Please note that all the information below is from our 2023 tour, which took place on 11.11.23. Scroll down below the maps to see the stops on last year’s tour.
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HISTORY
“Bethel A.M.E. was built by the skilled hands of freed slaves, and has stood throughout time for 155 years. Bethel A.M.E.’s church history recalls General Sherman’s march throughout Georgia. At the end of the Civil War, there were 200 freed slaves remaining in Acworth. The emancipated slaves immediately became a vital part of the Acworth community, and took on a monumental task, and used their artistry and skill to build a church. After the end of slavery, members of the Bethel A.M.E. church and Zion Hill Missionary Baptist church shared church buildings. This tradition of alternating Sunday services lasted for many years until Zion Missionary Baptist church moved to a more contemporary church building in 1914; while the members of the Bethel A.M.E. remained in the original church building built by the freed slaves. Bethel A.M.E was built in 1878, and a bell tower was added in 1895.”
1. 4496 Lemon Street Extension, c. mid 1800s
Sponsored by: TRG Vino Market
HISTORY
This home is believed to have been built by Captain James Lile Lemon (Captain Lemon’s home is caddy corner to this home) in the mid-1800’s to attract a doctor to Acworth. The original section of the home was a two-room hall and parlor.
The home went under extensive renovations in the 1920’s when Helen Sills and her sister Ester moved here from Connecticut. With a great deal of family money, the home was enlarged as a cross-gabled bungalow. The front porch was added with a brick foundation, wide brick entrance steps and brick piers with tapered, squared, wood columns.
Helen married Albert Leroy Mason and they had one son, Albert Leroy Mason Jr. They had the first television set in Acworth (probably around 1948) and would invite friends into the home for “television parties.” They also had a Chow dog, which was very high society back then. Albert Jr. also had a pony.
The Sill sisters had purchased the Acworth Cotton Manufacturing Company that had been built on 60 acres of the Kitchen farm property in 1905 by Orlando Awtrey. They invested capital and manufactured coarse sheetings: tobacco shade cloth, osnaburg and sacks. Their company, Acworth Mills, employed 200 people. It also provided a whole village for its workers, including homes, a company store, a church and the 1928 brick Eli Whitney School.
Nicole & Clay Fletcher purchased the property in June 2010 and have spent years updating and renovating this beautiful home
2. 4535 Dallas St, c. 1851
Sponsored by: Crane Elder Law Firm
HISTORY
This charming Central Hallway Cottage was originally 560 square feet with 2 fireplaces. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, Circa 1920-1932 show the home with an addition of 780 square feet. The house today with the complete renovation is 3,500 sq ft with a new front porch, new rear deck and a detached two car garage.
Local historians refer to this home as “The Carrie Dyer Home.” The Club was established in Acworth in 1898 as the Calleopeans, but was renamed in 1901, upon Carrie Dyer’s death, to the Carrie Dyer Reading Club. Later, the club was named The Carrie Dyer Women’s Club. The Club purchased the home in 1910 and used the building as a clubhouse and public library. The group joined the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1908. Still active, the club holds the distinction of being the second oldest women’s club in Georgia.
The home was used as a community center and hosted lectures, special events and dances, and served as a meeting place for local organizations. The Club operated a library in the home until It joined the Cobb County Marietta Public Library in 1963.
In July of 2016 the home was purchased off the Courthouse steps by an investor and the home sat vacant for more than a year and a half. An entire section of the house was missing and the interior had been exposed to the weather. IT WAS A MESS. Malinda Howe, local Broker diligently started communication with the owner and finally convinced him to sell – it was then a task to marry the right buyer to the home who would preserve a piece of Acworth’s history. At last, someone stepped up for the challenge of our Mayor Tommy Allegood. He would restore the home and build an addition.
The home was completed and ready to hit the open market in August of 2018. In April of 2019 Linda & Wesley Hardwick purchased this historic home. Since their purchase the Hardwick’s have added a large front porch, added a roof over their back deck, added a detached two car garage, all new landscaped backyard with a cozy fire pit and just completed a kitchen renovation adding accents from deVol.
3. Lakeview Court (first home on the left), c. 2022
Sponsored by: Lacy Drug Company
HISTORY
This stunning custom European style home was built for Ella and Gary Givens who immediately fell in love with the Historic Downtown Acworth Community. Their home is one of the 9 homes to be built on the Cove on Lake Acworth, a gated community.
When the builder started the home, COVID hit and supplies were running short and timely delivery was not available.
The floorplan was everything they wanted with aging in place on their mind.
The home features lime washed brick with stone exterior accents on the fireplace. It offers 4,000 sq ft of living space and has a beautiful transitional interior design. The home features a chef’s kitchen with oversized island, breakfast area, farmhouse sink, and custom cabinetry.
It’s the perfect open floor plan with 10ft ceilings on the main level
and a vaulted ceiling in the great room. Home finishes and décor are stunning! Don’t miss this home!
4. 5038 Dewberry Circle, c. 1965
Sponsored by: 1885 Grill
HISTORY
In 1959 four prominent Acworth Businessman RJ Eaton, WB Hamner, LM Awtrey JR, FJ Kienel, had a vision of creating a new subdivision north on Main Street near the newly created Lake Allatoona. The Subdivision would be called Lakewood Heights. The creation of Lake Allatoona purpose was for flood control and hydroelectric generation. It was in the Mid 1930’s and the ranch plan originated out of California. After World War II the ranch plan was one of the few types of homes that FHA would finance. By 1950 the ranch plan was the most predominant residential style in the country.
The ranch plan emphasized on the horizontal and the result of the automobile – carports or garages attached – predominant landscape with Driveways, 8ft interior ceilings, shutters deceased, the creation of the picture window to out at the landscape, windows and doors become one with sliding glass doors bringing nature into the home.
This mid-century ranch home was initially built for Jack and Becky Day Diemer (Owners of Day’s Chevrolet) and later sold to Wally Poczatek (former mayor of Acworth) in the late 1960’s. Teresa & Ron Sanford purchased this home in January of 1993 from Mr. Poczatek.
On February 1 1993 they moved into their new home – February 14th 1993 Acworth was hit with an ice storm and one month later a blizzard. Needless to say, the approximate number of pine trees initially was 75 on the property and after these storms the Sanford’s had 35 pine trees removed
Teresa mentioned that the home was like revisiting 1965 with 3-inch shag carpeting thru-out and painted walls to match. One of the very first items was to remove all the shag carpet to only reveal beautiful hardwood oak floors. The home originally was a 4 Bedroom & 4 full Baths – but now 3 full baths to reincorporate to a true owner’s bath. The original bath fixtures and tiles were sky blue, peach, beige and tan – each bath has been completely renovated. In 2005 the kitchen was renovated and in 2009 the Great Room floor plan was modified. A must see is to explore their stunning gardens which have been one of the Sanford’s greatest pleasures.
5. 5225 Dawn Drive, c. 2006
Sponsored by: Raven Printing
Acworth welcomes the return of the charming craftsman bungalow style home to blend with our historic homes.
This stunning Allatoona Lake home was built in 2006 for one of the
Trippe family members. The Thelen’s purchased the two bedroom two bath home in May of 2019. It was love at first sight with the commanding lake views from the back deck, the oversized owner’s suite with a huge walk-in closet, board and batten trim accents in the dining, and an owner’s suite with custom-built in’s.
The Thelens loved one level living, but quickly realized that they needed more entertaining space for their family: 1 teen still in the nest, 5 grown kids, 15 grandkids, and their big extended families.
The Thelen’s then commissioned a general contractor to finish the full basement and to build out the attic space for an additional bedroom and library space. The home sits on some of Lake Allatoona’s finest shoreline with a paved path to a covered pavilion, fire pit, and dock for endless summer outdoor fun.
6. 5212 Dawn Dr., c. 1999
Sponsored by: Henry’s Louisiana Grill
HISTORY
Prior to purchasing the lot for 5212 Dawn Dr, Steve and Lori Prather lived directly across the street for 10 years. As their family grew and
the opportunity for a lake lot and a dock became available, it was the perfect match. Steve had water skied competitively in college at KSU so having a lake lot was a huge factor in their decision to buy.
And so, it began a new journey…..
When Lori and Steve Prather were searching for the perfect ranch plan in the 1990’s it was not an easy task, but at last they found their new house plan at the 1997 Southern Living Tour of Homes. At the time, they had been told their daughter, Marina would be bound to a wheelchair for the entirety of her life. When they visited the Southern Living show home, the first floor had everything they needed for Lori and Steve to care for Marina. As everyone knows, Marina defied the doctors and runs both the
floors of this home.
Lori and Steve made some changes to the original house plan by making a larger hallway and adding a large front porch. In 2022 the Prathers had a complete makeover of the exterior of the home which included:
white washing the brick, changing siding to a shaker style Hardie Board, installing all new exterior windows and doors, and adding a large trifold door that opens up the entire living room to the screened in back porch. Simply gorgeous! From the backside of the house, deck and fireplace area, the Prathers love viewing all the wildlife from deer to rabbits.
Lori and Steve have plans, of course, for future interior renovations – a home is ever evolving.
7. 4378 Dallas St., c. 1930
Sponsored by: Anchor Realty
When Meg and David Piazza purchased this Shotgun style home in May of 2019, the home had been a rental for over 20 plus years and was in need of lots of love and updating. After falling in love with the lake view, they began the process of the BIG renovation. They wanted to keep the charm of the outside of the house and the stone porch, so they hired one of the best arts and crafts architect groups in Georgia, Peek Design Group.
The renovation took an entire year and the interior was completely brought down to the studs and the floor-plan was re-configured to be a 3 bedroom and 3 ½ bath home. All new plumbing, electrical, roof, siding and new landscaping was installed. There is one wall in the house that the sellers kept along with the original fireplace. The carport on the back of the house was enclosed and changed into a four-season room and became one of their favorite places to be. Perfect for the grandkids and all of their toys!! In the spring of 2021, they added the detached garage and the driveway when the city rerouted Dallas St. The only last wish for the Piazza’s is to have stone patio and fire pit to be installed on the front right side of the house, which would be a great place to sit and watch the lake goers, roast marshmallows with the kids, and have yet one more place in the house to relax!
The Piazza’s also own a home in Ellicottville New York. The family made all the cupboards and furniture in their home in New York. So, when it came time for their home here on Dallas Street, they knew they would do a great job. Everything in the house furniture wise was made by the family; Cupboards, Island, Kitchen Table, Beds, Dressers, Master Bath cabinets, beds, etc. etc. They rented a U-Haul and brought everything back to Georgia. The Piazza’s are no strangers to Acworth and own a business in town Bison Apparel Screen-printing on S Main St. They love the fact that they can take their golf cart to work. They had waited patiently for two years for the perfect home to become available on either Seminole Dr or Dallas St. They feel very fortunate that this home came available, and love being on the lake.
8. The Shops & Flats at Logan Farm Park’s Open House
Sponsored by: Lakeside Executive Suites
Details: During our tour, The Shops & Flats at Logan Farm Park will be hosting an open house for one of their charming condos. Wine and cheese will be provided for you to enjoy while you chat with their on-site realtors.
Location: The Shops & Flats at Logan Farm Park: 4800 Allatoona Gateway, Acworth, GA 30101
The Shops & FLats at Logan Farm Park
The Shops & Flats At Logan Farm are not just condos; they’re a testament to a lifestyle of ease, beauty, and practicality. Experience the best of Downtown Acworth, where the city’s pulse meets the tranquility of home. Discover a world of comfort, convenience, and refined living in these exceptional residences.
Each unit features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, complete with a beautiful kitchen boasting elegant waterfall quartz countertops and soft-closing shaker cabinets. The attention to detail is unmistakable, creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing.
The well-appointed bathrooms and ample closet space ensure that your every need is met. Open-concept layouts, with an abundance of windows, bathe the interiors in natural light, creating an inviting ambiance for everyday living and entertaining. Notably, the builder, Tony Perry, brings over 40 years of experience to this project. His expertise shines through in his meticulous design, ensuring that every square foot is thoughtfully utilized, leaving no space underused or wasted.
In close proximity, you’ll find a treasure trove of delightful restaurants and boutique shops. Stroll down the charming streets, indulge in delectable cuisines, and explore unique finds within walking distance of your condo.
Residents of this prime location enjoy quick and easy access to Highway 75, making commuting a breeze. Whether you work in the city or seek weekend adventures, this central hub allows you to get there effortlessly.
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ON THE TOUR BUT WORTH LOOKING OUT FOR
Acworth Presbyterian Church (c. 1870), 4561 Church St.
(Acworth Presbyterian Church Congregation)
This church is not on the tour, but certainly worth a look on the outside.
Capt. Lemon was one of the founders of Acworth Presbyterian Church. The church was built in 1875 on land donated by James’ brother, Smith Lemon. [1]
The Acworth Presbyterian Church was established in 1870 as a mission from the Mars Hill Church. Thirty-four members were dispatched to start the Acworth Church, and Mars Hill provided a joint minister until 1956. Smith Lemon donated the property and together with his brother James Lile, supervised the construction of the church building in 1875. [2]
The Church features stained glass windows, Gothic arches, and intricate brickwork are features of the brick edifice. Many of Acworth’s pioneer families were among the charter members. [3]
Thirty-four members from Mars Hill were received as charter members. They were: M.J. Abbott, Mrs. F.J. Ansley, J.H. Bate, W.T. Bate, Dr. A. Cotten, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Cotten, Mrs. Hattie Hull, W.H.A. Johnson, J.P. Lawhon, Mrs. J.P. Lawhon, Miss Lula Lawhon, Miss Belle Lemon, J.L. Lemon, Mrs. J.L. Lemon, Miss Jennie Lemon, Jessie, L. Lemon, M.E. Lemon, Margaret E. Lemon, Smith Lemon, Mrs. M.K. Litchfield (known as Mr.s Kansas Williams after her second marriage), H.H. Logan, Mrs. Emily L. Logan, J.E. McEver, Mrs. J.W. McMillan, John L. Nichols, Mrs. Maria L. Nichols, W. J. Palmer, Mrs. W.J. Palmer, Miss Nola Palmer, Miss Eula Palmer, William Prichard, John E. Prichard, J.C. Stancel, and Mrs. L.H. Tanner. [4]
On November 4, 1883, J.W. McMillan and H.H. Logan were ordained as elders by Rev. A.G. Johnson, the first minister of Acworth Presbyterian Church. [5]
Acworth Presbyterian Church was used in the 2011 remake of ‘Footloose’ as the Church of Bormont where Dennis Quaid’s character, Reverend Moore, is the minister. Carol Allegood, homeownter of the R.L McMillan House, is featured as an extra during one of the church scenes, along with Kim Wigington, Headmaster of Brookwood Christian School, one of Acworth Charm’s Hosts. [6]
1. Acworth Society for Historic Preservation, Inc., p. 61.
2. Ibid.
3. Rebecca Nash Paden and Joe McTyre. pg. 45
4. Mary Dell Williams, pg. 2
5. Ibid.
6. Southern Outdoor Cinema
Acworth Christian Church (c. 1858)
(Acworth Christian Church Congregation)
This newly restored church is not open for a tour, but is certainly worth a look from the outside.
In 1858, Acworth had been established as a watering stop for the Western and Atlantic Railroad, but would not be incorporated until 1860.
That year, Nathan Smith, an established evangelist, founded the Acworth Christian Church, which originally was located on Mitchell Hill. Smith was one of the first schoolmasters in Acworth, and the first worshipful master of the Acworth Masonic Lodge.
The church thrived until the Civil War, when the building was dismantled and used as shanties for Union soldiers. The church re-established in 1875 at its current location on Northside Drive. Tragedy struck again in 1899, when a fire destroyed the church. Nathan Smith died that same year, so he never got to enjoy the rebuilt church, which opened its doors in 1901.
The church has been a fixture in Acworth ever since, and can be seen from Main Street and the downtown area. The church’s original brick exterior was covered by stucco in the 1980s.
SOURCES
[Unless otherwise cited, all photography courtesy of TCPics]
-Acworth Society for Historic Preservation, Inc. Acworth. Charleston SC, Chicago, Portsmouth NH, San Franscisco: Arcadia, 2003.
-City of Acworth Property Records
-Angela Chao, Old Acworth Jail Memorabilia. Acworth, GA Patch, March 11, 2011. https://patch.com/georgia/acworth/amp/431263 (accessed August 11, 2019)
-Charlotte McClure et al, Acworth, Georgia: from Cherokee County to Suburbia. Acworth. Carrie Dyer Woman’s Club, 1976.
-Rebecca Nash Paden and Joe McTyre. Cobb County. Charleston SC: Arcadia, 2005.
-Wendy Parker, “Sprayberry to Celebrate 65th Anniversary, Hold Gala Fundraiser Saturday.” East Cobb News, April 13, 2018. Accessed May 15, 2020.
-Abbie Tucker Parks, Albert L. Price, and Shirley Fowler Walker. Remembering Acworth: Fact, Fun, and Trivia. City of Acworth, 2010.
-Thomas Allan Scott. Cobb County, Georgia and the Origins of the Suburban South: A Twentieth-Century History. Marietta GA: Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, Inc, 2003.
-Southern Outdoor Cinema. “‘Footloose’ Starring Julianne Hough, Filmed in Georgia.” Southern Outdoor Cinema, February 14, 2014. (Accessed 08/20/2019)
-Mary Dell Williams. Acworth Presbyterian Church, The First Hundred Years, 1870 – 1970. Acworth GA, 1970