#MaconFleaFinds | Summer Sale Edition

Discover sizzling summer savings at the Flea Market Summer Sale! Come to 551 Cherry Street (the storefront to the left of the Rookery) on Saturday, August 15 between 8am to 12pm to find outdoor furniture, rafts, children’s toys, beach supplies, gardening gear, and a few things in between! See below for a sneak preview of what you can shop on Saturday

1. Take it easy in this wicker chair.

2. We just made outdoor entertaining easy. Enjoy Macon summer nights with this classic outdoor furniture set.

3. Keep this chair natural or spray paint it a fun and festive color to brighten up your outdoor space. Total of 5 chairs available.

4. Don’t find yourself up river without a paddle (or a raft). We have both at the Summer Sale!

5. Spruce up your beach game with a matching set of chairs and some stylish hats.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market Summer Sale on Saturday, August 15.

If you can’t make it to the sale this Saturday, the Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items.  Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Christmas in July

Though the weather outside is frightful…

Frightfully hot that is. We’ll keep you cool with this week’s Macon Flea Finds. Celebrate Christmas in July by making your list, and checking it twice, of all the decorations you’ll need this December. Chances are the Flea Market has exactly what you need.

1. Trim your tree and make it “shiny brite” with retro ornaments.

2. A red sleigh is perfect for displaying Christmas cards and other jolly trinkets. Dash away, dash away, dash away all!

3. Do the jingle bell rock with a Santa baby trio.

4. You know Comet, and Cupid, and Donner, and Blitzen….You also know the rest of the words to this song….

5. Impress Saint Nick when we comes down the chimney with some custom Christmas tree cookies made from this festive mold.

The Flea Market is also stocked with artificial Christmas trees! You can trim your home top to bottom with your flea finds.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-3, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items.  Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Bragg Jam Edition

While you’re tapping your feet listening to the Bragg Jam Spotify playlist, check out this week’s top five Macon Flea Finds inspired by the one and only Bragg Jam. These finds are sure to be groovy.

1. Turn up the tunes with this vintage radio -it still works!

2. Strum away your evenings on the gui-tar.

3. Tickle some ivory on a piano once owned the by daughter of one of Wesleyan’s founders.

4. Stay shady under this cool hat….

5. …or sultry sombrero

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-3, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Be sure to stop the Historic Macon stage on Coleman Hill this Saturday. Until next week, flea on!

17 Preservation Reads for the Summer

Looking for a good summer book to read on the beach, in the mountains, or on the road? Historic Macon's staff has you covered! We’ve made a list of our favorite reads about architecture, local history and a few things in between.

1.  A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester

Considered the bible for historic buildings. With the detailed illustrations, descriptions, and images, anyone can determine the architectural style and features of their home.

2.  How to Read Buildings: A Crash Course in Architectural Styles by Carol Davidson Cragoe

Buildings hold many clues that create a story. Cragoe explains the origins of architectural elements and what they can tell us about a building's past and purpose.

3.  Uppark Restored by Christopher Rowell and John Martin Robinson

"This book covers the extensive restoration of Uppark, an English country house, after a devastating fire. Someone once recommended to me that all preservationists should read this at least once a year to serve as motivation to not "give up the good fight." Although it's England, it's still a good read." -Recommendation from Lauren Mauldin, HMF Loan Fund Manager

4.  The English Railway Station by Steven Parissien

Although extraordinarily fascinating to us, railway stations in England are as ubiquitous as the American bus station. This book reminds us to look at the architecture we pass by every day.

5.  Ghosts of Grandeur by Michael W. Kitchens
[Available in the Sideporch Store of the Sidney Lanier Cottage!]

This book depicts Georgia's lost antebellum homes and plantations and includes great photographs and illustrations, some of had never been published before appearing in this book.

6.  The Hidden White House: Harry Truman and the Reconstruction of America's Most Famous Residence by Robert Klara

Headed to our nation's capital for a summer jaunt? Learn about the fascinating preservation story of the White House. America's most famous residence was on the verge of collapse until the Truman administration reconstructed the building.

7.  Living Macon Style by James E. Barfield and Walter Elliott
[Available in the Sideporch Store of the Sidney Lanier Cottage!]

The good life in 21st Century Macon, as expressed in 25 examples of domestic architecture and style, has been beautifully captured in James Barfield and Walter Elliott's book. Enjoy the magnificent beauty and the subtle wonder of Macon's houses, their grand interiors and their colorful gardens.

8.  A Tour through Time: An Architectural Guidebook to the Houses of Macon, GA by David Frazer Lewis [Available in the Sideporch Store of the Sidney Lanier Cottage!]

This book serves as an introductory guidebook to the architectural styles featured in historic Macon, Georgia. Architectural historian David Frazer Lewis takes you on your own tour through time, featuring hand sketches of architectural details, elaborate photography of many homes in central Georgia and a driving tour with maps to accompany you on your next trip to Macon.

9.  There Is More than One Way to Spell Wiener: The Story of Nu-Way by Ed Griasmore

"Fair warning about reading this book: you will want to eat Nu-Way hotdogs while reading it, which is a problem if you have a tendency to read right before going to bed like me. Bonus: you can hear from the author at the next Sidney's Salon on Tuesday, July 14." -Recommendation from Kim Campbell, HMF's Preservation and Education Coordinator

10.  Images of America: Macon by Stephen Taylor and Matthew Jennings

Matt Jennings and Stephen Taylor tell the history of Macon through photographic images and compelling caption. Learn something new about Macon's past as you flip through this beautiful book. Bonus: Matt and Stephen will talk about their experience of curating the images for this during September's Salon.

11.  A Peculiar Tribe of People: Murder and Madness in the Heart of Georgia by Richard Jay Hutto [Available in the Sideporch Store of the Sidney Lanier Cottage!]

The sleepy town of Macon was awakened by the news of murder in 1960. Chester Burge's wife was found dead while Burge recovered from surgery in the Macon hospital. When Chester is charge with his wife's murder, the trial uncovers stories of homosexuality and interracial relationships in the segregated South.

12.  Homeowner's Handbook to Historic Houses published by Historic Macon
Hardcopies available for free at the Sidney Lanier Cottage or for digital download.

Planning a staycation and need to do some work around your historic home? Check out Historic Macon's Homeowner's Handbook for tips about the preservation resources available in Macon and maintenance.

13.  The House on Tradd Street by Karen White

Although not related to Macon, the book is set in Charleston and the historic house could be considered a main character; especially since a lot of the plot revolves around its restoration and long history. If you get hooked on this one, it's part of a series, so you can get your historic house fiction in for the summer.

14.  The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews

A great summer read. The book revolves around a historic house and a woman's return to her small hometown (and her childhood home).

15.  The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay

Set in Paris, a woman who fights to save her historic Paris home in the 1860's when historic buildings were being torn down to create a "modern day" Paris.

16.  If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell

Looking for a series to get you through the rest of the summer? This is the first in a mystery series and the main character remodels historic houses in San Francisco.

17. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story by John Berendt

Set in Savannah, Berendt introduces readers to a colorful cast of characters. There's something for everyone in this captivating read - preservation, deception, and murder. And hey, Macon is mentioned a few times throughout the book as well.

#MaconFleaFinds | Flim Fest Edition

Lights, camera, action! The Macon Film Fest is in town and Historic Macon’s Flea Market has some things that will make you camera (or sofa) ready for a movie watching marathon.

1. Look like a movie star at all the film screenings in some new shades…

2. …or with your new bohemian chic hobo bag.

3. Lewis Medlock (aka Burt Reynolds) probably wishes he had this raft when he was up the creek without a paddle.

4. The Macon Film Festival has such a robust program there’s no way you can watch every film you want to see. Get settled down in this comfy couch or armchair and let the movie marathon ensue.

5. And don’t forget the snacks. This convenient wooden dish and dip set connects it all so you only have to make one trip from the kitchen to the living room.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-3, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Top Five

Historic Macon's annual Flea Market holds some real treasures -quirky and queer, rare and valuable, or practical and useful, there's something for everyone! Here at Historic Macon, we're providing weekly previews of some of the items that will go on sale October 2-3, 2015 at the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building (536 Third Street).

1.  Start your own glass (or quartz or jade or wooden) menagerie with these figurines. Tennessee Williams would be proud.

2.  Get cordial with these delightful purple glasses. Fill up your new glasses with a delicious honeysuckle cordial during your next cocktail party.

3.  I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Why not show off your love of ice cream by eating some out of these adorable ice cream bowls and matching spoons. How sweet!

4.  Does your little wild thing need a few more friends? These two mischievous wild things are ready for a rompous.

5.  You may need to mooooooooove around some of your artwork to make way for this udderly cute cow silhouette.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Until next week, flea on!

Porter House Eligible for Listing in the National Register of Historic Places

On June 15, Historic Macon received a letter from Georgia’s Historic Preservation Division stating the Porter House is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This decision recognizes the house’s historical and architectural significance and makes it eligible for national and state preservation incentives.

In cooperation with HMF, Wesleyan College, and James Hyde Porter Charitable Trust, the Porter House was moved from its original location on Houston Road in November of 2013 to save it from demolition. Typically, structures that have been moved are not accepted to the Register, but the Porter House’s significance trumped the relocation.

James Hyde Porter and his wife Olive Swann Porter donated money to many educational and religious institutions. They also spent their wealth on a long trip to France in 1927 as well as constructing the house, which was completed by 1928. After Mrs. Porter’s death in August 1939, Mr. Porter moved to this house exclusively and began to give generously to local religious, civic, and educational facilities. In 1940, Mr. Porter gave $100,000 to Wesleyan College for the then new campus on Forsyth Road and paid for the construction of a new female dormitory, still known today as Porter Hall, on the Mercer University campus. Mr. Porter earned his wealth as Vice President of the Bibb Manufacturing Company.

Architecturally, the house is a direct result of the Porters’ trip to France in the 1920s. Like many wealthy individuals of their era, the Porters used their fortune for a European holiday, and their time “motoring through Normandy” inspired the design of the house.

Dunwody & Oliphant Architects of Macon created the original architectural specifications for the Porter House in early twentieth century. After the house’s move, Dunwody/Beeland Architects, Incorporation, the same firm that originally designed the house, oversaw the exterior reconstruction process.

According to Kim Campbell, HMF Preservation and Education Coordinator, “The Porters’ generous contributions to education have both local and state significance, and the Porter House is the only building associated with that period of greatest giving. Although the place, in the strict theoretical sense, will never be what it was prior to its move, it still evokes the personality of its original owner. Given this structure’s historical significance and unique architecture, it is worthy of both preservation and inclusion to the National Register.”

8 Reasons to be a Flea Market Volunteer

1. You get to scope out #maconfleafinds first.

Historic Macon has been holding a Flea Market for 38 years. People in Macon know that if they want to get rid of something (except for clothes), Historic Macon will take it. We collect items all year and we get some good stuff. I mean GOOD STUFF.

2. Then you get to purchase those #maconfleafinds.

Let’s be real, one of the major benefits of volunteering for the Flea Market is the opportunity to scope out what has been donated and then having the opportunity to buy a few of those things before the doors open to the public. Every Flea Market volunteer who works for 20 hours or more gets to shop at the volunteer pre-sale luncheon on Friday, October 2 (the day of the Preview Party). Volunteers have a $100 spending limit at this sale and none of the items are off limits (well unless they’re more expensive than $100....)

Not to mention, you get to attend the Flea Market Preview Party for free if you volunteer that evening.

3. The chance to make new friends.

There’s nothing quite like cleaning out boxes from a hoarder’s house that will bring you and someone you barely know closer together. Flea Market volunteers are in the trenches together sorting through donations, cleaning items, and pricing things to sell. This leads to some pretty entertaining moments, whether you’re knee deep in donated Tupperware or you find something you’re pretty sure someone meant to throw away. Plus, there’s always some kind of conversation starter at hand.

4. You’ve always wanted to appear on Antiques Roadshow or American Pickers.

Okay, so the Historic Macon Flea Market will not land you a spot on television. But you will see some pretty incredible antiques, collectibles, and everything in between. If you know a thing or two about fine china or vintage gas station signs, you can even impress your new Flea Market friends with your trivia. And hey, that might help you make a sale.

5.  Manual labor was never so much fun!

Historic Macon’s fearless Flea Market volunteers brave warm summer days to wade through boxes of donations, move furniture, and complete Flea Market donation deliveries. It is hard work but it’s fun work. Just think of it as your daily dose of exercise with your favorite new friends.

6. ANYONE can help.

Yes, some jobs at the Flea Market require some muscle but there are so many things that need to be done, that anyone can help. Not into picking up heavy furniture? Well we have plenty of silver to polish. Think you would rather lend us your eye for design? We always need help staging our inventory. After all, this is a sale! Whatever your talents, there is some task you can help with at the Flea Market

7. You might learn something.

The great thing about accepting donations all year long is that we have an incredibly diverse array of merchandise. From items purchased at Target to original works of art passed down in families, there are always interesting items to peruse. Often we receive donations that need a little research so that we can price them accordingly. You never know what will come through and there is usually someone around who knows something about it and likes to share

8. Your work makes our work possible.

The Flea Market is fun work but it can be hard at times. There is heavy lifting and you don’t stay clean on a typical day. But, all that work pays off because you’re raising money that makes Historic Macon’s mission possible. The Flea Market would not be possible AT ALL without the dedicated corps of volunteers who work diligently on the sale every week. In the past five years, these volunteers have raised $132,538.10. That is enough to fund a rehabilitation. Our Preservation Designer is currently working on a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house on Elm Street in Beall’s Hill with a budget this size.

Or think of it this way. On average, in the past five years, the Flea Market annually nets $26,500 from just ONE day and a three hour party. Now, that’s pretty cool.

If you want to become a Flea Market volunteer, you can come out to the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street in downtown Macon on Wednesdays from 9am to noon. If you can’t work on Wednesdays, contact Emily Hopkins at ehopkins@historicmacon.org or call 478-742-5084.

Tax Credit Break | 1259 Linden Avenue

The 1908 Sanborn Fire insurance map is the first map to show this building in place, previously numbered 523 Boundary St. An 1887 birds-eye map of Macon shows the location of the current home wooded with no buildings. The first listing of the address in the City Directory is in 1893-94, when it was occupied by John Higginson, a letter carrier. George Stripling, a traveling salesman, owned the house from 1911 until 1918, followed by salesman Thomas Sheridan and a physician named Hobbs in 1920. In 1925, the Bradford family occupied the home, only for it to be transferred to the Barfields by 1930. They stayed there until 1935. The Chew family then owned the home from 1939 until 1987, when it became vacant until 1991. That year the manager of the Macon Telegraph Fredrick Greer bought the house. Between 1992 and 1995, the house was owned by Frederick Drauneck, and sometime around 1996, it was purchased by Robert Kullman who held the house until the present owners purchased it in 2014. The home is an excellent example of late-Victorian vernacular housing for working families on the borders of the industrializing city of Macon that adapted to suit the needs of subsequent generations.

This is just one example of a building that is being preserved through use of the Georgia historic tax credit incentive program. Kim Campbell, Historic Macon’s Preservation and Education Coordinator, wrote this history in preparation for the building’s tax credit application. If you would to learn more about Historic Macon’s tax credit consultations, please call 478-742-5084 or email Kim at kcampbell@historicmacon.org.

15 Ways to Maintain Your Home with a Historic Macon Facade Loan

1. Paint the exterior of your home

532 Arlington Place was once an abandoned building but with the help of facade loan, it now houses Mercer students and young professionals.

2. Repair and/or replace porch columsn

3. Repair stains, newel posts, and railings

4. Update decorative finishes

5. Repair porches and railings

6. Execute roof repairs, or....

7. ...Install a new roof

8. Repair historic windows

9. Replaced rotted exterior siding

10. Install, replace, or repair fences

11. Install permanent landscaping features (especially shade trees)

12. Repair exterior masonry

13. Apply to permitting fees of Certificate of Appropriateness and building permist from the City of Macon

14. Pay for professional design services by licensed landscape designers and architects

15. Pay for tax credit consulting for substantial rehabilitation projects

Historic Macon Foundation’s Façade Improvement Loan Program exists to enhance the exterior appearance of buildings within the College Hill Corridor. The program directly fulfills Historic Macon Foundation’s mission, “to revitalize our community by preserving architecture and sharing history.” These loans are possible with generous support from Knight Foundation. For more information contact Lauren Mauldin, Loan Fund Manager, at (478) 742-5084.