Why We Give

by Heather Moore, past chair of the Board of Trustees

Andy and I have joked that our gifts to HMF often feel selfish. Since we’ve lived in the Intown Macon historic district, we’ve directly benefited from so many of HMF’s programs. As our neighbors have participated in the façade loan program and taken advantage of HMF’s tax consulting services, our neighborhood seems to get more beautiful each time we walk around the block. While we enjoy the improved aesthetics, practically, we’ve watched our personal home value rise as the area continues to become more desirable due to newly restored properties. In addition, getting properties back on the tax rolls means our community has more dollars to re-invest in services and infrastructure that make Macon an even better place to live. The many public-private partnerships that HMF has fostered are helping to build a preservation ethos in Macon that will ensure we’re good stewards of our city’s biggest asset – its historic architecture. Preservation is economic development!

Andy & I believe in Historic Macon’s mission to not only revitalize neighborhoods and properties, but to tell their stories, and we understand that while we’ve been able to experience HMF’s programs first hand, the economic impact reaches far beyond just our neighborhood. We give because the continued vitality of our historic districts is critical to our success as a city and the quality of life of its residents.

Heather and Andy purchased their home from Historic Macon after it served as the Decorators' Showhouse in 2011.

#MaconFleaFinds | Instagram's Top Picks

We’ve been posting and you’ve been liking! This week’s #maconfleafinds post showcases the items that have gotten the most buzz on our Instagram account through likes and comments. We couldn’t agree with you more.

1. Don’t be green with envy, Instagram! Buy this mint dresser this weekend!

2. It’s never been easier to furnish your man cave, Instagram.

3. That’s right @halesbails, our prices are incredible.

4. Stuff on stuff on stuff, Instagram approves.

5. We should have known Instagram would like this bar/server.

6. A chair that would look great in any room, Instagram.

7. Why yes this side table is exquisite and beautiful, @quintontard and @tfromtifton.

8. Instagram is ready for a dinner party.

9. The Old Clinton pick-up caught everyone’s attention

10. Someone from Dallas is ready to purchase this item #hottytoddy

What? You don’t follow us on Instagram? That needs to change. Our Instagram showcases more than just great #maconfleafinds. We also post updates of our rehabilitation projects, educational programming and all those things that your Flea Market dollars fund to make Macon a better place.

Come to the Historic Macon Flea Market this weekend, October 2-4 at 536 Third Street. You can see all these and more, in person. Until the Flea Market, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Fabulous Furniture

The Flea Market is only a week away! Now is the time to purchase your Flea Market Preview Party tickets to ensure you get some of our best deals. This week, you’re seeing not 5, but 10, furniture pieces we know you’ll love and want to take home with you.

1. Get comfy on a rosy sofa.

2. Display the other Flea Market treasures you’re sure to find in a new hutch.

3. A throne fit for a king (or queen) of the castle (and by castle, we mean your home in Macon).

4. Stash away your sundries in a retro metal cabinet.

5. Entertain in style on this beautiful table

6. Turn an old trunk into a coffee table and sitting area centerpiece.

7. Show off your conversation starters on another great hutch.

8. You’ll have sweet dreams in this king bed.

9. Sit pretty in a set of 6 dining room chairs.

10. A darling desk ready for you to write (or type) your next novel.

Did we mention that 77¢ of every dollar you spend at the Flea Market goes straight back to Historic Macon’s operating expenses? That means 77¢ of your dollar goes directly to the work that we do best -revitalizing our community by preserving architecture and sharing history. You can rest easy in that new-to-you bed or chair from the Flea Market knowing you got an incredible deal and you also supported an organization committed to making Macon a better place.

So be sure to purchase your Preview Party tickets today and come out to the sale on Saturday, October 3 from 8am to 3pm and on Sunday, October 4 from 1pm to 5pm at 536 Third Street.

Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Festive Fall

Fall is in the air. The days are a bit shorter and the temperature outside is bearable again. Which means it’s time for pumpkin-flavored treats and festive decorations. The Flea Market has everything you need to ring in this season in style.

1.  This guy will be a the perfect greeter for trick-or-treaters.

2. Time for a new wreath on the door! These twig ones would look great plain or with some festive embellishments.

3. A lamp that looks like it belonged to the Addams family can easily be updated for a fresh fall look.

4. Find plenty of accessories for your game day look or your Halloween costume.

5. We’re all smiles at Historic Macon because the Flea Market is only 2 weeks away! Buy your Preview Party tickets today.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street. Buy your tickets for the Flea Market Preview Party to make sure you get the best deals.

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

#MaconFleaFinds | Get Yo' Retro

Mad Men may be off the air, but mid-century modern styles are going strong at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. Lovers of vintage and retro items will have a hay day the first weekend in October when they shop to support preservation in Macon.

1. Find a new perch with a pair of love birds.

2. Say cheese for this vintage camera, complete with case and lens cap.

3. Who says camping means roughin’ it? You can have your coffee while experiencing the great outdoors with this portable and light camping kit.

4. Perfect for the set of Mad Men, this Widdicomb table and chairs will provide mid-century modern elegance to any dining room.

5. Take home an icon of American design when you purchase this replica Eames lounge chair and ottoman.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street. Buy your tickets for the Flea Market Preview Party to make sure you get the best deals.

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

#MaconFleaFinds | Rustic Revival

You never know what you’ll find when you go on a Flea Market pick-up. Last week, staff members and volunteers ventured out to Old Clinton to one of the oldest houses in the historic town. That feeling of history happened here was palpable as we walked through the home and grounds. Ethiel and myself had the pleasure of speaking with descendants of the family that owned and occupied the house for over 150 years.

Ethiel, HMF director, and Jim pose with the Historic Macon truck after a few hours of treasure hunting.

Needless to say, there was quite a lot to find for Historic Macon’s Flea Market. See just a few of the items we uncovered in this week’s edition of #maconfleafinds. There’s more where that came from!

1. Whether you’re trying to hide buried treasure or just want a cool coffee table, we have several antique trunks that fit all your needs.

2. Oh baby! What a cute chair!

3. Just a swingin’ -this wooden swing would be a great addition to any front porch. Mint juleps not included.

4. Walk right in, sit right down…on these primitive chairs.

5. Red never looked so good on handmade side table.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. 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 | 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.