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1. 800 MAIN STREET -NEW PERRY HOTEL
Originally built as the Eagle Hotel in the 1850s as a
stagecoach stop, the name was changed to the Perry Hotel in the 1880s
following the building of the railroad from Fort Valley to Perry. The
telegraph office was located in this building as
documented by the Home Journal in 1886. The old hotel was razed in 1924 and
the New Perry Hotel was built to serve the rapidly expanding tourism industry
caused by paved roads and the Florida real estate boom.
Proceed right on Main Street. On right:
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2. 912 MAIN STREET
SITE OF FORMER PERRY BAPTIST CHURCH
This was once the site for Perry Baptist Church from 1848 to
1878, but this present building was built in 1891 by Mrs. Minerva C. Hook.
Later in the 1890s, it became the home for the George Paul family.
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3. 1002 MAIN STREET
FORMER COOPER-EVANS HOME
The two back rooms of this house were on the property in 1824
as the home of Daniel Hunt. The house was enlarged by Dr. Minor W. Havis in the 1850s, and the front corner of the property
held Dr. Havis' apothecary shop. The J. Powers
Cooper family lived here for over 100 years (1902 -2003), during which time
the house was changed to a Neoclassical Revival style with a second story.
Restored In 2003 by JMA Architecture.
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4. 1006 MAIN STREET
THE BANK OF PERRY
The oldest banking business in Houston County, having been
chartered as the Perry Loan and Savings Bank in 1889, built this building in
1981. This was once the site of a home built by W. H. Norwood in the 1870s,
which was moved in the 1960s to Forest Hill Drive.
Across Main Street, continuing same direction. On left:
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5. 1105 MAIN STREET
FIRST BAPTIST PERRY CHURCH
This fellowship was organized in 1838 with eleven members.
Since 1838, this church has built four buildings, this one completed in 1967.
Prior to 1967, it was home for the A.B. Schilling family, a German immigrant
who came to Perry in the 1880s as a tailor merchant with only a coin and a
pistol that his 13-year-old brother had made.
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6. 1117 MAIN STREET
FORMER HOLTZCLAW HOME
Built as a family home in 1855 by Judge Henry Holtzclaw, it
was purchased by George Riley in 1925, by Joe and Connette Gayle in 1961 , and
First Baptist Church of Perry in 2014. The wrought iron fence is not original
to
the home but was brought from Kentucky by the Gayles. During the War Between the States the silver
communion service given to The Perry Baptist Church in 1854 by Amy Kelly was
hidden in the attic of this home. The hole in
the closet ceiling is still evident today.
Continue one half block.
Turn around at the shopping center.
On left on Main Street:
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7. 1212 MAIN STREET
FORMER HOLTZCLAW HOME
Built in the late 1870s by Dr. Henry Holtzclaw, second
President of Houston Female College. In 1925 Penn-Dixie Cement Company
purchased the building for use as a club house and later as a residence for
the plant superintendent.
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8. 1208 MAIN STREET
PALACE BEAUTIFUL
Originally named "Palace Beautiful," this house was built by
Judge Samuel D . Killen in 1852 for his family home.
Later it was owned by the Francis Marion King family until 1926 when it was
sold to Penn-Dixie Cement Co. to be used as a club house. In the 1950s, it was
bought and restored by Gardner and Laura Mae Watson to be used as a funeral
home.
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9. 1100 MAIN STREET
HOUSTON CO. BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE
Formerly Perry High School, this building was built in 1925
and is the oldest brick school building in Houston County. It was the first
consolidated school and had the first fully equipped science lab in the State
of Georgia. An exhibit honoring retired Sen. Sam Nunn is housed here as well
as a vintage 1925 classroom.
Turn left on Evergreen Street. On left:
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10. 906 EVERGREEN STREET
FORMER HOME OF GENERAL ELI WARREN
This home was built for General Eli Warren, of whom the
well-known Georgia annalist, Judge Richard H. Clark, has written that he
"became so successful a practitioner that it may be doubted if, as such, in
the meridian of his life, he had his equal in the State." General Warren sat
in two constitutional conventions of Georgia, in both of which also sat his
only son, and in one of which also his son-in-law, Colonel Goode; a
coincidence never equaled
in the history of this State. It was built before 1870 and was
home to the Pringle, Moore, and Riley families before being sold in 1901 to
Samuel T. Hurst, Jr., an early Perry town "Selectman." It remained in the
Hurst family until 1942. Several of the original windowpanes have been
preserved and still bear the dates of 1893 and 1894.
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11. 904 EVERGREEN STREET
FORMER HURST HOME
This mission style bungalow was built in 1912 by Samuel Hurst
for his son. The M.M. Raineys bought the house in
1926 where they lived for 61 years. Except for minor changes, its original
state of beautiful woodwork and
Tiffany style chandeliers has been preserved.
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12. 902 EVERGREEN STREET
FORMER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PASTORIUM
Built by the Perry First Baptist Church in 1909 as a pastorium. It was bought
and renovated by Dudley Jones in 1947. After the death of Barbara Jones in
2014, it was sold and is now a private residence.
On right:
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13. 903 EVERGREEN STREET
CHILDHOOD HOME OF GENERAL COURTNEY HODGES
Built in 1893 by John Hicks Hodges. This was the childhood
home of General Courtney Hodges, Commanding General of the First Army during
World War
II. He was the first soldier in the history of the United
States Army to rise from private to four star general. General Hodges served
in the Philippines, Mexico, and Europe in World War I.
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14. 1101 BECKHAM CIRCLE
PRITCHETT HOME
This house was built by A. C. Pritchett, Sr. in 1938 on land
formerly known as the George Miller farm. The foliage in these beautifully
landscaped gardens display a lovely array of colors in both Spring and Fall.
Turn left on Beckham Circle. On left:
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15. 1105 BECKHAM CIRCLE
NUNN HOME
Built in 1935, this was the childhood home of U.S. Senator
from Georgia, Sam Nunn. This house exhibits a nice transition from the
Colonial Revival architectural style to the Minimal Traditional style. In the
park adjoining this
property, many members of Perry High School's legendary
basketball team honed their skills in the 1950s.
Take your first left, then right on Beckham Circle.
On right:
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I5A. BECKAHM CIRCLE
SPRING HILL SCHOOL
Built in 1905 this one-room school was
located in an oak grove on U.S. 41 three miles north of Perry. By 1915
it had been divided into a four-room school housing six grades. It existed as
a community school until 1925 when
the children were transported to the consolidated school in
Perry. It was used a home until 1982 when it was sold to the Rehoboth
Association to begin a new church, Rehoboth Baptist Church. In 2009 it was
given to the
Perry Area Historical Society to preserve as a one-room
school. The Society moved it to its present location in August 2009.
Turn around. Turn 1eft, then right. On left:
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16. 1102 BECKHAM CIRCLE
BECKHAM HOME
Built in the 1950s on the comer of Evergreen and Main Streets by J.H. Power
and sold to Joel W. Mann in 1862. The house was sold to the Board of Education
in 1919 for use as an additional school. E. M. Beckham, Sr. bought the house
in 1925 and had it moved on logs with "mule power" to the present location,
restoring it the family home.
Turn left on Evergreen Street. On right:
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17. 809 EVERGREEN STREET
Davis Home
This beautiful house was built in 1939, by Mr. and Mrs. Mayo Davis. Its
classical symmetry, Palladian windows, rounded fan light, gable roof, and end
chimney portray a good example of Federal and Georgian architecture.
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18. 807 EVERGREEN STREET
HOUSER HOME
Built in 1940, this was the home of Hentz Houser who became a quadriplegic in
195l at the age of 17. "Hentz of Things Not Seen" written by his mother tells
the true tory of a young man who overcame complete paralysis to
regain some use of his arms and to design a hand gadget or "picking up" items
which became of interest to the Institute of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation.
Continue on Evergreen, turn right on Duncan Avenue.
Go one block.
Before turning right on Washington, look to the left:
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19. 904 DUNCAN AVE.
FORMER FELDER HOME
Built for the Edward L. Felder family during the l850s, it later became the
home of Andrew S. Giles, lawyer, Ordinary, and Judge of the 23rd Senatorial
District, until his death in 1897. It was then purchased by Mrs. Minnie
Couey, fondly remembered teacher at Perry Elementary for 42 years.
Turn right on Washington Street
Continue for one block. On right:
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20. 802 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER DUNCAN HOME
Built in 1835 by James Duncan, it originally consisted
of two rooms and a kitchen. In 1877, Judge C.C. Duncan
built the Victorian two-story addition. It was sold in 1981
by descendants of the Duncan family. Currently the home
is a private residence.
On left:
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21. 807 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER COOPER HOME
Built in the 1870s by Charles F. Cooper, Sr. whose family owned and occupied
the home for over 90 years, this home is a rare example of the Stick style
architecture used in the mid-1800s. Original to the house are 14' ceilings,
intricate moldings, and heart pine floors. Mr. and Mrs. Wallis V. Hurlbutt
bought the house in 1980 and made a complete restoration. In 2017 the house
was inherited by Jim and Sue (Hurlbutt) Lay who continue to make upgrades to
the house and property with focus on maintaining the original character.
Note that the old barn at the south side of the property which
is thought to have been a stable and the brick sidewalk leading
from the front door are believed to be original.
On right:
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22. 808 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER CATER-JONES HOME
Built in the 1870s by Fletcher Cater, grandson of James Duncan, this home was
sold in 1944 to the Cooper Jones family. Cooper Jones was a legend in Perry,
GA because of his cheerful greetings and customer pranks for anyone visiting
his pecan business on Carroll Street.
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23. 810 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER MILLER HOME
This bungalow was built in 1854 by the William H. Miller family but sold in
1873 to James D. Martin, Sr. In 1904 the home was purchased by Samuel L.
Norwood, Sr. who occupied it for more than 50 years.
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24. 900 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER VISSCHER HOME
This nine-room house was built in the 1880s by J.G. Visscher but sold to
Marion Augustus Edwards in 1889 who lived here with his family until 1918.
On left:
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25. 901 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER METHODIST CHURCH PARSONAGE
The missionary society of the Methodist Church presented
the trustees with $845.80 in 1881 to purchase this property
from Thomas J. Cater. This house was then built in 1914
as a parsonage for the Perry Methodist Church. It was
bought and restored by the Felton Norwoods in 1958.
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26. 903 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER EVANS HOME
This charming early American cottage was built in 1940
by Mr. and Mrs. Horace Evans, Jr. who lived here for more
than 50 years.
On right:
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27. 904 WASHINGTON STREET
PERRYS' FIRST BRICK HOME
Built circa 1920 by Lucille Cooper, this was Perry's
first brick house. Former owners included J .J. Rooney,
owner of the New Perry Hotel in the l930s, and James
M. Gooden. former principal of Perry High School. The
O'Neal family bought the home in 1992 and added a
second floor and additional space to the rear of the home.
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28. 905 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER ROGERS HOME
This charming Victorian cottage was built in the 1880s
for Mrs. Ida Cater Rogers on property given by her father,
Thomas J. Cater. It was owned and occupied by her family
until 1947 .
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29. 907 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER HOME OF COLONEL H.P. HOUSER, JR.
This house was purchased in the 1920s by H.P. Houser
and remained a home for the Houser family until 1987. It
was the home for Colonel H.P. Houser, Jr., commanding
officer of the 5th Calvary Regiment in WWII.
Turn left on Main Street. Go two blocks. On left:
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30. EVERGREEN CEMETERY
Richard Smith, who purchased more than 20 lots in Perry
in 1823, was the first person to be buried in the cemetery
in 1826. This was also the site for the first Methodist
Church, a log building built in 1826. Many of Perry's early
residents are buried here.
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31. LEGACY PARK
Built on the site of the old Perry Water Works and the
previous land occupied by Matthews family, this passive park serves as a
veterans’ memorial and also honors Perry citizens who have made significant
contributions to the city through time and talent.
Turn right onto Carroll Street. On right:
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32. 704 CARROLL STREET
FORMER SINCLAIR SERVICE STATION
This brick building was built in 1931 as a Sinclair Service
station by Henry Matthews. The upstairs was an apartment
for the newly married couple. The city of Perry purchased the property and
with the financial assistance ofrhe Perry Area Historical Society restored it.
The Dixie Highway Sinclair Station now houses static displays of oil
memorabilia and a salute to veterans.
Continue for one block. On left:
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33. 735 CARROLL STREET
TOOMER BUILDING
This ornate pressed metal building was built in 1905 by
African American Amanda Toomer as a merchandise store
on the first floor and living quarters for the Toomer family
on the second floor. It was converted to a funeral home
in 1915 and the dearly departed were displayed in the
front windows. Prior to 1905, this property was the livery
stables for the Liberty Hotel located up the street.
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34. CORNER OF JERNIGAN AND CARROLL STREETS
MASONIC LODGE
Built in 1850 to house the Houston Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons # 35. The ground floor has been rented
to several different businesses, including an insurance
agency, grocery store, gas station, bus station, gift shop,
commercial printing company, and a karate studio. The
second floor where the Lodge hall is located has also been
rented by a doctor, bookkeeper and dentist. The lodge was
built on a foundation of 16 x 16 timbers of old heart pine
put together with pegs.
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CARROLL STREET
(ORIGINALLY NAMED MAIN STREET)
This street was part of the Central Dixie Highway of
the 1920s and 1930s. The colonial-style restoration
project of the "Old Perry'' business section was completed
in 1976. Be sure to explore the unique gift shops and
restaurants along Carroll Street.
Continue down Carroll Street and cross Jernigan:
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35. 801 CARROLL STREET
SITE OF OLD LIBERTY HOTEL
The Liberty Hotel was built here in the 1860s and existed
as a 16-room hotel until the 1880s. The name changed to
The Planters Hotel before being replaced by a store and
funeral parlor owned by George Paul. It later became a
furniture store and currently houses Rusty 's Restaurant.
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36. 809 CARROLL STREET
HOUSTON BANKING CO.
Identified by the tiles on the front porch as the Houston
Banking Company, it was known as such until the bank
was purchased by the Perry Loan & Savings Bank in
1932. The Post Office was located here from 1932 until
1960 as it had been in the 1850s under the ownership of
John S. Jobson . After various tenants , Jones Surveying
Company bought the building in 1983.
On right:
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37. 800 CARROLL STREET
PERRY CITY HALL
Located on the public square, also known as Lot 49, bordered by Main,
Jernigan, Carroll, and Ball Streets. The present building, dedicated in May
1950, as the Houston County Courthouse and is built on the same site as the
first Courthouse which was erected in 1824. Extensive renovations of this
building were completed in 2006. The building was purchased from the county by
the City of Perry to be used as the city hall.
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38. CONFEDERATE MONUMENT
Fundraising was begun in 1896 by Major Joseph Palmer
and ground was finally broken in July 1907 for this
monument by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. This
monument of a Confederate soldier made of Italian marble
mounted on a granite base cost $2,000. A dedication
ceremony was held on May 21, 1908 and members of the
Perry Rifles fired a salute at the close of the ceremonies.
Today this monument reminds us of the many Perryans
who sacrificed their lives to serve in duty to their country.
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39. 900 CARROLL STREET
This building was built in 1925 and for most of its existence
through 1950, it was a drug store but later residents remember
it as The Coffee Cup Restaurant, a favorite gathering place for
members of the community to discuss the news and politics of
the day.
On left:
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40. 901 CARROLL STREET -SITE OF THE
PERRY LOAN AND SAVINGS BANK
The Perry Loan and Savings Bank was built here in 1911.
The building burned in 2008. It is currently a site for
al fresco dining.
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41. 917 CARROLL STREET
Built between 1830 and 1850. The Kunz family operated it as a dry goods
business here until the 1930s. It then became Houston Hardware, owned, and
operated by the Andrew family. It is currently a children's clothing store.
Traversing the narrow space between these buildings was
a "right of passage" from childhood for the children of the
1930s and 1940s.
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42. 913 CARROLL STREET
FORMER COX HOME
The front portion of the restaurant was built after 1902 by Nora Cox. The back
part of the house was possibly built in the early 1830s. Perry 's first
kindergarten was started in this house in the 1930s, but today this building
is a restaurant offering Southern fare for lunch and dinner.
Turn left on Washington Street. Go one block.
On left:
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43. 1101 WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER KILLEN-STAPLES HOME
This house was built in the l870s by Thomas Killen for his bride. laura
Singleton. It was home for the Killen family for more than 50 years, and for
about 40 years was the home for Eric Staples, Perry High School's legendary
basketball coach. It was sold as commercial
property in the 1980s.
Continue on Washington Street for one
block.
Turn left on Northside Drive. Go to the end
of the block. On the right:
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43A. 901 NORTHSIDE DRIVE
FORMER HOME OF DR. HORACE EVANS
This home was built as a family residence in 1926 by Dr. Horace Evans and
member for the Evans family lived here until 1990 when the property was sold
to the City of Perry for commercial purposes. It was leased to the
Perry Area Historical Society in 2009 for a museum. The museum houses local
memorabilia and records and is open to the public.
Turn around. Cross over Washington Street. On right:
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44. WASHINGTON STREET
FORMER TRAIN DEPOT
This original Perry Train Depot was built in 1870 and was moved to its present
location in 1985 and renovated it fronts current business use. The main
telegraph office was located in the depot in 1889 under the capable ownership
of Mr. E. M. Fuller, railroad agent.
Go one block. Turn right on Meeting Street.
Go one block. Turn right on Commerce Street.
Go one block. Turn left on Washington Street.
Turn left on Carroll Street. On right:
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45. 1001 CARROLL STREET
PERRY UNTIED METHODIST CHURCH
Organized in 1826, the present sanctuary was built in 1860-1861. Take time to
walk through the church yards and read the church marker on the front lawn.
Continue past Methodist Youth Center.
Left onto Macon Road for two blocks.
Turn right at first traffic light onto Swift Street.
On right:
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46. 1100 SWIFT STREET
FORMER HOME OF DR. JOHN B. SMITH
Built in the 1879x as the home for Dr. John B. Smith, it later became the home
of Dr. Ben Holtclaw. It served as Perry's first Georgia State Patrol Station
for
1937 to 1940, when it was purchased by Dr. A. G. Hendrick to serve as Perry's
first clinic. Dr. Phil Mathis purchased and renovated it in 1984 to serve as
his offices. Today it is administrative offices for First Baptist Perry.
Proceed down Swift Street. Look to the left:
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47. PRIVATE RESIDENCE
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48. 1107 SWIFT STREET
FORMER EDGE HOME
Built by Dr. J.B. Edge in the 1880s, it was owned and occupied by the B.H.
Andrew, Sr. family from 1891 until 1966. It continues today as a private
residence.
On right:
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49. 1204 SWIFT STREET
FORMER SWIFT HOME
Built in the 1850s, this was the home of Judge William Tyre Swift for whom
Swift Street was named. SSS Tonic was first manufactured in this back yard by
the son of Judge Swift. Mr. J. Meade Tolleson, Sr. purchased the home
in l929 where his family lived for 40 years. In 1988 it became a Bed and
Breakfast known as The Swift Street Inn but today is a private residence.
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50. 1212 SWIFT STREET
FORMER SINGLETON HOME
It is believed that this "Sands Hill Cottage" was built on this site in the
1840s by George W. Singleton. The house remained in his family until 1962,
when it was bought and restored by the Lawrence R. Clark family.
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51. 1300 SWIFT STREET
FORMER THARP HOME
This house was built in the 1870s by Dr. B.F. Tharp, a Baptist minister, and
occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Claudia Tharp Lawson, and later by her son Hugh
Lawson, Jr. and daughter Mary Lawson Duggan.
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52. 1304 SWIFT STREET
FORMER HUGH LAWSON, JR. HOME
This elegant cottage was built in 1941 by Hugh and Louise Lawson on land which
had been in the Lawson family for 100 years.
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53. 1400 SWIFT STREET
FORMER TOUNSLEY HOME
This home was built circa 1850s. It was sold to L. S. Tounsley in 1882 who
lived here with his family for almost 50 years. In 1933 the Alton Rainey
family
purchased the property and lived here for almost 70 years. For two years
(1931-1933) it was home for Fred M. Culler, the tallest man in Houston County
being 6'6" tall as reported by the Home Journal in 1891.
Cross Swift Street. Turn to the left. On right:
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54. 1303 SWIFT STREET
FORMER WRIGHT HOME
This home was built in the 1850s as a raised cottage and is a nice example of
a Carpenter Italianate house that was at one time occupied by the Wright
family. Purchased by the T. F. Hardy family in 1930s, it was lowered to
ground' level. Note the originally roof on the house.
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55. 1207 SWIFT STREET - FORMER SITE OF
PERRY'S LARGEST HORSE AND MULE BARN
This house was built in the 1890s and is a variation of Queen Anne
architecture. Its steeply pitched, irregular roof shape; dominant,
front-facing gable; partial width porch; and differing wall textures
illustrate the eclectic style of the Victorian era architecture. During the
early 1900s, the property housed Perry' s largest horse and mule barn which
covered the remainder of the block.
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56. 1203 SWIFT STREET
FORMER WOOLFOLK HOME
This home was built in the 1890s by John W. Woolfolk and members of this
family lived here for more than 50 years. The tragic story of the a related
Woolfolk family can be read in Shadow Chasers: The Woolfolk Tragedy Revisited.
Turn right onto Second Street. On left:
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57. 1207 SECOND STREET
PERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The church was organized in 1846, but this sanctuary was built in 1849 on
Carroll Street opposite the Methodist Church, and then moved to Second Street
in 1958. An educational building was erected, and brick walls added to the
sanctuary in 1960. A new sanctuary was built in 1999 and the original
sanctuary is now a social hall.
Turn left on Sunset Ave. to Hwy 41 (Macon Rd.)
Turn left on Macon Rd. Go two blocks.
Turn right on Northside Drive.
On right:
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58. 1015 NORTHSIDE DRIVE
FORMER MASON HOME
This home was built in 1914 by Thomas Mason, Sr. and remained the property of
the Mason family for almost 80 years. It was the first house built in Perry
with plumbing and electricity as part of the original construction.
On left:
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59. 1121 MACON ROAD
FORMER SITE OF PERRY ACADEMTY
In 1824 the Georgia General Assembly granted a charter to Houston County
Academy of Perry and in 1825 the first academy was built on this site by
Thomas Justice at a cost of $999. In 1826 the first Sabbath School was
organized in this academy and was a Union school for all denominations. In
1950, an armory was built on the site and now the building is currently the
Perry Events Center.
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