these represent flourish ing enterprises, as well as inviting fields for in telligent endeavor.
The farm products of Georgia run to the snug sum of something like three hundred and twentyfive million dollars a year, which, taken in con nection with the products of factories, mills, mines and quarries, helps to explain in part the
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wonderful growth of Atlanta, Georgia's chief cen ter of population.
The Atlanta Motor Club is an organization of business men who have set themselves to the task of creating the largest and most active motoring organization in Dixie, and the end is virually as sured because Atlantans refuse to recognize de feat in anything they undertake. The club now boasts of having the best equipped touring bureau in the South, where exact information may be ob tained concerning road conditions within an ap proximate radius of 600 miles. A free towing and tire service is maintained for members and also a free legal department, together with many other beneficial agencies.
There is always a buzz of activity around the headquarters at the Ansley Hotel, denoting a spirit of enthusiasm and real accomplishments.
The organization is now planning the estab lishment of the largest and most modern Tourist Camp in the South, and in this movement it is re ceiving the co-operation of the City Government, the Southeastern Fair Association, the Civic Clubs, merchants and individuals generally. Strong support is being given the good roads movement, the organization working in co-opera tion with the Georgia State Automobile Associa tion and the Georgia Good Roads Association.
CHAPTER XIV.
SPIRITUAL AJSTD Civic FORCES
I N this City the ratio of churches to people is about 1 to 800--figures which sustain fully At lanta's claim to being a city of churches. Looking over the City from the tenth-story window by which I work I can see, in the narrow segment that comes within the range of vision, a total of fourteen church spires. In the same terri tory I glimpse a total of thirteen industrial stacks. These are suggestive figures, though one might assume that there is little relationship between church spires and smoke stacks. Yet there is some thing in such a ratio that is worth thinking about.
Smoke-stacks signify a form of activity insep arably associated with the material progress of a semi-industrial community. Church spires bear witness to the presence of spiritual forces with out which no community, however great its ma terial resources, may hope to become the dwelling place of a happy and contented people.
Therefore, it is a great thing for a city when the Church kee.ps step with Commerce, with In dustry and all the other forces which make for material progress. Such uniformity of develop ment means that grace accompanies gain--a con dition which jneans adequate consideration for all the diverse needs of a cosmopolitan center.
This wholesome balance between the material and the spiritual carries its own message to the observant, showing that here is a heart with ten-
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drils as well as a purse with strings; a soul with vision, as well as a corporal being with the strength to achieve.
Where harmony of this kind exists, one does not need to inquire, he knows that provision is made for the aged and the infirm; that here succor is found for the widow and the orphan; that all down the tragic, and sometimes sordid scale of human suffering, may be found agencies whose mission it is to minister.
More than all else, it means a wholesome moral atmosphere; an a^tmosphere in which is a daily and hourly challenge to the best that is in the bounding heart of youth and the richest that is in the soul of the mature.
So, it is an enviable distinction for any com munity to be known as a ''City of Churches," and still better when conditions justify a title so sug gestive.
Somewhere in this narrative attention has been called to the fact that following the exile of the people of Atlanta, the burning of their city and the final retirement of the Federal forces, there was an immediate inflny of former residents, and that the churches were among the first agencies to apply themselves to the task of rehabilitation.
General Sherman finished his works of destruc
tion and left a wrecked and smoking city beliind him on November 16,1864. On December 25 serv ices were resumed by the congregation of the First Baptist Church. In quick succession other congregations took up their labors--Methodists, Presbyterians, Episeopaleans and others, and be fore this first winter of Atlanta's desolation was
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 217
w.ell over, the church had become a mighty factor in the work of reconstruction.
These early churches received their baptism of fire. During the years of the war they faced and shouldered bravely the appalling burdens im posed by that tragic period. In works of mercy and of charity they, were tireless and wrought miracles of a divine character in providing for those suffering from hunger and heartache and sickness of soul. Atlanta, during all that period in which suffering was the only certainty, dis played a measure of faith and a degree of piety that was eloquent of the presence of great spir itual forces. And when the tragic recess came, in which Atlantans were forced to leave their homes and firesides, these forces survived; wait ing merely the lifting of the ban to leap again to the task of wholesome accomplishment; as the electric light, shut off for a moment, blazes forth when the switch is turned.
Schooled in a furnace of this kind, it is not re markable that the churches of Atlanta 'should have accomplished large things in these post-war days. The remarkable thing is that this heroic spirit has lived; has survived the passing of one
great figure after another, with no dimunition of zeal and no contraction of vision. As a result, Atlanta's churches are famed for their qualities of leadership and for the liberality of the sup
port given all the great national and international agencies fostered by the several denominations. In SynodTin Conference, in Convention, all over the South, one hears the remark, "See what At-
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lanta has done," and thus the challenge goes out, inspiring others to more earnest endeavor.
C&ncrete evidence of the great value of a church of this character to a city is found in the growth of Atlanta as an educational center. Those who have in their keeping the destiny of schools and colleges and universities have discovered here an atmosphere that harmonizes with their ideals of that by which such institutions should be sur rounded, .and as a consequence Atlanta has at tracted and held a large number of these distinct ly worth-while enterprises.
In the number of churches, the Baptist lead, with a total of 100. Of this number there are 43 for white and 57 for colored people. Among the latter there are two Antioch's, two Beulah's, two Friendship's and one Little Friendship, two Mt. Gilead's, two Mt. Pleasant's, two Providences and one Swjeet Home.
The Methodists run the Baptists close in the number of churches, having a total of 35 white and 32 colored. The Presbyterians are third, with 22 white .and 2 colored. 'Next come the Episcopalians with 12 white and 1 colored. Then the Christians with 10 white and no colored churches, after which the order is as follows:
Congregationalists, 4 white and 2 colored; Jew ish, 5; Eoman Catholic, 3 white and 1 colored;
Pentacostal 2; Lutheran's 2; Christian Scientists 2; Seventh Day Adventists 1; Free Methodists
1; Greek 1; Latter Day Saints 1; Unitarian 1.
Then there are five which rank as "undenomina tional."
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FOECES 219
Many beautiful charities are fostered by the churches and through these agencies the warm, heart and the generous hand of a gracious people are made known to those in need of sympathy and assistance. This same spirit is made manifest through numerous other organizations.
Those who fancy that the age of miracles ended when the immediate followers of the Divine Heal er ceased from their labors centuries ago, will experience a glad awakening if they will but visit the Scottish Eite Hospital for Crippled Children in the City of Atlanta. Not only so, but their hearts will be made to swell with abounding glad ness because of the work being done in this in stitution.
In this place of amazing transformations, such miracles of healing are performed as almost to pass bejief, and it is not surprising that its fame has spread to all parts of the country, just as the news of the gracious works of the divine Gali lean was carried into far places. Neither is it surprising that institutions of a similar character are being established in many parts of the coun try, all growing out of the splendid work that has been and is being done here.
There is something in the condition of the crippled and misformed child that plumbs the depth of human sympathy as few other things can, and when it became known, that of the more than four hundred thousand crippled children in the United States, under fourteen years of age, over four thousand were living their unhappy ex istence in the State of Georgia, it was most nat ural that a great body of men such as compose
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the Scottish Bite Masons of Atlanta should have been stirred into activity. They met the challenge promptly, and on September^!, 1915, laid the foundation of the present splendid institution by opening two small cottages which had been con verted for hospital uses.
The results achieved from this small beginning, and the magnitude of the demands which arose once the fact became known that here the poor, misformed, unhappy child could be made whole and happy, necessitated immediate enlargement, and the program was steadily expanded until the new building of today became a fact iu 1919.
The hospital, which is beautifully situated upon a five-acre plot near Atlanta, has sixty beds, and is equipped with every conceivable agency for meeting the complex problems presented by mal formations in children. The presiding genius is Dr. Michael Hoke, a surgeon of international fame, and assisting him is a corps of eminent specialists in the diseases of children.
For admission into this remarkable institution, there is one fundamental rule--the patient must not be able to pay. There is no smoke about this flaming charity. Not a cent is exacted from any patient under any circumstances, which may ac count in a measure for the richness with which its labors have been crowned. Outside of being in need and unable to pay, the only other require ment for admission is that the patient be of nor mal mentality and that the case offers some pos sibility for improvement. Things set down as non-essential are religious creed, fraternal affil iations, social standing and financial connections.
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 221
The work of this hospital wa~ graphicly and eloquently described by the late J. C. Greenfield, a distinguished Mason, who had watched its labors with the most intense interest. He said:
"Come with me to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children and I will show you many mysteries. One of these mysteries is also a resur rection. A resurrection from a living death to a life of joy and usefulness; from years of help lessness and possible pauperism to. the certainty of health and self-sustaining citizenship.
"I will show you the mystery of a horribly mis shapen pair of feet changing under the deft hand of a skilled surgeon to a set. of normal extrem ities, and a pitiful, hobbling child converted to a romping, racing youngster fairly exuding the joy of living.
"I will show you the mystery of a distorted back, emerging gradually but surely from mis shape to true shape; from crookedness to straightness; from a curve to a line.
"I will show you the mystery of a human be ing; the home of the immortal soul; supposed to be created in the image of God Himself, coming to the hospital walking like a quadruped, and a few months later standing upright, looking his fellows in the face and out of the fullness of a grateful heart saying, 'This is the first time I ever stood erect.'
"I will show you a mystery of a child that never walked at all. Stricken shortly after birth with that dreadful disease, infantile paralysis, it came to us apparently a hopeless case, and yet, after treatment, that same child left the hospital hand
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in hand with its mother, the only indication of her trouble being a slightly perceptible limp which will disappear with growth and the approaeh of maturity."
In support of this brief but lucid summary of the work being done at this hospital, is submitted numerous photographs of children, showing how those who had never walked save on all-fours were put upon their feet; how those whose limbs were twisted into almost impossible shapes, had been transformed into normal looking beings. Not the least remarkable feature about these photographs is the changes wrought in the facial expression of the little folks. Coming with twist ed and deformed bodies, they had worn upon their faces the evidence of their affliction. Then came the changes in the little bodies, and smiles upon the lips!
Xo sooner had the value of this wonderful work been demonstrated by the Scottish Bite Masons of Atlanta, than it attracted the attention of that great Masonic brotherhood known as the Shrine. Forrest Adair, who had been one of the most stal wart champions and strongest supporters of the Atlanta Hospital, carried the glowing message to the national body, and this led to investigation. Investigation convinced the members of the Shrine that charitable impulses could be directed into no finer channel, and then was born a move ment to establish similar institutions in various parts of the country. Once launched, the move ment gained instant momentum and as 'these words are written plans have already been com pleted for a number of these hospitals, and other
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 223
plans are being brought to maturity. Thus the tremendous benefits of a small institution launched in Atlanta a few years ago to meet a great need in a small way, is developing into a great national enterprise, and in a little while something definite and positive will be done in many quarters to meet the distressing problem presented by tens of thousands of little folks who had been without hope.
The governing board of the pioneer institution in Atlanta consists of Thomas K. Glenn, presi dent; Forrest Adair, vice-president; E. P. King, Treasurer; Mrs. C. W. Wardlaw, secretary; David Marx, Henry C. Heinz, Mrs. R. W. Davis and Mrs. DowdeU Brown.
It is proper to say, before closing this brief summary of a great work, that when the Scottish Rite Body of Atlanta was struggling with the apparently overwhelming problem of providing adequate facilities for meeting the tremendous demands made upon the early institution, one de voted member, Albert Steiner, helped materially in the solution of the difficulty by giving a contri bution of $25,000. The Scottish Rite Body put up $40,000 and other sums were raised in various ways, the result being the splendid plant that was erected at a cost of about $160,000.
The members of the Kiwanis Club, which is one of the livest of Atlanta's civic organizations, have voluntarily shouldered a responsibility that is to them as delightful as it is weighty, which is saying a good deal, for they have adopted as their own the Home of the Friendless. This is one of the most beautiful among the charities of
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the City, and the boundless enthusiasm which is a characteristic of the Kiwanian, surely could not find a more useful outlet.
This unusual and highly praiseworthy action, of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club in adopting a home for friendless children, was the result, not of pre meditation, but of spontaneous response to an ob vious need. The club members had been invited to visit the Home for Friendless Children and to have their regular weekly luncheon there. They
went, they saw, and were conquered. The home at that time was endeavoring to meet
a very great need with resources that were pit ifully small, and when the Kiwanians visioned the magnificient work that was being attempted and sensed the magnitude of its importance, they took up a subscription on the spot and raised the sum of ten thousand dollars.
Having placed its shoulders to the wheel, the
Kiwanians then decided to make a thorough job of it, and their next step was to completely trans form the building in which the children were be ing housed--and it was a wonderful transforma
tion, wrought in a wonderful way. The archi tects, the builders, the plumbers, the steam fitters, and all the others who had to do with modernizing
the structure, were members of the Kiwanis Club, and the only profit they asked was the pleasure derived from being of service. Not a contractor but gave freely of his services. Nor did this fine burst of enthusiasm end here. Other Kiwanians came forward with equipment such as was needed, and when the work was done those friendless little folks were quick to realize that they had
Courtesy of G. L. Miller & Co. ANOTHER GROUP OF BUILDINGS FINANCED BY AN
ATLANTA INSTITUTION
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 225
found some friends indeed. Their abode had been turned into a delightful home, suited in every way for the care of its inmates and for the pro motion of their happiness.
Having provided these home comforts for the little folks, the Kiwanians then began to do vari ous and sundry things for their pleasure, provid ing theater parties, automobile excursions and the like at frequent intervals and doing numerous other things to add to the joy of these brighteyed wards. A great work these Kiwanians are doing and they are doing it with a fine high spirit.
Clubs exist in Atlanta in infinite variety--bus iness, recreational, social, fraternal, civic, relig ious, professional, the number being swelled ma terially by the numerous Greek letter societies connected with the educational institutions. Among these alone one finds some two dozen organizations--Alpha Kappa Kappa, Alpha Tau Omega, CM Phi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Psi, Phi Alpha Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Sigma, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Kappa Psi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Sigma Phi, Kap pa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Phi Chi, Phi Epsilon Psi, Pi Kappa Phi, Psi Omega, Sigma Nu, Tau Epsilon Phi, etc.
Many of these fraternities have homes of their own, and their members are surrounded by com forts which help to lighten the tedium of bookish toil and, incidentally, to add to the joys of college life.
In civic circles, the club representative of all clubs is "The Presidents Club" of Atlanta. This organization, one of the most useful in the city,
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was formed in. June, 1915, growing out of a con structive policy adopted by Mell B. "WHMnson, then president of the Chamber of Commerce. It was the custom of Mr. WilMnson to call together
the presidents of various civic organizations to discuss with him such problems a's arose from time to time, and the beneficial results were snch that a permanent organization of presidents was suggested by Earl EL Cone. Thereupon a meet ing of the heads of a dozen or more organizations was held and, upon the purposes of the movement being outlined by F. J. Paxon, a permanent or ganization was formed. In recognition of his distinguished service to.the community, Mell R. WilMnson was elected president for life. At this writing, F. J. Paxon is vice-president and W. 0. Foote, secretary.
The growth of the Presidents Club was rapid, the practical value of some medium through which all organizations could be reached prompt ly being recognized at once. Monthly meetings are held at which subjects of vital concern to the community are discussed. At this writing one of the activities of the organization concerns the en
larged use of Georgia products. It gives atten tion to all matters concerning the progress of At lanta and through it other organizations are reached promptly and effectively.
Atlanta has a large, active and progressive Chamber of Commerce. Thoroughly organized for service, it is exercising a wide influence in the development of the community. The organization has attractive and well appointed quarters in. the
heart of the City. It issues a large amount of
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 227
carefully prepared literature setting forth, the ad vantages of Atlanta, and publishes a monthly magazine in which all worthy civic movements are fostered and which bristles with the progres sive spirit of the community. A recent note worthy achievement was the publication of a care fully prepared survey showing the resources of the Atlanta Industrial District and pointing out what lines of industry could be located here to the greatest advantage.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce is W. 0. Foote, an energetic business man and a pioneer citizen who knows, and appreciates, the advantages of this city and who has the happy faculty of communicating to others his own enthu siasm for the community. The secretary is B. S. Barker, the assistant secretary is J. E. Addicks, and the editor of the magazine, "The City Builder," is Guy Guthridge. A trio of live and intelligent civic workers, they are rendering an important service in keeping Atlanta before the world. A Business Woman's Division is main tained, being operated under the direction of Miss Mabel Kendrick. This division functions admir ably in linking up the activities of the women with the great central organization.
Housed in the same building with the older organization, is the Junior Chamber of Com merce, a virile organization of young men, linked together for the common good. It is independent of the primary organization, but thoroughly co operative, and, having a very large membership, is able to accomplish much of a constructive na ture. The president is Eugene Oberdorfer and
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the secretary E. L. Troy, young men who put a
vast amount of enthusiasm and intelligence into their work.
One of the greatest agencies for the upbuilding of the city is the Atlanta Convention Bureau, F. J. Paxon, president, and Fred Houser secretary. As a result of its ceaseless activities, Atlanta has become preeminent as a convention city, as has been pointed out elsewhere in this work. Noth ing less than a convention every day in the year satisfies this organization and it is instrumental in bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the
city every year. The advertising value to the city of having many thousands of observant cit izens from all parts of the country, entertained
here, is enormous and it is one of the factors in the widespread fame enjoyed by Atlanta. The secretary of the Atlanta Convention Bureau, Fred
Houser, a sort of human seismograph, having the ability to detect the first, far-off motions that pro tend a convention of some sort, and the energy to be promptly on the ground with an invitation to hold said convention in Atlanta, together with a hundred reasons why it "should be held here.
Still another agency that is carrying the fame of Atlanta afar, and is performing a highly use
ful service in extending the borders of commerce, is the Foreign Trade Club, whose field is the world, and whose prime object is the increasing
use of Atlanta products in far-off places. Opera ting in connection with the Chamber of Com merce, and under government supervision, it ob
tains and keeps on file much useful information relative to the needs of merchants, manufacturers
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FOECES 229
and consumers in foreign countries, and trade opportunities are brought constantly to the atten tion of local manufacturers and exporters.
The Atlanta Hotel Men's Association is a co operative organization, assisting both the Cham ber of Commerce and the Convention Bureau in popularizing Atlanta among visitors. It also fos ters movements which make for the progress of the city and state, such as the production of things needful for the table, its classification, packing, etc. Meanwhile, it labors to maintain a high standard of efficiency among Atlanta hotels. The president is W. C. Eoyer; the secretary, Fred Houser.
Merchants and Manufacturers of Atlanta are organized under the name of the "Atlanta Mer chants' and Manufacturers Association," with James J. Ragan as president and Harry T. Moore, secretary. It fosters the interests of those who make and market goods in this city, and is a strong and influential organization. The retail merchants also are organized along similar lines, under the leadership of Samuel Rothberg, pres ident, with C. V. Hohenstein as secretary. The food dealers also have their association, the pres ident being J. H. Bulloch and the secretary R. V. Bergen. The Wholesale Grocers are organized with K. K. Kelly as president and H. T. McCord, Jr., secretary. Then there is the Wholesale Brokers Association, with H. S. Prater as pres ident and J. H. Andrews secretary.
Nationally known organizations of a civic na ture are well represented. The Rotary Club, with Thomas C. Law as president and D. W. Ormsbee
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secretary, is a virile civic factor. Spirited meet ings are held weekly and a wide variety of topics are discussed, practically all having to do with community progress.
The Kiwanis Club is another organization with a large memhership and a definite program of community accomplishment. The president is J. S. Kennedy; secretary, Frank T. Reynolds; re cording secretary, Mrs. Margaret MacCrary. As related elsewhere, this organization is doing a great work in fostering the Home for the Friend less.
The Civitans, whose remarkahle development into a great international organization within the space of a few years, has attracted widespread attention, is well represented in this city. The president of the local club is Julian V. Boehm, the secretary C. I. Harris. As its name indicates, this organization is active in support of civic movements, and it is a virile factor in the com
munity. The Lions form another live and influ ential organization.
The Business and Professional Women's Club
is an organization of progressive spirits which is doing a splendid work in promoting the inter ests of women who are engaged in business or are following any of the numerous professions which today are claiming their attention. The
president is Miss OEEortense Marion; recording secretary, Miss Nell Hollingsworth; corrsponding secretary, Miss Elizabeth Dunnican.
Real estate interests are fostered by the At lanta Real Estate Board, GK Ward Wright, pres ident ; D. S. McArthur, secretary. This is a large
I SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 231
and representative organization with high stan dards, and with rules and regulations based upon years of experience. It has done a great work in the promotion of sane investments. The fact that Atlanta real estate has been free from vio lent fluctuations and "boom" influences, is large ly due to the sanity and conservatism of the Real Estate Board.
Advertising, as has been pointed out, is one of the great activities in this city, and the men who spend the millions that are spent annually in this channel are associated in the Advertising Club of Atlanta. "Weston Harvey is president, A. C. Carroll, secretary.
Technical men are represented in the Affiliated Technical Societies of Atlanta; T. P. Branch, president; E. F. Scott, secretary; the American Association of Engineers, Atlanta Chapter, W. C. Spiker, president, J. R. Bracewell, secretary; the American Chemical Society, Georgia Section, C. A. Butt, president, L. B. Lockhart, secretary; American Institute of Architects, Georgia Chap ter, P. Thornton Marye, president, L. B. Lockhart, secretary; American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Atlanta Section, J. P. Mallett, chair man, J. W. Pye, secretary; American Society of Civil Engineers, Atlanta Section, F. H. McDon ald, president, W. C. Spiker, secretary; Ameri can Society of Mechanical Engineers, Atlanta Section, H. E. Bussey, president, K. W. Wilde, secretary; Atlanta Electrical Association, C. L. Emerson, president, W. C. Drake, secretary.
The bankers are represented in the American Institute of Banking, Atlanta Chapter, Harry H.
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Johnson, president, C. E. Shephard, secretary; and the Atlanta Clearing House Association, Hatton B. Rogers, president, F. W. Blalock, sec retary.
Atlanta has three daily newspapers, the Constitution, The Journal and the Georgian and Sunday American. Of these, the Constitution is the pioneer, having been founded in 1868 for the prime purpose of fighting for the restoration of constitutional government. It has developed a number of men of international reputation, in cluding Joel Chandler Harris and the equally famous Henry Grady. On its staff now is Frank Stanton, one of the most widely known poets and "columinists" in the South. The Editor of the Constitution is Clark Howell, Democratic National Committeeman, and long a prominent figure in State and National politics.
The Atlanta Journal long has been one of the foremost afternoon papers of the South, and it, too, has produced a number of notables, including Grantland Eice and Don Marques. The editor is John S. Cohen, who began work on the paper as a reporter something over thirty years ago.
The Georgian and Sunday American belong to the famous Hearst string of newspapers, the local publisher being Thomas Buford Goodwin, a wide ly-known newspaper executive.
Atlanta is the Southern headquarters of all the great news distributing organizations, The Asso
ciated Press, The United Press and the Interna
tional News maintaining bureaus here and serving
Southern clients from this point.
SPIRITUAL AND CIVIC FORCES 233
A large number of trade journals are published in this city, covering almost every important field of endeavor.
CHAPTER XV.
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION
ATLANTA'S devotion to the cause of educa tion is one of the most striking character istics. Here was born the movement, and here centered the long, hard fight which culminated finally in the introduction of the free public school in the city and state, and here, throughout the years, has existed a practical ap preciation of the best, the influence of which is seen in the rapid development of great institutions of learning.
About a number of these institutions tradition clings with the beauty and grace of ivy upon old walls. Consider Emory University. Here is an institution founded in 1836 and having behind it eighty-six years of constructive services; years in which hundreds of men went out from it to play a worthy part in the world about them. The strength of its convictions, the force of its high purposes, the clarity of its intellectual processes and the tenderness of its ministry, have had and are having profound influence upon the progress of the South along the highest and best lines.
Though old in years and rich in tradition, Emory University is thoroughly modern in equip ment; a rather unusual but highly advantageous condition, brought about by a recent change in the location of the institution, and the creation of a new and more important relationship to the
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 235
Southern Methodist Church; changes which brought to it greatly increased financial resources and a wider field of usefulness.
When founded in 1836, Emory College, as it was then called, in honor of Bishop John Emory, was located near Covington, Newton County, Georgia, upon a site of fourteen hundred acres. Dr. Ignatius A. Few suggested that this place be called Oxford, in honor of the famous English university, and the suggestion was adopted. The Institution opened for the reception of students in 1837, with Dr. Few as its first president. The first class was graduated in 1841 and the college was continuously in operation at Oxford until the change of location was made in 1919; during these years nearly two thousand men received the diplo mas of the college.
The movement which resulted in the removal of this historic institution to Atlanta had its incep tion with the birth of an idea on the part of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to establish "an institution or institutions of higher education of the grade of a university." An Educational Commission was created for this purpose, begin ning its labors in 1914. Prolonged investigations were conducted, ..during which the advantages of numerous communities east of the Mississippi were considered, but in the end Atlanta was se lected as the place best suited for the location of an institution of this character.
A feature of the university was to be a School of Theology, and immediately upon the selection of Atlanta as the site of the University, such a school was opened in the Wesley Memorial build-
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ing. A gift of $1,000,000 meanwhile had been made to the institution by Asa G. Candler, of
Atlanta, and a number of other substantial sums had been contributed. A beautiful site was se lected in the attractive Druid Hills section, and there, in the following September, work began upon the Candler School of Theology--a majestic structure, having class rooms, library, adminis trative offices, and a beautiful chapel, now sit uated upon the campus and constituting one of a numerous group of dignified structures. An en dowment of a half-million dollars was voted for the School of Theology, a sum which since has been supplemented by other gifts.
The transplanting of Emory College as Emory University was followed by the erection of a large number of new buildings, and others are being added as this is written. This explains how an institution so old in years appears today with
all its buildings and equipment of the most mod ern type. And it might be observed in passing
that the whole forms a happy blending of age and youth.
Following its coming to Atlanta, Emory took over another time-honored institution, the Atlan ta Medical College. This college, founded in 1854, had become the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1898, at which time it absorbed the Southern Medical College, which had been es tablished twenty years before. ID 1913, the At
lanta School of Medicine, which had been founded in 1905, and the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons were consolidated, and the historic name Atlanta Medical College was again adopted.
SCHOOLS OF PEOUD TRADITION 237
It was this institution, rich in experience and ac complishment, that became "The School of Med icine of Emory University," and which was given an endowment of $270,000 to better equip it for its work.
During the sixty-seven years of its existence, this college has graduated a total of 3,273 doctors of medicine--many of them men who won wide distinction in this field. Under the present aus pices a wider field of usefulness has been opened to the institution and it is better equipped than ever before to fulfill its mission.
The promptness with which Emory University seized opportunities to be of service after its facilities for service had been enlarged, was shown during the world war, when the Emory Base Hospital, known in the records of the United States Army as Base Hospital No. 43, was equipped and sent forth for the succor of the suf fering. This unit consisted of 36 medical officers, 100 Bed Cross nurses, 200 enlisted men and 6 civilians. It had a capacity of 500 beds at the outset, and was one of the few base hospitals from Southern medical colleges that were sent to the front by the United States Government. It was stationed at Blois, France, where con spicuous service was rendered and where the facilities were expanded so rapidly that at the time of the signing of the armistice there were 2,300 beds, and provisions had been made for in creasing the number to 3,000.
The record of efficiency established by this hos pital is one of which those responsible for it are justly proud. More than 7,000 sick and wounded
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soldiers were treated, with a mortality of less than two per cent.
The Law School of Emory University is known as the Lamar School of Law, in honor of the late Justice L. Q. C. Lamar of the United States Su preme Court, distinguished Georgian and grad uate of Emory College. The first session began September 25, 1916, the ideal being to establish an institution of superior scholarship and clien tele, conducted in accordance with the highest professional ethics and the best traditions of the profession.
In 1919, the Graduate School, the School of Business Administration, and the Emory Sum mer School were established.
The Emory University campus contains 110 acres, the natural beauty of the landscape having been greatly enhanced !by skillful architecture. The buildings have been designed with rare taste, and the settings are harmonious, the whole, pre senting a scene well calculated to appeal to the best in those who seek by a university course to better equip themselves for life.
A summary of the buildings will convey a bet ter idea of the magnitude of the plant than any amount of descriptive matter. They consist of the Lamar School of Law, the Candler School of Theology, the John P. Seott Laboratory of Anatomy, the T. T. Fishburne Laboratory ,of Physiology, the Chemistry Building, the Physics Building, the Assembly Hall, three dormitories, George Winship Hall, Samuel C. Dobbs Hall, and Alabama Hall, the Dining Hall, and the Wesley Memorial Hospital. The last named is a splen-
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 239
did new structure, designed to take the place of the hospital plant opened in 1915 at Courtland street and Auburn avenue. Four units o this great institution mil be completed by the com ing fall and will represent an outlay of $1,250,000. When completed, the hospital will have cost a total of $3,000,000.
Connected with the new hospital is the Lucy Elizabeth Candler Memorial, a maternity pavil ion, erected in memory of their mother by the children of the late Mrs. Asa G. Candler, Sr. A beautiful and restful structure, it will furnish accommodations for seventy-five patients.
In addition to the many handsome buildings grouped upon the campus, Emory University has at its disposal a number of structures in the city, which were occupied until 1921 by the School of Medicine. Two of these have been turned over to the City of Atlanta for use as the Out-patient Department and the Entrance Pavilion of the Colored Section of the Grady Hospital, but they still are available to the School of Medicine for clinical purposes.
The large plant of Emory College at Oxford has not been abandoned or surrendered, but is used in its entirity as tthe i'Emory University Academy.
One of the surprises awaiting the visitor to Emory University is the extent and value of the museums. Here is housed the Thursfield Smith Collection of Wesleyana, representing many years of painstaking and intelligent labor. It comprises many rare books and books of personal association, such as John Wesley's own hmyn
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book; manuscripts, and autograph letters of John and Charles Wesley, and their mother and i.ather, Susannah and John Wesley, of John Fletcher,
Whitefield and others. There are also numerous articles which belonged to the Wesleys, and many books and documents of unusual interest relating;
to Methodism. Another museum of rare and wonderful objects
is the Egyptian and Babylonian collection. It comprises mummies, coffins, a number of frag ments, including gilded heads, hands, and feet,
sandals and beads, a large collection of bronzes, knives, razors, daggers, axes, bells, mirrors, and other articles, some of which bear royal inscrip tions back to 1500 B. C. There are a large num ber of royal scarabs, a face-paint pot of Queen Ti, earlier than 1400 B. C., head-rests of cedar
and alabaster, amulets of all ages, stelas bearing the names of Rameses n and Cheops, and others. There are also weights, jars of alabaster, earth enware jars, flints, fine linen adorned with pearls, inscribed linen, mummy cloth, Greek and Egyp
tian papgri, an inscribed Greek door, a brick in
scribed with the name of Nebuchadnezzar IE, con queror of Jerusalem, fragments of brick from many mounds, Ur of Chaldees, Lagash, Eridu and others. Here also are seen Hebrew burial bowls from under the pavement of Babylon, several cuneiform tablets with valuable historical inscrip tions, a splendid roll of Pentateuch written upon two hundred sheep skins, and there also are a number of Arab weapons. Here also are found a number of casts from the British Museum, in cluding a large granite lion of Soleb, Upper
UPPER PICTURE--VIEW OF AGXES SCOTT COLLEGE LOWER PICTURE--SCEXE IX HALL AT WASHIXGTOX
SEMINARY
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 241
Egypt: the head of Amenophis IV, a Tel El Amarna Tablet, a statue of Rameses II, a stela of Canopus, an inscription of Nebuchadnezzar H, the black Oblisk of Shalmanezzar recording his victory over Israel, the Rosetta Stone, and many other objects of interest and value.
The W. H. LaPrade Collection of Georgia Birds, the largest exhibit of its kind in existence, is another interesting feature, and there is also a large collection of minerals gathered during the past fifty years.
Then there is the Museum of Emory College, containing many things of historical interest con tributed by students and others throughout the years.
In all the history of American educational in stitutions there has never been written a more charming chapter, interwoven with real romance and moral beauty, than the story of the birth and death and resurrection of Old Oglethorpe University.
The story goes "back a long way--to a man and his friend, the man an English gentleman of titled descent, the friend an artist and author, who, having published a very beautiful and expensive book on architecture and being unable to meet the costs, was thrown into the small-pox ward of a debtor's dungeon and died there. From his death there sprung a high resolve on the part of his friend to purify the whole wretched prison system of England which later, by a path that every Georgian knows, led to the founding of'the largest commonwealth of the United States east of the Mississippi River by James Oglethorpe in
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the earlier 3rd of the 18th century. This incom parable soldier, humanitarian and gentleman associated with his name the very finest of Amer ican traditions, being perhaps the greatest of all
the pre-revolutionary figures of American his
tory. Hisjfame rests not solely on his genius as a soldier or his record as a philanthropist. His was the distinction of having been the first great American abolitionist, for no inegro slave was allowed in Georgia while Oglethorpe was Gov ernor. His, also, was the honor of being the first ruler of America to exclude whiskey from com monwealth or nation, and he was likewise the
first great Anglo-American, loving his Georgians so much that he declined to accept the command of the British forces to subdue the colonists, be cause he would not fight with his fellow-country men against his fellow-citizens. In memory of
this most remarkable figure, there was founded --about one century after he founded Georgia-- the first Christian college or university between the Atlantic and Pacific, south of the Virginia line. It was located in the then capital of his commonwealth, Milledgeville, and for approx imately one-half century did its marvelous work
in Georgia, not only, but was and of a right claimed to be a Mother of that fine company of institutions of learning which combine religious with scientific and literary instruction. Asso ciated with this fundamental tradition in the his
tory of Oglethorpe University is that of the most famous of Georgia's sons and sweetest of her singers, Sidney Lanier. Lanier entered Ogle
thorpe at the age of 15 in the year 1857, becom-
I
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 243
ing Tutor in his Alma Mater immediately upon graduating. A few months later, however, the vast catastrophe of the "War Between the States" swept him and all other students of Oglethorpe into the armies of the Confederacy. The faculty was disbanded; all of the endowment was invested in Confederate honds; the buildings were used as a barracks and hospital during the war, and afterward burned, so that when the war was over there was no more an Oglethorpe.
An attempt was made in the early seventies to re-open the institution in the capital of the State, the young city of Atlanta. For some two years the school operated on "Washington street but, in the midst of the confusion of Reconstruc tion, the doors were again closed.
Rarely has there been in America a finer illus tration of the immortality of high ideals than is exhibited in the resurrection of Oglethorpe Uni versity from among the gray ashes of fratricidal strife to her present position of honor and power among her sisters. She is perhaps unique among standard institutions of learning in that she alone, having died for her ideals has also been raised from the dead. For today, on Peachtree Road, there is rapidly arising one of the most beautiful universities in the whole world--built of solid Georgia granite with the most perfect fire-proof construction, covered with heavy im perishable slate, constructed upon one of the most beautiful designs of one of the most famous land scape architects in the world. There, the fine traditions associated with these two unmatched Georgians are being gathered and woven into
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the life of the stndents. From Oglethorpe they draw the inspiration of humanitarianism and wis dom in politics and government. From Lanier they win their ideals of literature and art, for
this Oglethorpe boy alone among the Southernborn has won his place to sit down with the eight immortals of American Literature: Bryant, Long
fellow, Lowell, Whittier, Holmes, Whitman, Poe and Lanier. His diploma hangs over the desk of the President and his spirit hovers over the campus of his Alma Mater.
To the Atlanta citizen the story of Oglethorpe means infinitely more than the way in which his city became possessed of a fine University. It is the story of the immortality of the ideal which is an illustration of the way in which the beauti
ful thing persists to influence the lives of men, for here in the city, whose name Oglethorpe never
heard and of whom Lanier knew little, is being gathered the most precious heritage of all Geor gia--the legacies left by her two best citizens, James Oglethorpe, her Founder, and Sidney Lanier, her Poet.
The president of Oglethorpe is Dr. Thornwell
Jacobs, a man steeped in the best traditions of the South--a poet and a dreamer, gifted with the rare faculty of translating his noble visions into
actuality. One of the most famous of Atlanta's educa
tional institutions is that which is familiarly known as "Georgia Tech," which enjoys a rating with the United States Bureau of Education second to none, with the possible exception of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its grad-
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 245
nates have won distinction in practically every field of human endeavor, and its work in training men along technical lines has done much to de velop the South industrially. In the field of sport, as in that of practical training, this insti tution also occupies a position in the forefront. "Tech" is the pride of Atlantans, as well as of all Georgians, for that matter, and this pride is the outgrowth of years of distinguished service. Few institutions in the history of educational development, have risen to a position of such pre eminence in so brief a period, and the extraordi nary growth in influence and in prestige becomes all the more remarkable when it is remembered that the institution, a creature of the State, is dependent largely upon the whims of legislative bodies of ever changing personnel.
The Georgia School of Technology was created under an act of the Legislature passed in 1885, at a time when the necessity of creating an in dustrial as well as an agricultural South, was .attracting the attention of thoughtful men, and the institution was located in Atlanta after a spirited contest with a number of other Georgia cities. The people of Atlanta took a lively inter est in the institution from the first, contributing generously toward the fund for its location, and this interest has never been allowed to lag. At lantans appreciate the enviable position the insti tution occupies in the educational world, and recognize in it one of the greatest of civic assets.
In the development of the natural resources of the South, Georgia Tech has done a work far be yond anything its founders hoped for--a fact due
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in large measure to the calibre of the men who have directed it. Names linked with its splendid history include Dr. I. S. Hopkins, Lyman Hall, K. C. Matheson and N. P. Pratt, all men of large calibre and great vision. The executive head of the institution today is Marion L. Brittain, who entered upon the duties of president in August, 1922, equipped in every way for maintaining the splendid record left by his predecessors.
Georgia Tech covers much ground and has many buildings, the number being multiplied at this time by several important additions. The facilities are being enlarged to the end that they may be commensurate with the magnitude of the institution, viewed from the standpoint of intel lectual achievement.
It was an eventful day for the cause of educa tion in Georgia when Dr. F. H. Gaines came to Decatur to serve as pastor of the Presbyterian Church. He realized immediately the need of better training for young women and also the opportunity which Decatur afforded for a good college. He soon broached the subject to the members of his church and received a cordial re sponse. After a few preliminary meetings, it was determined to establish a school of high char acter, and a charter was applied for under the name of Decatur Female Seminary. Arrange ments were completed, a subscription list of $5,000 was secured, and the school opened in Sep tember, 1889, with Miss Nannette Hopkins as its first Principal.
Col. George W. Scott of Decatur was one of those most interested in the founding of the insti-
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 247
tution, and in 1890 he came to Dr. G-aines with the proposition of building a permanent home for the new enterprise. The offer was gladly accepted, and Col. Scott invested $112,500 in grounds, building, and equipment; and the name of the institution was changed to Agnes Scott Institute in honor of the mother of Col. Scott. Up to that time, his gift was the largest single contribution to the cause of education in the South. For years he stood firmly behind the College, giving largely of his time and money, and making possible its definite establishment as a high grade seminary.
In 1895 the Institute had grown so much that it needed the full time of Dr. Gaines, and at the request of the Trustees he resigned from his pas torate and assumed the presidency of the school. Under his personal direction, there ensued a long and vigorous struggle for the maintenance of the highest ideals and for recognition by the educa tional world. The South in general was so back ward in education for women, that the great insti tutions of the North and West were disposed to ask, "Can any good thing educationally come out of Georgia!" The fight was gradually won. The lower grades of instruction were dropped from the Institute and higher ones added, until in 1905 Agnes Scott was fully recognized as a college; and it has since that time been officially known
as Agnes Scott College. In recent years the recognition given to the
College has been practically world wide. In 1907 it was admitted to membership in the Association. of Colleges and Secondary Schools for Southern
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States. In 1912 its graduates were admitted to the Southern Association of College Women. In 1914 its graduates were permitted to enter as candidates for the M.A. degree in one year by the great universities. In 1919 Agnes Scott was placed on the approved list of the Association of American Universities. In the following year, its graduates were declared eligible for membership in the Association of Collegiate Alumnae, and they of course are eligible in the new American Association of University Women.
The men of Atlanta have responded well to the needs of Agnes Scott. In 1909 the General Education Board offered the College $100,000 if the community would raise $250,000 additional. Under the leadership of Mr. S. M. Inman, then President of the Board of Trustees, this task was quickly accomplished in the first of the "whirl wind" campaigns ever held in Atlanta.
Again in 1919 the General Education Board offered $275,000 if friends of the College would contribute enough to bring the total sum to $750,000. Under the leadership of Mr. J. K. Orr, the present Chairman of the Board, this challenge was successfully met; and Atlanta and all Georgia were generous in their contributions.
The College now has a plant of about 22 acres,
and there are 21 buildings in actual use, the whole being valued at about $750,000. When the pledges in the last campaign are fully paid, the endowment of the CoUege will total $800,000.
The institution is crowded to its capacity each year, and has to turn away annually more appli-
SCHOOLS OF PEOUD TRADITION 249
cants than it can take. Its capacity is only 450 students at present.
The outstanding features of the institution are its high standards, rigidly enforced, its conserva tive Christian atmosphere, its emphasis on Bible study, the eagerness "with which its graduates are sought for excellent positions, and the enthusiasm and loyalty of those who become its students.
In her will recently probated, Miss Jane Wal ker Inman left Agnes Scott the residue of her estate, after certain bequests should be paid. This will amount to more than $100,000 at this time. In addition she left a life estate which will eventually come to the College and will amount to $50,000 more. This whole sum is to be used as a memorial of the brother of Miss Inman and will be called the "Samuel M. Inman Endowment Fund."
On a beautiful knoll, well back from Peachtree street, and sunxranded by a park of exceptional attractiveness, The Washington Seminary consti tutes one of the most thoroughly pleasing pros pects in all Atlanta. Through the trees and across the wide lawn, the main building is seen, serene and stately. Great fluted columns, white and splendidly proportioned, are marshalled across the front and flow back on either end of the imposing structure, and back of these wide verandas run on and on.
This palatial building was erected some years ago as a private mansion, but the architect scarce ly could have builded better had he known that it was to become adapted to present uses. ...The rooms are large, numerous and beautifully \fin-
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ished, and halls more impressive scarcely could
be imagined. The house is built around an open court, about
fifty feet square, and a veranda, flanked by slen der columns, parallels this court, affording a re treat of rare charm. This court, aside from being
highly ornamental, serves the practical purpose of providing an abundance of sunshine and air
for all the rooms which overlook it.
The school building is separate from the home, but is designed to harmonize with it. New, mod
ern in all its appointments, and of pleasing archi tecture, this building contains study halls, recita tion rooms, music rooms, art rooms, gymnasium, etc. A distinctive and valuable feature is the
arrangement for open air class rooms. On two sides are wide porches, which are divided into sec
tions corresponding to the class rooms on the inside. Entrance is from the inner to the outer rooms, and in all seasonable weather, the classes are conducted on the porches. Inasmuch as the
climate here admits of about five months of outof-doors class work, the advantage to the stu
dents, from the standpoint of physical better ment, is marked. The spacious grounds afford space for games of every kind, and the recre
ational possibilities practically are unlimited. The Washington Seminary has been in suc
cessful operation for forty-four years, and some
of the things which have commended it to fathers and mothers in the selection of a school for their
daughters, include the division of glasses into
small sections, insuring individual attention to each pupil and the adaption of instruction to per-
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 251
sonal needs; strict limitations placed upon the number of students; a flexible system of classifi cation whereby the student is allowed to enter the class in each study for which previous prep aration best fits her; special college preparatory course for students expecting to enter such insti tutions as Vassar, Smith, Wellesley, RandolphMacon, etc.; practical courses for training girls for the duties and responsibilities of home-mak ing and home-keeping, and the abundant provision which is made for the healthful development of the body. The president is Dr. Llewellyn D. Scott, who is surrounded by a corps of gifted instructors.
This institution is representative, in character and in attainment, of many private schools in the city of Atlanta--institutions which, through patient labor and high purpose, are adding con stantly to the fame of this city as an educational center.
This city also has numerous business colleges and institutions which specialize upon various professions, the date of the organization of a number of these going back to the early days of Atlanta.
It is inevitable that a city which supports an annual presentation of grand opera by the worldfamous Metropolitan Grand Opera Company, should be a community in which exists an extra ordinary appreciation of the best in the musical art. Therefore, it is not surprising that this City has become the most important center in the South for musical education. Music is not only taught in the leading educational institutions by
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artists of exceptional ability, but this City has schools of music directed by men and women of national reputation.
The Atlanta Conservatory of Music, founded in 1907 and formally opened in 1908, is one of the most popular institutions of the kind in the South, and one which enjoys an enviable reputa tion throughout the country. Its enrollment is approximately 900 at this time, and the number is increasing from year to year. It is housed in a splendid building, in the very heart of the busi ness district. The director, George Fr. Lindner, is a man of exceptional experience and ability. As a teacher, concert artist and composer, he enjoys a. wide reputation. Born in Bremen, in a home where he was surrounded by every musical ad vantage, he began his training at the age of six,
making his concert debut at the age of eleven. Shortly thereafter he made his first American tour, achieving success in this country. However, his father, realizing the necessity for a thorough foundation, withdrew him from the concert stage and for four years he was under such "masters as Dont, Hellmesberg and Thompson for technique, and with Kaun and Schoefield for theory and com position. Coming to Atlanta several years ago, he was made director of the Atlanta Conservatory of Music, and has brought it to a position of pre eminence among Southern schools of music . An able faculty, plus the fact that students may hear the best of the world's artists in this City, has de veloped this institution into one that is a virile factor in the promotion of musical culture in the South.
SCHOOLS OF PROUD TRADITION 253
Foremost among these artists are Signer Emilo Volpi and his distinguished wife, Nora Alien. A life-long friend of Caruso, and an intimate as sociate from his boyhood with many of the world's most famous singers, Signer Vopli came from music-loving Italy equipped as few men are for the profession into which environment and adap tability led him, and he had won fame in this country as a musical instructor before he made Atlanta his home. His wife, Nora Alien, formerly with the Chicago Grand Opera Company, also is splendidly equipped for conveying to others an apt appreciation of musical values. Since their location in Atlanta they have organized the Noral Alien Grand Opera Concert Company, and the initial performance, given during the past sum mer evoked the enthusiastic applause of mus ical critics. Unquestionably they are a prime as set to musical Atlanta, and their school is win ning deserved fame.
To Murray M. Howard, an Atlanta citizen is due the inauguration of an economic movement in the public schools that is spreading rapidly and will, it is believed, in a few years be universally used throughout the country. This is the Howard system of exchanging school books among the public school children. Recognizing the problem faced by a vast number of families in providing
the necessary money to purchase books for their
children and the great waste in used books, gen erally, Mr. Howard devised the plan of letting parents and scholars use the school houses as a place for selling or exchanging books the children
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had finished and purchasing other books needed
for the next term. The plan has met with great success and has
resulted in the saving of many thousands of dol
lars to the citizens of Atlanta. Peeples Street School, where the school book
exchange was first inauguerated, was also the be ginning of another school reform idea that had far-reaching effect. In 1916, through the efforts of Mrs. Murray Howard, the Parent Teachers' Association organized the male parents of the
school into what became known as the "Wake Up, Daddy" movement which swept through the City with irresistable public approval and resulted in the charter of Atlanta being so amended as to
permit the board of education to be elected by direct vote of the people, instead of by council.
CHAPTER XVI.
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD
W HEN the historian of the future writes the economic and financial story of the United States, he must inevitably treat at some length the critical period between 1914 and 1921. These seven short years witnessed a wonderful thing. They saw the financial structure of the country tested to the uttermost--tested by the pressure of the most perilous conditions which can threaten the economic life of a nation. The world conflict which raged from 1914 to 1918 was fought, not only by armies against external foes, but by whole peoples against the immeasurably more dangerous and insidious enemies within--against famine and poverty; forces which, like the germs of deadly disease within a human body, gradually sap the strength and seek to destroy the life of a country at its source. It is now a matter of common knowledge and rejoicing that this attack was beaten off, that this supreme test was passed with honor.
The success of our country, where Austria, and Germany, and Russia failed so tragically, was due primarily to a state of sound economic health, one of whose strongest elements must inevitably be considered the Federal Reserve System. This great organization came into being through the passage of the so-called Federal Reserve Act of December 23, 1913; and it could not have come in
.
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happier time. The Beserve System proved the bulwark of the Government against financial stress and panic. Nobly it did its work, and all America has the right to be proud of the System and what it accomplished for the nation. Just so, all the Southeast has the right to be proud of the Federal Beserve Bank of Atlanta, and what it accomplished for this section.
Just here, a few words of explanation as to the operation of the Federal Beserve System may not be amiss. In the caption of the Act, the three main purposes of the legislation are set forth as follows: (1) "To provide for the establishment of Federal Beserve Banks; (2) To furnish an elastic currency; (3) To establish a more effective supervision of banking in the United States, and for other purposes."
There are 12 Beserve Banks (in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Bichmond, Atlan ta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and San Francisco) throughout the country. These, together with their Branches and with the Federal Beserve Board located at Washington; make up the Federal Beserve System.
Each Beserve Bank is under the direct control of its officers and directors, and is practically a separate institution connected with the other Be
serve Banks only through the Federal Beserve Board, which exercises certain general supervis ory powers, as will be explained later. Of the nine directors of a Beserve Bank, three are ap pointed by the member banks as their represen tatives, the banks being sub-classified into three classes of nearly similar capitalization, each of
DAM AXD POWER PLANT, GEORGIA RAILWAY AXD POWER CO.
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 257
which elects one director. A second group of three directors consists of men prominently en gaged in business, commercial or agricultural pur suits, and are required to be non-bankers. These directors are also selected by the member banks. The remaining three members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the Federal Eeserve Board, and one of the three is designated as Chairman of the body and Federal Reserve Agent, being the direct representative of the Board upon the official staff of the Bank.
The simplest way to express the function of a Reserve Bank is to say that it is a banker's bank. Instead of individuals, the stock-holders are mem ber banks, which are required to purchase stock in proportion to their capital and surplus. All national banks are required to be members of the System; and any state banks and trust com panies are at liberty to come into the System upon the fulfillment of certain entrance require ments stated in the Federal Reserve Act. Bach member bank is required to maintain a certain reserve with the regional bank, which, in turn, must itself maintain a reserve of 40 per cent in gold against Federal Reserve Notes actually in cir culation, and 35 per cent against member banks' reserve deposits. The member bank is then en titled to submit to the Reserve Bank its eligible paper for rediscount. In a very general way, it may be stated that a Reserve Bank's loans fall into three classes: (1) Loans to commerce and industry; (2) Loans to agriculture; and (3) Loans on Government bonds. All such advances are made ito banks, and never to individuals.
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Many factors--such as the nature of the trans action out of which the paper rose, the subse quent use of the proceeds, the date of maturity, etc.--enter into the question as to the eligibility of paper offered for rediscount by a member bank. The Reserve Bank is guided by the dis cretion of its Executive Committee in such mat ters. Closely correlated with the lending power of a Reserve Bank is its power to issue currency in times of need, against which it must maintain a gold reserve of 40 per cent. Other security, dollar for dollar, must be set aside against the notes issued, but this security may be bor rowers' paper of an early maturity, representing either loans for the production or distribution of goods and farm products, or loans to holders of United States Government securities.
The Federal Reserve Board is made 'up of
eight members, six of whom are appointed by the President and are considered to be represen tative of the commercial and agricultural life of
the nation. The remaining two members are the Secretary of the Treasury and the Comptrol
ler of the Currency, who hold their seats by vir tue of their office. The powers of the Board, as stated above, are almost entirely supervisory. Its approval is necessary to a change in the re
discount rate of any Reserve Bank. It passes
upon the salaries of officers and employees of the
regional institutions, and, under certain condi tions, may remove any of their officers or direc
tors. It also interprets the language and the
meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, so as to show what classes of loans may be made by the
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 259
Eeserve Banks; but the Board has no right to pass upon the individual loans which a Reserve Bank may make. It cannot say when a loan shall be made to a member bank, or what the amount of such loan shall be, nor can the Board compel a Reserve Bank to lend to a member bank or to refrain from doing so. To sum up, the Board is simply the central office of the System, whose function is to keep in view the operations of the various Reserve Banks and to secure proper co ordination among them.
The above paragraphs are sufficient to give the reader a general idea of the purposes for which the Reserve System was created, and the manner in which it goes about the accomplishment of the work which it has been designed to do.
The Atlanta Bank opened its doors on Novem ber 16, 1914, with small quarters in the Hurt Building. Its existence was begun under the most discouraging conditions. There was not the usual European market for the South's great est crop, cotton; and the whole section was suf fering. Things were in a way to become desper ate, but the little Reserve Bank stepped boldly into the breach. It stabilized the value of com modities and it reduced the rates of discount, giv ing to its member banks the assurance of a place of rediscount at reasonable rates. In the years since then, the work has gone steadily on, until the little Reserve Bank has become an important factor in. the economic life of the nation. It has grown into a great institution, and, in proportion as its own prosperity has increased, it has aided its member banks and the whole South to grow.
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It is impossible to go here, at any length, into the specific improvements it has brought about, but one or two may be mentioned. In November, 1915, in common with the other Reserve Banks, it was designated as fiscal agent for the Govern ment, and, on January 1,1916, $5,000,000 of Gov ernment funds was placed in its vaults. This large deposit was, of Necessity, withdrawn jn July of the same year, but a substantial balance of several million dollars remained, and it has been kept up ever since, the amount of Govern ment deposit on June 21, 1922, being $995,163.88.
In 1920, the Atlanta Reserve Bank was of ma terial assistance in enabling the South to pass through a threatened financial disaster of very grave dimensions. The year was begun auspi ciously, with but little indication of the trouble to come. The Atlanta institution had a reserve percentage of 54 per cent, the second best show ing in the entire Reserve System. But conditions rapidly grew worse; and, on September 28th came the high peak of rediscounts, the amount totalling the amazing figure of $49,491,000. The actual reserve fell to 14.9 per cent. The strain was enormous. In order to take care of the agricul tural interests which were bearing the brunt of the storm, the Atlanta Bank not only used up all its own available resources but actually borrowed $49,000,000 from other Federal Reserve Banks. Matters went from bad to worse, and on Novem ber 1,1921, the total loans to member banks from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta had reached the tremendous sum of $182,868,000. At last, the clouds began to break, and sounder credit condi-
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 261
tions were slowly brought about in this section. The agricultural, commercial, and industrial spheres quickened into renewed activity, until, at length, the pressing danger was past. Once again, the value of the Reserve System had been triumphantly demonstrated.
One other feature of the bank's work remains to be briefly considered--the splendid part it play ed helping the Government to raise ready money for the conduct of the World War. The figures be low give a clearer idea than could any statements
of mine as to the magnitude of the transactions involved in the Liberty and Victory Loan Cam paigns, and the sale of Treasury Certificates of Indebtedness. A glance will suffice to show how completely the Atlanta Bank, and the people in
this section, met--and more than met--the call of the country in a time of serious national need. The First and Second Liberty Loans as well as the Victory Loan, were well over-sub
scribed; while the Third and Fourth Liberty Loans produced exactly the huge sums alloted to
be raised. Here are the figures:
Loan
Allotment Amount Subscribed
First Liberty Second Liberty Third Liberty
$ 46,283,150 84,609,300 137,649,450
$ 58,506,800 92,918,200 137,649,450
Fourth Liberty Victory
217,885,200 133,080,800
217,885,200 140,779,850
Total._...... $619,507,500
$647,739,550
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AmoTint Oversubscribed. .$28,231,650
Sale of Treasury Certificates.
1917 -----$ 48,495,000
1918 - - - - - 79,573,000
1919 ----- 328,838,500
1920 ----- 71,518,500
1921 - - - - - 59,258,100
1922 (June) - - -
43,380,200
A few years after starting business, the rapidly increasing volume of transactions compelled the Atlanta Bank to seek larger quarters. At a meet ing of the Board of Directors in June 1917, the purchase of the Marietta street lot on which the Bank now stands was authorized, at a cost of $102,500, and plans were made for a building thereon. On October 1, 1918, all was ready, and the new offices were opened to the public inspec tion. All the fittings were of the best, and the
building, designed by Mr. A. Ten Eyck Brown
the present architect of the bank, was attractive and imposing in appearance. The approximate
cost was $130,000 for the building proper, and $72,000 for the vaults. The furniture and fixtures
cost in the neighborhood of $15,000. It was thought that the new quarters would contain the bank comfortably for some time, but in 1920 a further need for expansion developed, and an addition costing about $226,000 was completed in May of that year. During the previous June the building of the old Commercial National Bank in New Orleans was purchased for the
Branch Bank, at a total cost of $236,500.
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 263
The Atlanta Bank continued to do an expand ing business, until, in July, 1922, a contract was let for a further addition. Work is now going on under the direction of Architect Brown and' a Building Committee of which J. A. McCrary, one of the directors of the bank, is chairman. The completed building, which will be ready for occupancy early this winter, will be one of the handsomest structures in the entire country. The new addition is expected to involve an out lay of $1,500,000.00, which figure includes $159,823.89 to be spent in the construction of vaults. All Atlanta is looking forward eagerly to the time when the Federal Reserve Bank will be able to reflect in its magnificent home the inward growth of the institution, whose inspiring story of prog ress has been but feebly sketched in the forego ing paragraphs.
Going back to 1914, when the bank first opened, one finds that the business to be transacted was so little that the affairs of the institution could be adequately handled by only two main officers and a small force of 19 employees. The two offi cers, who are still wilh the bank though their official positions are reversed, were Joseph A. McCord, Governor, and M. B. Wellborn, Chair man of the Board and Federal Reserve Agent. Mr. McCord was prominently identified with local banking circles for many years, and was vice-president of the Citizens and Southern Bank before accepting the Governorship of the Reserve Bank. Mr. Wellborn was an Alabama banker of widely known ability, and came to Atlanta from the presidency of the First National Bank
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of Anniston, Alabama. Mr. Wellborn was also president of the First National Bank of Jack
sonville, Alabama, and the First National Bank of Piedmont, Alabama.
These two gentlemen, together with M. W. Bell, present Cashier; J. M. Slattery, present Secre
tary; E. A. Sims, present Assistant Cashier of the Money Division; and Miss L. V. Davidson, the first Secretary to Governor McCord, are the
only employees at present with the Bank who have been there since the beginning of things, 'way back in 1914. Mr. J. B. Pike, the first Cash ier, was made Deputy Governor in 1919, but soon afterward resigned to go on the official staff of the National City Bank of New York.
The total employees of the Bank, at the start of operations in 1914, including eight officers,
numbered 27. Some idea of the subsequent growth of the institution, with its Branches, may be obtained when it is stated that the employees, exclusive of officers numbered 472 on June 7, 1922.
There can be no clearer evidence of the rapid
growth of the Federal Eeserve Bank of Atlanta, than that which is to be found in the gradual establishment of branches, and the increase in the volume of business done by those branches. The New Orleans Branch, opened September 10,1915, was the first branch bank of the entire System. It was, from the start, a successful venture; and served a wide field in the middle South, too dis tant from the parent bank to secure the rapid accommodation extended to institutions in the Southeast. Nearly three years later--on August
A FINANCIAL STBONGHOLD 265
1, 1918--the Birmingham and Jacksonville offices
were opened, while the Nashville Branch was
opened on October 21, 1919. These banks have
proved as valuable, and have grown as swiftly,
as the New Orleans office. In 1919, an Agency
was established in Savannah, Georgia, this was
largely in recognition of the importance of that
city as a port, for the export and import of
goods. It is the only Agency in the System; and
differs from a branch in that it has no Board
of Directors, but is under the immediate control
of a manager and assistant manager. Its chiof
functions are the issuing of money to Savannah
banks, and the holding of collateral on notes
which are themselves forwarded to the central
office in Atlanta.
They say that figures, unlike the most success
ful politicians, never lie. If this be true, the
appended table may serve as a mute testimonial
to the rapid growth of the Federal Eeserve Bank
of Atlanta, and its increasing importance as a
vital factor in the economic existence of the
South:
State member banks of the Federal Eeserve
System in the Sixth District:
1914 - - - - 1
1915
2
1916
4
1917 - - - - 18
1918 - - - - 54
1919
- 64
1920 .-- - 85
1921 - - - - 127
1922 (to date) - - 143
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At this time--July, 1922--the officers of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta are: M. B. "Wellborn, Governor; L. C. Adelson, Deputy Gov
ernor; J. L. Campbell, Deputy Governor; J. M. Slattery, Secretary; M. W. Bell, Cashier; W. B. Roper, Assistant Cashier; R. A. Sims, Assistant Cashier; W. R. Patterson, Assistant Cashier; J. B. Tutwiler, Assistant Cashier; J. A. MeCord, Chairman of the Board and Federal Reserve Agent; Ward Albertson, Assistant Federal Re serve Agent; C. R. Tidwell, Assistant Federal Re serve Agent; W. H. Toole, Manager, Fiscal Agent Department, and Creed Taylor, General Auditor.
The following table shows the resources of the national and state banks of Atlanta, September 15, 1922:
Atlanta National ...............$ 25,594,877.53 Fourth National ................ 27,643,987.54 Lowry National ................ 19,120,329.16 Fulton National ................ 6,978,310.85 Citizen & Southern ............. 51,932,954.60 Central Bank & Trust Corp. ..... 11,609,312.08 Atlanta Trust Company ........ 4,875,827.68 Georgia Savings Bank & Trust
Company .................. 2,797,770.06
Trust Company of Georgia ...... 7,369,974.98
Total ................... .$157,724,344.48
Space is not available here for a detailed story of all the great financial institutions of Atlanta, but because of its typical character and the light it sheds upon the development of this city from an infant among banking communities to one of
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 267
the greatest in the South, the history of one of the oldest and most successful will be related-- that of the Lowry National Bank.
In 1861, when Atlanta was a small but growing town, Col. Robert J. Lowry came here from Greenville, Tenn., and engaged in the produce commission business, selling supplies shipped from Tennessee by his father, W. M. Lowry.
From that day to this, covering a period of more than sixty years, the name of Colonel Lowry and that of the institution which he established have been intimately associated with the growth, progress and development of this city.
The first Lowry Bank, or business, established in Atlanta, was located on Decatur street, at the Northwest corner of Pryor. In those days Deca tur street was not only the center of the business and commercial life of the city, but of the social and home life. The finest residences were located on this street, and many of the older citizens, now occupying elegant homes elsewhere, can recall having lived on this thoroughfare.
Colonel Lowry continued in business for him self until after the war, when he was joined by his father, and the two went into the wholesale grocery and banking business; being located on Alabama street. Shortly after this, they pur chased a building on the Southwest corner of Ala bama street and Central avenue, then Lloyd street, and there, in the early seventies, gradually eliminated the grocery business and specialized
upon banking, the firm name being W. M. and R. J. Lowry, Bankers.
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About 1875, Joseph T. Orme, then a youth, be came associated with the institution, which con tinued to do business as a private bank until 1887, when a state charter was obtained and the organi zation was incorporated as the Lowry Banking Company. The capital stock was then $350,000 and there was a surplus of $70,000, which was indicative of the growing importance of the young city as a financial center.
In August, 1892, the Lowry Banking Company moved from its Alabama street location to its new quarters in the Equitable Building, now the Trust Company of Georgia Building. This struc-. ture, by the way, was the first large, fire-proof office building erected in the "South, and the bank ing quarters were the finest and most up-to-date to be found in any city South of Washington.
The State charter was retained until 1900, when a national charter was obtained. The name "Lowry National Bank of Atlanta" was then adopted and the capital stock increased to $500,000. Upon receiving the national charter, the bank became one of the regular designated de positaries of the United States Government. Later the capital stock was increased to $800,000, and in 1910 it was again increased, this time to a million dollars. Meanwhile the surplus, which had grown to $600,000, was increased to $1,000,000, so that now, with capital and surplus aggregating $2,000,000, with profits of $1,000,000, circulation of $1,000,000 and deposits of near ly $16,000,000, the Lowry bank has resources aggregating approximately $20,000,000. The president of the bank today is H. Warner Mar-
A FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD 269
tin, a young man of conspicuous ability as a finan cier. From the position of bank clerk ten years ago, he has attained the presidency of one of the most outstanding financial institutions in the South.
Among the many other surprises one finds in Atlanta, is that large investments in building enterprises, from Indianapolis to Miami, have been financed in this city, and that this construc tive work in being enlarged all the time. The firm which is specializing along this line and which is growing at an astonishing rate, is the G-. L. Miller Company. Among the buildings which have been financed from Atlanta by this firm is the magnificient Harvey Apartments, at Indianapolis; the new Hotel Richmond, at Augus ta, Ga.; the Berkley Court Apartments at Charles ton, S. C.; the Gallat Court Apartments at Miami, Fla., the Helene Apartments at Miami; the St. Charles Apartments, at Mobile, Ala.; the Almadura Apartments at Memphis, Tenn.; the Dulion Apartments, at Birmingham, Ala.; the Granada Apartment Hotel, at Miami, Fla.; the El Verano Hotel, at West Palm Beach, Fla.; the Highland View Apartments, at Birmingham, Ala.; the Hill Office Building, at Jacksonville, Fla., and numer ous splendid buildings in Atlanta, including the Hotel Cecil, the Belvedere Apartments, the Bon Air Apartments, the Belmont Apartments, the Southland Apartments and the Cathcart Storage Warehouse.
The erection of these splendid structures, espec ially in the country at large, has served to magni fy the fame of Atlanta as a financial center. Mr.
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ATLANTA
G. L. Mill fir, the head of the firm, says, "This year we have ten million dollars to lend to build ers of modern, income-earning buildings in the South. It is not only a satisfaction to us, but also a compliment to the stability of the South and of Atlanta, that never yet has a building financed by us failed to pay more than its esti mated income."
The business of Mr. Miller began some years ago in a small way at Miami, Fla., but its growth was rapid, and in 1917 he opened the Atlanta office. Then expansion began on a truly aston ishing scale, with the result that today the firm has a staff of some sixty people and occupies over four thousand feet of office space in the Hurt Building. " 'Via Atlanta' is a sure road
to success," says Mr. Miller. The company maintains offices in a number of
other cities, including an important establishment in New York.
CHAPTER XVH.
INDUSTRY AT ITS BEST
T HE manufacture of ice, one of the most essential of Southern industries, has at tained the maximum, both in volume and in efficiency, in the City of Atlanta. Here is located one of the greatest of all ice producing enterprises, operating thirty-four plants, turning out an average daily supply of 3,500 tons and having a storage capacity of 120,000 tons.
Figures like these astound when one recalls the fact that it has been only a little while since the South was dependent upon natural ice from the North, and when the precious material was as rare as it was costly. In those days, well remembered by men and women who are still young, folks in the rural communities kept things cool by placing them in the "big spring." Re member the huge earthenware jars in which milk and butter and other perishable things were placed and how the jars were let down into the spring? Of course you do. And you also remem ber how folks not so fortunately situated as to have a cool spring, would place shelves down inside the well so that the cool air would help to preserve the milk and butter. Everybody whose memory goes back thirty or forty years, recalls these things, and doubtless they also re member how much was lost, in the way of val uable food products, because of the inadequate means for preserving them.
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And the poor folks who were ill in those days, how they suffered! No ice water for fevered lips; no ice packs for aching heads. How glad the unfortunates of that day would have been to step to a telephone and order as much ice as they wanted, or, better still, to have been able to go to their own ice-box and help themselves, know ing that the diligent delivery man would be around again in a little while with another supply. But they enjoyed no such advantages and there was no real relief in sight until a genius in Florida discovered that ice could be produced by scien tific means. Then what a transformation was wrought!
"What this discovery meant to the South stag gers the imagination. It meant far more than added personal comfort. It meant such develop ment along the lines of productiveness as no one had deemed possible, and which would have been utterly out of the question but for this cool ing substance. It meant that melons and berries and fruits, so well adapted to the South, could be raised in unlimited quantities and then could be transported, without loss of quality, to the great markets of the world. It meant the same thing for dairy products and perishable things of every kind and character, and thus a new era of boundless opportunity was opened to the South. It had, indeed, developed a commodity that was superior to the natural ice, as time was to prove. In the first place, the manufactured ice could be turned out in unlimited quantities, hence the supply was not contingent upon the length of winter or the frequency with which the
PLANT OF DOWMAN-DOZIKR MANUFACTURING CO.
INDUSTKY AT ITS BEST
273
thermometer hit the zero mark. Moreover, it possessed the advantage of uniformity and of purity. There is a tremendous difference be tween depending upon the natural water of lakes and rivers for ones ice supply, and getting it from a concern that produces it from distilled water that is absolutely pure. Jack Frost no longer is able to compete with Mr. Scientist in this field.
Though young, compared to many Southern enterprises, the ice industry has attained tre mendous proportions, and no where is there more pronounced evidence of this than in Atlanta, the home of the Atlantic Ice Company--in which organization the ice manufacturing industry finds its greatest single unit of productive capacity. Here is an enterprise employing from three to five thousand operatives, distributed among thirty-four plants located in twenty-one Southern cities; a vast enterprise delivering five cents worth of ice to the humble cottage of the poor, or a solid train load to the packing plant of some great fruit concern.
The daily residence and store delivery service of this company requires the use of eight hun dred wagons and motor trucks, and in a single year it pays out more than a million dollars in the conduct of its delivery, service to consumers. In spite of the fact that there is a non-profitable period extending through about half the year,
this company maintains its entire mechanical force throughout the twelve months, thus being enabled to accumulate ice against the day of un expected need. Such an emergency arose not
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ATLANTA
many months ago, when a large midwestern city underwent a severe ice shortage, which threat ened for a time to bring ruin to thousands of dollars of perishable food and, what was much worse, threatened the lives and the health of the people of the community--prattling tots and play ful school children, as well as the ill and the week
of all ages. Without diverting a single cake of ice from its
regular customers, this great Atlanta organiza tion, day after day, sent vast quantities of its product to the famine stricken city until the emergency was over. Meanwhile it functioned as
usual in providing ice for Georgia's tremendous peach crop, which was moving at the same time, and which had to be kept cool if the fruit was to remain unimpaired and the producer was to realize the money which meant so much to him and to the prosperity of the state. In this, and in many other instances, large-scale production was fully vindicated.
The plants of the Atlantic Ice Company are located in Atlanta, the headquarters, and in the following Southern cities: Albany, Americus, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Cordele, Covington, Dublin, Elberton, Fort Valley, Macon and Borne, Ga.; Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville,
Tenn.; Montgomery, Ala., and Tampa, Jackson ville, Plant City and Palmetto, Fla. Its capital stock is owned largely by small investors who hold a few shares each, hundreds of these inves tors being salaried people. The president of the company, Mr. W. B. Baker, is more than a bus iness genius. He is a student and a philosopher.
INDUSTRY AT ITS BEST
275
He sees in the manufacture of ice an industry that contributes vastly to the health, happiness and prosperity of the human family--an industry that ministers to the nursery and the sick room as well as to the banquet hall; that is as helpful to the farmer who is raising fresh vegetables for the market as to the great packing plant in the city--an industry, in brief, that touches human life and .human happiness at practically every turn, and viewing it thus, he rejoices in maximum production at mi'-mmum cost, and in the posses sion of facilities for distribution second to none. Not only so, but he sees behind the industry as well as in front of it; sees the men who are pro ducing the ice as well as the multitudes who are using it, and there is a human relationship exist ing between this executive and the hundreds of men under him that is as refreshing as it is rare, He is especially interested in young men, and will go far out of his way to guide aright a young fellow who gives promise of amounting to some
thing in the world. So, while this enterprise is one of the greatest
in Atlanta, it is also one of the most human-- supplying a great human need in a human way, prospering and growing because through service it helps the South to prosper and grow. It takes the public into its confidence and has nothing to hide. Indeed, large sums are spent annually in
order that the people may know exactly what it is doing and by what means it hopes to accomp lish its designs. One of its advertising cam paigns, put on last year, attracted national atten tion. Printers' Ink, a leading journal of adver-
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tising, and numerous other publications, were attracted by the novelty of a great business or ganization coming "right out in print" and tell ing the people all about its business, and devoted lengthy articles to it. When prices were up, the company told why they were up, giving plain fig ures which anyone could understand, and, at the same time, it promised when conditions were such that reductions could be made, that prices would go down. And it kept its word, putting the price at 50 cents a hundred to residences at a time when sixty, seventy, eighty and even a dol lar a hundred, was being paid in many commun ities.
To give even an outline of the history of mechanical refrigeration and to describe the pro cesses in detail, would require much space and necessarily would include many scientific facts and technical terms, so only a brief summary will be attempted here. In order to produce steam for either heating or power purposes, heat is applied to confined water; to overcome the effects of heat so that low temperatures may result, the same process is employed, but ammonia is used as the principal^ agent instead of water. In other words, the system of mechanical ice making or
refrigeration is simply a reversal of the steam making process.
Two methods are followed in the making of ice: One known as the compression, and the other as the absorption system. The latter is used only to a limited extent. With the former, heat is applied through compression of ammonia in an engine similar in design to the Corliss engine,
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and sometimes called a heat engine. Ammonia
enters the compressor in the form of gas, at about zero temperature, and after compression, leaves the machine at 220 degrees fahrenheit, or
higher. By mechanical means the condensers are flooded with water, which absorbs the latent heat of the ammonia gas, and the ammonia, in liquid
form, is pumped through pipes to the brine tanks, and then vaporized, thus reducing the tempera ture of the brine water to a degree necessary to
freeze the distilled water contained in the ice cans which are partially submerged in the brine tanks.
The first employment of refrigeration was by the Hindoos, near Calcutta, India. The process was by the evaporation of boiled water, which was put in shallow earthen vessels and exposed to the air throughout the night. They would sometimes do this by making an excavation in
a hillside and filling it with dry cane stalks, known as non-conductors of heat. Shallow pans of boiled water would be placed over the cane stalks,
and at sunrise a thin coat of ice would have formed. History does not tell us for what pur pose this ice was used, but we may imagine that
a part of it at least went into the preparation of
juleps for the Indian Nabobs. Early in the eighteenth century mechanical re
frigeration was employed in an experimental way, but with only partial success. The com mercial ice industry of today is largely due to
the discovery by Dr. John Gorrie (made in the year 1850) that refrigeration could be produced by the expansion of ammonia through the appli
cation of heat. Dr. Gorrie was a Southerner, and
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was then living in Apalachicola, Florida. This
great scientist, a practicing physician, required a low temperature to control the fever with which one of his patients was suffering. In his experiments he discovered the principle now em ployed, and he invented a refrigerating machine which actually produced ice. His statue is .in the Hall of Fame at Washington, and his name will go down in history, together with that of Dr. Long, the discoverer of anesthesia, as one of the great henefactors of mankind.
The first ice plant erected for commercial pur
poses, was in 1862, in Mexico, just across the border from Brownsville, Texas. The next plant was erected at Shreveport, La., in 1866. When
ice from this plant was put on the market at Shreveport, it sold for $20.00 per ton. In 1904
there were a total of 2,218 ice making plants in the United States, with a daily capacity of 66,220 tons. In 1919 there were 5,117 plants, with
a daily capacity of 187,864 tons. Today there are probably 7,000 plants, with a daily capacity of about 300,000 tons.
The Atlantic Ice Company has several plants in Atlanta, but the most modern is one just com pleted at West End. Here, in a fire-proof build
ing of steel and concrete, equipped with the most modern machinery, ice is manufactured under conditions that are as near perfect as experience
and ingenuity can suggest. A vast structure, embracing thousand of square feet, it is spot lessly clean, and one who is privileged to pass through it and to see the processes by which pure, distilled water is transformed into shining blocks
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of ice, is certain to leave with a higher apprecia
tion of the purity of the product and of the skill shown in its manufacture.
On the high roofs of the building are two min iature lakes, their "bottoms" being of pure asphalt, and above these lakes the water used in the cooling process is forever dancing in the air as it is whirled about by automatic sprays. From these "lakes" the water thus cooled flows down upon the multiplicity of pipes where it serves the purpose of taking the heat out of the elements which have been busily engaged in extracting the heat from the water that is turned into ice. This water, by the way, is not that of which the ice is made. It is used for cooling and for nothing else. The water that is transformed into ice is drawn from the regular city pipes and is distilled before being frozen.
It takes fifty-two hours to freeze a 300-pound can of water, and while the freezing process is
going on a slender brass tube conveys air into the bottom of the tank, and this serves to keep the water agitated until the freezing process is com pleted. The air used for this purpose is washed and dried before being used; another precaution on the side of safety, as the air we breathe car ries many impurities.
Candy is one of the products for which Atlanta is most famous.
Sweets from this city have played an important part in courtships from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Lakes to the Gulf.
Gallant and discriminating young men were "saying it with Atlanta candy" long before the
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belated idea of "saying it with jflowers" had originated, and the good work goes on.
Atlanta candy is nationally advertised and na tionally consumed and the annual output is enormous. Atlanta brands are as familiar to the North and East and West as. they are to the South, and everywhere the fact is recognized that in the art of producing these delectable confec
tions, this city is unsurpassed. Not only has the City of Atlanta won the fine
distinction of producing candy that is unsur passed in quality and in variety, but here it is well understood that the pea^ has been reached in the matter of adornment. Atlanta candy is as beautiful as it is good, and the packages in which the higher grades appear are works of real art. To catch the full meaning of what is meant here, look into the windows of the great confectionery stores of the country during the coming Holidays. Note the wonderfully attract ive way in which the dainty sweets are housed in boxes and baskets of the most artistic design, and the chances are you will be gazing upon the work of some of the master makers and packers of candy whose plants are in Atlanta.
In view of the part that these confections play in courtship, as well as in the most pleasant rela tionships of life, it is worth recording that romance had a part in the founding of one of the earliest of these enterprises and one which has gained enormous proportions. Away back yon der when the forces of Johnston and Sherman were struggling for the mastery in the great con flict between the states, and the fate of Atlanta
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hung in the balance, there was in the Confed erate ranks a young soldier by the name of Frank E. Block, whose home was in St. Louis.
During the struggle about this city, this young soldier became so much impressed with its possi
bilities that he made up his mind that if he lived through the war he would locate here. How ever, when the war ended and he found himself
among the survivors, there was a matter that he wished to attend to before casting his fortunes with the then stricken city, and herein is where the element of romance enters. Back in Missouri there was a charming young lady whom he great ly desired as a life partner, and when hostil ities closed he returned there and was married. Then, with $25,000 in cash, which was a large sum in those days, he came with his bride to At lanta and here laid the foundation of the great business structure that is known today as the Frank E. Block Company.
This enterprise was started in the upper story of a building on Broad street between Alabama and Hunter, the structure being the property of Ex-Governor Joseph E. Brown. A warm friend ship sprang up between Mr. Block and G-overnor Brown, and the latter came to admire greatly the
business capacity of the former; so much so that presently he insisted upon erecting for Mr. Block a plant that which, for many years, was looked upon as the model manufacturing plant of At-
lanta. This building still stands at the Southeast corner of Pryor and Alabama streets, and its
splendid condition today testifies to the careful attention Mr. Block gave to its erection. Gover-
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nor Brown furnished the money, but all the de tails of planning and erection were left to Mr. Block.
The company, whose market at the outset was limited to Georgia and parts of Alabama, is now selling its products in half the states in the Union and maintains a sales force of thirty-five people. Its advertising appropriation is one of the larg est in the Southeastern states, and the publicity that is given its products through more than fifty newspapers does much to keep Atlanta and -the State of Georgia before the public. The plant is the largest of its kind in the South and one of the largest in the United States. It gives em ployment to more than 700 people and the com pany prides itself upon the fact that practically all of this great force is made up of Southernborn white people. Its payroll is said to repre sent the largest percentage of Anglo-Saxons found in any plant of a similar character of which there is a satisfactory record. Another notable fact is that it has on its pay rolls more than a hundred people who have been connected with the enterprise for over 20 years. One of the reasons for this continuity of employment is that the company is zealous in fostering the welfare of every member of the big family. Evidences of this is found in the fact that it operates for its employes one of the most attractive cafes in Atlanta, where is furnished the best that the mar ket affords at a very nominal figure.
The company, in producing its candies, choco lates, crackers, etc., uses a very large percentage of Southern products. Most of its sugar comes
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from Savannah, most of its flour from Tennes see and its pecans and peanuts from Georgia. When running at full capacity, the plant con sumes a car load of Georgia peanuts every week. Officials of the company pay high tribute to the Georgia peanut and the Georgia pecan, saying that they are superior to any others. Its butter, the company obtains from Georgia and Southern Tennessee, while the coal consumed by the plant comes from North Georgia and Southern Tennes see.
In addition to the manufacture of candy and crackers, the Block Company makes its own boxes, cartons, tins, etc., the plants in which these things are produced keeping large forces busy at all times.
This company, by the way, is said to have been the first to manufacture marshmallows in the United States. Oddly enough, however, it was not possible to market the product direct, and for a long time these Atlanta made marshmallows were shipped to New York, where they were dis tributed to all parts of the country. The remark
able spectacle of marshmallows made in Atlanta being sent to New York and then sent back to Georgia, and other parts of the South, was wit nessed during all these years--a condition due to the fact that for a long time the people of the South seemed to think that a thing to be good would have to come from the North! The Block Company made these marshmallows for seven teen years before their manufacture became gen eral, and the profit upon this one product had much to do with making the company the great
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institution that it is today. The present capacity of the plant is 250,000 pounds of candy and 200,000 pounds of crackers per week--a total of 450,000 pounds of products per week.
Eecreational features are encouraged by the company, which has a baseball team in the Atlan ta Manufacturers League. These features com mand much interest on the part of the employes.
Mr. Frank E. Block, the founder of this enter prise, died about two years ago, but it is moving on to increasing greatness under the presidency of Mr. Brooks Morgan, whose business genius is widely recognized.
The Xorris Candy Company, of Atlanta, is perhaps the largest exclusive manufacturers of strictly high grade candies. The plant consists of an eight-story building, modern in all its ap pointments, including a plant for the manufac ture of the dainty containers in which the wide variety of products go to the consumers. The "raw material" for these products come from widely scattered sections. Georgia furnishes the pecans, strawberries and honey; Canada supplies the Maple sugar, Spain and Italy the almonds and France the walnuts. Chocolate comes from Trinidad and nuts from Brazil. F. E. Lowen-
stein is president of the Norris Company, whose products go to practically every state in the Union and which are kept constantly before the public through the expenditure of about $100,000 a year in national advertising. The Nunnally Company is another large producer of fine can dies and another large advertiser in national pub lications. In addition to these leading producers,
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there are numerous smaller concerns, and Atlan ta's annual output of high grade candy ap proaches $5,000,000 in value. The local consump tion of such candies is estimated at $300,000 per year. About 2,000 people, most of whom are wo men, are employed in the industry.
Those identified with the industry say that the Climate of Atlanta is ideal for candy manu facture, being surpassed in this respect by few places on the globe.
The ice cream industry also flourishes in this city the products going into a wide territory. And, of course, there are numerous manufac turers of bread, cakes and similar products for the table. These manufacturers find an abundant source of basic "raw material" at the great flour mills in their own community.
Those who have taken the trouble to inform themselves concerning the early days of Atlanta, when it still was a struggling village with the fu ture shrouded in doubt, must be struck by the frequency with which names that were familiar to the business life of the community at that far period, appear upon the sign boards today, testify ing to the long life of many of the pioneer insti tutions. This is particularly true of the great re tail establishments which have done so much to convert Atlanta into one of the most popular shopping centers in the South. Such names as Eich, High, Chamberlain, Johnson and DuBose, are familiar in Atlanta today and were equally familiar long before the present generation came upon the scene. They emphasize the element of continuity which runs through the commercial
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fabric of the community, and bear witness to the permanency of the business structure.
The store of M. Rich was founded in 1867, the founder being Morris Eich, who opened a modest little establishment upon Whitehall street which bore no resemblance whatever to the magnificent retail establishment of today, and still less to the magnificent new home of the firm which soon will be under construction and which will be the finest department store in the South.
The J. M. High Company, another landmark among Atlanta's business establishments, .was founded in 1880 by Joseph Madison High, a na tive of Madison county, Georgia, who came to this city and entered the drygoods business when twenty-five years of age. The firm was first known as High & Herrin and was located at 46, 48 and 50 Whitehall street. In a short time, the interest of Herrin was bought, and the firm con tinued as J. M. High and Company.
These houses, together with ChamberlainJohnson-DuBose and Keely & Company, repre sent a quartet of hardy pioneers that have added lustre to the fame of Atlanta as a shopping cen ter. Many others are adding to this fame today, including such houses as Davison-Paxon & Stokes and J. P. Alien & Company. Among the whole salers in this line, John SUvey & Company date back almost to the beginning.
An Atlanta invention, out of which the inven tor received nothing except increased convenience for himself, but which might have proved the basis of a fortune if it had been patented, is a side-door truck, or moving van. For years large and heavy moving vans have been blocking the
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streets of American cities while backed up agains the curb for loading and unloading, and while every one recognized the fact that it was something of a nuisance, it seems not to have oc curred to any one that it could be obviated by a very simple arrangement, until T. F. Catchcart, of Atlanta, designed a van having a door on the side of the car at the right hand front. Then the simplicity of the idea was seen at once, and now cars of this type are in use in many parts of the country, their number increasing constantly.
Because of this new idea, the van can draw close against the curb and load or unload without blocking the street. But this is only one feature of the car designed by Mr. Cathcart, for in addi tion to the door at the side, right up in front, there is a large space above the driver's seat where is stored the heavy quilted pads with which furniture is protected. The neatness of this ar rangement, aside from the convenience, is found in the fact that the pads go on as the goods enter the van, and come off as the goods are unloaded, thus never leaving the interior of the van and
never coming in contact with the ground or being
exposed to the weather. This idea, which Mr.
Cathcart devised for the better handling of his own business, has been freely bestowed upon
others. Magazines and newspapers all over the country have carried stories about it, and the rep
resentatives of various firms have come to At lanta to see how the body is built, with the result
that duplicates are now found in many other cit ies.
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Mr. Cathcart, the inventor of this new form of hauling van, is at the head of a great warehouse concern in Atlanta, which is now engaged in the erection of the most modern storage warehouse to he found in the entire South. It is being built of steel and concrete, is seven stories in height, and will be as near fire-proof as a building can be made.
The first floor of this building will contain the main offices, the packing room, the loading and unloading court, and a storage vault for silver ware that will provide protection to valuables that is absolute. The walls will be 18 inches thick, of steel covered with concrete. The second floor will contain the private offices, piano rooms and trunk rooms, the latter being so arranged that any one having a trunk in storage may get to it at any time without the slightest delay or trouble. The third floor will be devoted to private rooms, with fire-proof doors of steel, and rug rooms, where the finest materials of this character may be stored without fear of damage. The four other floors will be devoted to storage as is generally understood, provision being made on the top floor for the care of automobiles in storage.
Before making the plans for this magnificent warehouse, which is to take the place of three that are now in use, Mr. Cathcart visited the most
modem places of the kind in the country, and the new Atlanta building will be what the contractor
refers to as "the last word." Thousands of people pass the comparatively
small seed store of the H. Gr. Hastings Company on West Mitchell Street, every day and it is
UFPTCR--PLANT OP TITR ATLANTIC STKRL CO. --ATLANTA I'LANT OF THK KI^ICIHKR MOTOR TRUCK CO.
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doubtful if one-half of one percent of them know that back of this store is a vast building which houses the greatest mail order seed business in the South, and one of the very largest in the Unit ed States. Yet this is a fact. Not only is it an in stitution of great magnitude in the volume of bus iness transacted annually, but it is of immense importance in the promotion of Southern agricul ture along the best and most profitable lines.
Mr. H. J. Hastings first engaged in the nursery and seed business in Florida twenty-three years ago, but when the great Atlanta Exposition of 1895 was held he visited this city and here con ceived the idea that a great mail order business might be established to serve the entire South. With this idea in mind, he paid repeated visits to Atlanta, investigating various phases of the sub ject, and finally in 1897, came here to engage in business. He was won to the city by reason of its obvious advantages as a distributing center.
When he started in business, the total floor space amounted to 7,500 square feet and the em ployees, during the busy season, numbered from twelve to fifteen. As an evidence of the way in which the enterprise has grown, it may be stated that the floor space is now 100,000 square feet and the employees during the busy season num ber from 250 to 300. At the outset he sent out 35,000 catalogues. During the present year his distribution of catalogues was 1,500,000 copies and the postage bill was $85,000. The customers mailing list now contains more than a half mil lion names.
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The supreme purpose of Mr. Hastings has been to develop for the South a seed business that could serve the South to the greatest possible ad vantage. To this end countless experiments are carried on upon a large farm owned by the com pany, and no effort is made to market anything that is not found by experience to be suited to the soil and climatic conditions of the South. A com prehensive campaign of education is carried on, the purpose being to lead the agriculturist of the South into the adoption of the crops that are best suited to Southern conditions and which may be produced with the maximum of profit. Plants from all over the world are brought here and are subjected to exhaustive tests to determine their worth to the Southern producer, and the endless investigation and experimentation thus carried on has been and is a tremendous factor in adding to the profits of Southern farmers, fruit growers, etc.
No plant in Atlanta better illustrates the fact that this city is an ideal location for any enterprise which seeks to cover the Southern territory, and its uninterrupted prosperity is a striking illus tration of what may be accomplished when an in stitution concentrates upon the needs of a people it is equipped to serve.
CHAPTER
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA
T HE magnitude of the steel industry in At lanta is an unexpected revelation to the visitor. One looks for enterprises of this character in the great mineral sections of the country, but scarcely expects to find a gigantic establishment of the kind in the heart of the peach belt. Yet here is a far-flung enterprise, spread over some seventy-five acres, turning out products that penetrate all parts of the Southeast, and make their way into foreign lands.
Vast, pulsing with activity, and manufacturing a wide variety of products, the plant of the At lantic Steel Company constitutes a magnificent tribute to the advantages possessed by Atlanta as a distributing point--advantages that have made it easily possible to overcome what one might con sider the disadavantage of being located outside of the iron producing centers. For this institution is a distinct and emphatic success.
Started in 1901 with a view to manufacturing cotton ties for the 'South, and having only an eight-inch mill, it grew with prodigious rapidity and today is one of the great enterprises of the South, producing vast quantities of bars, nails, wire, hoops, spikes, cotton ties, woven wire and barbed-wire fencing, and producing its own steel for these purposes.
Activities begin in this plant with the manufac ture of steel, a process that is of never failing in-
1
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terest to the visitor because of the magnificent pyrotechnic displays by which the handling of the
liquid metal is attended. The steel is made from Birmingham pig iron, mixed with "scrap," which comes from all parts of the country.
The manufacture of cotton ties and hoops invoves another colorful, operation, the thin bands of steel coming from the rolls in what seems end less ribbons of fire, and serpentine performances of a similar character are witnessed in the wire
mill, but most interesting of all is the department in which woven wire fencing is manufactured. The intelligence with which the great machines work is truly amazing, receiving multiplied
lengths of galvanized wire and weaving them into patterns of varying widths and designs with a speed and accuracy that is truly wonderful.
In point of color, the rod and tie mills have the advantage, but when it comes to noise, then the nail mill reigns supreme. Here, where machine after machine grinds out nails of all sizes, the din is terrific. These machines also work with what seems almost human intelligence, receiving wire from great spools at one end and turning out a shower of finished nails at the other.
This huge and busy establishment is the out come of a movement launched in 1900 by a num ber of Atlanta business men who felt that the ad
vantages of the city as a distributing center, and
its location with reference to the cotton belt, made it an ideal location for an industry of this char acter. They organized the Atlanta Steel Hoop Company and in 1901 erected the first unit of the present great industry. This unit consisted of one
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eight-inch mill. Steel billets were purchased in the open market.
So successful was this enterprise, that it was decided in 1905 to begin the manufacture of steel, and an open-hearth furnace and blooming mill was built, together with a rod mill and a wire mill, and the name was changed to the Atlanta Steel Company. In December of 1915, the plant was purchased by a New York man, who sold it forth with to the Atlantic Steel Company, the present owners, under whose proprietorship it has enjoy ed continuous growth.
The value of this plant to Atlanta from an ed ucational standpoint is very great. Situated not far from the Georgia School of Technology and maintaining the most friendly relations, it is a prime factor in providing the opportunity for practical application of technical knowledge. The president of the Atlantic Steel Company, Eobert Gregg, is a "Tech" man and hundreds* of gradu ates of this institution have been taken into the steel family over which he presides.
Mr. Gregg, by the way, is the youngest man I have ever seen seated at the executive desk of a great industrial organization. He was graduated from the Georgia "Tech" in 1905, took a course at Cornell and then began work in the plant over which he now presides. Another big steel man in the South, who came from Georgia "Tech," is George Gordon Crawford, President of the Tennesse Coal, Iron and Railroad Company, and other subsidiary organizations of the United States Steel Corporation in Alabama.
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To students of history, there is an element of interest in the fact that the wide-spread plant of the Atlantic Steel Company is situated upon
the ground over which the Federals and Confed erates fought after the former had forced their way across Peachtree Creek in the crusade to cap ture Atlanta. A wilderness then, it remained so for many years after the war, but now evidences of a teeming life are found on every hand.
The transformation that has been wrought is al
most unbelievable, and this great steel industry has been a mighty factor in bringing it about. The plant as it now stands consists of three 60-ton basic open hearth steel furnaces; one twenty-five inch blooming mill, one fourteen inch continuous billet and sheet bar mill, one semi-continuous teninch and eight-inch rod and bar mill, two hoop and
band mills, two automatic and one hand-feed spike machines, fifty wire-drawing blocks, fifty nail ma
chines, two staple machines, twenty barbed-wire machines, fully equipped annealing and galvaniz ing plants, and a cooperage plant for the manu facture of kegs in which to pack and ship nails and staples. Serving all of these agencies is an elab orate system of transportation, consisting of miles of railway track, locomotives and cars, trav eling and locomotive cranes, conveyors and the like, by which both the raw and finished materials
are handled with a maximum of efficiency. Im mense warehouses add to the impressiveness of the whole.
Atlanta has many other industries that are large consumers of steel. Farm machinery, agricultural implements, culverts and like pro-
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 295
ducts are turned out upon a large scale, and there are many important foundries and machine shops. The largest overhauled locomotive business in the South is done in this city and here is found the largest rebuilt car and locomotive plants in the country. It also has one of the largest stove and range manufacturing enterprises in the South and one whose products have done much'to make At lanta famous both as a manufacturing and distrib uting center. Stoves and ranges from this Atlanta plant have gone into the Southeastern states for thirty-three years, with an ever increasing de mand.
The experience of the Atlanta Stove Works is typical of the experience of many other industrial enterprises. Beginning business in 1889 with only one line of stoves, made in two sizes, this firm has grown until it turns out thirty-two different lines of cook stoves and heaters that are made up in over two hundred sizes.
Since stoves and ranges are among the most essential articles of every day use and are found in practically every household in the land, per haps a brief description of how they are made may be of interest. In the plant of the Atlanta Stove Works the point of beginning is at the fur nace where the metal is melted. Near this fur nace are the floors where the patterns are laid in the molds and the molds are made ready to re ceive the molten metal. These molds are com posed of a very fine, gritless sand which leaves a smooth surface, and the impression which is to be reproduced is made in the sand by means of a pat tern, identical with the object to be reproduced.
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When the molds are made ready they stand in long rows, and then the molten metal is brought forward and "poured" into the molds. When the metal has cooled off, then the molds are broken up and the parts, which have just been cast, are plac ed in great "drums" which whirl around and around and tumble the parts about, during which process they are beaten with marbles and "spank ed" with straps of leather until lingering grains of sand have been removed and a smooth surface has been produced. The parts are then ready for drilling and trfinming, and when these processes are through with, each part goes to its proper place for assembly into a finished stove or range. Such parts as require nickel, go to the plating room, where they are plated, given a high polish, and then wrapped in tissue paper before being dispatched to the assembly room.
In the assembly room the parts are so placed that each of the more than 200 different kinds of products may be put together with every leg, side, top, bolt, nut, etc., in easy reach. As each stove or range is assembled in this way, it goes to the store room and is ready for shipment, com plete in every detail.
The patterns from which the products are made are first produced in wood--a wooden part being made for every part that is to appear in the fin ished stove or range, and many hundreds of these are required. These are known as "master pat terns" and are highly expensive. They are used only to make the first perfect patterns of metal, and then the metal patterns are used thereafter.
Atlanta has something like five hundred manu-
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faeturing establishments, covering a wide variety of products. Now a systematic and highly intel ligent effort is being made to supplement the num ber by adding thereto certain industries manufac turing articles, the raw materials for which are easily available. To this end, a careful sur vey has been made to determine what line of in dustries are best adapted to this district and which would be most likely to prosper by reason of natural advantages. This fact having been de termined, the Chamber of Commerce is making a special effort to develop enterprises along the lines suggested, rather than following a hap-hazard course.
The survey in question was made by T. Poole Maynard, PhJX, and it shows that conditions in the Atlanta district are particularly suited to the manufacture of pigments, of oil cloth, refractor ies, Portland cement, pottery products, wood working plants and paper. This survey based upon an accurate knowledge of the resources pos sessed by the territory embraced in and eontributary to the Atlanta district, and having the weight of unusual technical knowledge, is of great value. It has been put in pamphlet form by the Chamber of Commerce and copies may be obtained on re quest.
The second great exposition given in the United States was presented in Atlanta in 1881--the In ternational Cotton Exposition. It followed the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia by five
years, and relatively was quite as great a success. But this is not a story of that exposition, but of a
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great industry which grew out of it and which is today one of the leading institutions of Atlanta.
The main building of the International Cotton Exposition was an immense affair, built in the form of a huge cross, and it was erected for perm anence. When the exposition had closed its doors a number of thoughtful citizens began to wonder if some practical use could not be found for the building. Finally a group of prominent citizens got together, and decided to organize a cotton mill company, with the exposition building as the basis. A company, thereupon was formed with Hugh T. Inman as President. They named the company "The Exposition Cotton Mills," and began im mediately to carry their plans into execution. The grounds, which belonged to the city, were acquired by purchase, and improvements and additions be gan at once.
The success of the enterprise was immediate, and its record is one of continuous growth. As time went on, the old exposition building, as farflung as it was, became entirely too small, and ad ditional buildings were erected, with the result fhat today the enterprise covers many acres of ground and the original structure is overshadow ed by immense new units. It has proved one of the great industrial successes of Atlanta, but this is not the most interesting feature relating thereto.
One glance is enough to convince one that it is a human institution, not a mere manufacturing plant, for about it is an atmosphere that is differ ent. Well kept lawns, blooming flowers, pleasant walks, all proclaim appreciation for that which is
beautiful and harmonious. And when one probes
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deeper, he discovers an even finer thing; for here the human element finds the highest appreciation. Here one finds a kindergarten where the little chil dren of the mill are entertained while their tiny hands are trained and their eager minds are fed. Here also is a day nursery, where tots are tended by skilled nurses, and here is a free clinic, where employes may obtain the best attention. The building in which these, and many other activities are carried on, is a model of its kind. It contains, in addition to the nursery and the kindergarten, dining rooms, play rooms, dormitory, etc., while the spacious grounds in front contain swings, slides and other equipment designed to add to the joy of childhood.
Clubs are numerous. There is a Mothers' Club, club for boys and girls of varying ages, and clubs whose members apply themselves to sundry forms of execrise. Then there is a theatre, and a band-- a band whose members not only furnish excellent music for the enjoyment of their fellows in the community, but who go out every now and then and give concerts for the enjoyment of others. For the thrifty there is a savings bank, where many employees are laying the foundation for future prosperity. The president of this company is George S. Harris, one of Atlanta's far-seeing ex ecutives.
The success of the Exposition Mill, had much to do with the growth of the cotton milling industry in the South. Expansion along this line was very slow for a number of years, but by 1890 it had been demonstrated in this Atlanta plant that en terprises of this character could be made to sue-
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seed in a big way, and from that time on the estab lishment of industries in this line became a not un usual development.
The Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills is another great industry that finds Atlanta a convenient point from which to distribute goods to the mar kets of the world, and there are several smaller enterprises connected with the textile industry.
Constituting as it does the automobile center of the South, where practically every manufacturer of cars and accessories have important agencies, it is eminently fitting that Atlanta should also have an automobile factory where machines are produced that are capable of holding their own in this field of relentless competition.
The Hanson Motor Company, of Atlanta, has a large and thoroughly modern plant with a capac ity of twenty cars a day. The organization specializes on aluminum bodies, and a light, high-pow ered, graceful and artistic product is turned out that is growing constantly in favor. Atlanta made cars appear on the streets of the great cities of the North and East as well as in the South and West, and they have been exported to Australia, New Zeland, India and South America.
This company was organized in the spring of 1918, with capital stock of $1,500,000 paid in, and a large modern plant was erected. Later the plant of the American Motors Export Corporation at Jacksonville, Fla., was taken over, this plant having been erected at a cost of $165,000. There are some four thousand stockholders in the Hanson Motor Company, of which George W. Hanson is
the presiding genius.
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 301
Another important industry in this connection, is the assembly plant of the Ford Motor Com pany; a huge and active enterprise which serves the Southeastern territory.
The Kleiber Motor Truck is another Atlanta product that is widely known throughout the United States. It is made in a modern plant and is produced in practically every known type, from light business trucks to the heaviest type of oD tank and construction vehicle. The Kleiber Motor Truck Company began the manufacture of trucks in San Francisco years ago and the Atlanta plant was established about two years ago. It was quickly outgrown and the capacity is now to be more than doubled. The president of the com pany is Paul Kleiber, of San Francisco; the Gen eral Manager Ed Kleiber, of Atlanta.
Long before the idea dawned upon the masses that there was even a remote possibility of swing ing doors and brass foot-rails going out of style, certain Atlantans, perhaps gifted with a sixth sense, began to prepare for a prolonged period of drouth, and when the Volstead act became a law and he people of this country found themselves without the morning cocktail, this city already had become distinguished as the "soft drink" center
of the globe. Herein was another sharp departure from
things as they used to be. In ante-bellum times to think of the .South was to visualize a wide veranda, upon which rested a distinguished looking Colonel whose garments were as white as the great round columns that supported the roof. By the Colonel was a table and upon the table was a tray, and
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upon the tray was a tall glass containing a nectar of some kind, and topping the glass was a spray of mint. That was the South of popular fancy. All Southerners were Colonels and all Colonels took their juleps.
In the light of this conception of the South, of more than passing interest is the fact that the South led in the long, hard fight for National pro hibition, and that practically all the South was "dry" before the country as a whole decided that it could get along without distilleries and saloons, and also without experiencing that which has been described as "the cold, gray dawn of the morning after."
Coincident with the growth of prohibition sentiment in the South, there developed a new in dustry which attained tremendous proportions-- the manufacture of "soft," or non-intoxicating drinks. One of the most outstanding pioneers in this class originated in Atlanta, and has developed into a colossal industry.
Coca-Cola was the first of these drinks to be come nationally famous. Designed originally as a headache medicine, it developed into a beverage and became the basis of what is perhaps the great est fortune in the Southern States. Its manufac ture began in 1886, the output for that year being 26 gallons of syrup. The business for the present year, 1922, will not fall below fifty million dollars. In 1886 the syrup was made in the basement of a drug store. Today there are plants in many parts of the country, and also in foreign countries.
This concoction originated with Dr. J. S. Pemberton, who at that time operated a little labor-
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 303
atory at 107 Marietta Street. Dr. Pemberton was constantly experimenting and in 1886 he conceived the idea that there ought to be a drug of some kind on the market that one might take at soda foun tains and obtain relief from headache. Just at this time the Kola nut was attracting widespread attention and it was hailed as a wonderful reser voir of medicinal values, a sort of cure-all that was destined greatly to bless the human race. Dr. Pemberton used it in combination with coco and produced what he called the "Ideal Brain Tonic," not a beverage but a remedy for aching heads.
At this time Asa Gr. Candler, now reputed to be the richest man in the South, was the proprietor of a drug store and it was here that Dr. Pember ton came for his supplies. In 1888, two years after the koko-colo combination had been made, the inventitive physician had become so indebted to Candler that he found it easier to sell out than to pay out, and he disposed of his plant to Asa Gf. Candler. Thereupon Samuel C. Dobbs, then a clerk in the Candler drug store, got a one-horse wagon and, going around to the Pemberton labor atory, hauled the whole outfit to the drug store in one load. A little copper kettle was then set up in the basement for the manufacture of the syrup.
The idea of using the preparation as a beverage rather than as a medicinal preparation was then adopted, as was the now famous line "Delicious and Refreshing." As a matter of course, the formula was changed somewhat when this decis ion was reached, and when the new drink appear ed it was received with a fair measure of favor. Bit by bit the business grew during the first year,
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and then Sam C. Dobbs was put on the road to push the proposition. A little advertising was also done, and to this there was some response.
By 1892 the business had grown to such an ex tent that Candler closed out his drug store and be gan to give his entire time to the drink which had becomei known as Coca-Cola. The plant was mov ed to a loft on Decatur Street. The next move was to an old residence at Auburn and Ivy streets. Then, in 1896 came the first factory, erected at Edgewood Avenue and Coca-Cola Place. The bus iness was growing now at a rapid rate, and pres ently additional plants began to appear--one in Philadelphia, another in Chicago and a third in Los Angeles. Meanwhile the home plant was out grown and a new building was erected on Mag nolia Street; a structure designed upon such broad lines that it was deemed big enough to serve the purpose for years. But it, too, became inade quate and in 1920 the great plant at North Avenue and Plum Street was erected. Meanwhile numerour other plants were erected in this and in for eign countries.
Stock in the pioneer company, some of which was given away in the early days just to get im portant firms interested in pushing the new drink, afterwards sold for fabulous sums--shares of the par value of $100 selling as high as $25,000 in a few instances. The enterprise was purchased re cently by Eastern financial interests who paid $25,000,000 for the holdings.
The success of this drink is the most spectacular development in the history of the industry, but the story of the bottling end of the business forms a
ATLANTA MADK BRIDGES SERVE TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH (AUSTIN BROS. BRIDGE CO.)
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 305
- good second. The bottling privilege was disposed of by Mr. Candler to J. B. Whitehead and Ben Thomas, of Chattanooga, for a very nominal con sideration, his idea being to find new outlets for the syrup. Now the bottling business forms a col ossal enterprise. Plants cover this and foreign countries, and the Chattanooga gentlemen have found their end of the business a veritable gold mine.
Not only has the parent bottling concern grown immensely wealthy, but large fortunes have been made by local bottlers. In fact a regular chain of millionaires has developed out of this end of the business.
Typical among these bottling plants is that of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Atlanta, whose owners have reaped a fine fortune out of the business. A remarkable place is this plant, where huge and complex machines perform mir acles in sterilizing bottles, in handling ingredients with exactitude, and in delivering a product that could not be handled half so well by hand, however eager one might be to observe all the rules of the sanitary code. A clear, sparkling and uniform product is the standard, and these intelligent ma chines observe the requirements with a nicety that is little short of amazing. Every bottle is made sterile, every bottle receives the same amount of ingredients, and every bottle goes out sealed in identical fashion.
While Coca-Cola leads the "soft" drink indus try by a wide margin, there are many others fol lowing in the wake. The aggregate output is en ormous, and Atlanta stands preeminent as a pro-
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ducer of thirst quenching beverages, all made tinder the most favorable conditions in an atmos phere of competition that demands the best of which the producers are capable.
Atlanta also enjoys the distinction of being one of the great proprietary drug centers of America. It is the home of several of the best known and most widely used medicines in the country, and the annual business runs into the millions. Per haps the most spectacular success in this line is '' Tanlae,"of which over thirty million bottles have been sold in the last few years, and which made a large fortune for its promoter. There are scores of others, among the oldest and most familiar be ing "S. S. S.." These products, nationally adver tised and nationally used, not only bring large sums to this city every year but are a factor in keeping the community in the public eye. And, speaking of drugs, reminds me of an interesting development growing out of the drug business.
The introduction of the penny, or one cent piece, into Atlanta, and the South for that matter, came about in the middle 'eighties, and was the result
of an unusual drug trade development in this city. Prior to 1885, the five cents piece was the small
est coin in general circulation in the Southern States, though occasionally one encountered a large and queer looking coin of the value of two cents. It was the almost universal custom to close odd-cents transactions by giving the benefit to the one having the major interest. If a bill of mer chandise came to $2.23 then the customer paid the merchant $2.25. If, on the other hand, the total was $2.22, the customer paid $2.20. There was, as
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 307
a rule, little appreciation on either hand of the value of the odd cent.
This condition ran along until 1885, when Dr. Joseph Jacobs, a pioneer druggist of Atlanta, con ceived and created the "cut rate" drug store, now so common throughout the country. In inaugurat ing this system, he decided to make the exact change, and to this end he had the Merchants Bank send to the mint and get him one thousand new pennies. These freshly minted coins, looking not unlike five dollar gold pieces, attracted much at tention and became very popular, as did the idea cf making even change. In a little while it became necessary for the banks to order many thousands of these coins, and they quickly came into general use, not only in Atlanta but throughout the State.
The spectacular success achieved by the "cutrate" Atlanta store, and the widespread advertis ing it received as the result of the bitter and sus tained fight made against it, resulted in many oth er enterprises of a like character being opened throughout the South, and soon the once despised penny had come into its own. All lines of business began to take advantage of the popularity of this little coin, goods which theretofore had been sell ing for one dollar being marked down to ninetyeight cents, etc. Dainties for children, which had been sold for so many years for a nickel, appeared at a cent each, and thus the idea spread until final ly the penny slot machine appeared, with its nu merous offerings, and until the World War sent the price of white paper sky-rocketing, papers selling for one, two and three cents were publish ed in a number of Southern cities.
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In view of the universal application of the cutprice idea at this time, it is interesting to recall the excitement it created when first introduced, but difficult to realize the intensity of the feeling that it served to arouse. It attracted national at tention. Trade journals were full of it; the daily newspapers carried the latest developments, and legal aspects of the proposition were fought out in the courts. Feeling was intense, adjectives of
every conceivable kind being hurled at Dr. Jacobs, as well as those.who sought to follow in his foot steps. Many wholesale houses and manufacturers
refused to sell to the cut-rate stores, and it requir ed numerous legal battles to establish the right of these concerns to buy goods and to sell them at
their own prices. However this right finally was established, and today these cut-rate stores are found in practically every city. That they were born in Atlanta is not generally known, but it is a fact, and the man who initiated the plan is Dr.
Joseph Jacobs, who still is engaged in business here, operating a drug store that was started in this city by Dr. James Taylor in 1854. Dr. Jacobs came here in 1884 from Athens, where he had
opened a drug store in 1879. He purchased the Taylor Drug Store upon his arrival in this city, and today it is one of the most famous institutions
of its kind in the country, due to its identification with the cut-rate movement.
For man years Atlanta has been the only city South of Philadelphia in which all-steel doors,
steel windows and steel stairways are manufac tured, and during all this time the wisdom of using fire-proof materials has been proclaimed
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 309
throughout the South. As a result one observes that tremendous progress has been made in fire proof construction during the past fifteen years. Builders who once were satisfied with materials that retarded flames now demand, for the best construction, materials that are impervious to flame.
The pioneers in the manufacture of these noninflamible building materials, are the DowmanDozier Manufacturing Company, whose immense plant is the outgrowth of a little shop established some twenty-two years ago, and which played a rather inconspicuous part until Graham P. Dozier, now the executive head of the enterprise, con ceived the idea that the great need of the South was for a type of construction that would make impossible the enormously heavy losses occasion ed by fire, and which would also bring about ma terial reductions in the large sums Southern owners had to pay for protection against loss from this source.
The weak points in Southern construction, as he saw it, were windows, doors, stairways and roofs, and painstakingly he began to produce ma terials which would correct these defects. Hav ing begun the production of hollow steel doors, windows and so forth, he was not satisfied with his own conclusions as to their merit, but took the goods to the famous Underwriters' Laboratories in Chicago and stood by while they were put through the most exacting tests. As an illustra tion of how these tests are made, it may be stated that one of these hollow steel, Atlanta made win dows was built into a brick wall at the Under-
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writers' Laboratories and then subjected to a fire test of one hour's duration, the fire being direct ed against the weather side of the window and registering one thousand five hundred degrees-- a temperature several hundred degrees higher than will be encountered in the most serious con
flagration . At the end of this period, while the steel frame and the wire-glass still were at an en ormously high temperature, a stream of water was turned on the window by a fire hose at a dis tance of only twenty feet. When the window was cooled after this rigid test, the points of the sash members sill were intact and the window was se curely in position. The flames did not get through the window at any point, even after the glass be came softened when the temperature reached 1360 degrees. This test established the fact that the window was what the makers wanted it to be, and so with the other products.
In order to be in position to guarantee to users that every piece of material turned out was equal to those tested in Chicago, this Atlanta firm ar ranged for all of its products to be inspected by the Underwriters Laboratories, and from that day to this the goods carry a label which shows that before they left the factory they had under gone the rigid inspection of this great agency in
the promotion of fire prevention. The value of these products has been extens
ively advertised and as a consequence, Atlanta has furnished the doors and windows for many of the South's most superb hotels and office buildings, all of this equipment being manufac tured by the Dowman-Dozier Company. In addi-
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 311
tion to making hollow steel doors, windows and stairways, and sundry patterns of roofing, the company turns out immense quantities of con ductor pipes, ridge rolls, conductor heads, vol utes, ventilators, metal ceilings, skylights, orna mental cornices and the like. It is not only an im portant Atlanta industry but an enterprise that is important to the entire South, because of the vigorous missionary work it carries on to save money for Southern property owners by cutting down fire losses and reducing fire insurance rates.
During the World War, the Dowman-Dozier plant practically was taken over by the Govern ment, its use being tendered by Mr. Dozier, and here almost impossible feats were performed in supplying the vast quantities of metal requirer in the erection of cantonments in Atlanta, in Macon, in Montgomery, in Anniston, in Augusta and other Southern cities. Mr. Dozier was left in complete charge of the plant and under his super vision stupendous quantities of materials were turned out in record time, the total output being immensely greater than the owners had conceiv ed to be possible. In speaking of the calls made upon his plant during that time of stress, and the apparent impossibility of supplying the ever in creasing demands, Mr. Dozier paid a fine tribute to the men in the ranks. He said: "When the demands grew far beyond all expectations and came, backed by such urgent appeals for prompt delivery--as the cantonments had to be made ready without a moment's loss of time--I would get the boys together and explain the situation to
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them, saying 'Our country calls and now is the time to show what is in us,' and then they would go to it. This made the performance of miracles
possible, and we were enabled to deliver the goods in every instance."
Among the many splendid buildings in Atlanta that are equipped with Atlanta made doors and windows of steel, and which have metal molding etc., made by this plant, are the magnificent new Fulton County Courthouse, the Ansley Hotel and the United "states Government building. All through the South buildings of similar import ance are found to be equipped by the same organ
ization in the same way. An inteersting feature about this type of door
and window is the finish. They are turned out in
any color, or in imitation of any kind of wood, and may easily deceive the eye. The next time you see a beautiful door of polished mahogany in a great office building, hotel or public building, ex amine it closely, or make inquiries, and the chanc es are that it is an all-steel door, made in Atlanta, and that it was put there for the purpose of furn ishing the maximum of safety. Even bird's eye maple is so skillfully imitated that close examina tion is necessary to detect the fact that one is looking at steel instead of wood.
Another unusual Atlanta enterprise whose
products go into far places, is the plant of the Bailey-Burruss Manufacturing Company, operat
ing an establishment at East Point, which is one of Atlanta's busy industrial suburbs. This firm manufacturers and designs elevating, conveying and transmission machinery for oil mills, fertil-
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 313
izer factories, cement plants, milling plants, etc., and machinery for cleaning, handling and screen ing. Its products not only go into all parts of the South but are shipped to the North, East and West and find their way into foreign countries. It is an enterprise that knows no geographical lim itations, and it carries the fame of Atlanta as a manufacturing center into far places. Even China is represented among the foreign coun tries whose manufacturers have purchased equip ment from this Atlanta concern. The president of the company is J. 0. Bailey, an engineer of wide practical knowledge and a really great ex pert in his particular line.
Still another Atlanta manufacturing plant whose products are known far and wide, and have been so known for many years, is that of the At lanta Show Case Company. This enterprise was started in 1885 in a small building on Decatur Street, being located up-stairs over a saloon. Here a few old-fashioned show cases, such as used to be placed upon the counters in stores, were turn ed out. The business grew and attracted the at tention of competitors in Nashville, Tenn. They came to Atlanta and bought the plant, largely with a view to getting rid of it, but investigation convinced these gentlemen--the present owners --that Atlanta was an ideal site for such an en
terprise, and instead of closing the shop and tak
ing the machinery and materials to Nashville, they concentrated their energies toward its fur ther developmet. The result is the magificent business of today.
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It is an interesting fact that a child was re
sponsible for the creation of the modern show
ease, with its sheen of glass going practically to
the floor.
One day a child came into the old Smith Drug
Store on Whitehall and Mitchell Streets, where
Jacob's store now is, and tried to look at some
candy in one of the old-time cases that stood upon
the counter. She could not see, and Patrick J.
McGuire, now General Manager of the Atlanta
Show Case Company, held her up so that her eyes
could feast upon the candy. Mr. McGuire, in giv
ing the child a lift so that her vision would be un
obstructed, thought of his own childhood, when
he was prevented from seeing as much of the good
things of life as he wished to see, and then he con
ceived the idea of a show case with the glass go
ing down to the floor, so that little folks might en
joy an unobstructed view of the contents. He
immediately designed such a case, and today
show cases of this type are seen in stores all over
the country.
The new style of show case was produced
at once by the Atlanta Show Case Company, but,
odd as it may seem, it took a long time to con
vince merchants that they could get better re
sults by doing away with the high counters and
displaying their goods in these modern cases.
However, the new idea won out because it was in
the direction of progress--and helped the chil
dren to see.
,
With five show case factories in Atlanta today,
the industry is on a high plane and the annual
output is enormous, the goods going into all parts
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 315
of the South, and even into other sections of the country. The pioneers in the industry are Edwin Davis Kennedy, President of the Atlanta Show Case Co., and "Pat" McGuire, referred to above. F. P. Provost, President of the Atlanta Show Case Company, and another pioneer behind this important industry, makes his home in Nashville.
Reference has been made to the fact that At lanta is the great "agency center" of the South. This, one might say, is a generally accepted fact, but one cannot sense the importance of the pro position unless he has had occasion to go through some of the many great sky-scrapers that grace the architecture of the City. Here is a typical illustration of what one finds: Occupying al most an entire floor in the towering Candler building, is the American LaFranee Fire Engine Company, Southern division. This establishment is known to every town and every city through the South, and very few of these but have had oc casion to do business here. From hamlet to metropolis, throughout all this wide section, city and town officials have bought fire equipment here for years and years. Indeed, there is scarcely a point in the South where purchases have not been made through this agency, and its value in spreading the fame of Atlanta is beyond compu tation. P. O. Herbert, the veteran manager, has educated the Southland to look to Atlanta for fire equipment, and the work has been so thorough that comparatively few orders seep through to other sections of the country.
A kindred agency is maintained in Atlanta by the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company,
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and through this agency fire alarm systems have been installed in scores of Southern communi ties. A recent installation was one of approxi mately a quarter of a million dollars in Birming ham, Ala. Mr. Burst, the manager, is of a type that is familiar in Atlanta, where great manu facturing concerns have stationed their most cap able sales directors.
These expert salesmanagers, coming from all parts of the country, and representing the pro ducers of practically everything the human fam ily has need of, represent a considerable part of Atlanta's population, and to them, and the great army of salesmen they send out, Atlanta owes much of its fame as a live and hustling city.
Speaking of Atlanta as a manufacturing cen ter, and particularly with reference to the divers ity of products, a leading industrial figure in this field said to me:'' One might start in and buy an Atlanta made article every day in the week, pur chasing a different article each time, and it would be more than two years before the variety of pro
ducts would be exhausted." After on extensive investigation of the field, I
am persuaded that this gentleman minimized the situation, for I verily believe that the figurative
shopper he referred to might go on for twice two years before he exhausted the possibilities in this City. There is the item of bridges. One may buy them in Atlanta in infinite variety. If he wishes to span a great river, then he can get as many great steel spans here as he needs, and if it is a mere creek that he wishes to bridge, a suitable structure may be obtained. Bridges of all kinds
ADDING WEALTH TO ATLANTA 317
and descriptions are made in this City. The Aus tin Brothers Bridge Company have an immense plant at East Point, an Atlanta suburb, and here spans for all purposes are turned out. These bridges, like many other Atlanta products, go in to all parts of the country, and the chances are that the reader, in going from point to point in the South, has ridden over them time and time again, for few trains move in this section without crossing these Atlanta made bridges.
The Austin Brothers Bridge Co. have a mod ern steel plant equipped to fabricate nearly every sort of steel structure. Their specialty in manu facturing being highway bridges and all kinds of structural steel for buildings.
In addition to manufacturing steel bridge ma terial they make a specialty of erecting steel bridges, including concrete piers and abutments, as well as creosoted timber pile trestles, which frequently are required to make a complete erected bridge. They also warehouse and distribute from Atlanta county road building machinery and op erate actively in their various lines in the terri
tory included from Virginia to the Mississippi
River. The business was started in 1906 under the name of Austin Brothers, consisting of Frank E. Austin of Dallas, Texas, and Geo. L. Austin of Atlanta. The plant was located at Greenwood Avenue and the Southern Railway until 1921, when the business was moved to the present site and the new plant built. The company maintain sales offices at their plant, with traveling en gineers covering the territory, prepared to de-
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sign and estimate on proposed bridges and build ing steel
The Austin Brothers Bridge Co. was incorpor ated in 1918. Its officers are: Geo. L. Austin, President; J. K. Barcroft, Vice-Pres., and Eobt. C. Clonts, Secretary and Treasurer.
Austin Brothers, a Texas corporation, with Frank E. Austin, Pres., have a similar plant at Dallas for business west of the Mississippi River,
and the two plants co-operate to their mutual benefit.
The establishment of the business in Atlanta may be traced to the exposition held in 1895. At that time, Geo. L. and Frank E. Austin were liv ing at Dallas and, as Austin Brothers, were Southern agents for the Geo. E. King Bridge Co., of Des Moines, la.
Geo. L. Austin visited the exposition in 1895 and in January, 1896, came to Atlanta and, for Austin Brothers, represented the Iowa Bridge Company until 1906, when they retired from busi ness and Austin Brothers succeeded them.
CHAPTER XIX
GROWTH OF UTILITIES
T HE matter of lighting the streets of the city was one of the first public utility problems about which the citizens con cerned themselves. When the population had reached .the 2,500 mark, it was felt that the town must by all means have street lights. This was in the year 1850. The subject of a water supply system was 25 years in the future, and gas for cooking purposes had not been thought of. The possibility of street railway transportation was yet two decades in the future.
By 1853 the question of street lights had be come one of the pressing problems of the hour. In the minutes of the City Council of that year it is reported "That the matter of lighting the city was seriously grappled with by this Council, and on March 25th, 1853, a resolution was adopt ed which required that a lamp be placed on Mar ket street (now Broad street) Bridge, and that street lamps he placed at such other points in the City as they were most needed at the expense of the City, provided the citizens in the neighbor hood of the lamps, would agree to supply the lamps with the necessary illuminating fluids."
On the third of March, 1854, a proposition to light the City with coal gas was presented to Council. A committee was appointed to investi-
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gate the proposition and to report back to Coun cil. After a thorough investigation the commit tee reported that nearly all of the citizens were anxious for a coal gas works to be established in the city. The committee was of the opinion, however, that it would be impossible at that time lo raise by popular subscription the considerable sum necessary for carrying out the enterprise, and that the finances of the city were at such a low ebb that.it was inexpedient for Council to make an appropriation.
In August, 1854, the lighting question was again revived by the appearance on the scene of Mr. C. Monteith. Mr. Monteith had been inter
ested in the establishment of a gas works at Columbus and was considered quite an authority on the manufacture of gas for lighting purposes.
He discussed the subject at considerable length and was asked a number of questions by mem bers of Council. He gave it as his opinion that a gas plant sufficient to supply the City of Atlan ta would require an expenditure of $32,000.00, but nothing tangible was accomplished in the matter of establishing a gas plant.
In February, 1855, Council again took up the gas proposition with Mr. William Helme, a gas works expert and promoter of Philadelphia. Mr. Helme came to Atlanta in the spring of 1855 and
at several successive meetings of the City Coun cil explained his gas proposition. These meetings resulted in Mr. Helme submitting to the City a proposition substantially as follows:
To erect a coal gas works, to lay pipes in the streets, alleys, etc., of the City of
PLANT OF THE ATLANTA STOVK WORKS
GROWTH OF UTILITIES
321
Atlanta for lighting the same and the public and private buildings therein, to enter into a contract securing to him among other things the exclusive priv ilege of so lighting the city for a period of fifty years.
Council was to erect at least fifty street lamps and to pay for lighting the same the sum of $30.00 each per annum.
The property of the Gas Company was to be free from taxation.
The entire cost of the plant was esti mated at $50,000.00, and the City of At lanta was required to take $20,000.00 of the Company's stock, paying therefor a like amount of City bonds bearing in terest at the rate of 7 per cent per an
num. The foregoing proposition was embodied in an ordinance which was passed by Council with practically no opposition, the Mayor being em powered to close the contract with Mr. Helme in accordance therewith.
A gas works was constructed in pursuance of this contract and presumably operated continu ously from the time of its completion in Decem ber, 1865, when the city was first lighted by gas on Christmas Day, until Sherman passed through Atlanta in 1864, when the plant was put out of commission.
In 1866 the Company announced that it was ready to~resume the manufacture of gas both for private and public use. Gas was turned on for the first time after the war on the 15th of Septem-
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ber, 1866, and from that day to this there has been no interruption in the service furnished by the Atlanta Gas Light Company.
The facilities of the Company have been ex
tended from time to time to satisfactorily meet the growing demands of the public for service.
Effective as of January 1st, 1920, the proper
ties of the Atlanta Gas Light 'Company were leased to the Georgia Railway & Power Company and are now operated as the Gas Department of that Company.
It is interesting to note in passing that the num
ber of employes of the Georgia Railway & Power Company at the present time greatly exceeds the entire population of the City of Atlanta when the gas works was established in 1855. It may also be of interest to note that the present num ber of employes of the Georgia Railway & Power Company and their families aggregate a greater number of people than the total population of the City of Atlanta as late as the year 1860.
The first franchise to an electric light and power company was granted by Council in the year 1882. The following transcript was taken from report of the committee on lamps and gas of the City Council for the year 1884:
"A contract was made last year with
the Georgia Electric Light Company to erect a few lights, more as an experi ment to test their efficiency than anything else, and we expect the Council of 1885 will see the contract consummated and the tests thoroughly made, and hope that our City will not lag behind other cities
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of lesser prominence, push and energy
in the matter of well lighted streets." The Committee of Council on street lighting in
1886 reported: "We have put up during the year
three lights, imaking 25 electric lights now in use."
The electric light and power industry was reorganized in 1891 and started off on the first of January, 1892, under a new organization and
management. At that time the Company had an installed steam station capacity of about 1,800
horse-power and during the year added 800 addi tional horse-power. At that time there were in
operation 305 arc lamps of 200 candle-power, and 614 incandescent lamps of 65 candle-power. The electric light company continued under the same management, namely, the Georgia Electric Light Company, until the organization of the Georgia
Eailway & Electric Company in 1902, and was conducted by that Company until January 1st, 1912, when the property of the Georgia Railway
& Electric Company was leased to and operated by the Georgia Railway & Power Company.
Since the completion of the Tallulah Falls De velopment of the Georgia Railway & Power Com
pany in 1913 it has been the main source of the electric light and power supply of Atlanta. This
development is about 86 miles from Atlanta on a bee line. According to statistics recently com
piled by the Railroad Commission of Georgia, Atlanta now enjoys the third lowest average power rate of any city in the United States.
The idea of introducing street railways in At
lanta assumed definite form in 1866. During that
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year the Atlanta Street Railroad Company was incorporated by an act of the Georgia Legisla ture. During the year 1871 a permanent and effective organization was formed. The most prominent men in the organization were Colonel Or. "W. Adair, Richard Peters, John H. James and Mayor Benjamin E. Crane. The first officers of the Company were Richard Peters, President; Colonel G. W. Adair, Secretary and Treasurer, and J. H. James, J. R. Wylie, Benjamin E. Crane and W. M. Middlebrooks, Directors.
The first street railway line built was com pleted in 1871 and was known as the West End Line. This line started at the railroad crossing on Whitehall street, extended out Peters street and terminated at Camp Springs. Owing to the increased number of steam railroad tracks at Peters street the tracks on Peters street were taken up in 1882 and a connection was made with the Whitehall street line, by passing through a tunnel built under the Central Railroad. This line was three miles in length.
The Marietta street line was first operated in January, 1872. It first ran from the junction of Marietta and Peachtree streets out Marietta street, terminating at the Rolling Mills. In 1880
it was extended to the Cotton Exposition Mills, and in 1888 a branch line was built to Peachtree
street, passing the Technological School. The
length of this line was two and a half miles.
The Decatur street line was (built from the junction of Marietta and Peachtree streets out
Decatur street to Oakland Cemetery and was first
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325
used in May, 1872. It was extended to Boulevard in 1888 and represented two miles of track.
The Peachtree street line was first operated in August, 1872. It then extended from the rail road crossing at the corner of Whitehall and Wall streets out Peaehtree street to Ponce de Leon Circle.
The Capitol avenue line extended from the
corner of Alabama and Whitehall streets out Ala bama and Washington streets and Capitol ave
nue. It was extended to Georgia avenue in 1888, which made it two miles in length.
The Whitehall street line was first operated in 1874. It then extended out Whitehall street to McDaniel street. A connection was made with the West End line in 1882.
The Gate City Street Railway Company was organized in 1881. In 1884 L. DeGive, L. B. Nel son, A. M. Eeinhardt and John Stephens built a line starting in front of the Kimball House on Pryor street and passing through Pryor, Wheat and Johnson streets to Ponce de Leon Springs. This line was operated by the original builders until January, 1887, when it was acquired by J. W. Culpepper and E. C. Peters and by them
leased to the Atlanta Street Railroad Company. In October, 1887, the location of the road was
changed so as to run out Jackson street to Ponce de Leon avenue and thence to Ponce de Leon Springs. A branch line was built to Piedmont Park. This line was three miles in length.
The Atlanta Street Railroad Company was managed and controlled by the original officers and directors until 1878 when Colonel G. W.
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Adair's interest in the Company was purchased by Richard Peters who acquired about four-fifths of the entire capital stock of the $300,000 out standing. From 1878 to 1888 the officers of the Company were Richard Peters, President, J. W. Culpepper, Secretary and Treasurer, and E. C. Peters, Superintendent. In 1888 the Company owned 18 miles of track, fifty cars and 250 horses
and mules, and gave employment to about 100 men.
The Metropolitan Street Railway Company was organized in 1882. The officers were J. W. Rankin, President, W. L. Abbot, Vice-President, and TV". A. Haygood, Secretary. The Directors
were Jacob Haas, L. P. Grant, W. A. Haygood, W. L. Abbot and J. W. RanMn. This Company operated two lines, one called the Pryor street line, which commenced on Pryor street at the Union Depot and extended out Pryor street to Fair street, along Fair street to Pulliam street, thence to Clark street, along Clark to Washing ton street, out Washington street to Georgia ave nue and on Georgia avenue to Grant Park. It also operated a branch line from Georgia avenue
along Washington street to Pryor street and out Pryor street to Clark University. The other line was known as the Park line. It branched off from Pryor street out Hunter and extended out Hunter street to Frazier street, thence to Fair
street, passing Oakland Cemetery and extending out Park avenue to Grant Park.
In June, 1888, a new company, of which Aaron Haas was President and W. H. Patterson Secre tary and Treasurer, purchased this road. They
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327
subsequently laid new rails along the entire route and they employed dummy engines for pulling their cars.
The West End and Atlanta Street Railroad Company was incorporated in 1883. This Com pany put cars in operation on the following routes:
From Marietta street on Broad street south to Mitchell street, thence to Thompson, thence to Nelson, thence to Walker, thence to Peters street through Jamestown to West End and West View Cemetery.
The officers of the Company were T. G. Healey, President, T. J. Hightower, Vice-President, J. A. Scott, Secretary and Treasurer, and B. F. Curtis, Superintendent.
There were in Atlanta in 1890 only two lines of electric railroad, one being the Edgewood Ave nue line running from the Equitable Building to Inman Park and the other being the Fulton Coun ty line which operated what was known as the 9mile circle route. These two lines together oper ated only about 10 or 12 miles of track. Prac tically all of Atlanta's electric lines have, there fore, been constructed since 1890.
Including horse car lines, dummy lines and el ectric lines Atlanta had in 1890 about 45 miles of street railroad track. In 1900 the total mileage of electric railways had increased to 138, all lines having been converted into the overhead trolley system.
The Atlanta Railway & Power Company was originally formed in 1891 as the Atlanta Consol idated Street Railway Company, absorbing the
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several horse car lines then in existence and con verting the same in the year 1891 and subsequent
years into electric lines. The Atlanta Rapid Transit Company, form
erly the Chattahoochee Railway Company and subsequently the Collins Park Belt Railway Company, was organized in October, 1900. The
first survey of this line was made March 28th, 1891, by Mr. Jerome Simmons, and the first work of grading was started July 18th, 1891.
The first car on the River Line was run on May 8th, 1892, and the receipts for the day for the two cars aggregated $33.60.
In 1897 the Consolidated Street Railway Com pany had 66 miles of track and 100 cars, 50 of which were operated regularly, and furnished employment to between 400 and 500 men.
At the same time (1897) the Atlanta Street Railway Company had lines from the center of
the City to Fort McPherson. Grant Park, Decatur and Lakewood, aggregating in all about 20 miles of track. It is stated that this road was ex
ceptionally well equipped for that time. During the winter season its cars were heated by elec tricity and the ends of the cars were enclosed with glass for the protection of the motormen.
In 1902 the Georgia Railway & Electric Com
pany was formed and acquired the properties and franchises of all the then existing street rail way, electric light and steam heat companies in
the City of Atlanta, consisting of the Atlanta Railway & Power Company, Georgia Electric Light Company, the Atlanta Rapid Transit Com
pany, and the Atlanta Steam Heat Company.
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329
The original directors of the Georgia Railway & Electric Company were as follows:
T. Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., C. R. Spence, H. M. AtMnson, J. L. HopMns, A. W. Calhoun, W. P. Inman, F. E. Block, J. C. Hallman, R. D. Spalding, E. P. Black, A. E. Thornton, Anthony Mur phy, R. F. Maddox, Thos. Egleston, P. S. Arkwright.
The original officers were as follows:
H. M. AtMnson, Chairman of the Board of Direc tors.
P. S. Arkwright, President. G. W. Brine, Vice-President & Treasurer. D. A. Belden, Vice-President & Manager of Rail
ways.
J. G. Rossman, Vice-President & Manager Elec tric Department.
T. K. Glenn, Vice-President & Secretary.
H. M. AtMnson was instrumental in organizing the Georgia Railway & Power Company, and the lease by it of the properties of the Georgia Rail way and Electric Company. Since that time Mr. AtMnson has been Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Railway & Power Company and in that capacity has financed the construction of all of its water power developments in Northeast Georgia.
P. S. Arkwright served as President of the Georgia Railway & Electric Company from its formation in 1902 until the date of the lease of its properties to the Georgia Railway & Power Com pany when he became president of the latter com pany and has served in that capacity continuously up to the present time.
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The Georgia Railway & Electric Company con tinued to operate the street railway, electric light and power and steam heat properties until Jan uary 1st, 1912, as of which date they were leased
to the Georgia Eailway & Power Company under a lease agreement dated March 8th, 1912.
At the time the properties were merged into the
Georgia Railway & Electric Company in 1902 there were 132 miles of street railway track in the City of Atlanta and the Company owned and oper ated 106 cars. As of January 1st, 1922, the Geor gia Railway & Power Company had 226 miles of track in the City of Atlanta and vicinity, exclusive of the Atlanta Northern Railway, the aggregate mileage including the Atlanta Northern Railway as of January 1st, 1922, being 241 and the number
of cars owned 423. The Georgia Railway & Power Company now
carries on an average of about 206,000 passengers per day, which means that the number of persons carried dailv is equal to the entire population of the City.
The number of people on the pay rolls of the Georgia Railway & Power Company at present is approimately 3200. Assuming that each employee supported! an average of five people, the employes of the Georgia Railway & Power Company with their families, if segregated into one town or city, would make a town of about 16,000 people, which would be a town of approximately the size of Ath ens, Georgia, and the eighth largest city in the State.
One of the most striking evidences of Atlanta's growth is found at the Terminal Station, a com-
GROWTH OF UTILITIES
331
mantling structure erected eighteen years ago and which was to "meet the needs of the City for fifty years," but which must today undergo extensive enlargements in order to meet the demands be ing made upon it.
The great train shed, which was the wonder of the people back in 1905, is to be done away with entirely, and in its place will come a series of farflung "butterfly" sheds long enough to accommo date trains of sixteen coaches each. The present shed was built to care for trains of six coaches, and the change which is now to be made furnishes a striking illustration of the enormous extent to which transportation facilities have expanded during this comparatively brief period. Under the schedule of improvements, which are to cost from $150,000 to $200,000, the tracks will be re arranged so that much more room will be provid ed for trains and that they may be handled with
greater facility. One of the facts about this great station, which
few people in Atlanta know, is that it houses the third largest Government Railway Post Office in the United States. Of the enormous volume of mail flowing into this postoffice, only about one-tenth goes to the Atlanta office, the balance being distributed to all parts of the South. The employes number 125, and the place is one of the busiest in the entire city.
The extent and magnitude of the operations car ried on in and about this great terminal is perhaps sensed by few who pass through its portals in the course of travel. In addition to being a center from which one hundred and twenty-five trains are
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operated daily, and where the third largest vol ume of mail in the United States is handled in transit, it is in many respects a great department store and hotel combined. There is a force of 335 employes, with a pay-roll of $65,000 per month.
The Southern Railway Company, the Central of Georgia Railroad Company and the Atlanta and West Point Railroad Company were among the original organizers of the Atlanta Terminal Company, and have used the station since its completion. Others using it include the Seaboard Air Line and the Atlanta, Birmingham and At lantic, the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis, operates the Dixie Flyer, and the Louisville and Nashville operates the Southland trains through this station. The Terminal Company also furn ishes and handles the occupancy of the American
Express Company and the Southeastern Express Company.
An electric plant is operated which generates
125,000 kilowatt hours for light and heat, supply ing the Southern Railway general office build ing, the American Railway Express building, the Southeastern Express building, Central of Geor gia freight building, the Pintch Gas Compressing Company, Van Noir and Union News buildings, the N. C. & St. L. charging plants, besides the elec tricity for the sheds and the electrically operated switches.
There are two towers, equipped with 162 levers for operating switches, and five and a half miles of track, fifteen of which are parallel, and eleven of which are serving trains, while four are used
GROWTH OF UTILITIES
333
for storage purposes. Two shifting engines are in operation, handling the makeup and movement of trains.
The first floor of the main station contains an immense waiting room, flanked by smaller waiting rooms and rest rooms, and here a restaurant, quick lunch room, news stand, soft drink stand, cigar stand, etc. All of these, together with a barber shop, shoe shine parlor, pressing club, laundry, bath rooms, etc., are operated by the company. The second, third and fourth floors are occupied by the Atlanta and West Point, the Central of Georgia and the Western of Alabama railroads as general offices. The heating plant has just been provided with two 229 horse power Babcock and Wilcox boilers, coincident with the installation two flues were erected, 150 feet high and 72 inches in diameter. This plant provides the necessary heat for buildings and for heating trains while under the shed. The enlargements and improvements just made are preliminary to the general enlargement and rearrangement of the shed and tracks.
The Atlanta Terminal Company was organized February 10, 1903, the petition for incorporation being signed by J. S. B. Thompson, W. H. Tayloe, L. L. McClaskey, W. A. Vaughan, J. L. Ed wards, David W. Appler, Warren G. Fogg, L. V. Kennerly, William A. Stokes and Otis M. Ezell. The charter was granted the following day, and on the same date a stockholders meeting was held at which J. W. English was elected pres ident, J. S. B. Thompson, secretary, and W. D. Beymer, auditor. Directors were chosen as fol-
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lows: J. W. English, J. S. B. Thompson, D. W. Appler, L. V. Kennerly, J. L. Edwards and W. H. Tayloe.
At a meeting held on April 27, 1903, the pres ident reported that the land upon which the sta tion subsequently was erected, could be bought for $675, 351.32. The property was owned by the Central of Georgia and the Southern, the sum each was to receive being, Central, $558,006.00; Southern, $117,345.32. The president also re ported that the Southern, the Central and the Atlanta and West Point Roads had agreed to use the new station. It was agreed to purchase this property and to issue bonds in the sum of $1,500,000, bearing four per cent interest, to pay for the same and to finance the erection of the terminal.
Work of erecting the terminal progressed rap idly, and on May 13,1905, the great structure was thrown open to public inspection. Many thous ands of people passed through and admired the building because of its beauty and completeness, and the event was looked upon as a land-mark in the progress of the City. It was thrown open for use at 3 o'clock on the morning of May 14, 1905, and has been continuously in use since that date.
A little over a year after the completion of the terminal, in December, 1906, came the death of Samuel Spencer, president of the Southern Railway, and a great friend of Atlanta. The directors of the Atlanta Terminal Company held a meeting on December 10 and adopted resolu tions of regret at the untimely end of this great executive, and later the monument to Mr. Spen-
GROWTH OF UTILITIES
335
cer, which faces the Terminal Station, was
erected as a tribute to his memory. The president of the Atlanta Terminal Com
pany is B. B, Pegram, the superintendent being E. F. Stollenwerck. Aside from seeing that 125 trains are handled properly each day; that thous ands of passengers are provided with tickets and are directed to their trains; that many tons of baggage are handled without error; that patrons of the railroads are given opportunity to get what they want to eat and to read, and are furnished with facilities for telephoning and telegraphing, for getting shaved and having their clothes
pressed, for getting weighed or obtaining a taxi, for cheeking their parcels or getting information
about the movement of trains, here and at con necting points, and seeing that hundreds of cars are made clean and are provided with ice water and are in proper physical condition before leav ing the shed, the officials of the Terminal Com pany have little to do except to keep an infinite
variety of accounts and to see that all charges are properly distributed among the numerous utilities which take advantage of the terminal facilities. The smoothness with which these functions are performed becomes a source of
amazement when one learns how large and how diverse are its activities.
CHAPTER XX.
REVIVAL or ANCIENT ORDER
H ISTORY offers no parallel to the growth which has followed the organization of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in the City of Atlanta seven years ago. During this brief period a fraternal, patriotic association that was formed by a few men and with no ex pectation that the borders of its influence would extend beyond the South, has grown into an organ ization which penetrates every part of the country and which numbers its membership by the hun dreds of thousands.
More surprising still is the fact that this amaz ing growth has come about in the face of such hostility as has been encountered by no other fraternal body known to human history. Storms, the fury of which would have dashed to pieces the ordinary society, have been beaten upon the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan--and the organi zation has grown. Powerful newspapers have concentrated a relentless fire upon the Klan, seeking to rout it by means of thunderous edi torials and screaming headlines--but it has grown. Certain members of Congress, prompted by powerful influences, attempted its destruction, found it indestructable and retreated--and the Klan grew in membership. Anti-Klan societies were formed and waged their merciless warfare of opposition--yet the Klan rides on and on over every obstacle athwart its path.
IMPERIAL PALACE, KNIGHTS OF THE KU KLTJX KLAN
REVIVAL OF ANCIENT OEDEE 337
Certainly nothing to equal the intensity of the fight upon the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan has been witnessed in America or elsewhere, nor has there been seen anything comparable to the man ner in which it has gone forward in the face of this tremendous crusade of opposition What then is the source of this extraordinary vitality, the incentive for this amazing growth?--a growth that is all the more remarkable when one remem bers that the Klan limits its membership to white, native-born, Gentile American citizens,-- a rule which automatically bars thousands who are eligible to membership in many fraternal organizations.
Many answers have been given to the questions which spring from this extraordinary situation, perhaps the best of which is that the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan constitute an organization which meets the demand for a purely American fraternity, dedicated to the preservation of American ideals and institutions and the sover eignty of the white race. Upon no other basis can the development of a reincarnated institution that was strictly Southern into a tremendous associa tion that is fast becoming international, be ac counted for. It is being embraced by the North as well as the South and by the East and West as eagerly as by the North and South. No association of men actuated by ideals of a sectional nature could make an appeal so universally acceptable. And herein one may find vindication (if vindica tion is needed) for the Ku Klux Klan of half a cen tury ago. That pioneer organization was sec tional only in a geographical sense. Its member-
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ship was made up of men from all parts of the country and its mission was the saving of the civilization of the nation.
The original Klan was born in the South as a result of despotic conditions that were forced upon the South at the time of reconstruction. It was formed to protect womanhood and childhood; to conserve property; to prevent lawlessness; to bring order out of chaos; to maintain white supremacy in an hour of dire peril--in brief, to save our civilization, and it functioned in the South because the womanhood and childhood of the South were threatened; because here cher ished institutions were dangerously imperiled and the very blood of the Caucasian race was serious ly threatened with an everlasting contamination. Had the women and the children and the institu tions of a liberty loving people been so threatened in Indiana or in Ohio or in any other political
sub-division as they were threatened in the South, then the Klan would have been as quick to answer the call in those states as it was to answer the summons in Georgia, in Alabama or in the Carolinas. Necessity, however, never de manded action on the part of the Klan outside of the South and its operations continued to be sectional. But its ideals never were; they re mained as wide as human need itself.
A deep student--Colonel William Joseph Simmons, LL.D., became profoundly impressed by an intimate study of the results achieved through the operations of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan when the South faced the gravest crisis in
its history and, noting the problems with which
REVIVAL OF ANCIENT ORDER 339
the nation is confronted today, lie conceived the idea of reviving the ancient order; of bringing to life the dormant influences which had wrought so much in former times and of bending these influences to the task of meeting the problems that confront the race and nation in this day and generation. He desired, not the modus operand! of the original Klan, "but to preserve, perpetuate and make active the same spiritual purpose; and to perpetuate the memory of those valiant heroes who served in the ranks of the original Klan; and to create an institution for the purpose of teaching, inculcating and imbedding into the hearts of our people the sacred and sublime principles of real Americanism."
At the time this idea was conceived twenty years ago, Colonel Simmons was a very young man; at the time he organized this Order (seven years ago) he was schooled in the purposes and ideals and accomplishments of the original Ku Klux Klan. Not only so but he was a close stu dent of the complex problems facing American national life, and it occurred to him, having spent fifteen years in careful study and research, that an organization dominated by the ideals of the Old Klan and dedicated to the solution of the new problems would have a wide field of use fulness.
In 1915 Colonel Simmons felt that the country was ready for the revival of the Ku Klux Klan. As one close to him expressed it: "He felt that as a people we were becoming heterogeneous; that we had developed into seetionalists--indi vidualists; that our traditions, which should
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represent a priceless heritage, were being neg lected by Americans and destroyed by aliens; that enforcement of the law too often became subservient to the whims of politicians,--justice giving way to individual influence."
Communicating his ideas to a number of inti mates, Colonel Simmons found they were con curred in, and in the fall of 1915 he decided that the hour for this historic revival was at hand. Therefore, accompanied by thirty-three close friends, three of whom were bona fide members of the original Elan, he went to the top of Stone Mountain--that great granite peak--and there on Thanksgiving night at midnight went through the solemn ceremony of resurrecting and bring ing into active life the ancient order. He did not foresee nor could anyone have realized that in a few years this ceremony would have been re peated thousands of times and that the little company of thirty-four would be multiplied by
tens of thousands. Yet it was to be so. The movement started that night upon the bare, bold
knob of Stone Mountain was destined to spread throughout the country with the irresistable force of a mighty tidal wave.
At the outset the growth was confined largely to the South but here it was rapid and of an order that stood for permanence. Leaders of commerce and industry, professional men, ministers of the
Gospel, statesmen, soldiers, men from every walk of life, became enrolled, taking upon themselves obligations said to be the most solemn and patri
otic ever administered.
I BEVIVAL OF ANCIENT OKDEE 341
In 1920 Edward Young Clarke, whose father was one of the founders of the Atlanta Constitu tion, was appointed Imperial Keagle, or Chief of the Organization Department, by the Imperial Wizard. Under his leadership Elan organizers crossed the Mason and Dixon line early in 1921. The results were amazing. The North responded immediately and enthusiastically and within nine months practically every Northern state had its Klans and the light of the fiery cross had been seen upon many Northern hills.
One qualified to speak for the Organization gives the following description of its plans and purposes, which is given in a somewhat extended form because of the widespread interest which has been aroused in this remarkable organiza tion :
"The K3an is a White Man's organization, exalting the Caucasian race and teaching the doc trine of White Supremacy. This does not mean that we are enemies of the colored and mongrel races, but it does mean that we are organized to establish the solidarity and realize the mission of the White Eace. Purity of the White blood must be maintained. One of the crying evils of the time is the mixture of White blood with that of the Negro. This evil has gone on since Colon ial days until perhaps more than half of the Ne groes in the United States have some degree of White blood flowing in their veins. This condi tion is not only biologically disastrous but is giv ing rise to grave social problems.
"It is a Gentile Organization and as such has as its mission the interpretation of the highest
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ideals of the White Gentile peoples. We sing no hymns of hate against the Jew. He is in terested in his own things and we are exercising the same privilege of banding our own kind to gether in order that we may realize the highest
and best possible for ourselves. "The Ku Klux Klan is an American Organiza
tion, and we restrict membership to native-born American citizens. The records show that re
cently, at least, the aliens that have been flooding our land have come into this country, not because
of any love for America, but because of intoler able or unfavorable conditions in the land they left behind. They come to this country, not that they might contribute in any way to its growth and development, but that they might find oppor tunity to advance themselves and to serve their
own interests and oftentimes to serve the interests of the land from which they come and to obey the mandates of governments of which they are still the subjects. In their hearts there is the tie that still binds them to the home-land; to them it is still the Fatherland. Their sympathies are still there; their thoughts have been shaped by
the currents in the old country. They do not easily readjust themselves, and thousands never do. So we find the groups: Irish-Americans, German-Americans and all kinds of hyphenated Americans. What pleasure would they find or what service could they render in this organiza tion which is distinctively an American-American organization? And we have organized to engen der a real spirit of true Americanism, that Amer icanism which is a system based on a principle of
REVIVAL OF ANCIENT ORDER 343
utter antagonism to monarchism, whether repre sented by emperor, king, potentate, or pope.
"It is a Protestant organization. As such, membership is restricted to those who accept the tenets of a true Christianity, which is essentially Protestant. We maintain and contend that it is the inalienable right of Protestants to have their own distinctive organization. We can say to the world without apology and say truly that our fore-fathers founded this as a Protestant country and it is our purpose to re-establish and main tain it as such. While we will energetically main tain and proclaim the principles of Protestantism we will also maintain the principles of religious liberty, as essential to the life and progress of this nation; and we will vigorously oppose all efforts to rob the American people of this right.
"And it becomes necessary to devise some means for the protection of White blood and ideals.
"The Klan stands for the development of a higher standard of citizenship. We ourselves must come to know what it means to be citizens of this foremost nation in all the earth. We need to have knowledge of the privileges and responsibilities and glories of our citizenship. And we need to be under the necessity for exercising our citizenship intelligently. We must learn and practice these things in order that we may teach them to others. One of the great political parties must be forced to champion fundamental Amer ican principles that will hasten the development of our country or else a new party must come into being. As the matter now stands we must
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cast our ballots for the right as it is most nearly represented and championed by men regardless of political party.
"We stand for the enforcement of law by the regularly constituted authorities. This Order does not take the law into its own hands and will not tolerate acts of lawlessness on the part of its members. Any man of any kind or creed who charges the Ku Klux Klan with being an organi zation which fosters and perpetrates acts of law lessness and deeds of violence is either wilfully blind or is a malicious slanderer who because of prejudice seeks to destroy an Organization that is law-abiding and that demands law enforcement by those who have been duly elected to office. We are within our rights as American citizens when we demand of men who are put in office of trust that they shall faithfully perform the duties of their offices. It is quite evident that those who oppose us on this principle do not want the laws of our country enforced, and are seeking to cover their anarchistic spirit by impugning our motives and imputing criminality to us.
"We take our stand upon the Declaration of Independence as the basis of popular govern
ment. This document denies the dogma of des pots--that kings rule by divine right. It as serts that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. It solemnly affirms the right of the American people to gov ern themselves as a free and independent nation
--independent of all outside sovereignty and con trol.
BEVIVAL OF ANCIENT ORDER 345
"We believe in upholding the Constitution of the United States. This document reduces to practice the precepts of the Declaration and must be recognized as the supreme law of the land. It guarantees that liberty which must be cher ished as the precious heritage of the American people. It establishes the freedom of institutions dear to the American heart. It guarantees Relig ious liberty, the freedom of speech and of press, and all the rights that pertain to the people who constitute this nation. It depicts ideals and de fines institutions that must be made real and kept secure. The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan are sworn by a solemn oath to uphold and defend this immortal Constitution.
"We teach that the citizen's first and highest allegiance is to the Government of these United States. No other government, potentate, sect or person of any kind shall share in this allegiance. We maintain that a divided allegiance means no allegiance. There can be no half American, and any sort of hyphen absolutely makes impossible any kind of loyalty to the American government, its ideals and institutions.
"We stand for the American flag, against enemies without and within. We emphasize de votion to this flag of our country as the ensign of our American nationality and the emblem of our national honor. A man stands wholly for the Stars and Stripes or else to him his country's flag is only a rag. We insist that no flag shall fly above our flag and that no flag shall float by its side.
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"We say that no one shall be allowed to cir cumscribe the influence and hinder the progress of American institutions, and this involves the welfare and development of the public school system. To those who seek to undermine or de stroy this American institution we say 'hands off.'
"We magnify the Bible as the basis of our Constitution, the foundation of our Government, the source of our laws, the sheet-anchor of our liberties, the most practical guide of right living, and the source of all true wisdom.
"We teach the worship of God, having in mind the divine command--'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.'
"We honor the Christ as the Klansman's only criterion of character, and seek at His hands that cleansing from sin and impurity, which only He can give.
"We believe that the highest expression of life is in service and in sacrifice for that which is right; that selfishness can have no place in a true Klansman's life and character; but that he must be moved by motives such as characterized our Lord and moved Him to the highest service and the greatest sacrifice for humanity's supreme good."
Atlanta is the National headquarters of the Knights of the Ku Klux Elan. The administra tion building known as "The Imperial Palace" is a beautiful structure of massive colonial type, located on Peachtree Eoad five miles from the heart of the city.
CHAPTER XXI.
MnxiONS FOB IMPROVEMENTS
WITH four million dollars being put into new school buildings, the educational facilities of Atlanta in a short time will be in keeping with the high intel lectual standards which long have been main tained. That improved and enlarged facilities were needed long has been recognized, and the work of meeting this need has gone forward with a thoroughly intelligent grasp of modern re quirements, but those familiar with the progress of the schools will concede that there is little room for improvement in methods. Atlanta's school system is widely recognized as one of the most progressive in the United States, and the work being done here has attracted the attention of educators throughout the country.
This City was one of the first to recognize the fact that the function of the public school is not merely to train the mind. Here its work has been viewed in the broad light of human need, and the schools have become mighty agencies, both in the development of the mind and body and in the awakening of an adequate apprecia tion of the responsibilities that are imposed by citizenship. Better citizens, better equipped, is the ideal, and the beneficial influences of the sys tem are not limited to those or normal endow ment. It reaches and helps those who have been afflicted with physical and mental handicaps, and
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ATLANTA
is doing a tremendously important work along these lines. Even the blind are brought within the scope of its gracious influence and are equipped to meet and master the problems of life. The Atlanta schools are pioneers in this most laudable work and great credit is due for the splendid results which have been accomplished.
The cultural aspects of the work being done by the Atlanta public schools also have attracted widespread attention. Indeed, it is doubtful if any schools anywhere have received more univer sal commendation than came to the schools of this City as the result of a remarkable presentation by the students in the Dramatic Department of the Girls' High School. Their dramatization of the sixth book of jiEneid, in which some three hundred of the young people participated, has been witnessed scores of times in various cities throughout the country, and everywhere it has won the warmest commendation.
In this remarkable presentation of a familiar Latin play proved a revelation. It gave to all observers an appreciation and knowledge of Vir gil such as no amount of study could have im parted. Not only so, but it served to create a newer and higher appreciation of the dramatic art in the interpretation of the classics. It demon
strated that young girls, having no other equip ment than that made by their own hands, could visualize and make real that which was in the mind of the master of expression, the great cre ative genius, as it could not be visualized in any
other way.
MILLIONS FOE IMPROVEMENTS 349
This production was filmed and no sooner had it been presented before two large audiences in the Atlanta Auditorium, than requests for the use of the film began to come in from other cities. With each presentation in other cities, requests for its use multiplied, with the result that it has been shown before tens of thousands of people, and today the demand for it is such that it will take a year to fill the engagements that have been booked. It has been praised by such men as Dr. Charles Knapp, of the chair of Latin and Greek of Bernard College, Dr. John Noble McCracken, president of Vassar College, and by- many other distinguished educators, as well as by leading newspapers and by the heads of educational organizations.
The Semi-Centennial of the public schools of Atlanta was celebrated during the present year, the system having been inaugurated in 1872, at a time when there was much opposition to the idea of popular education at the expense of the public. It is to the credit of Atlanta, that the fight for the free public school was launched early in the life of the community, as pointed out elsewhere in this work, and that the friends of educational progress continued the struggle until their object had been attained. The influ ence of this agitation was felt throughout Geor gia and had much to do with the progress of the public school system in the State. Indeed, the entire Commonwealth is indebted to these farseeing and patriotic Atlantans who stood stead fastly for the extension of educational advantages to the whole people.
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ATLANTA
D. C. O'Keefe, an early advocate of the sys tem, did not live to see the public schools estab
lished, but his long and arduous labors to that end received general recognition and he became known as the father of the public school system. In 1921, when women were made eligible to mem
bership on the Board of Education, his daughter, Mrs. Julia O'Keefe Nelson, was elected thereon
and she holds this place as these words are writ ten, being one of the first women in the South to be so honored. The first Board of Education
consisted of J. P. Logan, E. E. Rawson, Joseph E. Brown, Logan E. Bleckley, John H. Flynn,
L. P. Grant, David Mayer, H. T. Phillips, S. H. Stout, W. A. Hemphill, M. C. Blanehard and D. C. O'Keefe. Upon the organization of the board,
Joseph E. Brown, former governor, was elected president and he served for many years. When
elected to the United States Senate, he would re
turn to the city to present the diplomas to the graduating classes, counting this a high honor.
Significant of the trend of the times is the fact that while the men had the preferred places in the beginning of the school system, they were
unable to hold their own with the women teachers and principals, and today there is not a male prin cipal or a male teacher in the grammar schools of the City! Another evolution, one that should be especially gratifying to the young folks of today, is the change in the attitude toward cor
poral punishment. They believed in this system in the old days--and practiced it! In a brief and breezy history of the Atlanta school, prepared by President W. W. Gaines, of the Board of Educa-
MILLIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS 351
tion, in anticipation of the recent semi-centennial celebration, one obtains a clear insight into con ditions as they existed \in the old days. Mr. Gaines says:
"Corporal punishment, and very vigorous cor poral punishment, was the practice in those early days, and it continued so for a good many years. Every day corporal punishment was inflicted, and many times every day. Children often had to stand in line awaiting their turn. Prof. W. A. Bass was a teacher in the Boys' High School. He was one of the best men and one of the best teachers Atlanta ever had. He was a great be liever in corporal punishment. He had a farm in the country to which he went every Friday after noon. When he came back Monday morning he came with a large bundle of switches, good little switches. He laid them on a shelf over his door, in full sight of his class. By the next Friday afternoon his switches were all used up; and Monday morning he would bring in a fresh sup ply. Other teachers used corporal punishment, too. Prof. Bass was merely typical in that re
spect."
The time came, however, when this system was looked upon with great disfavor, and it finally passed. It is significant, in this connection, that
when corporal punishment was abolished the
president of the educational board was Eugene M. Mitchell, who, it is said, received a whipping
the first day he attended school. He helped to abolish the system, from which one might infer that the mental impression of those early thresh-
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ATLANTA
ings lingered long after the physical marks had disappeared.
The first superintendent of the Atlanta Schools was Bernard Mallen, who was succeeded in 1879 by Major W. F. Slaton. Mr. Slaton continued at this post until 1907, at which time he was suc ceeded by his son, W. M. Slaton. The latter was followed by L. M. Landrnm, who was succeeded by J. C. Wardlaw. Then came W. F. Dykes, who was followed by the present superintendent, Dr. W. A. Sutton. Thus in a period of more than fifty years, there have been only seven occupants of this high office.
Governor Brown was succeeded as president of the board in 1887 by W. A. Hemphffl. The latter was succeeded by Hoke Smith, another president of the board who became a United States Senator. He served as president for a number of years and then, after an absence of some time, was again elected to this office. Others who occupied the post were D. A. Beatie, William S. Thomson, Howard Van Epps, Hamilton Doug las, Luther Z. Eosser, Eugene M. Mitchell, Wal ter R. Daley, George M. Hope, E. J. Guinn, A. P. Morgan, Paul L. Fleming, Fred E. Winburn and Henry B. Troutman. The last named was suc ceeded by the incumbent, W. W. Gaines.
The Board of Education as it stands now con sists of W; W. Gaines, president; W. L. McCal-
ley, vice-president; James S. Floyd, Mrs. J. O.
Nelson, C. F, Hutcheson, A. C. Meixell, with Mayor James L. Key and J. C. Murphy as exoffieio members. It is under the leadership of these members that the tremendous strides of
VIEW OP SFELMAN SEMIjVARY
MILLIONS FOE IMPROVEMENTS 353
the present are being taken, and their adminis tration will remain for ever notable because of the progressive measures inaugurated during their terms of office.
A new and enlarged board, created under re cent charter changes, goes into office in January, each ward having a representative. The newly elected board consists of W. Hoke Blair, W. C. Slate, "W. W. Gaines, Dr. E. M. Eubanks, Eev. H. J. Penn, Mrs. J. O'Keefe Nelson, W. L. MeCalley, Jr., J. T. Hancock, A. C. Meixell, C. L. Trussell, Z. V. Peterson and Mrs. Kate Green Hess.
During the fifty years that the public schools have been in existence, the number of buildings have increased from five to seventy-three--with many others in the course of erection. From a corps of twenty-seven teachers, the system has grown until a total of more than a thousand are now employed. The attendance has increased from 2,090 to 41,337. Most significant of all. however, is the fact that the compensation of
grade teachers has grown from $450 a year to $1,056, showing an ever increasing appreciation of the fundamentally important work in which these well-trained and thoroughly equipped in structors are engaged. The annual budget has
increased during the fifty years from $21,250 to $1,836,000. These facts, so briefly set forth, reveal in an eloquent way the manner in which the public schools of the city have led in the van guard of progress in this wonderfully progressive communitv.
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ATLANTA
Dr. Sutton, the superintendent of Schools, is a man of broad vision, with an apt appreciation of the responsibility that the schools owe to the public. He sees in the schools not only an oppor tunity to develop the capacities of individual children, but an opportunity to serve the City by creating a sense of loyalty to it and, by impart
ing to the students an accurate knowledge of their own community, fit them better to serve it.
The triangular square opposite the Candler building >was the site of the first church 'and school house erected in the City of Atlanta. This little structure, built of logs and having but one room, was erected in 1847 by popular subscrip tion, and here the first Sunday School was organ ized, and here the boys and girls of the period re ceived their first instruction in "readin', writin,' and 'rithmetie." At the front was a door and two windows, while at the rear were two addi tional windows. The structure was about fifteen feet'wide and twenty-four feet long and stood upon twelve pillars, which raised it about two feet above the ground.
Used during the week for educational purposes, this quaint structure was the scene of divine ser vices on the Sabbath, the first sermon therein being delivered by Kev. J. S. Wilson, who after ward became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. It was known then as the "Atlanta Union Sabbath School," and denominational lines were not drawn either in the Sunday School
or church.
The year following the erection of this build
ing, a library waal organized, the books being
MILLIONS FOB IMPROVEMENTS 355
placed in this structure. Many of those who had subscribed to make the joint church and school possible, subscribed to the library fund, thus showing an adequate appreciation, even at that early date, of the benefits to be derived from good books.
The first instructor in the school was Prof. McGinty, who was succeeded by Prof. A. N. Wil son. A number of boys who afterward became famous in the City, received their instruction under these men in that little log building. Among the number were Frank P. Bice, Evan P. Howell, Joseph Thompson, B. F. Walker, Quill Orme, Edgar Thompson, and Joel Kelsey. Many others attended as time went on, and the little school had a great influence in shaping the life of the community.
An interesting event, recalling the pioneer school days, marked the celebration of the SemiCentennial of the founding of the public schools of Atlanta, when a class of ten "boys" of the graduating class of the first High School in At lanta were awarded their diplomas, this ceremony taking place at the auditorium.
In those early days, pupils who finished their course at the High School took their books and other belongings, and went on their way rejoic ing. There were no such ceremonies as are wit nessed now, and no diplomas were given. So, in order that the surviving members of the first graduating class might not be eternally deprived of their parchment, they were called forward in 1922 and rewarded for the zeal shown in the course which ended in 1872. The men who re-
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ATLANTA
ceived their diplomas after fifty years were W. Wood White, Henry C. Beerman, Elijah Brown, James L. Logan, D. Charles Boyd, Henry Wellhouse, George M. Hope, Joseph S. Cook and Her bert H. Brown, all graduates of the class of 1872. These pioneer "school boys" maintain an organ ization, getting together periodically to talk over "old times."
Another early structure about which human interest centered in the old days was the first postoffice. This building, a one-story frame store operated by Wash Collier, whose name was blazoned across the square front in letters which represented the patient labors of some amateur sign painter. Beneath his name was the one word "Groceries." The structure had a low roof which swept down across a little porch at the left, and at the rear of this porch was a little cubby-hole, where the village postmaster reigned supreme. To the right of the store was a great spreading oak, beneath which the casual visitors to the then isolated hamlet hitched their horses.
Fronting on what is now Peachtree Street, this building stood at Five Points, where Pitt's cigar store now stands.
The erection of four million dollars worth of new school buildings is only a part of the exten sive program of improvement now under way.
This program involves the expenditure of eight
million dollars, and upon its completion this City will have solved many of its problems and will be fully equipped to meet its destiny of increasing greatness.
MILLIONS FOK IMPBOVEMENTS 357
Every phase of municipal development is touched by this extensive forward movement. It touches education, transportation, sanitation, and recreation in a most vital manner.
The sum of $750,000 will go into the erection of a magnificient viaduct nineteen hundred feet in length and will open an entirely new artery between the Eastern and Western divisions of the City. At the same time, it will assist mater ially in relieving the congestion now existing upon the two great Central thoroughfares--Peachtree and Whitehall.
This viaduct, which will be above Spring Street, will have its point of beginning at Whitehall Street. Leaping off there, it vaults a network of railroads, and lands in front of the Terminal Sta tion, where connection is made with the Plaza.
This nineteen-hundred foot span will be sixty feet in width and have a forty-four foot roadway. Of steel and concrete construction, it will stand for permanency, and architectural details are provided which will make it a thing of beauty
as! well.
Coincident with the erection of this viaduct, street improvements of far-reaching importance are being carried through. Spring Street, which extends in an almost unbroken line from Marietta Street to a point on Peachtree Street near the Brookwood Station of the Southern .Railroad, is being widened and paved from end to end. When the work is finished and the via duct is brought to completion, persons residing in the Eastern section of the city will have an
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ATLANTA
almost straight shoot to the great Terminal Sta tion. But the advantage does not end here.
Beyond the terminus of the new viaduct, two arteries extend West, and *thus! the two great divisions of the City will be linked up in a manner which affords the maximum of convenience to both sections.
The bringing about of this great improvement is not only an engineering triumph. It is a tre mendous triumph in the interest of progress. The scaling of this net work of tracks and the opening up of this splendid new artery of inter communication, will serve to make a vast terri tory inviting to enterprises of every kind, and the material results to follow will be enormous. It is doubtful if any investment in the history of Atlanta, aside from the building of the water works, has resulted in so great material advan tage to the people.
Atlanta had its beginning as a railroad center, and the railroads pierce the very heart of the City. This condition presented many and vexing problems when the subject of grade separation was approached. The magnitude of the under< taking may be judged by the fact that there are forty-seven bridges, viaducts and underpasses in the City today. By the same token, the magnitude of the latest undertaking may be realized when it becomes known that this new enterprise in volves an expenditure equal to two-thirds of the total cost of all other grade separation projects. It justly will rank among the great engineering feats of the period.
MILLIONS FOE IMPEOVEMENTS 359
This magnificent new viaduct is being erected by an Atlanta firm--the Nichols Construction Company--which has carried through many im portant improvements in this City, as well as in many other parts of the South. Starting here in 1888, this company has been a factor in the developing of numerous important additions to the City. It did the grading and paving at Druid Hills, one of the most fashionable sections of Atlanta. As throwing light upon the marvelous transformation that has been wrought by the passing years, it might be observed here that John M. Nichols, the president of the company, used to hunt 'possums on the hills and through the woods that since have come to constitute the fashionable residence section of Druid Hills.
This company also erected two of the splendid permanent buildings at the Fair Grounds, and built the Marietta Street car line and the car line to Stone Mountain, and has carried through many other important local enterprises, while discharg ing large contracts in other states. Among the latter might be mentioned the new Louisville & Nashville building at Manuel, Ky., costing $600,000.
Nothing pleases an Atlantan more than" for an Atlanta firm to get an important Atlanta con tract, and it is this spirit of helpfulness toward home enterprises that is helping to make this City more and more the home of great business
organizations. The investments of Atlanta in grade separation
projects, upon the completion of the Spring street viaduct, will be:
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ATLANTA
Spring street viaduct, $750,000; Forsyth street, $84426.84; Broad street, $17,09400; Jones ave nue, $13,865.47; Bell street, $7,249.22; Mitchell street, $66,846.82; Whitehall street bridge, $29,277.47; Whitehall street viaduct, $70,471,20; Peters street, $93,116,70; Magnolia street, $14,747.38; Powell street, $3,290.00; Maddox Drive, $2,118.35; Washington street, $121,022.56; Edgewood avenue, $64,382.27; Boulevard underpass, $28,281.34; Pryor sftreet pedestrian underpass, $10,527.60; Ponce de Leon avenue, $5,383.50; Bellewood avenue, $52,816.55; Collier Road, $8,099.15; Glenn street anderpass, $35,751.17; Greensberry avenue, $9,364.84; Wbitford avenue underpass, $4,482.01; Glenn street underpass, $30,504.87; Piedmont Park--Boulevard, $28,702.42; South Pryor street underpass, $66,052.84; Lee street underpass, $13,509.35; South Whiteford avenue, $2,814.54; North avenue, $1,470.00; Hill street, $2,160.00; Hardee street, $280,000; Peeples street, $287.42; Euclid avenue, $526.00; West Mitehell street underpass, $2,028.60; Fletcher street, $315.00; att of which were built by the city, -and the following which were built by the railroads: Highland avenue, $11,000; Lakewood avenue, $13,000; South Boulevard under pass, $54,148.50; Nelson street, $42,525.00; Mari etta street, $16,184.00; Estoria--Krog street underpass, $49,000.00; Lawton street, reconstruc tion, $2,260.00; Piedmont avenue, reconstruction, $990.00; MeDonough Boad, reconstruction, $1,.433.34; Brookwood Station, $15,400; Brookwood Station underpass, $5,485.43; McDaniel street, $1,960.00; Humphries street, $1,764.00.
MILLIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS 361
Here is a grand total of $1,856,543.15 expended in the interest of public convenience and public safety, with the result that Atlanta enjoys ex ceptional immunity from those dreadful calami ties known as grade-crossing accidents.
The work of grade separation began on a com prehensive scale in 1891 with the erection of the Forsyth street viaduct, the opening of which was the occasion of a rather elaborate ceremony. And justly so, for it marked the beginning of an era of construction that added hundreds of thousands of dollars to the taxable values of the city.
The Highland avenue bridge came next in 1892; then the Broad street bridge and the Peachtree Road bridge at Brookwood, in 1895. In 1896 the Jones avenue bridge was built, and Bell street bridge was erected in 1897. The Mitchell street viaduct was built in 1896, as was the Hill street bridge. In 1899 the Whitehall street bridge over the Southern railroad was erected, and in 1901 the "Whitehall street viaduct was completed. Then came the Peters street viaduct in 1892, the Magnolia street bridge in 1904, the Lee street underpass and the Powell street underpass in 1905. In 1906 the Washington street viaduct, the Boxilevard underpass, the Greenberry avenue bridge, the Lakewood avenue bridge and the South Boulevard underpass were provided. In 1907 the Pryor street pedestrian underpass and the Marietta street bridge of the Western and Atlantic were completed. The Ponce de Leon ave nue bridge was erected in 1909; the North avenue bridge in 1910; the Estoria-Krog street under pass, the Bellewood avenue bridge and the Col-
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ATLANTA
Her Eoad bridge all went up in 1911. In 1912, the first Grlenn street underpass was provided, and in 1915 the one under the Central of Georgia railroad was privided. The South Pryor street underpass was provided in 1916, as was the Pied mont Park-Boulevard bridge. The Brookwood.Peachtree Road bridge and the Brookwood under pass were provided in 1917, and the South Whitford avenue bridge was built in 1918. Now comes the greatest of all the numerous enter prises, the Spring Street Viaduct.
Sewer construction, which forms a large and important element in the extensive program of improvements now under way, embraces seven major projects, aggregating a total of nine miles. The completion of this work will mean another engineering triumpth, for topographical condi tions in and about Atlanta make drainage an ex ceedingly difficult problem.
Built upon rolling ground, with a great number of hills, ridges and valleys, the City presents a problem that is very unusual when the matter of drainage is considered. One or two sewerage outfalls are enough for most communities, but not so with Atlanta. Here six are required; a condition that calls for extraordinary resource
fulness. The problem has been before the engi neers of the City for years, and the difficulties finally were overcome--on paper. Not until the
present was the means provided for doing what the engineers said should be done. Now the problem has been reduced to a mere matter of construction, and in a little while Atlanta's sys-
1
MILLIONS FOB IMPROVEMENTS 363
tern of sanitary and storm water sewers will be second to none.
This drainage problem, by. the way, became more complex as the engineers labored over it. In 1910, about which time the matter began to receive the most thorough consideration, the pop ulation of Atlanta was only 154,000, while the area of the City was only 17.2 square miles. Dur ing the twelve years which since have elapsed, the population has grown to approximately 240,000, while the area has increased to 30.68 square miles.
That this rapid increase in population would continue, and that there will also be periodic in creases in the area of the City, was well recog nized by the engineers, and their work is broad and comprehensive; designed not merely to meet the needs of the present, but in anticipation of the needs certain to arise in the future.
The program under the recent bond issue in cludes the Highland avenue trunk sewer, about 2r 400 feet; the Lloyd street twin-trunk sewer, about 2,435 feet; the Orme street trunk sewer, about 4,000 feet; the Greensferry avenue trunk sewer, about 3,400 feet; the McDaniel street-South Pryor street-Stewart avenue trunk sewer, about 3,450 feet, and lateral trunk sewers connecting with these main trunks, about 10,000 feet; sanitary trunk sewers, also leading into main trunks as described, about 20,000 feet.
With the completion of this vitally important work, Atlanta, with an exceptional record for healthful conditions and an unusually low death rate, undoubtedly will rank among the foremost
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ATLANTA
cities of the country in point of freedom from disease.
The improvements enumerated above, and those which are being made in the parks and playgrounds, taken in connection with the vast scheme of school erection, show an appreciation of fundamentals that argues well for the future of the City. People whose destiny is cast in urban commumities have come to expect--and have a right to expect--certain fundamental provisions for their well-being, which cannot well be sup plied save by the municipality. They want ad equate and efficient educational facilities, proper safeguards for the protection of their health, reasonable provision for recreation, and the as surance that life and property are secure. Other things being anything like equal--which means equality in the opportunity to earn a living, or to succeed in business--they will select as their home that city which makes the most intelligent provision along the lines indicated. Alive to this fact, Atlanta is adding to superior advantages of a material nature, superior advantages from the standpoint of health, education, recreation and the like. Already foremost among Southern cities in these matters, she is preparing to take her place among the most advanced communities in America.
Atlanta is a pioneer in providing municipal golf links, and, as pointed out elsewhere, there is no form of recreation in this Gity that is more thoroughly enjoyed by the masses of the people, unless it is swimming. And here, too, really re markable provision has been made. At Grant
MILLIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS 365
Park a new swimming pool of Roman magnifi cence has been provided recently. It embraces 65,190 square feet and is perfect in all of its ap pointments. There is also a secondary basin for children which contains 30,260 square feet.
At Maddox Park there is a swimming; pool embracing 47,392 square feet, and a basin for children containing 8,312 square feet. At Oak land City Park there is a swimming pool embrac ing 19,208 square feet, and a pool for children with an area of 11,256 square feet. Mozley Park contains one pool, with an area of 9,016 square feet.
In addition to the above, which provide con venient places of recreation in many communi ties, there are two great swimming pools where thousands may enjoy this sport; one at Piedmont Park, with an area of about 4 acres, and one at Lakewood with an area of about 3 acres.
Mayor Key, while supporting energetically the movement for improved educational and recre ational advantages for the white population, as shown by the splendid new white schools under way, and by the many new swimming pools, has urged similar advantages for the colored population. As a result, the negroes have been furnished with a splendid recreational center in Washington Park, where a magnificent new swimming pool has been opened, and the school program includes a great high school plant for colored children that will be an ornament to the City. Not only so, but they have been provided with a splendid public library, a branch of the Carnegie Library, adequate hospital facilities,
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and numerous other things which serve to give the colored population of the City up-to-date ad vantages.
CHAPTER XXH.
WOMEN ACHIEVE MUCH
O NE of the most virile institutions in At lanta, and one which typifies in eloquent fashion the fine co-operative spirit of the women of the City, is the Atlanta Wo man's Club.
Here is an institution that is unique among organizations of its kind; unique in the wide range of its activities, and in the splendid nature of its accomplishments.
During the present year, this club completed and opened a magnificent auditorium, represent ing an investment of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, which, coupled with its beautiful club building, gives it a home that for completeness and excellence of appointments, surpasses any thing of the kind in the United States.
That an undertaking so monumental could have been carried through in so brief a period, is one of the surprise achievements in this City of extra ordinary accomplishment. Certainly it bears abundant testimony to the zeal and capacity of the spendid women who compose the membership of the club and to the high executive skill of its officers.
The Woman's Club was organized in 1895 and chartered in 1898, and from the outset became a tremendous factor in the life of Atlanta. Its influence and membership grew rapidly, and to day the names on its rolls exceed twelve hundred,
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ATLANTA
representing the most active, energetic and patri otic women of Atlanta.
Located on beautiful Peachtree Street, housed in a fine and impressive mansion, andj having every facility for carrying on the multiplicity of activities in which they are engaged, the Woman's
Club, is ideally situated and properly ranks as one of the great constructive forces of the com munity.
One of the activities of the organization that has a very practical bearing upon the homes of
the people of Atlanta relates to the establishment and maintenance of the Municipal Curb Market; a highly practical and useful institution founded as the result of the activities of the Women's Club and operated under the Market Committee of the Club, in co-operation with the city author ities. This market has served a three-fold pur pose. It has simplified the problems of the At lanta housewife; has had a marked tendency to reduce the cost of many necessities and to make them available when in the best possible condi
tion, and has served greatly to encourage the truck-growing industry in this vicinity. The magnitude of the proposition may be gauged from the fact that over $300,000 worth of prod ucts have been disposed of at the market during the past few months.
A feature of this work consists of an educa tional campaign that has served to bring about a marked increase in the quantity and variety of crops. Lectures by agricultural experts, famil iar with the soil possibilities in this section, have been given, and these have been followed by the
UPPER--MOREHOUSE COLLEGE LOWER--CLARK UNIVERSITY
WOMEN ACHIEVE MUCH
369
introduction of numerous articles which, until the
beginning of this campaign, were snipped in from
other parts of the country.
The work of the club in this connection has
attracted widespread attention and its example
is being emulated in numerous other communities.
Philanthropic work is carried on upon a large
scale, and as a result of its activities along these
lines, the club has won the title of "Loving Mother
of the Community." Here every worthy cause
finds practical assistance and encouragement.
The plea of the suffering in foreign lands has
i
been heard and answered on many occasions, and
the work in the home field has been broad and
j
comprehensive. The Department of Child Wel-
\
fare has done a magnificent work in ministering
I
to the children of Atlanta; the Hospital and Pris
on Committee has carried comfort and cheer to
multitudes, the cause of education has been pro
moted by practical and whole-hearted effort. A
Co-operative Exchange is maintained, through
which many persons who are unable to leave their
homes are enabled to reap the rewards of indus
try; civic conditions receive attention and much
constructive work is done along these lines, the
purpose being to make Atlanta the most beauti
ful and attractive city in the country; a Depart
ment of Household Economics is maintained,
where classes in dressmaking, cooking, interior
decorating, etc.. are given instruction; classes in
art, music and drama are conducted, having a
marked influence upon the cultural life of the
community; master musicians are brought to the
City through the activities of the Music Commit-
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tee, and art exhibits are held which prove a decided factor in kindling appreciation of the best.
The Woman's Club, with its large and highly representative membership, and its delightful ap pointments, naturally has become the social cen ter of Atlanta. The serving of dinners, lunch eons and afternoon teas is a regular feature, and delightful entertainments are daily features.
A truly remarkable institution, and one which has been a mighty force in the progress of At lanta, this club is justly among the most appre ciated and admired organizations in Atlanta, and no guest, however distinguished, feels that a visit has been complete without at least a brief sojourn within its beautifully appointed and hos pitable portals. Mrs. Warren G. Harding, wife of the President of the United States, and many other distinguished visitors have been entertained here.
The original club house, built several years ago, is of grey stone and is designed in the Nor man style. In 1921 the Club decided that the time was ripe to begin to carry out their long cherished hope of securing an adequate plant to allow them to have full scope in all their activ ities.
An ambitious plan was undertaken, providing for a final development that assures the Club of
the most complete and sumptuous kind when the entire project is completed. The scheme embodies
three units, each complete in itself, which will form a unified whole when the ultimate is reached.
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The first step was taken in 1921 when the audi torium was built. This is of fireproof construc tion and seats approximately 700. It has a slop
ing ground floor with a balcony above, and four boxes. The stage is 24 feet by 58 feet, has a fly
gallery and grid iron and is completely equipped. This auditorium is so arranged that daylight) performances may be held, or the auditorium may be darkened, and the lighting supplied by the most modern electrical equipment. The interior design of the auditorium shows a wall base of caen stone finish to the heighth of the balcony rail. This base is pierced on both sides of the auditorium by a series of casement windows, affording ample daylight which may be excluded
by the tapestry hangings. The side walls above the base are divided into panels capped by low relief ornaments. The Proscenium arks are the depth of the stage boxes and is enriched with Plastic Ornaments. The Veiling is formed of.
four intersecting vaultings supporting a shallowdome of opaque glass which is lighted from a skylight above and which may be darkened by a curtain mechanically operated. In rear of the balcony is located a fire proof moving picture machine booth. Ample locker rooms, dressing rooms, showers, etc., are provided under the stage.
The next step, for which arrangements are now being consummated, is to build a Banquet Hall, which will connect with the Auditorium Foyer.
This will be provided with a hard wood dancing floor, a shallow barrelled vaulted ceiling in
panel s of low relief. The decorations will be
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in French grey and rose. The Banquet Hall will also connect with the original Club House.
For the auditorium and the Banquet Hall the architects. Messrs Marye and Alger, selected the later French style of Louis XV following in de tail and decoration somewhat the motif of the Petit Trianou. This harmonizes with the earlier style of the original club house, and allows an opportunity for details and decorations more appropriate to the uses for which the new build ings are intended.
The final step will be a swimming pool, which will be built in the future, on the South side of the auditorium.
The president of this great civic and social organization is Mrs. B. M. BoyMn.
The movement to convert Stone Mountain into one of the world's greatest memorials was started by an Atlanta woman's organization, Atlanta Chapter No. 18, Georgia Division, United Daugh ters of the Confederacy. This is one of the most active of all organizations of this character, and it has accomplished a work of great importance, not only in perpetuating the memory off the heroic achievements of the Confederate soldier, but in accumulating invaluable relics of the period in which he made history. It owns a chapter house that is a credit to the City, and which furnishes a splendid background for its numerous activ ities. Organized in 1895r it has been a virile agency from the first and its influence has been and is being felt far beyond the borders of At
lanta.
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The daring idea of having a vast panorama carved upon the sheer side of Stone Mountain as a memorial to the valor of the Confederate soldier, once originated, seized the popular imag ination, and later the work was taken up by the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial Associa
tion, organized for the specific purpose, and it is under this auspices that the marvelous enter prise is going forward. This association, as a
matter of course, has the enthusiastic co-opera tion of Atlanta Chapter No. 18 in carrying on the great work. The officers of this chapter are: Mrs. C. Helen Plane. Honorary President; Mrs. W. S. Coleman, President; Mrs. J. A. Perdue, First Vice-President; Miss Sallie Melone, Second Vice-President; Mrs. A. O. Woodward, Third Vice-President; Mrs. W. C. King, Recording Sec retary; Mrs. Earl Scott. Corresponding Secre tary; Mrs. Richard Moore, Treasurer; Mrs. John C. Henderson, Registrar; Mrs. J. G. Heard, Audi
tor; Miss Cora Brown, Historian.
The following poem, "The Tribute of the South," by Virginia Fraser Boyer, appears in the
Year Book of Atlanta Chapter No. 18, and it breathes, not only the spirit of the South, but the
spirit of this body of splendid women:
Out of the mists and tine storms of years, Out of the glory of triumph and tears,
Out of the ashes of hopes and of fears, The Old South still leads on.
She is bringing today what her hands have wrought,
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What her mother's heart at her knee has taught. Her treasure of time that her blood has bought,
To lay at the nation's feet.
She has kept unmixed through her years of pain America's blood in its purest strain;
As she gave to the past, she gives again For the glory of her land.
With a patriot's faith in the days to be,
She is pressing the seal of destiny; With the fame of her Jackson and her Lee--
The heritage of her sons.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell might have had the Girl Scouts of Atlanta in mind when he wrote in his Foreword to the Girl Scout Handbook: "The members of our sisterhood besides being handy and ready for any kind of duty are also a jolly happy family, and likely to be good, cheery companions to their mankind."
Under the leadership of Lady Baden-Powell,
the girl scout movement, started in England, has spread to 29 leading countries of the world." "This sisterhood," Sir Robert, "the father of aU scouting," says, "is a League of Nations with liv ing force, in close touch and sympathy with each other."
The Girl Scout motto is: "Be Prepared." The slogan is: "Do a Good turn daily." The activ
ities include home nursing, first aide, public health, sewing, cooking, camping, citizenship, swimming, and other special lines of interest. The girls are awarded badges for service to their
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homes and the community and for achievements along practical and cultural lines.
In Atlanta during their first year, Girl Scouts gave a total of 17,600 hours of service to their mothers, and a total of 4,000 hours community service. Fifteen troops went on over-night camps,
and 80 girls spent a week or more in Camp Julietta Low on Lookout Mountain, or Camp High land, near Atlanta.
Atlanta Girl Scouts come from every section of the City, every condition of life, and every relig ious denomination. The movement is democratic. Girls in Scout uniform must not wear jewelry nor silk stockings. "A girl Scout is a friend to all and a sister to every other girl Scout."
The Atlanta Girl Scout Council was chartered August 5, 1921, having been founded by Mrs. Al bert Thornton, Sr.. with Mrs. Frank D. Holland president and Miss Corinne Chisholm director. On the first executive board were Mrs. Frank Inman, Mrs. James L. Dickey, Mrs. Victor Kriegshaber, Mrs. Ulric Atkinson, Mrs. Edwin Peeples, Mrs. Wilmer Moore, Mrs. Eeuben Clarke, Mrs. Mell Wilkinson, Mrs. H. G Hastings, Mrs. Lee Ashcraft, Mrs. Julian Boehm. Mrs. Fred Paxon, Mrs. Benjamin Elsas, Mrs. William Baser. Mrs. Joseph Lamar, Mrs. J. K. Ottley, Mrs. Sam Inman, Mrs. Robert Maddox, Mrs. Eucker McCarty. Mrs. A. S. Adams, Mrs. Eobert Alston, Mrs. Don Pardee, Mrs. John Slaton, Mrs. George Varden, Mrs. Ernest Kontz, Mrs. Eichard Johnson, Mrs. Arthur Harris, Mrs. Henry Davis. Mrs. M. Eich. Miss Laura Smith, Mrs. Howard Bueknell, Mrs. William Percy, Mrs. Sig Pappenheimer, Mrs. Eob-
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ert Pegram, Mrs. Ewell Gay, Mrs. W. D. Manley, Mrs. Morris Brandon, Mrs. Robert Daniell, Mrs. W. B. Price Smith, Mrs. T. T. Stevens, Mrs. How ard McCall, Mrs. Stephen Barnett, Mrs. Chesley Howard, Mrs. Hollins Randolph, Mrs. William Prescott, Mrs. S. Y. Tupper, Jr.
At the end of the first year, the movement had grown to a strength of 500 girls and 60 leaders. Services of all leaders were volunteered.
Girl Scouts formed a guard of honor for Presi dent and Mrs. Herding on their visit to Atlanta in November, 1921, and Mrs. Harding. who is her self a Girl Scout, presented the Atlanta Girls with their first official colors. Other distinguished vis itors to Atlanta and to camps where Atlanta Girl Scouts spent a part of the summer, were Mrs. Herbert Hoover, president of Girl Scouts, Inc., and Mrs. Juliette Low, founder of American Girl Scouts.
Atlanta Girl Scouts were present at the plant ing of the first trees on the Bankhead Highway.
How came it that Atlanta has two Peaehtree Streets? The answer to this question throws light upon topographical conditions in the city, as well as upon the condition of its main thoroughfares in the early days. Peaehtree Road, as it was known in the early days (now West Peachtree,) followed a direct course, dipping into a deep "bottom" be
yond the present junction with Peachtree. It was the short and favorite route taken by farmers and others in bringing their products to town and car
rying their supplies back home. However, when the rains descended, this bottom became a morass through which even the stoutest teams could not
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draw a load. So, it became the habit of the peo ple who used this thoroughfare during the wet weather, to take to the high ground. Thus a sec ond Peachtree was created, following the ridge until the low ground on the original Peachtree was passed, and then forming a junction therewith.
While the name "Peachtree Street" is assumed to have originated from a famous Georgia fruit tree, there is a legend which points in an alto gether different direction. According to this story, which was heard by a few old settlers before At lanta was more than a cross-roads village, it was
the custom of the Indians, in passing this way, to stop at what is now known as Peachtree Creek in order to rest and enjoy a little recreation before resuming their journey. On the banks of this creek was one particularly large tree under whose
spreading limbs the Indians would rest, and about which they would play. One of their games was the pitching of tomahawks, and this great tree was the favorite target. Out of this custom grew the name "Pitchtree," which was applied by the Bed Men to this monarch of the forest. It fol lowed then, that the stream also became known as "Pitchtree Creek," a name that was easily converted into "Peachtree" by the "Pale Face"
population, and by this name it has since been known. Peachtree Street, of course, came into possession of its name because it crossed Peach-
tree Creek. This interesting legend of the "Pitchtree" and
how it came to be so named, was told to a mem ber of an old Atlanta family more than a half cen tury ago by one of the Indians who participated
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in the games about the ancient tree and who claim ed to know the facts about it.
"While Hardy Ivy, who built his cabin home here in 1833, was the first man to invade the wil derness that was to become the site of Atlanta, he was not the only settler in this vicinity, as several farmers had their abodes within a radius of a few miles. Speaking of this period, the little history issued twenty years ago by the Pioneer Citizens' Society of Atlanta, says:
"The first settlement on the road to Nelson's Ferry was that of Mr. Thunnan, who owned a farm and also ran a mill on a small stream that coursed through his place. Among the families of that day living within a radius of about two to ten miles were Benjamine Little, Charner Humph ries, James Montgomery, Abner Conley, Isaiah Hornady, ---------- Hughie, ---------- Blackstock
and Moses Trimble." The Charner Humphries referred to in the
above paragraph was the man who built the "White Hall Inn," from which Whitehall Street derived its name. This inn was erected in 1837. Isaiah Hornady, also mentioned above, was the father of Rev. Henry Carr Hornady, who was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta dur ing the civil war, and who had two sons, John R. Hornady and GL A. Hornady, in the Confederate army, both of whom served throughout the strug gle and participated in the defense of Atlanta.
It is said, with reason, that funny things hap pen in politics and in newspaper offices, and this is illustrated in the story of one of the most re markable newspaper "beats" ever recorded. It
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happened in Atlanta during the second election of President Woodrow Wilson, in November 1916.
In order that the layman may understand how .rfuch a serio-comic occurrence could transpire it is, perhaps necessary to make this explanation:
News is often sent out by press associations over their leased wires from a few minutes to sev eral hours in advance of the actual happening, to be released later by a "flash" bulletin. Also, im portant news bulletins are "flashed" on the wires in a few meagre words to advise the newspaper editors of what is coining.
It will be recalled that the result of the 1916 presidential election was in doubt for three or
four days and finally was seen to hinge on the vote in California. Every newspaper was keyed up to the highest tension lest a competitor come out first with the California vote.
On the afternoon of the second day after the election, press associations were sending out ad vance leads to fit either a Wilson or a Hughes vic tory, the appropriate story to be released and published when the vote finally was counted.
A telegraph operator in one of the Atlanta newspaper offices, which also was Southeastern distributing point for that particular press serv
ice, received signals over the wire which he in terpreted as follows:
"Hold for release. "Plash: Wilson carries California."
This was followed by a staff correspondent story telling how Mr., Wilson had been swept into the presidency by California's vote. The newspaper into whose office this message came,
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issued an extra immediately and thousands of copies were sold on the streets within a few min utes. The distributing office of the press associa tion also flashed the news to all its clients over the Southeast, with the result that all those papers, too, got out extras telling of Wilson's de feat of Hughes.
The Southeastern manager of the press asso ciation in question, waited some time for a con firmatory bulletin ggiving the size of Wilson's majority in California, and as it did not come he made inquiries of the office which had relayed the message to Atlanta.
"What do you mean Wilson carried Cali fornia f" came the answer. "We sent no such flash."
Needless to say this caused consternation in the Atlanta office. A hasty investigation revealed the fact that the message received here should have read:
"Hold for release on flash that Wilson carries California."
At that hour Wilson had a lead of only about 3,000 votes, with the strong Republican counties in Southern California yet to be heard from. To make matters worse, news was just then flashed over the wire that the Republican county of Los Angeles had discovered that "an adding ma chine" had made a mistake of two thousand votes and this cut Wilson's lead to a scant thous and! It mean, virtually, that Hughes instead of Wilson was elected.
A consultation was held in the Atlanta office -at which gloom was thicker than the pro-
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verbial gumbo. The operator who made the mis take was in tears. The news manager, who seemed to possess the sixth sense sometimes ascribed to newspaper men, declared he would not attempt to correct the bulletin to the South eastern clients; that in spite of the seeming elect ion of Hughes he still had! faith that Wilson would win out. The local paper also decided to stand its ground. And fortune then began to smile.
The democratic election manager in San Fran cisco, not to be outdone by their republican friends in Los Angeles, discovered that their add ing machine, too, had made a mistake of 2,000 votes, which again placed Wilson 3,000 votes in the lead! Confirmation of his election came some 36 hours later.
This story is a "beat" in itself, as it is the first time the inside facts have been told of how an Atlanta paper and a score or more of others throughout the Southeast "scooped the world" on the election of America's great war president.
The interest of the people of Atlanta in the political fortunes of President Wilson was inten sified by the fact that he formerly was a citizen of this City, being engaged here in the practice
of law while unknown to fame and while giving
few outward indications of the great qualities for which he afterward became distinguished.
Certainly none who came 'in contact ^witbJ the quiet, studious and reserved Wilson of that period were able to foresee the brilliant political future that awaited him.
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Admitted to the Atlanta bar before Judge
George Hillyer in 1882, he displayed a modest tin sign in front of the Law Building and waited for clients who might be in need of legal services, but these proved to be few and far between. It is known that he had a hard struggle here and that here the financial shoe pinched with some
severity. So, finally, he took down the modest "shingle," bearing a name that was to become immortal, and moved--moved to a height that it is given to few men to attain! From professor to College President; from College President to Governor; from Governor to President of the
United States, achieving meanwhile a reputation for intellectual attainments that placed him
among the giants of all ages. Atlantans wish now that Woodrow Wilson had
been less reserved in those old days; that they might have known him better; that they might
have appreciated him more. But the day passed, as days will, and the opportunity fled, as oppor
tunities will, and this great, outstanding figure in world history became" known to few as Wilson,
the Atlantan.
CEAPTEBXXm.
A FEW PERSONALITIES
THE Atlanta youth, who is seeking inspira tion by examining the records of those who have achieved large things, does not have to go far afield, for upon the scroll of Atlanta's yesterdays many chapters appear that unfold stories of accomplishments such as quicken the pulse and fire the heart with high purposes.
To relate one-tenth of what is revealed by a study of things past--in the establishment of great business enterprises, in the promotion of religions and philanthropic movements, in writ ing glorious history upon the battle field, and in the realm of professional endeavor--would re quire many volumes, and only the briefest survey can be made here. However, the few examples that are given are typical of many and should be enough to kindle the faith of the striving.
Among the pioneer citizens no names are more familiar, or represent more in the upbuilding of the community, than those of Captain James W. English, Hon. Frank P. Bice, Judge William T. Newman, Samuel Inman, Judge George Hillyer, Joel Hurt, Bobert James Lowry and Colonel Bobert F. Maddox, all of whom, together with many others, played a conspicuous part in shap ing the life of the City during the formative period. Of these notable contributors to the
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greatness of Atlanta, Capt. English, Frank P. Bice, Judge Hillyer and Joel Hurt survive.
Few among the pioneers left more numerous reminders of their virile personality than Samuel
Inman, who located in Atlanta in the spring of 1867 and who, for many years, was a dominant factor in the life of the community. Immediately
after his arrival here, he organized the firm of S. M. Inman & Son, an enterprise which developed
into one of the largest and most influential of its kind in the South.
Mr. Inman was born in Dandridge, Tenn., Feb ruary 19, 1843, a son of S. W. and Jane Martin
Inman. After attending the local schools, Mr. Inman was sent to Princeton, where his education was completed. Upon the outbreak of the war,
he joined the First Tennessee Cavalry, and be came lieutenant of the company. Near the close of the conflict he was detailed to special duty on the division staff, serving until the close of the struggle. Brave, loyal and unselfish, he was a
great favorite among his fellows in the army, and his honorable discharge remained one of his prized possessions until the day of his death.
As a citizen, Mr. Trim an endeared himself to all who knew him by reason of his generosity in behalf of every worthy cause, and the enthu siasm with which he supported all movements which made for the progress of the community.
Mr. Inman enjoyed for years the tribute of being termed Atlanta's "First Citizen." That this was no empty title was shown by the honor paid his memory when his life of service was ended. His exalted character, his sympathetic
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consideration for others, his unselfish service to his city and his fellows, drew to him the love and admiration of the entire community, and no man was more sincerely mourned. His interest in education was intense, and no man had more to do with the promotion of Agnes Scott College into the great institution that it is today. This well earned tribute was paid him when the whole city was mourning his death:
"A citizen without an enemy, a friend without a flaw, a thinker without conceit, a leader with out arrogance, a philanthropist without pride, a husband and father without fault."
Another greatly beloved citizen among the pio neers, was Judge William T. Newman, who, at the time of his death, was the 'oldest district judge in the United States, and certainly one of the most honored.
Judge Newman, a member of a distinguished Tennessee family, and a brave soldier of the Confederacy, located in Atlanta immediately after the close of the war. He was city attorney of Atlanta from 1871 to 1883, and in 1886 was appointed judge of the Northern District of Geor gia by President Cleveland. This office he filled with rare distinction until his death, thirty-four years later.
The interests of Judge Newman were as wide as the needs of humanity, and he literally loved
his way into the hearts of all Atlantans. Every worthy cause enlisted his heartfelt support, and his impression upon the community in which he lived and served was deep and lasting.
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Judge Newman was married in 1871 to Miss Fanny Percy Alexander, of Nashville, Tenn., who survives him, together with two daughters and a son.
One of the men chiefly instrumental in laying the foundations of Atlanta's splendid financial and business structure was Col. Robert James Lowry, founder of the Lowry National Bank.
Colonel Lowry came to Atlanta from Green ville, Tenn., just about the time the rumblings of
the approaching conflict between the States was echoing in! the distance; his purpose being to purchase equipment for a fife and drum corps which he contemplated organizing. At the time he had no idea of remaining here, but shortly after his arrival he met Miss Emma Markham, one of the most attractive of Atlanta's belles, and thereafter nothing could take him away. He was married to Miss Markham in November, 1862, and the union thus formed proved a pecu liarly happy one. The Golden Anniversary of this marriage, which was celebrated ten years
ago, was one of the most notable social events in the history of the City, all Atlanta doing honor to the man and woman whose union had meant so much to the community.
Shortly after his arrival in this City, the war came on, and then Colonel Lowry found an oppor
tunity for serving the Confederacy that was peculiarly fitted to his talents for organization and administration. This was the field of trans portation. Atlanta had become not only a rail road center of great importance but quickly de veloped into a vast munition center. The trans-
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portation of soldiers and the implements of war became a problem of first importance, and in this field Colonel Lowry rendered conspicuous service. Following the conflict, he entered the wholesale grocery and banking business--a combination that was not unusual in those days. At this time he was joined by his father, William M Lowry. Later the grocery end of the business was abol ished, and the firm turned all of its energies to the upbuilding of the institution which finally
developed into the great Lowry National Bank of Atlanta.
Col. Lowry was a man of large vision, of strik ing physique, and was gifted with boundless energy. His ambition was to build a financial institution that would have the strength and the resources to play a dominant part in the developmen of the growing City of Atlanta, and he lived to see this ambition gratified to the full. He died on January 8, 1919.
Captain English also crowned a long life of usefulness by becoming the foremost figure in establishing and fostering a financial institution that ranks among the greatest in Atlanta--the Fourth National Bank. Though at an exceptionaDy ripe age, he still serves this institution as chairman of the board and is on duty every bus iness day. One of the early mayors of the City, he has always taken great interest in civic mat ters, and was an important factor in putting the City upon a firm financial basis.
Judge Hillyer also served his city as mayor, and he, too, deserves much credit for the trans formation wrought in its financial standing. Such
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men rendered service of incalculable value in lay ing the foundations of the municipal structure deep and strong, as did such men as Frank Bice, Joel Hurt, Robert Maddox and Robert Lowry, in planting the foundations of the City's business structures.
Mrs. Samuel Inman, who survives her dis tinguished husband, has also displayed a sympa thetic interest in all matters relating to the bet terment of the City and is, and long has been, a vital factor in social, religious and eleemosynary activities.
Mrs. Inman is General Federation Director of the Georgia Federation of Woman's Clubs; a director in the Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta, a trustee of Agnes Scott College, was State Chair man of the Council of Defense during the war, is ex-president of the Home for Incurables, and is one of Atlanta's most zealous exponents of an art museum. Though modest and self-effacing, and of the type who would not that the left hand know what the right hand is doing, she, like her great and lamented husband, is a devoted friend of every movement that makes for progress along the highest and best lines.
An Atlanta woman who has passed on but whose memory lives was Mrs. Livingston Mims,
whose appreciation for the sweet and beautiful is manifested in the exquisite memorial to Sid ney Lanier which stands in Piedmont Park. Mrs. Mims left her jewels for this purpose, stipulating that they should be sold and the proceeds should go into this monument to Georgia's greatest poet. This act was typical of the giver, whose
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life was one of gracious appreciation of things
worth while. Other names one hears in Atlanta when the
roll of distinguished daughters is being called are
that of Mrs. James K. Ottley, Mrs. Joseph R. Lamar, Miss Isma Dooley, Mrs. Samuel Lumpkin, Mrs. Lollie Belle Mylie, Miss Louise Dooley, Mrs. Alonzo Richardson, Mrs. William L. Peel, and
Miss Nina Hornady. Atlanta women are distinguished for their loyal
support of movements that have to do with the common good. As in war they gave of their best to keep aflame the fires of patriotism, so in peace they have led in all things which tend toward bet ter conditions for the human family. The work they have done through the Atlanta Woman's Club, which is referred to in another chapter, furnish a typical example, and it might be said that the spirit of the president of this organiza tion is the spirit of the womanhood of the City.
The president of the Woman's Club is Mrs. Basil Manly BoyMn. She was chairman of the last war savings stamp drive and with two hun
dred and seventy soldiers to assist her, sold near
ly one million dollars worth of stamps. She was also active in the drive of the Anti-Saloon League to bring about a dry America, organizing Wo man's Divisions in six Southern States. Each year she serves as chairman of "Poppy Day"
for the American Legion, and does the same for the Anti-Tuberculosis League in the annual Christmas seals campaigns.
During the World War, Mrs. Boykin became known as "The Mother of Camp Gordon." be-
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cause of her intense interest in the welfare of the soldiers stationed in this camp. She organ ized the Woman's Division of the Training Camp Activities, later called War Camp Community Service, giving from eight to twenty-five enter tainments each week at the camp. She also organized the "Woman's Division of the Young Men's Christian Association and selected women for the Overseas Canteen Service. She opened the Woman's Department of Camp Gordon, where she had twenty uniformed secretaries. This organization did valiant service in behalf
of the soldiers. In considering the lives of those who have
played an important part in the history of Atlan ta, one is confronted with an extraordinary sit uation--one perhaps not paralleled in any other community. Here reside three brothers, each of whom has won great distinction. Atlantans will recognize at once that this reference is to the Candler brothers--one famous as a business man and a philanthropist, another Senior Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and another a distinguished jurist and an ex-member of the Supreme bench of the State of Georgia.
Quite as interesting as the story of the accomp lishments of these men is the record of their an cestry. Their father, Samuel Charles Candler, a merchant in Carroll County, was a son of Dan iel Candler, who was the first Senator in the Legislature of Georgia sent from the district then composed of Cherokee, Forsyth and Cobb coun ties. His father, William Candler, was a noted figure in the Revolutionary War. He became
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commander of the upper Georgia Regiment when General Elijah Clark was promoted to Brigadier General, and served with distinction. He par ticipated in the battle of Kettle Creek, the Cowpens, Kings Mountain and Eutaw Springs and in the seige of Augusta. He was a member of the first State Legislature from Richmond County.
On the mother's side, the record reveals other distinguished figures. Mrs. Candler was Miss Martha Bealle, a daughter of Noble P. Bealle, who was a son of Major Thaddeus Bealle. of Maryland, who commanded a battalion, of the "Maryland Line" in the army of General Wash ington. Her mother was Justiana Hooper, the daughter of Thomas Hooper, of North Carolina. Samuel C. Candler's mother was Sarah Slaugh ter, a daughter of Captain Samuel Slaughter, and a grand-daughter of Captain Phillip Slaughter, of Culpepper County, Virginia. Samuel Slaugh ter had a hand shot off in the last days of the seige of Yorktown just before the surrender of Cornwallis.
It is interesting to note that Daniel Candler,
who came to America in 1730, an Englishman
from Ireland, was not only a soldier of the French and Indian war, but was a distinguished engi
neer. He surveyed the State line between Vir
ginia and North Carolina and between Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Even today some of
the old stone markers may be seen with his
initials, "D. C." carved upon them. Another
interesting item is the fact that when Samuel
Charles Candler and Miss Martha Bealle were married in Cherokee County in December, 1833,
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the Indians still were numerous in Georgia and
among the guests at the wedding was a noted Indian Chief of that period. Another guest was "William H. Sparks, a cousin, the author of "Memories of Fifty Years in 'Georgia."
Asa G. Candler was born in Carroll County, December 30,1851. The war cost Tiim the oppor
tunity to obtain a college education, as it cost so many boys of that period. When twenty-one years of age, in 1873, he came to Atlanta and
started his business career as a clerk in the store of George J. Howard, at 47 Peachtree Street. In 1878, he married Miss Lucy Howard, the daughter of George J. Howard, with whom he was employed. Later Mr. Howard went out of business, and Mr. Candler formed a partnership with M. B. Hallman, the firm being known as Hallman and Candler. This partnership contin ued for several years, and then Mr. Candler bought out his associate. His next step was to form a partnership with his father-in-law, the firm being known as Howard and Candler, but later he purchased the interest of Mr. Howard, and the firm became "Asa G. Candler."
It was while at the head of this firm that Mr. Candler obtained the formula and trade mark for the drink which, when he had perfected it, became
known throughout the country as Coca-Cola, and which became the basis of a business enterprise of great magnitude. For several years Mr. Cand ler devoted his energies to the development of
this enterprise, but in 1906, with the erection of
the great Candler Building, he became president of the Central Bank & Trust Corporation.
A FEW PERSONALITIES
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In 1916, Mr. Candler was elected Mayor of the
City of Atlanta. However, having no desire for political honors, he answered this call reluctantly, and at the expiration of his term, he gladly re tired to private life.
Mr. Candler has labored unceasingly for the progress of Emory University. His monetary
gifts have been princely, exceeding two minion dollars, and he also gave to the institution the broad and beautiful acres which constitute the
campus, and the ground upon which the houses of the faculty have been built.
The latest benefaction of Mr. Candler was the large gift to the magnificient hospital now being erected in connection with Emory University. This vast edifice, dedicated to the cause of heal ing, will represent an investment of a million and a half dollars and it will provide facilities second to none. Mr. Candler and children contributed more than one million dollars to make this splen did institution possible. He has five children, Chas. Howard, Asa G., Jr., Walter T. and Wil liam Candler, and Mrs. Lucy Candler Heinz.
Warren A. Candler, who has the honor of being
the Senior Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, though three other members of the College of Bishops are his senior in years, was born in Carroll County August 19, 1857, and early in life displayed evidences of the religious zeal for which he became distinguished. Before he was graduated from Emory College he had been licensed to preach, and following his grad
uation, the first-honor man of his class, he joined
the North Georgia Conference. In 1879 he was
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made Presiding Elder of the Dahlonega District,
being the youngest man to hold this high office in the history of the Conference. Though only twenty-two years of age, he served with conspic uous ability, and in 1881 was sent as pastor to St. John's Methodist Church in Augusta.
From Augusta, he went to Nashville as Asso ciate Editor of the Christian Advocate, that great organ of Southern Methodism, serving in this capacity until 1888 when he was elected President of Emory College. He occupied this post until May, 1898, when the office of Bishop was con ferred upon him. He became Senior Bishop at Hot Springs upon the retirement of Bishop Eugene B. Hendricks.
Bishop Candler was married in November, 1877, to Miss Antonette Curtright, of La Grange, Ga. There are three children, Mrs. Andrew
Sledd, the wife of Dr. Andrew Sledd; John Curtright Candler, and Samuel Charles Candler the third, the first named of the sons being a lieu tenant and the latter a captain in the World War.
Judge John S. Candler was born in Carroll County October 22, 1861. He graduated from Emory before he was nineteen and began life as a school teacher in DeKalb County in 1880. Shortly thereafter he began reading law in the office of the firm of which today he is the head. He was admitted to the bar in advance of his twenty-first birthday, March, 1882, and in 1886 was appointed Solicitor General of the Stone Mountain circuit by Governor John B. Gordon. He was then only twenty-five years of age. He held this position until January, 1896, when upon
A FEW PERSONALITIES
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the death of Judge Richard H. Clark he was ap pointed Judge of the Superior Courts by Gov ernor Atkinson.
In 1902, when a vacancy arose in the office of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the customary convention was not called to provide for a nomination, but aspirants were allowed to run, each upon his own initiative. In this race, Judge Candler was elected by a majority of the people of the State, receiving more votes than all the other candidates, seven in number, re ceived.
Judge Candler served as an alderman for six years, being elected each time without opposition, and was elected Mayor Pro Tern of the City three times. He also was conspicuous in the military
history of the state. He was Lieutenant-Colonel on the staff of Governor A. H. Stephens, being
promoted to the rank of Colonel and made Judge Advocate General of the State in 1895 by Gov ernor McDaniel, upon the creation of this office.
He was reappointed by Governor Gordon and by Governor Northern. He organized the Fifth Regiment of the Georgia National Guard in 1893 and was elected Colonel, holding the commission until March, 1901.
In 1898, Judge Candler commanded the Third Georgia Volunteer Infantry in the Spanish Amer ican war, and when America entered the World
War he had the pleasure of seeing his son, Major Asa Warren Candler, carry the old Fifth Regi ment to France to fight the battles of civilization
on that distant soil. Judge Candler has another child, a daughter, the wife of Dr. J. Samuel Guy,
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of Emory University. He was married in Jan
uary, 1884, to Miss Louise Gamier, of Jackson ville, Fla., who died in 1905. Subsequently he was married to Mrs. Florida George Anderson, of Marietta. In January, 1906, after ten years upon the Superior Court Bench and as Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court, Judge Candler resigned to become the head of the firm in whose offices he studied law in the days of his youth--Candler, Thomson and Hirsch. There has been but one change in this firm, this being the admission thereto of Major Asa Warren Candler upon his graduation from the State Uni versity Law School in 1907.
Among present day citizens, none give them selves more whole-heartedly to the .'community than Frederic J. Paxon, who cast his lot with that of Atlanta in 1887 and at once became a virile factor in its civic life.
Mr. Paxon is a member of the firm of Davison-
Paxon-Stokes Company; vice-president of the Maier & Berkle Company; vice-president Cole Book Company; a director, Lowry National Bank, the Georgia Kailway & Power Company, the At lanta Loan and Savings Bank, the Southern Mortgage Company, the Southern Photo-Material Company, etc., etc., which gives some idea of the wide diversity of his business interests.
In spite of the many claims made upon him by business associations, Mr. Paxon has found the time, and still finds the time, to give an extra ordinary amount of attention to civic matters. He is president of the Atlanta Convention Bu reau, an organization whose work is described
A FEW PERSONALITIES
397
elsewhere in this volume and one which is doing more than any other instrumentality to keep At lanta before the world. He is an ex-president of the Chamber of Commerce; former Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts; chairman of the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Fair Association; is vice-president of the Presidents Club, :of which he was .the organizer; past commandant of the Old Guard Battalion; chairman of the Board of Managers of the Georgia Training School for .Boys, Milledgeville, Ga.; was the State Merchants repre sentative in the Federal Food Administration for Georgia during the World War; organized, and was the first president of the Atlanta Retail Mer chants Association; served as private in the At lanta Grays and the Atlanta Artillery; was Lieu tenant-Colonel on the staff of Governor Joseph M. Terrell for six years, and was Chief of Staff with rank of Colonel under Governors Joseph M. Brown and John M. Slaton.
Is a trustee of the Morehouse College, the Rabun Gap School, the Uncle Remus Memorial
Association; ex-president of the Carnegie Library and the Atlanta Lecture Association, and was a member of the State Democratic Executive Com
mittee from the State-at-large until 1910.
Mr. Paxon was born in Philadelphia July 22,
1865, the son of Henry Philip and Elizabeth Paxon. He is one of the most representative members of the group of business men whose boundless optimism and tireless energy has served
to distinguish Atlanta for its fine civic spirit.
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A man whose name is inseparably associated with the growth and development of modern At lanta is Mell R. Wilkinson, whose zeal for com munity progress has never been second to his zeal for individual prosperity.
Mr. Wilkinson is president of the AshcraftWilMnson Company; vice-president of the South ern States Life Insurance Company; a director in these companies and also a director in the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic Railroad, the Georgia Railway & Power Company, the Lowry National Bank, the Empire Cotton Oil Company and other business institutions. He enjoys the high distinction of being life-president of the Presidents Club of Atlanta, which might be termed the pivot of all civic organizations. He is also president of the Atlanta Boy Scout Coun cil and a member of the National Executive Board. In this connection he has rendered serv ice of a priceless character in behalf of the boy hood of this City. He also rendered conspicuous service as president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and during the "World War acted as assistant secretary of agriculture without com
pensation, having charge of matters relating to fertilizer and agricultural implements.
While exceedingly active in all civic matters, Mr. Wilkinson has persistently declined to seek
public honors. In 1906 he was petitioned by a large number of his fellow citizens to become a candidate for Mayor, but declined, his inclination, being to serve at some other post without com
pensation.
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399
Mr. Wilkinson was born in Newnan, Ga., on December 31,1864, from one of the oldest colonial families in America. His father, Major Uriel B. WilMnson, was descended from a family that had been prominent in Great Britain for more than seven hundred years, and who, before his death in 1907, had rendered to the state many years of public service of an important character. The mother of Mell B. Wilkinson was Amelia T. Spratlin, who was a member of a Virginia family whose first American representative was born in that state in 1650.
Mr. WilMnson began his education by attending a private school at Newnan. He then attended Mercer University, going from there to the Rich mond (Virginia) College. Following this he at tended Moore's Business College in Atlanta. In his eighteenth year, he opened a wholesale sta
tionery and printer's supply house on the corner
where the American National Bank now stands,
being associated with his brother, John R. Wilkin son. In 1886, when 22 years of age, he married
Miss Annie B. VanWinkle, a daughter of Edward
and Amelia King VanWinkle. His father-in-law
was an inventor of great genius and ability and was extensively engaged in the manufacture of
articles of his own creation. Realizing the need
of assistance in financing and handling these products, Mr. VanWinkle associated himself with Mr. WilMnson and Mr. E. P. McBurney,
and organized the VanWinkle Gin and Machinery Company. Mr. Wilkinson was secretary and
treasurer until 1912, during which time the com-
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pany extended its operations into every part of the \rorld where cotton is produced.
In 1912, Mr. WilHnson and Mr. Lee Ashcraft
organized the Ashcraft-Wilkinson Company, with Mr. WUkinson's son as an associate. The com pany handles fertilizers and all allied products, and now owns several concerns of this kind. Some idea of the magnitude of the business may be obtained from the statement that at the out break of the World War, this company was the world's largest importer of potash. Mr. Ashcraft, who is vice-president of the company, for merly was general sales manager for the inter national Agricultural Corporation of New York.
Samuel C. Dobbs is a man who has made his tory in Atlanta, and his life is one that is strong in the element of romance. He was born in the Western part of Georgia, near Villa Rica, on November 8, 1869. Financially, his father had been ruined by the Civil War, and he was not able to send this son, the oldest, to school. Mr. Dobbs' entire school training was little more than one year, but he studied assiduously each night by a kerosene lamp, and with Ms imother as teacher. During the short time he spent in school, he earned a scholarship, but could not take advantage of this opportunity.
His father's health failed, and when Mr. Dobbs was fourteen, and he was forced to take charge of the plantation, and earn a livelihood for the family. When he was 21 years of age, he drove to Atlanta, forty-five miles distant, in an ox-cart and went to work as porter in the drug store of Asa Gr. Candler & Company, at a salary of one
THE MAMMOTH CANDLKR WAREHOUSES
A FEW PERSONALITIES
401
dollar per day. He continued his studies at night and also took up the study of pharmacy. He later was permitted to serve in capacity of sales man in this drug store, book-keeper, credit man, and prescription clerk.
In 1888 Mr. Candler bought the formula for Coca-Cola, and Mr. Dobbs was the first salesman to go on the road, carrying samples of this soda fountain syrup in quart bottles, and placing it with soda fountains in any quantities (from a quart to a gallon. Mr. Dobbs' ability as a sales man caused Mr. Candler to place additional re sponsibilities upon him and-he took Mr. Dobbs into the office in Atlanta as bookkeeper and credit man. He was later promoted to manager of sales, then sales and advertising manager, and was made vice-president of the company in 1916. In 1920 the Coca-Cola Company was reorganized and Mr. Dobbs was made president, in which capacity he served until he resigned November
1,1921, to devote his time to private and personal interests.
In 1909 Mr. Dobbs was approached with refer
ence to serving as president of the Associated Advertising Clubs. After much persuasion he
consented to let his name be presented to the con
vention convening at Louisville, Ky. On August 1, 1909, he was elected to this office, and at that
time the Association meant little more than an organization which convened once each year for
a few days of real fan. It did not seem to have
any definite, constructive purpose in mind. At that convention there were only 379 delegates.
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Mr. Dobbs was not well known among the ad vertising men of this country, but he mapped out a program for the Association and devoted nearly all his time to making this the organization that it deserved to be. He saw an opportunity to do advertising generally and the whole country
a real service, and he struck the key-note at the Louisville Convention--"Truth in Advertising."
The Association met in 1910 at Omaha, Nebraska, and there were something like 1,000 registered delegates. Mr. Dobbs was re-elected to succeed himself, the first president in the history of the organization to serve two terms. The Associa tion had become a serious minded body of men and was accomplishing big things in putting ad vertising on the proper basis with other bus inesses. When the Association met in Boston in
1911, there were over 2,200 registered delegates, including the biggest and brainiest men in the advertising world.
During his two years as president, Mr. Dobbs traveled 45,000 miles--at his own expense--and made more than 100 speeches to advertising clubs
and advertising organizations. The first year of his administration he started an official organ for the Association--''The Voice." It was later
called "Associated Advertising" and is an im portant factor. During his service as president, under the guidance of Mr. Herbert S. Houston, later a president of the Association, advertising study courses were installed in hundreds of adver tising clubs, and in many of the big colleges and
universities. Today nearly every college of any consequence is interested in this course.'
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403
Mr. Dobbs made good in a big way and placed the Association on a firm, foundation, until today it is one of the strongest organizations in the world, having clubs in Cuba, Honolulu, England, and many other foreign countries.
Since Mr. Dobbs started the slogan "Truth in Advertising," many local clubs have organized Vigilance Committees, and the National Associa tion co-operates with the local clubs, through the National Vigilance Committee, to the extent that many concerns making misrepresentations in their advertising have gone into bankruptcy, and many are now serving sentences in the State and Federal prisons for "Untruthful Advertising."
As a token of appreciation for the remarkable work he accomplished, Mr. Dobbs received at the Boston Convention in 1911, a five passenger auto mobile, solid silver service, a hand hammered lov ing cup, and many other gifts. He had gone into the Association as president almost unknown, and when he turned over the gavel at Boston he was not only a national, but an international figure in the advertising and business world.
Realizing the handicap he suffered on account of lack of education, Mr. Dobbs is devoting much time and money to sending boys and girls to school, when they are unable to finance them selves. He now has a number of these boys and
girls on his list, and gets great pleasure out of
the fact that he is doing them a kindness and a
service.
At an expenditure of a hundred thousand dol lars, he presented Emory University with a beau-
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tiful dormitory, which is known as "Dobbs
Dormitory." Mr. Dobbs organized the Warrant Export Cot
ton Corporation of Birmingham, Alabama, and is President of this Corporation, making annual trips to Enrope in its interest.
Among present day Atlantans of the finer type who are carrying this City forward to increasing greatness in the world of business, none is men tioned more frequently than Lee Ashcraft, vicepresident of the Ashcraft-WilMnson Company, and a prime mover in the civic life of the com
munity. Mr. Ashcraft is a native of Alabama, having
been born in Clay County in 1871, a son of Andrew Jackson Ashcraft. He attended the schools of his native state, and in 1893 graduated from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute at Au burn. His first important work brought him in contact with one of the great engineering figures of the age, Colonel Goethals, who then was in charge of the building of the Muscles Shoals Canal on the Tennessee River at Florence, Ala.
Moving to Atlanta in 1910, from Florence, Ala., where he had achieved conspicuous success as a business man, Mr. Asheraft won immediate
recognition as an able executive and a tireless civic worker. During the World War he served as secretary of the State Council of Defense and as chairman of its executive committee. At the same time he served as a member of the Sulphur Committee of the War Industries Board, where he brought to bear a technical skill that was of great value.
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405
As chairman of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Bed Cross, as president of the Asso ciated Charities, president of the Atlanta Cham ber of Commerce, vice-president of the South eastern Fair Association and vice-president of the Botary Club, he has rendered effective com munity service, and is esteemed for the excel lence of his works in behalf of the community in which he lives, as well as for his generosity of heart.
Mr. Ashcraft was married in 1902 to Miss Mary Bayless, of Florence, Ala., and one daughter, just
entering upon womanhood, graces this union.
CHAPTER XXIV.
EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO
EXCEPTIONAL advantages are offered members of the colored race in Atlanta, where several of the leading religions denominations have established institu tions that rank among the foremost of their kind in the United States. Two of these date back to 1867 and the others have been in operation for many years, with the result that their influence in shaping the life of the colored people of the South has been very great.
The Morehouse College, conducted raider the auspices of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, was organized in 1870 at Augusta, Ga., being moved to Atlanta a few years later. It occupied originally a small site near the present Terminal Station, but it had grown to such pro portions by 1890 that the institution was removed to its present location. The first name of Morehouse College was "The Augusta Institute." This was changed to "The Atlanta Baptist Semi nary*' when it was removed to Atlanta. In 1897 amendments to the charter were secured, grant ing full college powers, and the name was changed to "Atlanta Baptist College." The name "Morehouse College" was adopted in 1913, in honor of Rev. Henry L. Morehonse, DJX, corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society and an outstanding friend of the colored race. In 1918 the college became affiliated with
EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO 407
the general organization of the Students Army Training Corps.
A campus of thirteen acres furnishes a splen did setting for the institution. It occupies one of the highest points in the city, being 1,100 feet above sea level, and commands a fine view of the city and surrounding country. A new athletic field was provided only about a year ago, and here ample provision is made for football, base ball, tennis, track events, etc. The buildings, most of which are comparatively new and of modern design, are grouped in pleasing fashion and are well equipped for the purposes for which they were designed.
Morehouse is emphatically a Christian school and is supported by Christian 'people for the Christian education of young men. The Young Men's Christian Association is one of the most flourishing institutions in the college, and under' its direction members are assigned to work in local Sunday schools and churches, thus obtain ing practical experience in Christian labor. There are numerous other organizations for the development of mind and body, including literary societies, a glee club, debating society, orchestra, football, baseball, tennis and basketball teams, etc. Thus religious, literary and athletic activ ities are encouraged. Hundreds of students have gone out of this college to enter the ministry, as well as other useful fields, and it has exercised a great influence in shaping the lives of its people.'
Spelman Seminary is another institution main tained by the American Baptist Home Mission Board, which does for the colored girl what More-
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house College does for the boy. It, too, has done and is doing a highly constructive work for the race. A fine site, adorned hy nearly a dozen wellappointed buildings, furnishes the primary equip ment of Spelman Seminary.
The growth of this institution is eloquent to the fidelity with which it has done its work Starting in 1881 in a dingy church basement, with equipment consisting of a Bible, paper and pencils, it has developed into one of the great educational institutions of the South. A graphic idea of the physical equipment as it is today may be gathered from the illustration which ap pears on another page. But no picture can con vey an adequate idea of the work that has been and is being accomplished in shaping human materials. "To train home-makers, teachers and nurses, and to cultivate Christian character." These are the high purposes behind the institu tion, and its zeal has never been known to lag. A splendid new building, devoted to home eco nomics, is helping to put the industrial side of Spelman Institute on a very high plane, making it possible to train teachers and supervisors and to give them the best along these lines. Nurse training also has made remarkable advances dur ing the past few years, the Bessie Strong Nurses' Home being an important factor in this connec tion. Graduate nurses are prepared for State examination, for registration in any State, and Georgia now has a number of these graduates who may place "B.N." after their names
The Teachers' Professional Course and the
Professional Home Economies Course are ac-
EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO 409
credited by the State of Georgia, the graduates of Spelman receiving State certificates. The Bible is taught in every department and grade, and there is a Sunday School Teachers Training Course, open to seniors, juniors and post-grad uates. Over 300 Spelman graduates hold certifi cates or diplomas from the Intermediate Sunday School Association.
The faculty of Spelman consists today of about 60 teachers, officers and matrons, and the value of the property is in excess of $500,000. The president of this remarkably efficient institution is Lucy Hale Tapley, under whose direction it is moving on to increasing greatness.
Clark University is a Christian school, founded in the year 1870 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is still largely dependent upon that church for its financial support. It has. however, a large prospective endowment in the 350 acres of land it possesses in the outskirts of the city
of Atlanta. The prime object in its founding in 1870 was
to furnish to the newly emancipated people an open door into the higher and broader realms of learning where they might have opportunity to develop mentally and spiritually. Few schools have been favored with a more desirable location for the ends to be reached. Of all the States Georgia has the largest Negro population, and by its central position, geographically, brings the other states within easy reach of the institution, while the numerous railroads radiating from the city render it easy of access to students. A more healthful location it would be difficult to find
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On the campus are four large, substantial brick buildings. The main building recently com
pleted at an approximate cost of $215,000, con tains a beautiful chapel, with seating capacity for 800, while the west wing houses a gymnasium' with swimming pool and all modern equipment. Between the chapel and gymnasium is the admin istrative department, containing offices of the
president, dean, registrar, and various class rooms on the first and second floors, while the' entire third floor, well lighted and modernly equipped with laboratories, furishes ample space for the science department.
On the campus are six cottages occupied by professors and their families.
Among other buildings and occupying a com
manding position, stands the Thayer Home, named for a former president of Clark Univer sity. This Home was founded and is still sup
ported by the Woman's Home Missionary Soci
ety of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the training of young women in the essentials of home-making, and for the teaching of domestic science. The Society recently has spent $30,000 for the enlargement and better equipment of this Home, enabling the institution to care for fifty young resident students. Enlarged and embel lished, this Home now stands out one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings on the Clark "University premises.
Among the oldest and best known institutions of Atlanta is the Gammon Theological Seminary, founded through the foresight of Bishop Gilbert Haven. He had the vision to see the possibilities
EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO 411
of such an institution, and the Freedmen's Aid Society, recognizing these possibilities, co-op erated with the Bishop in acquiring a site of 500 acres for the proposed Seminary. This was in 1881 when Dr. Haven was resident Bishop in At lanta. When this magnificent site was acquired, Clark University, which had been occupying cramped quarters, was moved thereto.
In the spring of 1882, Bishop Henry W. War ren, resident Bishop at the time, presented the cause of a trained ministry for the colored people to the Bev. Elijah J. Gammon, of Batavia, Illi nois, a retired minister who had shown an intense interest in the welfare of the race. Dr. Gammon, sensing the possibilities of a great institution of the kind located in the heart of the South, gave $20,000 to endow a chair of Theology in the Clark University, and a pledge of $5,000 toward a new Hall; the gifts being contingent only upon an addi tional sum of $20,000 being raised to complete the New Hall of Theology.
Bishop Warren met this challenge promptly and the corner stone of Gammon Hall was laid on May 12, 1883, the school being opened the following October. Mr. Gammon later set aside property valued at about $200,000 to be used as an endowment for the school; this property being administered by the Methodist Episcopal Church and its income paid to the Freedmen's Aid Soci ety for the benefit of the institution. Gammon Theological Seminary was then made distinct and separate from Clark University. This was in 1887, since which time it has increased in great ness and in the magnitude of the work performed.
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Upon Ms death in 1891, it was found that Rev.
Gammon had made the Seminary a legatee to
one-half the residuary portion of his estate. Thus
he not only fostered the institution during life,
but made provision for it with the approach of
life's end. His wife also was profoundly inter
ested in the work and co-operated with Mr. Gam
mon in all his efforts to deepen and to broaden
it.
New building were added to the plant from
time to time until it became the large and ade
quate institution of today. Graduates have gone
out from year to year to all parts of the South,
as well as to other quarters, and their influence
undoubtedly has had a tremendous effect upon
the religious life of the race. Trained not only
in the theory of their calling, but given much
practical work to do in and about Atlanta while
passing through the Seminary, they go forth well
qualified for the life of service they have under-
. taken.
The oldest among the institutions founded for
the education of negroes is the Atlanta Univer
sity, founded in 1865. The institution is beauti
fully situated upon the summit of a hill in the
Western part of the City, and is surrounded by
a campus of sixty acres. While essentially
Christian, Atlanta University is non-denomina
tional, though founded under the auspices of the
'!
American Missionary Association by Edmund
Asa Ware, who was a graduate of Tale Univer
sity. He became president of the institution and
remained at this post until bis death twenty
years later. There are seven substantial build-
EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO 413
ings, the value of the property as a whole being about $300,000. Instruction in manual training and domestic science is required of all high school students.
Another institution for colored people is the Morris Brown University, which is controlled by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It furnishes a splendid illustration of what colored people can do for themselves under the leadership of men who are actuated by the right spirit and who are qualified for the work in which they are engaged, and is an important factor in the educa tional life of Atlanta as it relates to the training and uplifting of the colored race. One of the prime movers behind Morris Brown is Bishop Joseph Simeon Flipper, of Atlanta.
In view of the great work the negroes are doing and have been doing in the cause of education in the City of Atlanta, it was fitting that the first recognition given the negro race at a great expo sition in the South, was given in the South, was given in Atlanta. Here, when the Piedmont Ex position of 1887 was held, a building was provided for the display of things created by the negro, and this building was opened with ceremonies in which many distinguished men of the white race took part. Incidentally, one of the speakers on this occasion was Booker T. Washington and it
is of more than passing interest that the speech he made at that time was the one which carried IIITTI to sudden fame. Until then he was not very
well known. After this speech he was one of the best known men of his race and his fame in-
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creased until he was generally recognized as the foremost negro of his age.
Manifestly, the negroes of Atlanta, and of the Sonth, for that matter, have had numerous lead ers of unselfish motives and great ability, other than Booker Washington, though most of them labored without such distinguished recognition. In Atlanta one of the foremost figures among the race is Bishop Joseph Simeon Flipper, a man whose influence has been felt throughout the South, and who has been a virile factor in the
development of the educational and religious life of his people. A man of remarkable attainments is Bishop Flipper. Born in 1859, when slavery still was a fact, his childhood spent amid the tur moil and uncertainty of great civil strife, he some how managed to obtain an education, and then successively became a school teacher, a pastor, the dean of a college, (Morris Brown) then pres ident of this college, and finally, a Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, South, being elected at Colum bus, Ohio, in 1900. While progressing thus, he accumulated considerable property and is now possessed of large financial resources. A far cry, this, from the cabin home of 1859, but it is a journey the like of which an increasing number of intelligent members of his race are taking as the result of such facilities are offered members of the race in the educational institutions of At lanta.
PLANT OP HANSON MOTOR CO.
OS
PLANT OF THE BLOCK CANDY CO.
Chronology of Atlanta
1821-1902
I N the following pages it is the intention to bring out briefly the more important develop ments in the history of Atlanta, beginning with the transfer in 1821 of the land upon
which the City stands and continuing until 1902, after which date events may be termed contemporanious rather than historical. This chronol ogy is designed to give paragraphic information upon many incidents which it has been impossible to treat more extensively in a single volume, as well as to afford the reader an easy means of
acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the City's past without the necessity of extensive research.
1821.--The land upon which Atlanta stands is conveyed to the State by the Creek Nation.
1825.--First land lottery held, the site of Atlanta passing into the hands of private owners. Land lot 78, on which the great majority of Atlanta's sky-scrap ers stand, was drawn by a wo man, Jane Doss.
1826.--Property drawn by Jane Doss, (202 1-2 acres,) is now owned by Mathew Henry, who purchased It from Jane Doss for $50, or less than 25 cents an acre.
1827-1832.--These years wit nessed no improvements in the land which had become private property, and the Indians roamed It at will.
1833.--Hardy Ivy erects first house on the land which is to become the site of Atlanta.
1834.--Rumors of prospective railroads penterate the wilder ness.
1835.--The Central Railroad is chartered.
1836.--Work begins on Geor gia Railroad, destined to be the first to reach Atlanta.
1837.--The name "Terminus" is given to the future city. The first inn, "The Whitehall," is erected by Charner Humphries.
1838.--First train reaches Forsyth over new road from Macon. Eviction of Indians be gins.
1839.--First store erected by John Thrasher.
1840.--Thrasher becomes dis couraged and leaves, but re turns later on.
1841.--First depot, a frame structure, erected. Willis Carl-
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ATLANTA
iale and wife move here, com bank started by John F. Mims,
ing from Marietta, where they agent of the Georgia Railroad.
had just been married.
1848.--First foundry and ma
1842.--First child born In chine shop erected by A. Ley-
Terminus, daughter of Mr. and den, S. H. Kills, Richard Peters
Mrs. Willis Carlisle. Western & and J. F. Mims. Council au
Atlantic Railroad reaches Mar thorizes first sidewalk, to be
ietta; first train run there from built of wood. First Baptist
Terminus.
church formally organized; also
1843--Name of town changed to Marthasville in honor of the daughter of Governor Lumpkin. Municipal government created with five commissioners in charge.
First Presbyterian. Masonic Lodge No. 28, organized. First Methodist Sunday School orga nized; Wesley Chapel dedicated by Bishop James O. Andrews. Board of Health elected. Macon bank establishes branch in At
1844.--First industry, a. saw lanta.
mill, established by Jonathan Norcros8. Hon. John C. Calhoun visits Marthasville and makes glowing prophecy con cerning its future. John Thrash er, who had abandoned the town returns and opens store.
1849.--First daily newspaper, The Intelligencer, is started. B. F. Bomar elected mayor. First telegraph office opened in May; first commercial message sent to Philadelphia by Dr. E. K. Cane, arctic explorer. -W. F.
1845.--Name changed to At lanta. First newspaper. The Democrat, launched. Sept. 15, first train from outside world arrives, coming from Augusta; Is occasion of great celebration. Cabinet shop and coffin fac
Martin now manufacturing buggies and wagons. Western & Atlantic Railroad completed to Chattanooga in December. Atlanta and West Point Rail road completed, making fourth line entering city.
tory started by William 1850.--Willis Buell elected
Whitaker. First protracted mayor. Offer of ?1,000 and a
meeting held. Movement started Bite made for permanent lo
for formation of Atlanta Med cation of fair of Southern Ag
ical College. Earthenware fac ricultural Association. The
tory started by J. R. Craver. Church of, Christ organized.
First school opened. About 20 First State. Fair held. N. E.
families now living in the town. Gardner begins manufacture of
1846.--Arrival of first train from Macon celebrated. Three new weeklies started. The Luminary, The Enterprise and Southern Miscellany. First brick hotel. The Atlanta, erect ed.
buggies and wagons. Mills & Andrews start harness factory. William Whitaker begins man ufacture of furniture.
1851.--Jonathan Norcross in stalled as Mayor. First vol unteer fire department orga' nized, Atlanta Fire Company,
1J7.--"City" charter is ob No. 1. Ordinance passed re
tained by Atlanta, aldermanic quiring all houses to be pro
system o'f government being vided with a ladder and two
Installed; Moses M. Formwalt buckets as a precaution against
first mayor. First Sunday fire. Digging of three wells au
School organized. Joint School thorized by council. Agitation
and Church building erected. for erection of city hall begins.
Atlanta and West Point Rail Church of the Immaculate Con
road chartered. Methodist ception organized. Butter sell
church and Baptist church ing from 15 to 20 cents a pound:
erected. First Masonic lodge. ham 14 to 15 cents; bacon 7
Atlanta No. 59. organized Oct. to 8 cents; cotton 6 to 9 cents.
28; Mt. Zion Royal Chapter of Evans Chapel, Methodist,
Masons organized. Episcopal founded. Factories multiply
Church organized. Two new ing--G. C. Rogers & Bros.,
schools, private, opened. First operating tannery, John WH-
CHRONOLOGY
419
liamson manufacturing tin ware. Williams Bros., manu facturing: furniture and match es. Bmmel and Cunnigham manufacturing candy. Five pri vate schools opened during year.
1852.--I. F. Gibbs elected may
or. The Bank of Atlanta or
ganized. Industrial expansion
continues--Copper stills being
made by Formwalt & Tomph-
son; hat factory has been
opened on Decatur street:
freight cars and cotton gins are
being made by together with
Joseph Winship, sash and doors;
a book bindery has been started
by William Kay, and a large
flour mill has been erected by
Richard and W. G. Peters.
Erection of the Fulton House,
a three-story hotel, begins at
Alabama and Pryor streets.
1852.--J. F. Mims elected
mayor, receiving 369 votes-;-the
town is growing and a night
police force of three men is
inaugurated. Street lamps, oil
burning, are authorized, the
wscaihtmiizceehnstdo. evbMeeliosmpseioadninitSnautionnedtdahyebsyTchrtiohnoel
ity Methodist Church, is started.
Second Baptist Church orga
nized. Winship Machine Com
pany organized.- Business of
Georgia Railroad depot for year
is $23,807. Fulton County cre
ated tion
by of
Legislature out of por DeKalb. Mayor Mims
resigned Oct. 29, being suc-
ceeded by William Markham.
Talmadge & Kirkpatrick start
furniture factory; Gilbert &
Strong operating planing mill
and manufacturing beds.
1854.--William Butts elected
mayor. Major George Shaw,
veteran of the War of 1812,
dies. paved
Whitehall street with macadam.
ordered Night
police men.
force Increased to Citizens neglect to flU
six oil
lamps and agitation for gas
plant begins. Corporate limits
extended. Mayor authorized to
prepare corporate seal for city.
First engine house erected at
a cost of $800. The "go-get-it"
habit forming, as movement is
launched to bring State Cap
ital to Atlanta. City Hall erect
ed, being opened with "grand ball." Use of City Hall granted to Medical College. Brick side walks ordered put down on Whitehall and Alabama streets. Atlanta Bank withstands "run" in which large sums are with drawn. Population now 6,025. The "Trout House," first large hotel, takes out license.
1855.--The "Know-Nothing"
party reaches formidable pro
portions and makes stiff fight
for control of municipal gov
ernment. Allison Nelson, Dem
ocrat, elected mayor over I. Daniel, "Know-Nothing," vote of 425 to 415. Pitts
O. by &
Cook begin manufacture of gins
and threshing tract for gas
machines. Con plant executed
and order placed for fifty "or
namental" lamp posts. Mayor
Nelson resigns July 6, being
succeeded by John Glenn.
Another "run" on the Atlanta
Bank, which survives after pay
ing out about $800,000. City
first lighted by gas on Christ
mas Day. The Atheneum, theatre, erected on site of
early Kim-
ball House by James E. Wil
liams. City offers $3,000 for per
manent location of State Fair.
Cigar factory started.
1856.--John Glenn elected
mayor. Salary of Prof. A, W.
Owen, teacher of school," increased
the "free to $600 &
year. City subscribes for $3,-
000 of the stock of the Chatta-
hoochee Bridge Company. Me
chanics Fire Company No. 2,
volunteers, organized. "Soft
drink" industry begins with
manufacture of "soda water"
by T. W. West. and three stores Whitehall streets Holland. Bank of
Brick hotel erected on by E. W. Fulton orga
nized. Georgia Railroad &
Banking Company opens branch
bank. J. M. Mims, former may
or, dies.
1857.--William Kzzard elected mayor. Fulton Lodge No. 216 organized. City subscribes for $100,000 of the capital stock of the Georgia Air Line Railroad, running to Charlotte, N. C. In debtedness of city now $46,315.77. Council authorizes 25 additional street lamps. Fire
420
ATLANTA
limits adopted. Steps taken to organize T. M. C. A. Atlanta A West Point Railroad completed. Atlanta Rolling Mill started; was here that iron for the famous "Merrimac" was rolled. Broom factory started. Stewart ft Austin begin erec tion of flour mill. Whisky dis tillery and brewery started. Pitts & Cook build planing mill. Eighth hotel, "The National," erected.
1858.--L. J. Glenn elected mayor. Local mechanics make vigorous protest to city coun cil against use of slave labor in industrial plants. Additional subscription of $100,000 to stock of Air Line Railroad authorized by vote of the people. Ordi nance passed requiring cattle to be kept up at night. T. M. C. A. organized and work started under leadership of B. H. Overby, president, and N. J. Hammond, secretary. Central Pres byterian church organized. Merchants protest against al leged rate discriminations by railroads. David Crockett hang ed for murder of a fanner named Landrum, robbery being the motive of the crime; first execution in Atlanta.
1869.--&. 3. Glenn re-elected mayor; reports finances in good shape, city, having paid off floating debt of $3,000. Gas company, in which city holds 919,000 of stocks, pays 10 per cent dividend. Tallulah Fire Company No. 3, organized; another volunteer company. Local slave dealers protest against intrusion of outside dealers; ask that heavy license be Imposed. City suffers from wood famine. Business men be gin active fight against rate discriminations. Wlllis Carlisle, City Marshal, and father of first child born in Atlanta, dies. Agitation for free public schools begins. L. 8. Blake killed while assisting in fighting fire on Alabama street; first fire fighter to lose his life in city. Jefferson Davis, then United States Senator, arrested in At lanta "on suspicion," much to the embarrassment of the may or. Salary of the mayor in
creased from $500 to fl.OOO per year. Planters Hotel erected.
1880.--William Kzzard elected mayor. City subscribes for $300,000 of Georgia Western Railroad stock. Stephen A. Douglas visits Atlanta and makes speech in favor of per petuating Union, using lan guage that arouses considerable feeling among Southerners. Speech followed by first steps toward organization of "Minute Men." Association of Minute Men formed Nov. 8, with many prominent citizens enrolled. Central Presbyterian Church building completed. City given authority to tax saloons $300 and lotteries $500 a year. Rate agitation continues, merchants charging that railroads are in a conspiracy against Atlanta. W. W. Baldwin, ex-president volunteer fire company No. 1, dies. New Masonic temple ded icated.
1861.--W. M. and R. 3. Lowrey start bank. Jared I. Whitaker defeats William Ezzard for Mayor after most acrimonious campaign in history of city, vote being 695 to 452. Delega tion to state convention, which is to determine whether or not Georgia is to withdraw from the Union, elected on same day, candidates favoring withdraw al winning by large majorities. Atlanta Grays elect A. M. Wal lace captain. Jan. 3 Georgia Volunteers organized. Jan. 25 Volunteer company organized, G. W. Lee, captain. Feb. IE, Jefferson Davis, newly elected president of the Confederate States of America, guest of city; given military escort to Trout House, where reception described as "moat brilliant" In history of city. Is tendered. Feb. 24, first Atlanta, soldiers leave to loin army at Savan nah; 18 in party. Atlanta Grays Fulton Dragoons, Atlanta Ca dets and Fulton Blues ready for action. Feb. 27, Davls In fantry organized. March 12, Alexander H. Stephens, vicepresident of Confedracy, vis its city and is given enthusias tic reception. Delivered bril liant address, predicting that
CHRONOLOGY
421
Ft. Sumter would surrender within ten days. April 1, Gate City Guards leave tor Pensacola, William L. Ezzard, cap tain. April 17, Atlanta ladies organize to provide comforts tor soldiers. April IS, news of se cession of Virginia received with vast enthusiasm. April 19, Committee of Safety organized. April 24, Confederate Volunteers organized, L. J. GartreU, cap tain. Stephens Rifles organized same day, I*. J. Glenn, captain. April 26, Silver Grays organiz ed, composed exclusively of men over 45 years of age; Hubbard Cozart, captain. Volun teer fire companies form them selves into "Home Brigade." April 29, Safe Guards organized. May 6, citizens of German ex traction organize Steuben Rifles, M. L. I/ichtenstadt, captain. May 8, volunteer regiment formed. May 18, Phillips Rifles formed, ,S. C. Rose, captain. May 24, Free Trade Rifles or ganized under name of Con federate Continentals, E. M. Seago, captain. May 2S, Atlan ta Amateurs organized for re lief work, S. H. B. Oatman, superintendent. Mechanics Ri fles organized, C, B. Castello, captain. July 23, Confederate Guards enter service. Aug. 9, Fulton County proclaimed ban ner county of state, having eleven companies in the serv ice and the Fulton Dragoons ready to go. Oct. 7, Fulton True Blues, organized, Albert Howell, captain. October 19, Wnittaker Volunteers organiz ed, M. M. Raspberry, captain. Confederate Government invited to make Atlanta Capitol, and use of public buildings tendered. Mayor Whitaker resigns to be come Commissary-General of Georgia (Nov. 23), and is suc ceeded Dec. 13, by Thomas F. Lowe.
1862.--J. M. Calhoun elected mayor. April 12, City startled by news of Andrews Raid. June 1, James I>. Andrews, leader of Andrews' Raiders, executed in Atlanta. June 18, Samuel Robbinaon. Samuel Shavens, Wil liam Campbell, Marion A. Ross, George D. Wilson, John Scott and Perry G. Shadrack execu
ted in Atlanta for participation in Andrews Raid. Atlanta made military post in June. Aug. 16, martial law declared by Gen eral Bragg. Mayor Calhoun ap pointed "Civil Governor" of Atlanta. Sept. 3, habeas cor-
Sus suspended. Oct. 16, St. Philps Hospital and Aid Society organized. Conscription notice calla all able-bodied men be tween ages of 35 and 45 Into military service. Oct. 16, con scripts between ages of 18 and 45 called. July 1, all persons between ages of 18 and 45 call ed by Mayor Calhoun to defend their homes, danger of a Fed eral raid being pointed out. Cost of living mounts to unprece dented figures. Tea Is $12 a pound, coffee $3.50, meal $2.50 a bushel, flour $45 a. barrel, eggs $1 a dozen. Practically all industries now turned to man ufacture of munitions of war. Date of city election changed to first Wednesday in December. J. M. Calhoun re-elected mayor. Small pox hospital ordered built.
1863.--Small pox situation se rious; compulsory vaccination ordered. First consignment of Federal prisoners reaches city. Large sums contributed by cit izens for relief work among soldiers. General Howell Cobb appointed commander of State troops, with headquarters in Atlanta. April 17, Sale of whis key at retail prohibited. July 31, city police organized into military company. Oct. 16, Council appoints committee on entertainment of Jefferson Davis, who is to pass through city enroute to Richmond. Nor. 6, fire department gives ball for benefit of families of soldiers. Mayor Calhoun re-elected.
1864.--Citizens subscribe $10,000 toward equipping General Morgan's men. Feb. 5. news papers announce that Federals are planning attack upon At lanta. April 26, Tennessee Re lief Association formed. Gene ral S. R. Anderson, chairman; popular subscriptions amount to $24,000; committee appointed to go to front and aid in re lief work among soldiers. May 4, "Georgia Campaign," culmi-
422
ATLANTA
in capture of Atlanta, opens. Mat 9, all persons be tween ages of IS and 60 or dered to appear at city nail to be armed and equipped. May 17. troops organized for local defense undergo inspection on Marietta street under direction of Marcus 3. Wright. May 23, Mayor Calhoun issues procla mation calling on all male cit izens not in army to appear Hay 20 to be organized into companies for denfense of homes. May 27, sound of ene my guns beard in Atlanta for first time. Fighting preliminary to capture of Atlanta in prog ress from day to day. June 10 observed as day of fasting and prayer. June 22 to 27, terriffic fighting'about Kennesaw Moun tain. Press criticises Confed erate Government for failure to provide adequate defense for Atlanta. July 15, Sherman's army has crossed the Chattahoochee River; forming line near Peachtree Creek, July 17, Major-General J. B. Hood placed in command of Confed erate forces, succeeding General Johnston. (General Johnston reInstated Feb. 23, 1865). July 18. Union spy escapes from At lanta, carrying to General Sherman news of change in Confederate commanders. Con certed movement against At lanta begins; City placed under military government. July 20, Confederates make desperate charge against enemy center, and attack spreads to right center; forced to retire after gaining temporary advantages. First enemy shell fen in At lanta on this date, killing child at intersection of Ivy and Bast Kills streets. July 22, "Battle of Atlanta;" Confederates take initiative in terrific assault. Federals gain high ground northeast of city and rain of shells increase. Genera] McPheraon and General W. H. T. Walker killed; Col. J. M. Brown, brother of Governor Brown, wounded fatally. Con federates begin preparations for evacuation of city. July 23, truce declared for burial of dead. July 28, desperate fight ing around Ezra Church. Shell ing of city continuous, causing
numerous fires and heavy loss of property. Aug. 5, Federals under General Scbofield attack but are repulsed. Aug. 31, Fed erals succeed in cutting Atlan ta off from rest of world; bat tle of Jonesboro fought; Sept. 1, Confederates evacuate city, destroying immense quantity of stores. Outbreak of lawless ness follows, stores being looted by uncontrolable mobs. Sept. Z, Mayor Calhoun and committee of citizens make formal surren der of city to General Sherman. Federal troops enter at once. Sept. 4, General Sherman or ders civil population to leave city. Exodus .begins Sept 12, protests from General Hood and Mayor Calhoun having no ef fect. Nov. 10, Federals making preparations to evacuate city; bridge across Chattahoochee River burned and railroads torn up. Nov. 15, Sherman burns Atlanta and begins march to Sea. Confederates return and Atlanta is made headquarters for Fifth Military District. Dec. 10, Daily Intelligencer resumes publication. Civil population be gins to return. Dec. 25, first ser mon after destruction of city preached by Rev. Henry Carr Hornady, pastor First Baptist church. 'Work of rehabilita tion is getting under way.
1865.--Mayor Calhoun contin ued in office. Population in creasing rapidly and many places of business being opened. Easter services held in churches May 4, official confirmation re ceived of rumor that General Lee had surrendered to General Grant On same day the At lanta Military Post turned over to Col. E-. B. Eggleston, of United States Army. Col. Eggleston issues order prohibiting sale of intoxicating liquors to soldiers. Good order maintain ed. May 11, Daily Intelligencer compliments Col. Eggleston for consideration shown in relief of needy. May 16, United States flag raised in front of Col. Eggleston's headquarters; left at half mast because of death of President Lincoln. May 26, Mayor authorized to borrow $20,000 but was unable to ob tain loan. June 20, Bond is-
CHBONOLOGY
423
sue of |20,000, in denomina tions of from 25- cents to ten dollars, authorized to pay ex penses of operating city; bonds took the place of money to large extent. Beck & Gregg Hardware Co., founded by Tommey, Stewart & Orr. Governor Brown issues call for Legisla ture to assemble May 22; is ar rested by order of General Wil son, Military Commander, toether with Alexander H.
tephens, General Howell Cobb and B. H. Hill; Military Com mander forbids assembling of legislature. June 17, James Johnson, of Chambers, appoint ed Provisional Governor by the President. June 29, Governor Brown, having been Teleased from Washington prison by order of President Johnson, but not being allowed to resume duties of office, tenders resig nation. Oct. 25, State Conven tion, called by Provisional Gov ernor, assembles in Atlanta; ordinance of secession repealed, slavery abolished and news constitution adopted. Nov. 15, Judge Charles J. Jenkins, Dem ocrat, elected Governor; Pres ident Johnson approves election and removes Provisional Gov ernor. Atlanta National Bank Organized. James E. Williams elected mayor.
1866.--Jan. 5, Legislature elects Alexander H. Stephens and H. V. Johnson to United States Senate, but they were not seated. Jan. IS, Detachment of Fiftieth Illinois Regiment, on duty in Atlanta, mustered out. April 17, Members Thir teenth Connecticut Regiment, mustered out; office of Pro vost-Marshal abolished; sol diers leaving for homes. April 21. Gas works ready to resume operations. April 29, "Memorial Day" first observed. Two new hotels erected, with many places of business under way. Aug. 31, Class of 28 graduated at Atlanta Medical College. Proposition of George Hillyer for building street railroad ac cepted and right of way. grant ed. Hebrew Benevolent Con gregation organized. Atlanta Mining & Rolling Mill Company organized. Masonic Temple, left standing by Sherman, is
destroyed by accidental fire. Concordia Society formed. Small pox epidemic and com pulsory vaccination in force. Legislative act extending city limits a mile and a half in all directions from depot, is ap proved at the polls. Fire de partment asks for $13,300 to re place equipment destroyed by Union army. First fire engine purchased. Twenty-two schools now in operation.' Standing walls of burned buildings, left by Sherman, are ordered pulled down. Incendiary fires having been frequent, city offers $1,000 reward for guilty persons. May or Williams re-elected.
1867.--City growing with ex traordinary rapidity, population now approaching 20,000. New rolling mill and numerous other industries in operation. March 15, City buys $1,000 worth of provisions and sends to Chattanooga for relief of flood victims. Agitation for water works system begins. April 26, Council gives vote of thanks to -Rev. Henry Carr Hornady for relief work among the destitute. Sunday School which developed into St. Paul's Methodist Church, organized. Mission which developed into Third Baptist Church, orgaiyzed. Independent Order of Gpod Templers organized. Toung Men's Library Association or ganized, Henry Jackson, pres ident. Ordinance adopted nam ing and marking streets. At lanta University opened. Dec. 28, General Pope removed as military commander; succeeded by General George M. Meade. Mayor Williams re-elected.
1868.--Agitation for removal of State Capitol to Atlanta re newed; committee appointed' to prosecute matter and site for State building offered; issue presented to Constitutional Con vention, then in session in At lanta. January 16, Atlanta Con stitution launched, opening vig orous fight for restoration of constitutional government. Jan uary IS, General Meade re moves Governor Jenkins and State Treasurer John Jones for refusing to issue warrant for $40,000 covering cost of state
424
ATLANTA
oCtGcrofooynlv,oveneUrOennnlrtodiirootie;nntda;CnTaScTphtehati.rottemCysC-.atosAFhri.rprHmsdR,.yo,cRIknmmuwfgaaaeenddlrlee,,
ocTtrifreaetitanyhseuloorcaerirdgt.ays n. oizfReAwdat.ilolaronodatLadtaosdBitiehbsdeleopnMSoaooeter
mJJsGtouooohlrrvynieeadr4ln, oABtrSos.tsBaottcuheGilaelootoricfodUknonGnti,afoeoonkrr.emgpsirJeaoedusa,liiystdhMern2reo1tsf.,.
ospbocffeufrftiieicilbrtdeiie.ionnsnggA1ufu7toso0ger0.,or0Se0ft1m0a7nt,oeevw.foaCrloitpoCyefsirttyaCoacmahkposeiunutabdsilnes,
GinegorpgliaaceWoefste$r2n50,R00a0ilrporaedv,iotuaskly
sSutbamscrpibftedS.tencAiltlWanotraks
Rubber founded.
HFnagei-reaediHn nololufssresgyweesadet.leefrcoDtreedwcyo.emrak2ars,yoW*rs6.yi1lsl,t5iea4mm0;
tsoeairlxekgceatnnae;nidzdecdha.nisliddxrBteefonieransrbtdentswouchfmeoeEbonedlruacgce6aen,ts4is7ouo4ns.f Blct1caoo,ooimrdaHnb.reeduisrsyCtFooosrtfirtwrioncsEonet.rdeWusMsccetoheaosfotltnheioeoyonlndeoswiCfsiatthuenastCbeph.wuheoilurSldMriezbcipnehaetdg;. sonic Temple laid. Post O. M. RnMoeirptcuhHbelolilcw,, elGolrrgaCanondbizbeAdd.rimeEsyx-inGofoNvteehwreYork. Dec. 7, D. F. Hammond elected Mayor. Population now 21.789.
4,
1871.--R. E. volunteers,
Lee Fire Co., organized.
No. City
receives 5 per cent dividend on
fogbCtCoofaehorfesimucnwrsemwct.oohaercirktknceco;sreStmfa2to.3alpwrl0peleodpPptre.eouakrdiuebsn.,clltCi'tscsiChoblnaioocgMmnnohmdtboetreftsamhrciohitsptdastoliuveoesseeefttt
1869.--City ite for Fair
buys 42 of State
acres as Agricul
trb7ouo3nr3rain.ad1Rgl.2icAOhfFomsgurslnooedtncshiadaoomtrfi&peo$e.n3,D0U,0W apn0n0aiovvyrireliklnaresigsisetRtyda$ar4itttl,oos-
ASCcltahlaronkotla;UwonhpiviecenhresditdyheevreeilsoopnesdtOacrtit.nedt4o..
AMLuoodgrugehestoauNsoet.oC*9oA8l,ltelgaMenatsamo. novice,Gd eoofrrrgogamia
MsJn$t4aiaza5me,rn0dtes0.is0o.mnE)ar.,CecshheViiurdnaereenccnthceseW dho, ofianptIk.(mGleaoJmvoc&aehocrnsuntColaHroot'.es.,f
Conception of $80.000.
erected at a Dec. 1, William
cost Ez-
zard elected Mayor.
fwgCaaoii1tnlr8yeik7dss0e.od.f--plALaTtnehlmgate,insotlvtaaweBt,umoJtrmoeenpbtreasirlaveluactttehHhloyaworvuiaiozstnreeegrs, mAHedtoo.lusatsneTt,amr,fiaanegmirnteyoicfuitcseMednfe.ottrhDosyedtGeriasuirtvcset,uCOerhreupereccritnha eTkCriholelotcetrtdoenndtob. nyM, iMtlnrlsaraoiynmf.omu2Fn2e,udnlettdSo.pnimoPloBiantaiycgniaWen&'s.,
toFtCwiifooohhnunuicrr$hatco4hhr4fit0soB,pe0saol0papr0anagtnyitas.dnta.fiuzodCterPehdelaoan;ptrytrlirasizacneaklctdlo;sBnoLlsaiyttwpnrigtutciihtahcshe-t,
pioneer contractor, dies. Passenger Station
Union erected.
Bfuinopuugirldsdtuihonrurgimnndgroaeyfcdetciarvrsii.tttirycuiOscmtcturt.eramen2s3de,npgdForooaiunbcsg,
JawaseshaerbgancmoelrerormriertnaltepeynlnyRrttotuhCsaffoeeuonocfrsrnduelatSeBifhyott.fanielsterBees. suuafaOolcrlfrcrocfteetach.eskiemrtd3s0sri.,siessmsBGtsBiauageotunennveld-;s
ilscsoirlncaakctteusarseitnhGecocovownenvartnrer.noorle.sNfooNwrvoi.tvfhi.r1s51tD,, eLBtmieemgore
fEpnviSniaaercnrnrshdoitdnonpoatectlehMorasn,ardatohileblofloinoennlntgAd.e,i,tnDltsafrfohoi.nfrirstlsDamatb,.oetoirhnfCrflbe.siycecOeiina.to'ysPgKf,WuebSeSptefhluauseicett,
GAknatlotanwnentsavialplseu.b"litcDhesecch.foaot6hl,se,"rJodohfinesthHine.
James elected mayor.
1872.--Public school system
Chapel, rebuilt.
destroyed during war, Fifth Baptist Church
opened vided
formally, with city into three school
di dis-
CHEONOLOGY
425
tricts; total registration of pu
pils 2,090, which is twice the
estimate of the Board of Edu
cation. Jan. 12, Great rejoicing
over the inauguration of Gov
ernor James M. Smith, whose
entry into office of "carpet-bag"
marks the end rule. Marietta
street car line put in tion. Water Commission
opera insti
tuted with J. Redwine and
M. W.
Toy, C. B. Cox
L. as
commissioners; are authorized
to execute contract for erection
of water works; contractors
agree to accept city bonds in
payment at 85 cents on the dol
lar. Peachtree car line put in
operation in August. Asa G.
Candler, destined to become
South's wealthiest citizen, lo
cates in Atlanta, starting to
work as clerk in a drug store.
A wave of "spiritualism"
sweeps city; Association of
Spiritualists organized. Gate
City Fire Company No. 5, or
ganized. Citizens Bank of Geor
gia organized, John T. Grant
president. Merchants Bank of
Atlanta organized, James Ball president. Dec. 4, D.
M. C.
Hammock elected mayor.
1873.--Postmaster J. L. Dun
ning urges that all houses be
numbered preparatory to in
stallation of tem. May
free delivery 30, contract
sys for
numbering houses let to W. S.
Bradburry for $720. Bishop
Gross, at Savannah, and prom
inent local Catholics attempt to
obtain a. division of public
school funds for benefit of
Catholic schools, but principle
is held to be unsound and pe
tition is denied by Board of
Education. Markham Baptist
Church and Oglethorpe Univer
sity buildings rented by city for
school purposes. Contract ex
ecuted for installation of water
works system, after much de
lay due to litigation etc. Dem
ocratic State Convention held in
Atlanta nominating John B.
Gordon to United States Sen
ate. Three new school build
ings erected. Ivy Street and "Walker
Street, Street.
Crew Syna
gogue erected at cost of $25,-
5gp. T. M. C. A. reorganized.
Walter R. Brown, president.
Merritt's Avenue Methodist
church started.
organized and building Atlanta Manufacturers
Association organized, purpose
being to make Atlanta great
manufacturing center. Marietta
street school built. Dec. 3, S.
B.18S7p4e.n--ceCratehloelcictes d
Mayor. petition
school board to provide Cath
olic teachers in public schools
for instruction of Catholic chil
dren, but petition is denied,
statement being made that "the
strength of the public school
system is in the fact that it is
carried on by all the citizens
In common." Richmond & Dan
ville Railroad, now Southern,
completed to Atlanta. Term
of Mayor lengthened to two
years. Peachtree car line ex
tended to Ponce Springs. Whitehall
de Leon street car
line put in operation. Bonded
debt of city $1,923.900; floating
debt $321,424.77. Third Presby
terian Church organized. C. C.
Hammock elected Mayor Dec.
2.
1875.--Assets of city inven
tory $1,783,700. City paying
enormous rate of interest, as
high as 18 per cent in some
instances. Systematic effort
made to reduce interest charges,
with result that highest charges
are reduced to 12 per cent.
The Markham House, modern
hotel, erected by Col. William
Markham. Water works sys
tem completed and put in op
eration. German Church organized. James M. Calhoun,
Lutheran Oct. 21. war-time
mayor and distinguished pa
triot, dies. The Sunny South
begins publication. Atlanta
Savings Bank organized. S. B.
Hoyt, president
1876.--Tear made notable by solution of vexing problem pre sented by high interest rates. Finance Committee of City Council visits New York and succeeds in borrowing money at 7 per cent. Floating debt reduced $60,566.70. George W. Adair, E. E. Rawson and G. W. Terry elected on Water Board. Aaron Alexander, pio neer druggist, dies. Joel Chand ler Harris, author, selects At lanta as his home. First Meth odist Church erected at cost of
426
ATLANTA
170,000. Aug. 2, Democratic State Convention meets in At lanta, nominating Alfred H. Colquitt for Governor. X. L. Angier elected mayor.
1877.--I n t e n s e excitement over election upon removal of State Capital to Atlanta; vote results, for removal^ 99,147; against removal, 55,291; ma jority for removal, 43,946. Thus a crusade begun In 1854 is crowned with success. Legis lature elects B. H. Hill to United States Senate. Catholic Library Association formed. Cost of schools, flre protection and police protection for year la $58,518; total cost of opera ting city, exclusive of interest, $110,308.37; Interest charges for year amount to $168,780.37.
1878.--President Rutherford B. Hayes and wife visit Atlan ta and are given elaborate re ception. Assets of City now $1,573,800, including $300,000 of Georgia Western Railroad stock, $300,000 of Air Line Railroad stock, $96,200 of gaa stock and mortgage on Opera House for $79,000. Assessed value of real and personal property in city now $17,996,530; tax rate $2.30 on the $100 of assesed value. Jan. 14, Dr. 3. A. Taylor, cit izen of Atlanta since 1854, dies. Uniform Bank, Knights of Pythias organized. Telephone "system" installed, beginning with two 'phones. Dec. 4, Wil liam L. Calboun, son of James A. Calhoun, war-time mayor, is elected to the office so long held by his father.
1879.--Bond issue of $385,000 for payment of floating debts is authorized, making total bonded debt $2,201,500. New building erected by Southern Medical College. Gate City National Bank organized, succeeding At lanta Savings Bank; L. M. Hill, president. Thirty patrolmen now employed, the monthly sal ary being $54 each. Swift Spe cific Company formed. Atlanta Cotton Mills organized.
1880.--L. P. Grant succeeds G. W. Terry on Water Board. City divided into five grammar school districts; school attend ance 3,828, with 300 holding
tickets of admission for whom there is no room. Ex-Governor Joseph E. Brown appointed to the United States Senate by Governor Colquitt, succeeding Senator Gordon, resigned. Con tract let for erection of Hous ton Street School. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church or ganized. March 28, Dr. Wil liam H. White, an enthusiastic citizen who brought many ex cursions to Atlanta from the West, dies in Iowa. Finn of Maddox & Co., formed. Build ing of Young Men's Library As sociation on Decatur street, dedicated. Henry W. Grady conducts successful campaign for re-election of Governor Col quitt. James W. English elect ed mayor, defeating H. L JECimball by a vote of 1,433 to 1,379. R. J. Lowry, candidate for Alderman-at-Iarge, opposed by A. N. Watson, a negro; latter received 93 votes, with 2,706 for Mr. Lowry. Population of city now 37,400.
1881.--Electric flre alarm tel egraph system installed. "Street lamplighter" elected at a salary of $1,700 a year. Organization formed for holding Internation al Cotton Exposition in Atlan ta, Senator Joseph E. Brown, president; resigned later to be succeeded by Gov. Alfred H. Colquitt. H. I. Kimball, pio neer advocate of exposition, sells enough stock in company on tour of the North to In sure its success, local citizens having subscribed liberally. Mr. Kimball made chief executive officer of exposition company. Exposition opens Oct. 5 with 1,113 exhibits; daily average at tendance 3,816; cross receipts $262,513; disbursements, $258,475: closed Dec. 31, having been triumphant success. Gate City Street Railroad Company organized; built car line from Kimball House to Ponce de Leon Springs. "Street Con science" develops, resulting in creation of Board of Commis sioners of Streets and Sewers, consisting of John Berkele, M. E. Maher and W. H. Venable; era of paved streets begins. Atlanta Baptist Female Semi nary, afterward Spelman Sem inary, Is started. Nov. 24, Wil-
CHRONOLOGY
427
liam Rushton, pioneer railroad man, dies.
1882.--Pronounced agitation for more and better parks; Col. It, P. Grant offers to donate 100 acres for this purpose (property now known as Grant Park). City has 426 gas lamps and 51 oil lamps in lighting system. Metropolitan Street Railway Co., formed; line built on Pryor Street, with branch to Clark University. Southern Ag ricultural Works, Atlanta Cot ton Seed Oil Mills, and Exposi tion Cotton Mills, are organized. West End and Whitehall street car lines connected, tunnel pro vided to avoid railroad crossing at Peters Street. Southern Med ical College decides to open hospital; acquires and uses old Central Hotel on Ivy for this purpose. July 1 made "red let ter day" by introduction of paid fire department and relief of volunteers who had protected the city since its founding. Matt Ryan first fire chief, with thirty-seven men under him; three steamers, four hose reels, one hook and ladder, fifteen horses and 4,000 feet of hose. Volunteer companies paid $12.100 by city for their equipment. First paving done by city; granite blocks being placed on Alabama Street and macadam on Peachtree and Whitehall. Dec. 6, John B. Goodwin elec ted Mayor over E. J. Roach, vote 1,247 and 881, respectively. State Democratic Convention, meeting in Atlanta, abolishes two-thirds rule; nominates Stephens for Governor, to which office re was elected
1883.--Atlanta Journal ap pears. Capital City Club orga nized. Unitarians organize "Church of Our. Father." Fourth Presbyterian Church organized. Capital City Bank organized, Jacob Elsas, President, J. W. English, Vice-President. Oct. 12, Atlanta's most magnificent hotel, the Kimball House, is destroyed by fire, (rebuilt at cost of $660,000.) Georgia Col lege of Electric Medicine and Surgery (founded in 1839), re moved from Macon to Atlanta. Sixth Ward established. St. Luke's Episcopal Church be
gins erection of new building. Grace M. E. Church founded. Extensive improvements made at Grant Park, formal transfer of which has been made to city by Col. L.. P. Grant. Gam mon School of Theology es tablished. West End & Atlanta Street Railway Company orga nized.
1884.--City attempts to solve problem of Inadequate water supply by drilling artesian well at intersection of Whitehall and Peachtree Streets, .going to depth of 2,044 feet; drink ing fountains placed on down town corners upon completion of well. Berean Congregational Church organized. Calhoun Street School, termed "finest in the South," is erected. Rec ord is established for amount of paving done, the total reaching $142,650. Mendelssohn Society organized. .George Hillyer and Reuben Arnold candidates for Mayor; Hillyer wins, 2,137 to 947.
1885.--Mayor Hillyer nego tiates sale of $52,000 of city bonds at five per cent, the lowest rate, on record. Legis lature passes act under which Georgia Tech is founded. In ternational Convention of Young Men'.s Christian Associa tions held in Atlanta, followed by public subscription of $75.000 for erection of T. M. C. A. building. Railroad branch of T. M. C. A. founded. Aug. 23, Dr. Joseph Thompson, pioneer hotel man and president of At lanta Medical College, dies. At lanta Musical Association form ed. R. O. Campbell Coal Co., organized. .Electric light sys tem inaugurated, city having 22 street lamps. Marietta street Methodist _Church starts in form of mission at Ponders and Marietta streets. Seven schools now in operation for white chil dren with three for colored. Ivy Street School built. J. R. Joyner elected Chief of Fire De partment. Dec. 11, E. W. Hol land, pioneer banker dies. Tel ephones have increased in num ber to 450.
1886.--City has surplus of $183,833.22 in treasury by end
428
ATLANTA
S of year and credit is on high
sucp$he1lfaan1on6cwt,et0us,0rb0cianaassgpoisfit.aseblhnSootInetwnardvnptseirssittsobieecndysali4nsI%asrlmeep$apo6nero,r-tf
600,000; there are employing 6,674 annual par roll
30$ enterprises hands, with of $2,425,000;
value of manufactured $10,221,000. Percentage
products of mor
tality, whites 10.10; colored,
23.71. Cost department
of operating police for year $49,273.91.
aBSntordaereddtsutioaefns dvCeSsotemewdmeriissnsioaCnbeoormlsismhieosdf
sioner of Public Works. Dunn
sIMSnhcaahrcochpooilnn,ceotrcemyisttpizCeetoinft.o,isornfdo,ouTAnneadtcltehaidnnn.gotalo$Awg1fi3itc0nea,rs-l
000 and site. Atlanta Company organized.
Banking Central
Christian Church organized.
Dec. 1. Mayor.
J.
T.
Cooper
elected
1887.--Matter of providing
adequate sewers attention; one
receiving and one
much half
miles new sewers total of about 20 End Presbyterian
laid, making miles. West Church or
ganized. Company
Neal Loan organized.
& Banking Gate City
National Bank Atlanta Bridge
erects building. & Axle Com
pbaunilydinorgganoifzedG. eWorogriak.
begins on "Tech,"
main building and building being under
machinery way. Pied
mont Exposition Company or
ganized, C. A. Collier, dent. Exposition opened
presi Oct.
11 with addresses by Governor
John B. Gordon and Hon. Sam
uPerlesiRdaenndtaJLC,levoeflanPdenngsuyelvsat niao.f
association Oct. 22nd, -visit be
ing occasion of demonstration.
great popular Estimated at'
tendance 000.
upon
exposition,
200,-
1888.--Jan. 16, Atlanta Phil
osophical Association orga
Mn"iSzapenedun;fcaectret'usxrterFsbirosoAtkssofPcqiraritnicopinperleirose.d",
organized, ident, car
E. P. Howell, pres line built from Ma
rietta to Peachtree, passing
Technological School. Hebrew
Orphan's Asylum building
erected. Fulton County Con
federate formed. Company
Veterans Association Richmond Terminal buys Georgia Central
road for $12,000,0000. Large
Influx of yellow fever refugees,
(August.) City appropriates
$5,000 for sanitary improve
iImmmempnotussne,ditybbueotcfaqucusiteayroaffnrotwimneellt-hkisinsonwdoint
sease. Rlpley,
Sept. 4, Thomas W. who opened a store in
Atlanta in 1849, dies.
1889.--Atlanta observes total
eclipse of sun. Jan. 8, John T.
Glenn papers
becomes Mayor. "spread" story
Feb. 4, of Dick
cafHohrarrilwedsmreteseu,ndrdAinewtrlhBainoilrfetma wionmnigfaehnah,moan.nwedFyhemobto.woi6nos,
Richard Peters, developer and
pioneer railroad prominent and
Fhiegbh. ly10.esCteoenmsteitdutiocnitipzernin, ts
dies. pic
tMwuhraeircchhohf a2sn5,eJwuHstCebbarepeeiwntolcoObmruppillhdeatienndgs'.,
cMcHehroaa,mricrdehmisad2tni9en,dgiJcubuaiustdiehglddee;dinTJgphoisooecmnpoeahmesrmH,Siipdtrteiseencesh..
April 13, Subscription taken
for Georgia Veterans' April 18, Dr. Joshua pioneer physician, dies
Home. Gilbert, at ad
vanced age. April 21, "dummy" line projected.
New May
v9,etseirtaenfsorsehleocmteed.ofMCaoynf1e4d,erAatte
lanta holds Flowers."
first June
"Carnival of 7, fatal acci
dent befalls J. M. Naee, zen of Atlanta since 1858.
citi June
7, Grand Jury urges pressing
need of new jail. June 16, At
walaonntnaaftaivmvieseiteoddnaubtghyheteLrso,tauglawe.hPoAogrhtneaerss,
SSocoutttheCrnolTlergue sftoCuno.d,ebde. gJinusnebu2s2,
iness. sition
Oct. 8, Piedmont Expo formally opened with
Governor David of New Tork, a
Benriett Hill, guest. Georgia
Female College opens. name of Means High
Oct. 9, School
changed honor of
to Gordon High, in John B. Gordon. Nov.
19, H. K. Hunter, of New Tork
buys Henry
street railways. W. Grady elected
Dec., first
esident emorial
AosfsocJiaetfifoenrs.onDeDc.av21ls,
Atlanta Reform School opens.
CHRONOLOGY
429
Dec. 23, City shocked by death of Henry Grady, following wiftly upon his . return from peaking tour. Dec. 25, Henry Grady burled; movement for Grady monument begins.
1890.--Jan. 21, Judge J. W. Calhoun elected president of Confederate Soldiers Home, succeeding Henry Grady. Feb. 9, Atlanta Chess Club formed. April 1, forerunner of "zoo" seen when children start move ment to bur an elephant. March 3, Dick Hawes, exe cuted in Birmingham for mur der of wife and children, buried in Atlanta. March 24, Mrs. Benjamine Harrison, wife of the President, visits Atlanta. April 3, Women's Press Club orga nized. Mrs. E. S. Byngton, president; Mrs. Lollie Belle Wylie, secretary. April 24, David Mayer, treasurer Board of Edu cation, dies. April 29, Major J. 8. Hiewis, distinguished sol dier, dies. May 29, John R. Gramlin, distinguished citizen, dies. June 15, Georgia Tech holds first commencement. June 27, Dr. Wlllis Westmoreland, fa mous surgeon, dies. June 30, Dr. W. D. Blssell, prominent physician, dies. July 16, phy sicians petition Legislature to create State Board of Health. Aug. 10, Children happy over arrival of elephant; they change Its name from "Nemo" to "Clio". Sept. 11, Dr. E. J. Roach, pioneer physician, dies. Sept. 22, Thomas G. Crusselle, said to be oldest citizen of At lanta and builder of first frame dwelling, dies. Nov. 9, First Inaugural takes place in new Capitol, Governor Gordon deli vering seal of state to Gov ernor W. J. Northern. Nov. 9, Col. "William Markham, a res ident since 1853 and builder of 8S stores and other buildings In Atlanta between that date and the opening of the Civil War; also one of the founders of the first rolling mill, and for mer Mayor of city, dies. Nov. S3, Rev. John Watrous Beckwith, D. D.. Bishop of Georgia, flies. Nov. W. A. Hemphill elected Mayor. Dec. 16, Judge Cicero C. Hammock, twice mayor and pioneer citizen, dies. Dec. 23. cornerstone of Grady
Hospital laid with impressive ceremonies. Population of city estimated at 66,000. Telephones now number 980. City has two electric lines, the Edgewood Avenue and Fulton County lines.
1891.--New postofflce, (present City Hall), Hearing completion. Jan. 18, era of unprecedented building activity is under way; bridging of Forsyth Street con tributing factor. Capt. J. "W. English to put }200,000 in build ing on Forsyth, and S. M. Inman announces plans for $100,000 structure in same vicinity. Feb. 3, General Robert J. Henderson, old and distinguished citizen, dies. Feb. 4, Wellborn MItchell, Atlanta's first recor der, dies; had resided in At lanta since 1846. Feb 7, Jay Gould and party visit Atlanta, and are elaborately entertained; visit followed by inauguration of through vestibule trains be tween Atlanta and New York. March 16, Decision reached to place Grady monument on Marietta Street. April 2, Hen ry M. Stanley, "greatest living explorer," visits Atlanta. April 3, E. C. Alien, well known gro cer, attacked by wolf within sight of street lights of At lanta. April 8, Dr. J. M. BoarIng, one of Atlanta's most prominent physicians, dies. April 11, "Metropolitan Dum my" makes its first trip from Atlanta to Decatur. April 15, Benjamlne Harrison, President of the United States, is enter tained in Atlanta. April 21, Mrs. William Lawson Peel en tertains In honor of Miss Clare de Graffenreld, who is taking; leading part in movement to have the State establish a Girl's Industrial School. June 6, Bishop Gallor declines Bish opric of Georgia. June 7, J. F. Gullatt, pioneer citizen, dies. June 24, Charles M. Osburn goes on trial for murder of James M. Bradley; most sen sational case in history of city. June 25, Cornerstone of "Equitable" building, pioneer "skyscraper," is laid; building, (now the Trust Company of Georgia), eight stories in height. July 9, First East Ten nessee train enters city: July
430
ATLANTA
13, Atlanta becomes general headquarters of West Point Terminal Company, which leases four floors in new Kiser building. July 22, James O. Harris, citizen of Atlanta for 28 years, dies. Charles M. Osburn banged for murder of James M. Bradley. Aug. 27, Veterans' Home Bill defeated In Legislature, causing great indignation; Legislature hur ries through pension bill to placate public. Sept. 1, work on foundation of Grady mon ument begins. Sept. 19, Elec tric line to Piedmont Park un der consideration. Sept. IS, J. C. Kimball, pioneer, dies. Sept. 21, James High & Company open new home on Whitehall and Hunter Streets. Sept. 27, Sam Jones, great Georgia evan gelist comes to Atlanta, pre ceded a short time by Sam Small, evangelist, who again makes Atlanta his home and starts movement tor non-de nominational tabernacle. Oct. 1, the Edgewood Avenue thea ter, second in Atlanta, opened to public. Oct. 5, first session of Law School held. Oct. 1, cornerstone of Second Baptist Church laid. Oct. 21, Grady monument unveiled with elab orate ceremonies. Nov. S, new train, "Dixie Flyer," inaug urated. Nashville, Atlanta, St. Augustine. Nov. 12, formal ded ication of Agnes Scott as Pres byterian College. Nov. 19, Mrs. Jefferson Davis and daughter, Winnie Davis, visit Atlanta; Rev. Cleland Nelson accepts Bishopric of Georgia. Boys Club organized under leadership of Mrs. E. M. Brittaln. Dec. 1, City bonds in sum of $750,000 sold in New York, carry ing 4% per cent interest; New fire headquarters being built. Dec. 24, Ground broken for new telephone building. Highland Avenue bridge erected. Atlan ta Consolidated Street Railway Company formed.
1892.--Property owners on Peachtree Street petition for as phalt pavement. Jan. 14, re ceivership asked for Atlanta & Florida Railroad; Strike of all express messengers on roads entering Atlanta. Jan. 14, con tract awarded for new "Sta
tion House." Jan. 17, Ex-Pres ident Cleveland passes through city on hunting trip. Jan 21. Metropolitan Street Railway goes into hands of receiver; Work to start on new water works system. Feb. 2, Grover Cleveland in city returning from hunting trip. Feb. 4, Thomas Nelson Page visits city as guest of Young Hen's Library Association. Feb. 24, movement for Federal prison in Atlanta gets under way. Feb. 27, John D. Rockefeller gives $40,000 for school for practical training to be founded at Selman Semi nary. Feb. 27, announcement made that work is to begin on Georgia Military Institute and Southern Female College at Atlanta's new suburb, "Man chester." March 1, New Cyclorama, "Battle of Atlanta," displayed and captivates the
Sublic. March 23, Mrs. T. J. ackson, widow of General Stonewall Jackson, guest of Atlanta. April 21, Machine shop of Georgia "Tech" destroyed by fire. April 24, first paasen-
ger train over Georgia, Carona. & Northern, arrives. May 25, Grady Hospital formally dedicated. May 27, cornerstone of Home Xor the Friendless laid; work of Atlanta's noble women. June 25, Turner Gold smith, old and highly respected citizen, dies, having lived near ly a century. Sept. 20, S. M. Ionian gives his former home, a handsome residence of Forsytb Street to helpless chil dren of Atlanta; to be known as "Jennie D. Inman Orphan age." Nov. 14, John B. Goodwin elected mayor. Nov. 15. Mrs. Grover Cleveland invited to become member Atlanta Chapter U. . C. Nov. 23, City experiences meteoric show er. Dec. 2.. free mail delivery begins at west End. Dec. 21, Vice-President-Elect Stevenson is guest of Atlanta. Highland Avenue bridge erected. Street car line to river put in opera tion.
1893.--New Forsyth Street bridge completed. Jan. 11, Col. L. P. Grant, one of Atlanta's moat distinguished citizens and benefactors, dies; donor of Grant Park. Feb. 10, Grand
CHRONOLOGY
431
Theatre formally opened; erect ed by L. De Give, owner of Atlanta's first theatre. March 17, Capt. Hay, night watch man at West View Cemetery, attacked by-lion. March 30, Dr. Henry Carr Hornady, pioneer minister and greatly beloved citizen, dies at Montazuma; pastor of First Baptist church 1861-3867, and preached first sermon delivered in Atlanta af ter destruction of city by Sherman, Dec. 25, 1864. April 10, Edward E. Rawson, pioneer merchant, who had served city In many capacities, dies; was one of committee which pro tested to General Sherman against order for civil popu lation to vacate city. May 1, Stovall, Galloway & Co., open first wholesale hat house. May 29, Atlanta pays tribute to Jefferson Davis as remains pass through city enroute to Richmond for interment. July 22, new Forsyth Street bridge opened with elaborate ceremo nies. July 25-, water from Chattahoochee River finally brought to Atlanta, marking completion of great project. Oct. 8, New building of First Baptist Church formally opened. Nov. 9, World's Convention of Chris tian Workers held in Atlanta. Nov. 16, Major J. J. Toon, pioneer publisher, dies. Nov. 20, West End annexed to Atlanta.
1894.--Feb. 10, Atlanta news paper men organize Press Club with Clark Howell as president. April 26, marble monument, "Lion of Atlanta," unveiled at Oakland Cemetery with elabo rate ceremonies, the beautiful memorial being dedicated to "The Unknown Dead" of the Confederacy; Hon. H. H. Carlton, orator of the day; cere monies preceded by elaborate procession, stores being closed in honor of occasion. May 1-3, International League of Press Clubs holds convention in At lanta; entertained by local Press Club. Empire Printing & Box- Co., founded. June 6, Col. Robert F. Maddox, pioneer business man, banker, out standing figure in development ot Atlanta, and greatly beloved citizen, dies. Nov. 21, work be gins on Forestry Building of
Piedmont Exposition. Nov. 30, ex-Governor, ex-Supreme Court Justice and ex-Senator Joseph E. Brown dies at his home on Washington street; was Gover nor during war period and was appointed to Senate by Gover nor Colquitt in 1894. Dec. 1, corner stone of new Boy's High School laid.
1895.--Jan. 27, Judge John Erskine, who located in Atlan ta in 1855, and served for nine teen years on Federal bench, dies. Jan. 31, twenty-seventh annual convention of National American Woman's Suffrage Association, opens in city with Susan B. Anthony and other distinguished leaders present. April 3, Jack Wallace, reputed at one time to be largest prop erty owner in Atlanta, dies in Texas. April 22, cornerstone laid for Woman's Building at Exposition. April 26, Mrs. John Milledge, president of Memorial Association, dies on day she loved--Memorial Day. April 28, H. I. Kimball, pioneer develop er, dies in Boston. April 29, New Lyceum Theater opened. April 30, Mrs. Ellis succeeds Mrs. Milledge as president of Memorial Association. May 3, Major Campbell Wallace, known as "Georgia's Grand Old man," dies at his home on Capitol Place. May 11, Samuel Gompers, of the American Federa tion of Labor, visits Atlanta. May 26, Miss Winnie Davis. "Daughter of the Confederacy." is guest of Atlanta. May 29, Washington corrspondents meet in Atlanta. June 2, Da vid J. Wylie, Sr., old and honored citizen, dies at age of 90. June 16, Governor W. T. Atkinson stricken with appendicites and undergoes opera tion. June 22, Southern buys Atlanta & Florida Road. Aug. 9, Broad Street bridge com pleted. Aug. 16, corner stone of Sixth Baptist Church laid. Sept. 18, Cotton States and Internat ional Exposition formally opened, 25,000 people present. Sept. 21, veterans of Confede rate Army and Grand Army of the Republic unite in celebrat ing day at exposition. Oct. 8, the "Liberty Bell" arrives from Philadelphia and is placed on
432
ATLANTA
display at Exposition. Oct. 15, American Bankers Association meets in Atlanta. Oct. 22, Pres ident Cleveland, Vice-president Stevenson and members of Cab inet, guests of Atlanta. Oct. 27, "Buffalo Bill" adds bis show to Exposition attractions. Oct. 31, Exposition closes. William G. Richards, superintendent of water works in early days, dies. Thomas Wilson McArthor, pioneer citizen, dies.
1896--Feb. 3, Shadrack Inman, old and honored citizen, dies. Feb. 8. Thomas Hftverty, pio neer, dies. Feb. 11, Dr. William Simpson Armstrong, prominent physician, dies while preparing to call to order a meeting of physicians' staff at Grady Hos pital. Feb. 13, Eugene V. Debs visits Atlanta and delivers ad dress. March 5, Socratese Ivy, first male child born in Atlan ta, dies. March 6, Dr. Nathan O. Harris, prominent physician, dies. Hay 17, most destruc tive fire in history of city up to this time; one person killed and three injured; 30 homes and places of business destroy ed with loss of 1300,000; prop erty known as MarKham House block. May 25, George S. Thomas, distinguished Confed erate veteran, dies. May 31, Dr. H. V. M. Milter, eminent surgeon, former United States Senator, and distinguished vet eran of the Confederacy, dies. June 2, Erastus F. Gould, prominent business man and owner of Gould building on Decatur Street, dies. Oct. 23, Judge Charles Frederick Crisp, Speaker of the Fifty-first and Fifty-second Congress, and dis tinguished Georgian, dies in At lanta, being buried at his home in Americus. Dec. 23, William Jennings Bryan, recently de feated for President, Is a vis itor to Atlanta. Dec. 29, Prince and Princess KhevenhullarMetch, of Austria, pass through city on tour of world.
1897.--January 17, professor W. W. Lumpkin, widely known educator and religious worker, dies. Jan. 18, new freight de pot of Western & Atlantic and Seaboard Air Line, ready for occupancy; cost 1100.000. Jan.
21, J. H. Porter, banker and philanthropist, dies. Feb. 12, Prof. Joseph E. WlHet, eminent Baptist educator, dies. Feb. 13. Major Sidney Root, pioneer citUen and public benefactor, dies; CoL E. N. Broyles. distinguish ed lawyer, dies. March 2, John Silver, millionaire dry goods merchant and venerable dozen, dies; CoL Cornelius R. Hanleiter, pioneer newspaper man, dies. April 27, Dr. J. 8. Holliday, veteran physician and pioneer citizen, dies. May 3, City of Atlanta purchases courthouse for use as City HalL Aug. 6, Jacobs opens second In chain of drug stores. Sept. 9, Col. i W. Avery, pioneer news paper man, historian and law yer, dies from injuries received in a falL First electrically heated street cars appear. Oct. 16, City limits extended to take in Pittsburg, Reynoldstown, Bellwood and North Atlanta. Oct. 26. Thomas J. Healey, wealthy pioneer, dies. Oct. 31, fire at plant of Georgia Cotton Oil Company does damage amounting to 1117,000. Nov. 1, Atlanta City Council adopts or dinance prohibiting the playing of football In the city limits. Nov. 5. CoL Charles Z. Blalock, prominent lawyer, dies. Nov. 22, John Byan, Sr., pioneer dry goods merchant who located in Atlanta in 1852, dies.
1898.--Jan. 9, Semi-centennial celebrated by First Presbyte rian church. Jan. 22, Dr. Wil liam A. Love, veteran physi cian and distinguished Mason, dies. Jan. 23, work begins on 1100,000 plant of Atlanta Mill ing Company. March 4, Mile Anna Held sings in Atlanta. March 12. City accepts Cycloraxna, "Battle of Atlanta," as grift from S. V. Qreea; Secre tary of War Issues order creat ing new military depot In Atlan ta, which was made headquar ters for Department of the Gulf on opening of SpanishAmerican War. March 13, "W. 3. Bryan In city. March 22, Semi-centennial of First Meth odist Episcopal Church of At lanta celebrated. March 28, Judge John S. Blgby, distin guished citizen and ex-member of Congress, dies. April 4, Col.
CHRONOLOGY
433
Thomas W. Latham, prominent lawyer, dies. April 18, James Whitcomb Biley in city. April 17, New Inman Park Methodist church dedicated. May 4, 1898, Fort McPherson made prison for Spanish soldiers; fifteen officers and privates arrive, first captives among Spanish. May 13, Col. Theodore Roose velt in Atlanta on way to Texas to aid General Wood in com mand of cow-boy brigade. May 21, Second Regiment of United States Volunteers, made up of Atlanta men, leaves for the front. June 18, Mrs. Clark HoweU. one of Atlanta's most beloved women, dies. June 21. Col. W. C. Glenn, distinguished lawyer and brilliant orator, dies. June 22, Prof. A. N. Wil son, prominent educator, dies. July 8, another force of Atlan ta soldiers leave for front; un der Col. John Candler. July 18, widow of General George E. Pickett, hero of Gettysburg, visits city. July 20, Confed erate Reunion bringing many distinguished visitors, including General Longstreet; attendance for week estimated at 65,000. July 28, Major John A. Fltten, dies. Aug. 1, Lieutenant Rich mond Pearson Hobson, hero of the Merrimac, visits mother in Atlanta. Sept. 11, West End Baptist church dedicated. Sept. 20, Dr. E. H. Bennett, beloved pastor of First Presbyterian church, dies. Sept. 22, Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry, U. S. A. returns to city. Sept. 24, Secretary of War Alger in At lanta to inspect Ft. McPherson. Oct. 5, James G. Woodward elected Mayor. Oct. 20, Judge Marshall J. Clarke. distinguish ed jurist, dies. Oct. 24, Mrs. Sarah Carlisle, widow of WfUis Carlisle, and mother of first child bom In Atlanta, dies. Bee. 9, Dr. Harry Huzza, prominent physician, dies in New York fol lowing operation. Dec. 14-15, City holds Peace Jubilee, Pres ident McKinley In attendance, as is Capt. R. P. Hobson, Gen. Joe Wheeler, Secretary Gage and others. Dec. 18, Jonathan Norcross, who built first saw mill in Atlanta and for many years was prominent business man, dies.
1899.--Jan. 2, Mayor Charles A. Collier succeeded by James G. Woodward, Jan. 6, E. P. Chamberlain, pioneer dry goods merchant and honored citizen, dies. Jan. 9, Mrs. E. C. Peeples, noted church worker, dies. Feb. 2, Capt. John Milledge, veteran soldier and distinguished citi zen, dies. Feb. 4, Atlanta Mill ing Co., opens new plant, ca pacity $2,500,000 worth of flour per year. March 5, Baptist Tabernacle dedicated. March 14, Judge John D. Berry, prom inent Atlantan, dies at Newnan; John Thomas Glenn, dis tinguished lawyer, dies. March 21, Dr. K. C. Divine, prominent physician, dies. April 2, First Christian Science Church es tablished in the South, dedi cated in Atlanta. April 4, David A. Beatie, leading citi zen, dies. April 8, ground broken for new Pratt Labora tory- April 10, Formal opening of club house of Atlanta Ath letic Club. April 18, United States Attorney General J. W. Griggs in city to inspect site of proposed Federal prison. April 20, Col. N. J, Hammond, for mer Congressman and noted Georgian, dies. April 20, work of widening and improving Whitehall street begins. April 22. Dr. B. F. Walker, County Commissioner and prominent Atlantan, dies. May 2, Dr. W. J. Scott, pioneer citizen and distinguished Methodist minis ter, dies. May 16, James Lynch, pioneer citizen and wealthy property owner, dies. June 6, R. F. Maddox, veteran banker and distinguished citizen, dies. June 7, Gen. W. S. Walker, veteran of Mexican and Civil wars, dies. June 22, Rev. T. T. Christian, venerable minister, dies. July 4, William Jennings Bryan guest at banquet. July 13, Major John C. Courtney dies. July 15, William T. Wall, Prominent business man, dies. Sept. 8, Robert Wlnship, pio neer manufacturer, dies. Sept. 23, Library Board decides upon location of new Carnegie Li brary. Sept. 29, George W. Adair, pioneer citizen and real estate man, dies. Oct. 12, first installment, J5.COO, of Car negie's gift of $150,000 for 11-
434
ATLANTA
brary, received. Oct. 18, Geor gia. State Fair opens with huge crowd in attendance. Oct. 24, Lieutenant Tom Brumby, Geor gia hero of Battle of Manila Bay, returns to Atlanta, and Is given great ovation; is pre sented with handsome sword by people of Georgia; died in Washington less than two months -later, Bee. 17; buried In Atlanta. Nov. 3, Harvey T. Phillips, prominent business man, dies. Nov. 4, Rear Ad miral Winfield Scott Schley, guest of city and is presented with loving cup by citizens. Nov. II. work begins on White hall street bridge. Nov. 23, Dr. Benjamin B. Catchlngs dies.
1900.--Bust of Andrew Car negie presented to library by Mrs. William L. Peel. Jan. 12, Col. J. W. Rucker, leading ban ker, dies at Palm Beach, Fla. Jan. 14, Capitol Avenue Bap tist Church dedicated. Feb. 14, Major Austin Leyden, pioneer citizen, dies. Feb. 15, Dr. John Glenn Gibson, prominent Baptist minister, dies. Feb. 19, Dr. Shaler Granby Hillyer, dis tinguished minister of Baptist Church, dies. Feb. 22, Paderewski in Atlanta. March 2, T. Jefferson Coolidge, Jr., of Boston, in city and announces plans for 14-story office build ing. Broad and Marietta Streets. March 11, John H. Martin, pioneer editor, dies. March 12, property at Courtland Avenue and Decatur Street bought by A. B. Steel for erec tion of office building. March 29, W. C. Sanders, capitalist, dies. April 4, William B. Lowe, financier, dies. April 9, Dr. Julian A. HutcbJscm, pioneer druggist, dies; James E. Wil liams, former mayor and pres ident Pioneer Citizen's Society, dies. April 14, Clarence KnowJes, distinguished Atlantan, dies in Pensacola, Fla. April 24, J. H. Moorefield, journalist, dies. May 1, fire de stroys 34 houses and furniture factory In vicinity of Marietta street and Ponders avenue; loss 1130,000. May 22, corner stone of North Avenue Presbyterian church laid. June 6, Jay D. Edwards, distinguished Mason, dies. June 23, Dr. W. B. Stead-
ley, prominent Methodist min ister, dies. July 13, Major Wil liam J. Whldley, lawyer and journalist, dies. July 19-21, Reunion of Confederate vete rans who participated in the Battle of Atlanta. Aug. 27, W. L. Calhoun elected president Pioneer Citizen's Society. Sept. 2, Col. Pryor I*. Mynatt, sol dier, lawyer and man of letters, dies. Sept. 13, Charles Howard Williams, lawyer and journal ist, dies. Sept. 28, Charles A. Collier, former mayor, dies. Sept. 29, corner stone of Car negie Library laid. Oct. 7, E. W. Marsh, distinguished pio- ' neer, dies. Oct. 10, Southern Inter-State Fair opens. Oct. 22, General Joe Wheeler and Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson guests of city. Nov. 17, Major Joseph Van Holt Nash, Sr., distinguished Atlan ta citizen, dies while attending Confederate reunion in Augus ta. Nov. 16, Major George M. Harvey, veteran of the Mexi can war, dies.
1901--Major Livlngston Mims takes oath of office as Mayor. Jan. 19, Edgefleld Brown, ven erable pioneer, who resided here before MarthasvUle was created, dies. Feb. 16, Mrs. John Collier, widow of the late Judge John Collier and pres ident of the Confederate 'Wom an's Field Relief Association, who converted her home into a hospital during the Civil War, dies. Feb. 21, Markham Block again destroyed by fire; 17 houses burn with loss of $500,000. Feb. 28, W. T. Parkhurst, pioneer citizen, dies. March 1, Capt- Ed Cox, distinguished Confederate soldier, dies. March 21, B. J. Johnson, pioneer, dies. April 5, Dr. Francis Marion Haygood, prominent Baptist minister, dies. June 3, Soldiers Home opened to veterans. July 19. Col. B. F. Sawyer, dis tinguished veteran and news paper man, dies. Sept. 14, Mrs. Henry W. Grady, widow of the late journalist and orator, dies. Sept. 19, Atlantans pay tribute to memory of President McKJnley, whose death is mourned by city. Sept. 30, Soldiers Home destroyed by fire. Oct. 9, White hall Street bridge opened for
CHEONOLOGY
435
traffic. Oct. 15, Major Sam uel B. Spencer, pioneer citizen and lawyer, dies. Oct. 24, Hon. Porter King, lawyer and pub lic spirited citizen, dies. Oct. 26, newspapers announce discovery of live alligator in "Dismal Swamp, alias the Union Depot." Nov. 6. Anderson's Lyceum Playhouse destroyed by flre. Nov. 15, Pascal J. Moran, bril liant journalist, dies.
1902.--Feb. 17, Postmaster William H. Smyth dies. April 11, Captain T. B. Neal, banker and business man, dies. May 25, Eugene C. Spalding, prom inent railroad man, dies. May 29, Wu Ting Fang, Chinese Minister to United States, visits Atlanta. June 11, Walter How ard, Atlanta newspaper man, dies in AshevIUe, N. C. Volney A. Dunning, pioneer citizen and councilman, dies. July 13, Dr. S. G. Holland, dies. July 22, Monument to General William
H. T. Walker, Confederate, killed in the battle of Atlanta, is unveiled by Walker Memo rial Association. Aug. 2, Alhambra Hotel destroyed by fire, loss *20,0000. Aug. 17, Hon. William A. Hemphill, one of Atlanta's most distinguished citizens, dies. Sept. 28, Major Edward P. McKIssick, prominent hotel man, dies. Oct. 1, Capt. Bvan P. Howell elected Mayor of city. Oct. 3, William McConnell, pioneer citizen, dies. Nov. 3, work begins on new Union Passenger Depot. Nov. 26, Stewart F. Woodson, pioneer business man, dies. Dec. 2, Dr. Isaac Taylor Tichenor, aged divine of Baptist church, dies. Dec. 4, Alfred E. Buck, Atlantan. United States Minister to Japan, dies. Dec. 9, fire in cen tral Atlanta destroys 14 places of business, including- Norcross building, with loss of $325,000. Dec. 23, Col. W. T. Movers, distinguished lawyer, dies.
INDEX
Adair. Forest .........222, 223 Adair, G. W. ............. 68 Adair, Perry .............. 187 Addicks, J. E. ............ 227 Adelson, L. C. .............. 226 Advertising- Club .......... 231 Agnes Scott Institute....... 246 Akerman, A. T. .......... 92 Alexander, J. F. ........... 63 Alien, Nora ............... 233 Amorous, M. F. .......... 175 Andrews, J. H. ............ 229 Andrews, J. J. ............ 118 Andrews, Raid .........118-132 Andrews, C. L. ......... 172-175 Anderson, C. L. ........... 175 Architects, Institute of, .. 123 Arkwright, P. S.......175, 329 Artesian Water ........... 106 Ashcraft, Lee .........404. 405 Atlanta, Battle of ........42-43:
Painting, ............ 164-167
Atlanta, Destruction of ... 62 Atlanta, Evacuation ....... 50 Atlanta, in 1840 ........143-147 Atlanta, origin of name.... 20 Atlanta, Points of Leader
ship ................200-204 Atlanta, Shelling of .....43, 46 Atlanta Stove Works ...295-296 Atlanta, Surrender of...... 53 Atlanta University .....412-413 Atkinson, H. M. ......172, 329 Atlantic Steel Co........291-294 Atlantic Ice Co. .......... 273 Austin Bridge Co. ........ 317 Austin, Frank E. ......... 317 Austin, George L. ......... 317 Austell, A. ..............68, 71 Auditorium ................ 173 Auditorium, Woman's Club 371 Automobile Club .......... 214 Automobile Industry .. .300-301 Avery, I. W. .............. 70
B
Baker. W. B. ............. 274 Baker, B. S. ............... 227 Bailey, J. O. ............. 313 Bailey-Burruss Co. ....... 312 Beatie, D. A. ............. 352 Beennan, H. C. ........... 353 Bell, M. W. .........263, 266 Bergen, R. V. ............. 229 Belden, D. A. ............. 329 Bidwell, C. B. .............. 172 Block, F. E. ..........281, 284 Blalock, F. W. ............ 231 Block Candy Co. ......... 281 Blair. W. H. ............. 353 Bleckley, L. E. ............ 350 Boehm, J. V. ............. 230 Board of Education, first.. 350 Boykin, Mrs. B. M.....372, 389 Boyd, D. C. ............... 355
Barcroft, J. K. ........... 318 Branch, T. B. ............. 231 Bray, W. M. ............. 114 Brine, G. W. ............. 329 Brown, Perino ............. 64 Brown. A. Ten Eyck ...... 262 Brown, Mrs. Dowdell...... 223 Brown, H. H. ............ 356 Brown. Joseph E. 75, 83. 84, 85,
87, 93, 350 Brown, Elijah ............ 355 Brownlee. W. M. .......... 173 Bracewell. J. R. ......... 231 Bursey, H. E. ............ 231 Butt. C. A. ............... 231 Bullock, R. B. ..82, 85, 86, 90 Bulloch. J. H. ............. 229 Brittain, M. L. .......... 246
Calhoun, J. M. 37, 52, 68, 73, 96 Campbell, J. L. ............ 266 Candy Industry .......279-285 Candler, Asa G. 174, 303, 392-3 Candler, John S. .........394-6
Candler, Bishop Warren .393-4 Candler, family ........... 393-4 Capitol. Removal of. .22, 116, 117 Chronology ............417, 435 Carlisle, Mrs. Willis, (Her ex-
438
ATLANTA
periences) ...........147-151 Carroll. A. C. ............. 231 Calhoun, John C. ........ 1 Cathcart ................ 287-289 Chamber of Commerce... .200 Cbisholm, Miss Corinne... 375 Churches ............... 215-219 Christmas Festival ........ 184 Chambers, A. .............. 175 Civilian Club ............. 230 Civil Engineers ........... 231 Clark, Edward Young..... 341 Clark, John M. ............ 68 Clearing House Association 231 Cleveland, Grover ......... 99 Clouts, B. C. ............. 318 Cabl, Howell .............. 78 Cohen, John S..........173, 231
Coca-Cola, origin of 302-305; Bottling ............... 305
Colquitt, Alfred H........92. 93 Collier. Wash. ............. 356 Cotton Mills ........... 297-300 Cook. J. S. .............. 355 Conservatory of Music.... 252 Cooper Walter G. ......... 175 Constitution, The ......... 232 Cone, E. H. .............. 226 Cone, F. H. .............. 98 Convention Bureau ... .207. 228 Curb Market ............. 368 Coverly, C. E. ............. 175 Cowart, R. J. ............. 74 Crawford, Robert ......... 112 Crew, B. L. .............. 172
D'Alviguy, Dr. .........113, 114 Daley, W. R. .............. 352 Davis, Jefferson ........... 96 Davis, Mrs. R. W.......... 223 De Give Theatre ........ IT6-18S Davidson, Miss L. V. ..... 263 Dobbs, Samuel C. 303-304,
400-404 Dodd, Eugene ............. 175 Dooley, Miss Israa ........ 389
Dowman-Dozier Co. ....... 309 Dozier, Graham P. ........ 309 Douglas, Hamilton ........ 352 Drainage, .............362, -363 DuBose, E. R. ............ 175 Dunean, J. W. ............ 63 Dunning, J. L. .........68, 70 Dunnican, Miss Elizabeth. 230 Dykes, W. F. ............. 352
Early Settlers ............ 378 Educational Institutions 234-254 Eggleston, E. B. ........ 66, 67 Electrical Association ..... 231 Electrical Engineers ...... 231 Emory University ...... 234-241 Emerson, C. L. .......... 231 Engineers' Association .... 231
English, J. W. ..174, 383, 387 Erskta*. J. L. ............ 70 Eubanks, B. M. ......... 353 Exposition Cotton Mills.... 298 Expulsion of Indians ...... 17 Exiles Return ..........63, 64 Ezzard, William ........... 138
Famous News "Beat" ... 379 Farrow, H. P............72, 86 Federal Reserve Bank 255-266 Federal Penitentiary ..... 192 FeWer, Herbert ........... 92 Ferris Wheel, first ....... 99 Flllmore, visit of ......... 97 Financial ...............255-270 First School building..... 354 First Train ............... 18
Floyd, J. S. .............. 352 Fleming, P. L. ............ 352 Flipper, Bishop J. S. ..... 413
Foote, W. O. ...........226-227 Foreign Trade Club ...... 228
Ford Motor Co. ............ 301 Fuller, W. A. ....12$, 129, 132 Fulton Bag~& Cotton Mills.. 300 Ft. McPherson ........... 192 Flynn, J. H. .............. 350
Gaines, W. W. ............ 352 Gammon. Elijah J. ....... 411
Gas Lights Introduced .... Ill Gammon Theological Semi
Gate City, origin of name.. 138
nary ..................410-11
Gainesville Alarm System.. 315 Gartrell, L. J. ............. 75
INDEX
439
Gentry, W. T. ............. 175 Georgia Ry. & Power Co...328 Georgian, The ............. 231 Georgia Products ......208-213 Georgia School of Tech
nology ..............244-246 Girl Scouts, 374; Council .. 375 Glenn, T. J. .............. 73 Glenn, T. K. .........223, 329 Golf Clubs ..............187-188 Goodwin, T. Buford ...... 231 Gordon, John B......82, 90, 91,
92, 93.
Grady, Henry ...2, 16, 92, 103 Grant, John W. ........... 172 Grant, L. P. .............. 350 Greenfield, J. C. ......... 221 Greek Letter Societies ..... 225 Gray, James R. .......172, 175 Granite .................... 162 Grand Opera .............. 168 Graves, John Temple ...172, 175 Gregg, Robert ............ 293 Guthridge, Guy ............ 227 Guinn, R. J. ...........352, 253
H
Hancock, 3. T. ............ 353 Hancock, W. A. .......... 175 Hamilton, J. B. ......... 26 Hammon, N. J. ........... 64 Hanleiter, C. R....26, 94, 136 Hanna, Merk ............ 198 Hanson, G. W. .......... 300 Hanson Motor Co. ........ 300 Harris, C. I. ............. 230 Harris, Joel Chandler ...193-198 Harvey, Weston .......... 231 Hastings, H. G. & Co. 288-290 Hawkins. Prank .......... 175 Hebert, P. O. ............. 315 Heinz, H. C. ............. 223 Hess, Miss Kate Green... 353 High, J. M. .............. 286 Hill, B. H. .........77, 87, 92 Hill, Joshua ............83, 84 Hillyer ........... 383, 384, 387 Hohenstein, C. V. ........ 229 Holland, Rev. R. A. ....... 65 Holland, Mrs.' Frank D.... 375
Holcombe, H. C. ......... 142 Hood, Gen. J. B. 42, 44, 45, 46 Hoke, Dr. Michael ....... 220 Hollingsworth, Miss Nell... 230 Hotels, 207, Hotel Ass'n., 207 Hope, George M........ 352, 356 Hopkins, C. H. .......... 83 Hornady, G. A. ,120, 121, 378 Hornady, Dr. Henry Carr,
64, 71, 378, 409, 419. Hornady, J. R. .......... 378 Hornady, Miss Nina ....... 389 Houston, Sam ............. 94 Houser, Fred ......... 228, 229 Howard, "W. P. ........... 64 Howard, Mrs. M. M....... 254 Howard, T. C. ............ 74 Howard, Murray M. ....... 253 Howell, E. P. .........71, 355 Howell, Clark ...172. 175, 232 Hurt, Joel ...........384, 388 Hutchinson, C. F. ....... 352
Ice Industry ...........271-279 Industry in 1864 ........... 102 Inman, Jane W. ........... 249 Inrnan, S. M. ..248, 383, 384 Inman, Mrs. S. M. ....... 388
Institute of Banking ...... 231 International Cotton Exposi
tion .................... 297 Ivy, Hardy ................. 8
Jacobs, Dr. Thornwall ..307, 309 Jacobs, Dr. Joseph ....... 244 Jackson, Mrs. Earle S. 184, 185 Jenkins, Governor ........ 82 Johnson, A. B. ........... 12 Johnson, H. H. ........... 231 Johnson, H. V. ....78, 79, 89 Johnston, Gen. J. B. ...36, 42
Jones, "Bobby" ........ 187
Jones, John
....... 79
Jones, O' . H. ............38, 63
Jones, Rev. Sam .......... 197
Jones, Sam D. ............ 174
Journal, The .............. 232
Junior Chamber of Com
merce .................. 227
K
Kane, Dr. E. K. ........... 94
of ...................... 39
Kelly, K. K. ............. 229 Kendricfc, Miss Mable .... 227
Kennesaw Mountain, Battle
Key, James L. .........352, 365
440
ATLANTA
Kilsey, Joel .............. 355
King, B. P. .............. 223
Kiser, W. H. ............ 174
Kiwan_.i.s. C- lub Kleiber Motor
......2.2*,. Truck
225.,...2.3.0 Co. 301
Knights of the Ku Klux
Klan ................... 336
Kohlsoat, H. H. ........... MS
Kreig_shaber,. V. H.
MS
Kennedy, E. D. ........... 315
Lamar, Mrs. J. R. ......... 389 Land Lottery .............. 153 Lanier, Sidney ........242, 244 Landrum, L. M. ........... 352 Law, T. C. ................ 229 Lee, G. VT. ................ 64 Lee, Gen. R. E. ........44, 66 Liberty Loans ............ 261 Lindner, Georre FT. ...... 252 Lions Club ............... 230 Lincoln, Abraham ...... 47, 67 Little Theatre ..........183-186
Lockhart, L. B.
....... 231
Logan, General
....... 45
Loean, J. p. ..
....... 350
Logan. J. L. . ....... 355
Looney, J. C.
....... 120
Long, Stephen H. ......... 8
Lowenstein, p. E. ........ 284
Lowry, Robert J. 267, 383, 386,
387.
Lowry, W. M. ........... 267
Lowry National Bank 267-268
Lumpkin, Mrs. Samuel .. 389
M
MacCrary, Miss Margaret.. 230
Maddox, R. F. 174, Z75, 383, 386,
388.
Mallett, J. P. ............. 231
Mallen, Bernard .......... 352
Manning, J. W. ........... 68
Manufacturers Assn., first 133
Marble ..................... 161
Martin, H. Warner ....... 268
Marion, Miss Hortense .... 230
Markham, Miss Emma .... 386
Marye. P. Thornton ....... 231
Marques, Don ............ 231
Marx, David .............. 223
Marthasville, name adopted 19
Martin. E. W. ............ 175
Maynard, T. Poole ....... 297
Meade, Meixell,
Gen, A.
Geo. G- 77, 81, 83 C. .........352-353
Mechanical Engineers ..... 231
Merchants and Mfg's. Assn 229
Miller, G. L. .............. 270
Miller, G. L. Company.... 269
Miller, H. V. M........... 84
Mitchell, A. W. ......... 14
Mitchell, E. M.
352
MitcheB, Samuel ......... 100
Minis, Mrs. Livings ton.... 388
Moore, W. L. ............ 175
Moore, H. T. ............ 229
Moses, R. J. .............. 78
Morehouse College ........ 406
Morris Brown College .... 413
Morgan, A. P. ............ 352
Municipal Ownership ...... 107
Murphy, J. E. .........172, 175
Murphy, J. C. ............ 352
Murrell's Row ............. 15
Me ... ... ... ... ... ... ....
McArthur, D. S. .......... 230
McCalley, W. L. ....... 352, 353
McConnell, Wm. .......... 12
McCord, H. T., Jr. ....... 229
McCord, J. A. ..........263, 266
McCrary, J. A. ........... 263
McDonald, F. H. ......... 231
McGuire, P. J. ........... 314
McKinley, William ........ 198
McLendon, N. A. ........ 143
McPherson, General 43, 44, 45
N
Nativity Play ........... 184, 186 Nelson, Julia O'Keefe 350, 352,
353. New-man, Wm. T. 383, 385, 386 Newspapers, first ......... 25 Nevins, J. B. ............. 173 Nichols, John M. ......... 359
Nichols Construction Co. .. 359 Norcross, Jonathan 11, 136, 139,
142. Norris Candy Company .. 284 Norwood, Thomas M,...... 93 Nunnally Co., ............ 284
o
Oberdorfer, Eugene ...... 227 Oglethorpe University ..... 241 O'Keefe, D. C. ............ 350 Orr, J. K. ............ 175, 248
Onnsbee, D. W. .......... 229 Onne, J. T. ............. 2*8 Ottley, Mrs. James....... 389
INDEX
441
Patterson, W. R. ......... 266 Parks, ..................188-189 Paxon, F. J. 175, 226, 228,
396, 397. Peck J. C. ............... 134
Peel, William Lawson...l72, 175 Peel. William Lawson .... 389 Peters, Richard ............ 72 Peachtree Creek, Battle of 43 Peacbtree Street, origin of .
name .................. 377 Pegram, R. B. ............ 335 Penny, introduction of.... 307 Penn, Rev. H. J.......... 353 Peters, E.C. .............. 175 Peterson, Z. V. ........... 353
Pioneer School Boys . .355-356 Pioneers, personal experiences,
.................... 135,151 Pike, J. B. ............... 264 Polk, General ............. 40 Porter, J. T. .............. 64 Pounds, J. G. ............. 64 Pope, Gen. John.........76, 80 Pope, J. W. ............... 174 Pomeroy, E. E. ........... 175 Prater, H. S. ............ 229 Presidents Club .......... 225 Proprietary Drugs ........ 306 Provost, F. P. ............. 315 Public Schools ............ 347 Public Utilities .........319,335
Quillian, F. A. ............ 175
R
Ragan, J. J. ............. 229 Rawson, E. E. ............ 350 Real Estate Board ......230, 231 Real Estate, growth in values,
.................... 152-158 Reynolds, F. T. ........... 230 Retail Merchants Assn. .. 229 Richardson, Mrs. Alonzo .. 389 Rice, Frank P. ....355, 383, 388 Rice, Grantland ........... 231 Rich, M. .................. 286
Roark, W. W. ........... 64 Rockwell, C. F. ........... 80 Roberts, C. M. ........... 175 Rogers, H. B. ............ 231 Roper, W. B. ............ 266 Rosser, L. Z. ............. 352 Rossman, J. G. ........... 329 Rotary Club .............. 229 Rugrer, Gen. Thos. H. ...79, 90 Royer, W. C. ............ 229
Salmon, L. C. ............ 64
Seed Industry ............. 288
School Census, first ...... 115
Scott, B. H.
155
Scott, Dr. L. D.
251
Scott, George W. ....246, 249
Scott, E. F.
231
Scottish Rite Hospital..... 219
Shepherd, C. E. ........... 231
Show Case Industry ...... 313
Silver, John ............ 68, 71
Sims, R. A. .........263, 266
Simmons, Col. Win. Joseph 338
Simpson, L. C. ........... 11
Slabtown .................. 14
Sloan, N. D. ............94, 95
Stone, A. W. ............. 70
Stone Mountain ........... 189
Sterling, Miss Alexa ..... 187
Slattery, J. M. ........263. 266
Slave Labor .............. 24
Slaton, W. F. ............ 352
State, W. C. ............. 353 Smith, Gov. J. M. ........ 91 Smith, Victor L. ......... 172 Smith, G. W. ............. 43 Small, Sam ............... 197 Snake Nation ............. 15 Soft Drink Industry ....301-306 Soldiers Home ........... 193 Southeastern Fair .....163-164 Spalding, J. J. ............ 175 Spelman Seminary ...407. 409 Spiker, W. C. ............ 231 Spring Street Viaduct ... 357 Stephens, Aleander H. 87, 89,
92, 98. Stollenwerk, E. F. ........ 335 Steiner, C. W. ............ 84 Steiner, Albert ........... 223 Strong, C. H. .............. 64 Sutton, Dr. W. A.......352, 354 Swimming Pools ........364, 365
442
ATLANTA
Taft, Possum Supper ..... 175 Tanlac ..................... 306 Taylor, Creed ............. 266 Technical Society ......... 231 Telegraph, first ............ 93 Terminal Station ......... 330 Texas, The ................ 167 Theatres ............. 206, 207 Thomas, Ben ................... Thompson, Edgar ......... 355 Thomson, W. S. ........... 352
Thompson, J. E. ........... 20 Thompson, Joseph ....... 355 Thrasher, John ........ 136, 137 Thorzfton, Mrs. Albert .... 375 Tidwell, C. R. ............ 266 Toole, W. H. .............. 266 Toombs, Robert ......... .78, 79 Troutman, H. B........... 352 Trussell, C. I............. 353 Troy, R. t,. ................ 228 Tutwiler, J. B. ........... 266
u
U. D. C. Atlanta Chapter, U. D. C. offices
373
373-374.
Van Epps, Howard, ........352 Volunteer Firemen 108, 109, 110
Venable, W. R. ........... 68 Viaducts, cost, 350; date of
Volpi, Signer Kmilo ...... 253
erection, ............... 361
Walker, B. F. ............ 355 Ward, Albertson .......... 266 Wardlaw, Mrs. C. W...... 223 Wardlaw, J. C. ........... 352 Washington Seminary 249, 250 Wellborn, M. B. ......263, 266 Wellhouse, Henry ......... 355 Wessels, B. S. .........172, 175 Whatley, R. H. .......... 86 Wheeler, General .......... 43 Whitaker, J. J. ....64, 65, 68 Wbitney, J- G. ............ 75 White, W. Woods ........ 172 White, W. W. ............. 335 Whitehead, J. B. ........... 305 Wholesale Bakers' Assn... 229 Wholesale Grocers' Assn... 229
Wightman, Rev. W. W..... 65 Wiley, James R. ......... 154 Wilkil, K. W. ............ 231 Willford, B. N. ........... 12 Willkinson, Mell R. 226, 398, 399 Williams, James B. ...... 112 Wilson, Rev. J. S. ...... 354 Wilson, Woodrow .....381-382 Winburn, F. E. ........... 352 Winship, Joseph .......... 71 Woodward, David ........ 174 Women's Club ............ 367 Women's Business Club... 230 Wren's Nest ............... 193 Wright, G. W. ........... 230 Wylie, Miss Lolie B...... 389
York, Lucian ............. 179