The Etowah Valley Historical Society 1995 Tour of Historic Homes |
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Backus-Dellinger Home 745 West Avenue Circa 1929 |
Your first impression as you approach this elegant, Colonial Revival style home is of the wide front porch and columns. Built in 1929, the house originally had a semi-circular front portico that was deteriorating. Gay Dellinger, the present owner, acquired the property in 1957 and did extensive renovations in the 1960s. The elaborate front door, dental molding under the eaves, and unusual slate roof are original to the house. Inside you will notice classic Colonial Revival accents throughout, including archways and elaborate crown moldings. The woodwork is made of poplar and has been stripped of several layers of paint to achieve a natural appearance. The living room mantel, crystal chandeliers in the dining room and middle hall, fretwork on the facia board of the stairs, and small dimension tile in the kitchen and baths are all original to the home. At one time, the breakfast room had a bay window that overlooked a rose garden, but the window was enclosed when the den was added. Notice the cleverly pieced floor in this area. The large window in the den showcases a beautiful garden and a newly acquired play set for grandchildren. The large master bedroom located at the top of the stairs was added during the 1960s and is furnished with some lovely family heirlooms. As you leave, take note of the classic Lunette (half-moon shape) window upstairs and the spider web lattice punctuated with round and diamond-shaped accents on the side porches. Both features are original to the home. | |
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Jackson-Shaw Home 735 West Avenue Circa 1870 |  |
This c. 1870 home is of a Greek Revival style with Gothic Revival elements on each side. Built by brothers Zimri and Milton Jackson, its soaring gables and fancy millwork are typical of many homes built in Cartersville by the Jacksons. The home was built on a 59-acre plot on River Road, as West Avenue was formerly called. Upon entering, you experience a sense of grandeur created by the majestic arch and tall ceilings. Notice the slight impression of lines at regular intervals along the arch. These lines were made by sawing the wood on the back side to achieve the bend in the arch. The central hall is unusually wide and the stairwell is turned so that one ascends toward the front of the house. Triple-hung windows, which allow direct access to the porch, are an interesting feature along the front of the house. The windows with original wavy glass, heart pine floors, and pegged and mortised doors are typical of homes built in the late 1800s. The original kitchen was detached from the main house. The downstairs bedroom is furnished with a lovely Victorian-era bed and dresser acquired from the previous owners. The home has seven fireplaces, three of which are usable. Two bathrooms still have original, clawfoot tubs. Notice the Gothic style windows in the upstairs bedrooms. The charming random sloping ceilings upstairs were created by the configuration of the exterior gables. When current owners, Julius and Terri Shaw, purchased the home in 1984, it was occupied as apartments. Many original fittings had been stripped and all ceilings had been lowered. The Shaws remodeled the kitchen and breakfast area, which had been added in the 1920s; raised all ceilings to original heights; and located and replaced similar fittings throughout. Many of the appointments were acquired from the Lumpkin house next door (across Cedar Lane), which was razed when Bud and Margaretta Shaw built their home on the property. Bud and Margaretta Lumpkin Shaw are the parents of Julius. | |
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| Visit the Hall-Archer and the Speir-Sager Homes | |
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