The Etowah Valley Historical Society 1995 Tour of Historic Homes |
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Hall-Archer Home 704 West Avenue Circa 1880 |
Queen Anne Cottage of the Victorian-Era is the architectural style of this charming c.1880 home. Owned by the Archer family since 1928, current residents Russell and Daneise Archer are third-generation Archers to occupy the home. As you approach from the street, notice the special decorative elements built into the front gables, the original stained glass windows, and the elaborately carved entry door with stained glass. Upon entering the front parlor, the first thing to catch your eye is the beautiful Victorian-era kerosene chandelier, which has been converted to electricity. The mirror was imported from France and delivered to Savannah, then carried by oxcart to Shadowlawn in Rome, Ga., home of Mr. Archer's maternal grandmother Mrs. Martha Gordon Gibson. The home has five fireplaces, four of which are original to the house. The heart pine floors and transoms over interior doors are representative of houses built in the late 1800s. The Archers purchased the home in 1979 and began major renovation. In 1989 Mrs. Archer designed and oversaw another renovation project resulting in the lovely home you see today. Two large bedrooms are furnished with marvelous beds with tall headboards, one of which is a family heirloom. Lavish window hangings are reminiscent of the Victorian period. Interior pegged and mortised doors are another feature of special interest. The original kitchen was separated from the main part of the house, although in the same location as today. The back porch, which linked the kitchen to the house, was removed and a large den was added. A wonderful master bath was installed next to the master bedroom. On-going renovation includes plans for a "grandbaby's" room in the attic. | |
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Speir-Sager Home 630 West Avenue Circa 1905 |  |
This beautiful Neo-Classic Revival home is fronted with an impressive two-story portico with six massive round columns and two pilasters on the wall. The cantilevered balcony is supported by Modillion brackets. Originally built in 1905 by Dr. Robert Spier, it is also the former home of State Rep. Warren Akin Dodd and Mr. and Mrs. Owen Curtis Omer. It is most recently known as the home of the locally prominent Warlick family. This grand home was used as a hospital during an influenza epidemic in the early 1900s. Also, many children had their tonsils removed in the home during that time. The large central hall has a lovely staircase with original newel posts trimmed with egg and dart molding. Heart pine floors, wavy glass windows, and unusual corner moldings throughout the house hearken back to another era. The dining room has a fireplace, built-in china cabinet, and plate rail which are typical of 1905 architecture. The character of interior doors has been preserved by retaining the original finishes and lock sets. Since purchasing the home in 1984, Walter and Margaret Ann Sager have done extensive renovation. The kitchen was beautifully remodeled, and a former pantry was transformed into a charming powder room. The back porch was enclosed to create a bright sunroom just off the kitchen. An upstairs bathroom was added, and central heat and air conditioning was installed. A shed in the back was replaced with a garage, and a cornerstone dated 1934 was uncovered. In the side yard, an old, brick-lined cistern was discovered underneath dirt and deteriorating wood. It is now covered with a concrete top. Margaret Anne Sager states humorously, "No silver was found hidded in the cistern." | |
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