Eatonton’s Historic Preservation Commission was honored to make its annual awards presentation Tuesday, May 3 , at the regularly scheduled Eatonton City Council meeting. Each year during the month of May communities all over America recognize and celebrate preservation efforts. Our city is especially fortunate to have many places that have benefited from tremendous work toward restoration, rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance during this past year.
Bob Carithers of Atlanta and Lexington, Kentucky, is the owner of The Gardner-Griffith House on Wayne Street. In partnership with his project manager Mr. Johnny Holt, the two preservationists are currently completing a major rehabilitation of the home and its landscape. They have painstakingly recreated many of the home’s original architectural features that have been lost over time. For their tremendous efforts, they received an Excellence in Rehabilitation award.
Aaron and Jo Anne Raatz have restored several historic homes in Covington and Porterdal Eatonton is very fortunate that they fell in love with The Walton-Rossee home on Madison Avenue and decided to make it their residence. They are completing most of the work themselves beginning with the critically important stabilization of the deteriorating foundation. Their work is continuing with the beautiful preservation of the interior. An Excellence in Rehabilitation award is certainly deserved for the outstanding efforts that are being made in bringing this fine home on the Avenue back to its glory.
All of Putnam County grieved in 2019 when the Rock Eagle Chapel was engulfed in flames. It was feared that the 1953 structure would be damaged beyond repair. Thankfully, the stone walls were still intact and the beloved Chapel was able to be accurately restored to its historic likeness. The original light fixtures, pews, doors, and hardware were all restored and reused. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation recognized Georgia 4-H with the state Restoration Award in the Fall of 2021. For his efforts in overseeing the project, the HPC recognized Matt Hammons, 4-H Center Director, with an Excellence in Restoration Award.
An Excellence in Stewardship Award was presented to Shelagh Fagan and Keith Rowell for their ongoing attention to maintaining the beautiful Ezell-Tatum-Ashurst home on Madison Avenue. The couple has owned the home since 1997, moving to Eatonton full time in 2001. Following a fire in 2002, they carefully and accurately restored the interior and exterior of the home to repair fire, smoke and water damage. The grounds of the property boast some of Eatonton’s most beautiful gardens. Keith and Shelagh have been valued contributors of their time and talents in our community and HPC is especially thankful for Shelagh’s many years of dedication to the HPC, serving for many years as its chairperson.
This past year has seen significant preservation progress in The Plaza Historic District. Work continues on The Shields-Ethridege-Leverett-Blackwell House on Madison Avenue and completion will certainly enhance this important corner of our city. The HPC is grateful for the many homeowners whose efforts to maintain their properties contribute to the character, charm, and protection of our irreplaceable historic neighborhoods. For more information about HPC, please visit our website www.eatontonhpc.com or contact chair Lyn Romine. Contact information is available on the website.