Archive Atlanta

Many times, churches are the oldest or only surviving buildings in a community. By looking past their initial purpose, we can use location, building materials and even architecture to tell us more about the history of Atlanta and it's people. This week, I'm back to tackle Part II of Atlanta's churches. Stories not just about buildings, but also enslaved people, protesting nuns, church built by the...

This is a story about two men; one from the North, one from the South, one from humble beginnings and one from a prominent family. Both would shape the city of Atlanta at its infancy, changing the ways it’s citizens traveled and lived. Both names dot the streets and parks of Atlanta and one is rumored to be the inspiration for the infamous Rhett Butler. Listen this week to find out who they were!...

The Neighborhood Union was the first, female-led black social work organization in the city. Atlanta women led the charge to educate children, find them safe places to play, schools to learn in and ways to ensure everyone’s health and safety was a priority, so that they could then focus on lifting themselves and their neighborhoods out of poverty. AND this in an era of strict Victorian societal ru...

The attachment, nostalgia and love for Rich’s Department store runs deep. This week, I am covering the earliest history of department stores, the Rich Family and the growth of Rich's.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider making a contribution:  www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG:  www.instagram....

For many, this neighborhood has only recently hit their radar, with the construction of the new stadium and the redevelopment of the old Norfolk Southern headquarters. But did you know this is one of the oldest parts of Atlanta? Listen to this week's episode to learn about Slabtown and Snake Nation, the early mayoral elections, the first bridge in Atlanta and how Castleberry Hill got it's name. En...

For many Atlantans driving down Ponce de Leon, these six linear parks almost disappear into sight. This week, I'm talking about Frederick Law Olmsted, his work in Atlanta and why these parks are so important.  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider making a contribution:  www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/archiveat...

In 1885, the death rate for black Atlantans was 2.5 times greater than whites. By 1900, the black death rate exceeded the white by 69%. African American deaths accounted for 50% of the city’s deaths, while only accounting for 40% of its population. Crawford Long, Piedmont, Emory University Hospital, Georgia Baptist, Egleston Hospital for Children, St. Joseph's Infirmary, and the Scottish Rite Hosp...

A short announcement to let you know I will taking a podcast 'summer break'. New episodes will return on Friday, June 21st! In the meantime, I will still be posting short histories on social media - come follow along! www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG:  www.instagram.com/archiveatlanta  

This week, we're focusing on five downtown Atlanta churches - how they came to be, when were they built and what stories they hold. Learn about Father's O'Reilly's act of heroism, how you can hear a 169 year-old bell ring, the church of Mayor Andrew Young and why dancing almost got someone ex-communicated.   www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/ar...

The end of the Civil War marked the end of slavery in the US...right? In the last few years, books and documentaries are educating Americans on what really happened. In all Southern cities, convict leasing booms in the post-war period and the largest user of the system was right here in Atlanta. This week, I am sharing the history of Chattahoochee Brick and the English Family. Learn More:  http://...

The Cascade Mansion (1860) and the Willis House (1840) are both owned by Lt. Colonel Perry Bennett, who can make a war-history-lover out of anyone. This week, I am sharing the information I learned on my tours of the two homes and the incredible history that they both hold. www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG:  www.instagram.com...

Every city seems to have their story of a great fire, and Atlanta is no different. In 1917, over the course of 10 hours, we would lose 73 square blocks, more than 300 acres, 1938 buildings and 1900 homes. 10,000 Atlantans were homeless, which was 5% of the city’s population.  Links: www.atlantamagazine.com/great-reads/second-burning-atlanta/  Contact Me: www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thev...

Collier Heights development began slowly in the 1910s, with homes for white Atlantans. As WWII came to a close and housing shortages hit the city, African Americans began to purchase, develop and finance subdivisions on the west side. This neighborhood is a treasure trove of mid-century modern homes, but the stories of who lived in these homes is even better.  www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:...

When we share the history of Atlanta, so many stories are focused on men. I myself was guilty...until a women's real estate group asked me to tell the stories of the women of Auburn Avenue. Amazed with what I found, this week I am taking on a virtual walking tour and sharing what I learned about the incredible and ground-breaking ladies of this block.  www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevic...

The first post-World War II, Neo-Nazi group in America organized right here in Atlanta. Only in formal existence for one year, the Columbians were still able to inflict fear, hatred and violence in the city's African American and Jewish residents. www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com FB:  www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG:  www.instagram.com/archiveatlanta Links:  htt...

Did you know that Peachtree Street was once lined with the grand mansions of Atlanta's elite? And did you know that only six are left (five in their original locations)? This week, I'm telling you all about where they are, when they were built, who lived in them and how you can live in one...all while mispronouncing every famous Atlanta architect's name. www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email:  thev...

They share a name, yet demonstrate two different Atlanta suburban development styles - the streetcar and the automobile. With a few homes dating back 150 years, these two Atlanta neighborhoods also showcase the city-wide boom of the 1920s. This week I mention mysterious fires, azaleas, Masons, redlining and why we should thank Clark Atlanta for the new portion of the Beltline.  www.archiveatlantap...

The legacy of women's influence in Atlanta earliest history is not always tangible. There's no downtown office building, no company that still bears their name - but even in those patriarchal, religious, and societal confines, Nellie Peter Black was able to serve our city and state throughout most of her life. Descendant of a prominent Atlanta family, she lived with the true desire to help those i...

The cornerstone at Atlanta's first public hospital was laid without the funds to actually finish building it! Finally opened in 1892, it's been serving the city for the last 127 years. This week I'm sharing the earliest hospital history, the true "Father of Grady', why the first patient was rejected and the terrible luck of its first motorized ambulance.   Links: www.amazon.com/Atlantas-living-Leg...

Until last week, I had NO clue this unincorporated Cobb County enclave was actually 'ITP'...but that's not the only surprise that Vinings has to offer. Beginning with the Cherokee, who had two villages and a ferry operating in the area, it would be given in the land lottery to Hardy Pace, who built his family home and cemetery there. Throw in a good Sherman story, historic preservation, abandoned...

There is street named for him and a giant bust on Auburn Avenue...but do you really know what he's done? From a rough childhood to railway mail clerk, Grandmaster Mason, husband, father and voting rights activist. He's left a long legacy in the city and especially on the street he loved so much - Auburn Avenue.  Links: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13N9at9uyRLWbhbFP2bRL-p0L5FTNSMJ6/view http://o...

The Crackers may sound familiar, but what about the Osceolas, Atlantans, Firecrackers, Windjammers, Deppens, Cubs and Panthers? This week, I’m talking about the parallel worlds of white and black baseball in Atlanta, all of the club iterations, and where these games were played. Book mentioned:  www.amazon.com/Crackers-Early-Days-Atlanta-Baseball/dp/1588181014 Contact Me: www.archiveatlantapodcast...

In 1881, not even two decades out of slavery, a group of Atlanta's African American washerwomen started the "Washing Society" and launched the fight for higher wages, respect and acknowledgement of black women's important role in the New South economy. One of best lesser-known 'herstories' of the city. www.amazon.com/Joy-My-Freedom-Southern-Womens/dp/0674893085 Contact Me: Email:  thevictorialemos...

Westview Cemetery is one of the largest in the Southeast, opening in 1884. Today I get to share how it got started, what that big tower is all about, and why I think everyone should visit this weekend! I barely scratched the surface, so please read Jeff Clemmon's book: Link: www.amazon.com/Atlantas-Historic-Westview-Cemetery-Landmarks/dp/1626199671  Contact Me: Email:  thevictorialemos@gmail.com F...

This week I got to explore the rich history of East Atlanta. Beginning with area's earliest Native American trade route, the site of the Battle of Atlanta, school desegregation and a very unique neighborhood cemetery. There is even a mention of a glass eye and llamas! Listen and learn about this great neighborhood and why I personally love EAV so much. Links I mentioned:  http://www.batlevent.org/...