Enjoying Savannah, GA

Troup Square

2012-02-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Troup Square was laid out in 1851. A large iron armillary sphere stands in the center of the square, supported by six small metal turtles. The Myers Drinking Fountain was moved from another Savannah Square and adjusted for canine use (bowls were added to the base). The square and the fountain has become the site of the annual Blessing the Animals.

City Market in Historic Savannah

2012-01-29T06:59:00.001-08:00

Just a few photos of an interest part of our downtown historic area "City Market"

Part II of Historic Savannah on Jan 28, 2012

2012-01-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Historic Savannah

Downtown Historic Savannah

2012-01-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Various photos taken in the historic area of Savannah (Jan 28, 2012)

Roses are Red and Beautiful

2012-01-22T10:02:00.001-08:00

Roses are Red and I thought I share some beautiful reds that either grew in my flower beds or where part of seasonal display. Enjoy@

2012-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Bonaventure Cemetery

2012-01-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Some Photos of Savannah's flowers, places and other things I find interesting :)

Enjoying Savannah, GA: New Government Funding for Converting to Electroni...

2011-01-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Savannah, GA: New Government Funding for Converting to Electroni...: "New Government Funding for Converting to Electronic Medical RecordsSubmitted by admin on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 16:33A new funding initiative has..."

New Government Funding for Converting to Electronic Medical Records

2011-01-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

New Government Funding for Converting to Electronic Medical Records

Submitted by admin on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 16:33

A new funding initiative has been enacted which will be of interest to many medical billing companies and hospitals in rural areas. The Government is granting $20 million in technical support assistance to help them convert from paper medical records to certified electronic health record technology.

This will directly affect 1,655 critical access and rural hospitals across the country. They will all benefit by having a better chance at qualifying for substantial HER incentive payments from Medicare and Medicaid.

"The benefits of health information technology can be especially important for patients and clinicians in small and rural health care facilities, yet these facilities face high hurdles as they look toward joining in the transition to electronic information," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "The funding we are announcing today is a new category of support, aimed specifically at assisting critical access and rural hospitals with their particular needs and challenges. This new funding is added to the substantial base we have already built to provide assistance to healthcare providers throughout the country as they transition to EHRs."

The funding comes from Regional Extension Centers. Each REC offers technical assistance and information to help increase adoption of certified EHRs. The funding is being awarded to almost 80% of the RECs across the country. The initiative is specifically aiming at hospitals and medical facilities with fewer than 50 beds and primarily outpatient locations.

If your company matches this profile, check to see if you’re eligible for the assistance. If you are a medical billing company in a rural area affected by the funding initiative then be on the lookout for new clients that could become available due to the extra funds.

Enjoying Savannah, GA: Savannah Deep Water Home on Forest River

2011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoying Savannah, GA: Savannah Deep Water Home on Forest River: "3 BR/ 3 BA 3048 sq ft w/Master suite with remote fireplace and private balcony;..."

A Man is in my Kitchen and he is making Cookies

2010-12-13T13:12:00.001-08:00

HOLIDAY TREATS THAT ARE EASY TO MAKE!

As a typical male, I am not a very good cook and if I do venture into the kitchen to try my culinary skills, the recipe had better be easy. These three holiday treats are very simple and the end product is so good I thought I share with you....Good eating and Happy Holidays!

(1) Creme Drop Fudge
You will need:
2 packages of Old Fashion Creme Drops and 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
Heat the creme drops in a small bowl in the microwave for 80-90 seconds. You may have to stir it about halfway through the heating. When heated, stir in the peanut butter and pour on to a buttered dish. Allow to cool, cut into pieces and enjoy.

[2] Peanut Butter Cookies
You will need:
1 cup of peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 vanilla
Mix in a medium bowl. Incorporating all ingredients. Pinch off a small ball of dough about the size of a quarter, roll it between your hands and lay the ball of dough on a cookie sheet. Placing them about 3 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 7-9 minutes. When you see the edges are turning brown, pull them out, even if the middle doesn't seem fully baked. The heat from the cookie sheet will finish the baking without burning the edges.

[3] Cinnamon Twists
You will need:
I package of pie dough mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons cold water

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small shaker or dish.
Place dry pie dough mix in a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of cold water, mix with a fork. Slowly add the other 2 tablespoon in the mixture until all is used.
Roll out pie dough thin. Using a sharp knife cut dough into 1/2 inch wide and 6 inch long pieces. Give the dough a twist then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over it. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degrees in a preheated oven until they are lightly brown.

Thanks to Faylee James for offering these delightful holiday treats.

Savannah Deep Water Home on Forest River

2010-07-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

3 BR/ 3 BA 3048 sq ft w/Master suite with remote fireplace and private balcony; Sitting area w/Mexican tile

Screened porch w/sundeck on riverbank, Reception/Event facility for parties and functions

2 walk-in closets, Jacuzzi tub, and separate shower

Large kitchen w/hardwood floors and updated appliances

Fixed and floating docks w/Sliding board

1+ acres private & gated 2 storage buildings, Free-standing workshop or gym

Priced at: $1,300,000

Call Howard Spiva at 912-921-1000 or email at spivalaw@aol.com

Take a Virtual Tour of this breaktaking home:

The Fairways at Savannah Quarters Portico Epcon

2010-06-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Getting Around Savannah

2010-06-09T11:16:00.001-07:00

Savannah is a beautiful city and rated as one of the top 10 travel designations in the US. Finding your way around in Savannah can be defined by how people or guides refer to them. The historic district area includes the city's 22 famous squares and actually includes three historic districts: The National Historic Landmark District, the Victorian District and the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District.

Savannah's Midtown area stretchesrom Victory Drive south to DeRenne Avenue and is the home of another National Register historic district, Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent.

Spanning east of Waters Avenue to the Wilmington River is the Eastside/Thunderbolt area. Thunderbolt is a filling village almost as old as Savannah; the Eastside harborsonaventure CCCemeterynd the National Register historic districts of Gordonston and Daffin Park-Parkside.

Extending eastward from the Wilmington River is the Islands/Tybee portion of Chatham county. The islands are verdant residential enclaves, while Tybee, with its wide beaches, distinctive lighthouse and traditional seaside cottages is an alluring combination of the offbeat and upscale.

The huge area south of DeRenne Avenue is the Southside, a shopper's paradise that also provides a variety of recreational opportunities. It is also where you can visit other historic sites such as Wormsloe plantation and Bethesda Home for Boys plus the charming riverside community of Isle of Hope.

To the west of the Southside, past the picturesque Forest River and its wide expanse of marshes is Southwest Chatham, the site of the Interstate 95- Georgia Highway 204 Interchange with its many motels and restaurants. Henderson Golf Club is open to the public and a fun place to practice and play a round.

Northwest and due west of Savannah loom the fast-growing West Chatham municipalities of Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale. The Mighty 8th Air Force Museum is one of the many attractions that can visited in this area.

Savannah is a city of many cultures, venues and fun things to do. Just head in any direction and enjoy your visit and time in the “Jewel of the South”

Changing your Life Style - The Savannah Way!

2010-05-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Fairways at Savannah Quarters is incredible! I had the opportunity recently to visit this beautiful community located just minutes away from Historic Savannah, Georgia. This residential wonderland has it all:

Beautifully landscaped and NO maintenance...they take care of it! Go have fun!

Minutes away from Greg Norman's designed 18 hole golf course with a magnificent club house.

Gated Security for your safety

Plush Club House with a fitness center, full kitchen for family gatherings plus a swimming pool designed for all age groups. Set in the Lanai and have a refreshing beverage.

Walking trails to keep you fit.

Hunter Army Airfield with a large Commissary and PX plus much more is less than 10 miles away.

Tybee Island beaches are only a short drive from the community and close to its sister barrier island to the north- Hilton Head, SC.

Convenient to shopping and great restaurants and near Savannah's International Airport

Health care clinics and three hospitals are available. Savannah is known for its medical services .
Great weather...leave your snow shovels behind.

The community features:

The Abbey: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a two car garage
The Canterbury: 2 bedrooms with optional den or bedrooms 2 baths and a two car garage.

Life is good in Savannah. Visit them on their website at www.fairway-sq.com or call them at 912-450-9876

Shrimp: Georgia's Are Better | The Coastal Source

2009-09-10T06:49:00.001-07:00

Shrimp: Georgia's Are Better | The Coastal Source

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Savannah Museums

2008-12-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Savannah Museums

Savannah has a number of great museums and I will introduce a few for you to consider visiting while you are in our historic city and I hope you will agree that your visit was worthy of your time. Enjoy!

OWENS-THOMAS HOME: This historic home as designed by William Jay in 1816. Jay was a famed architect of the day. He was from Bath, England and the Owens home is thought of as the finest example of English Regency residential architecture in North America. The house contains many furnishings from the original family. A formal walking garden is located at the rear of the house. Located at 124 Abercorn Street on Oglethrope Square.

MASSIE SCHOOL: The only remaining original building of Georgia's oldest charted school system. The Greek Revival structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed and built by architect John Norris in 1855. If you want to visit the building just ring the bell. Located at 207 East Gordon Street.

HISTORIC RAILROAD SHOPS: Opened by the Central of Georgia Railroad in the 1830s , this early-day outdoor museum is open daily. On display are locomotives and rolling stock and an operating turntable and the oldest portable steam engine in America. Visit their website at http://www.chsgeorgia.org/roundhouse/home.htm because they are constantly adding more interest items to their collection. Located at 601 West Harris Street in the Historic District.

SAVANNAH HISTORY MUSEUM: The museum is inn the old Central of Georgia Railroad's passenger terminal. Exhibits include an 1840 cotton gin, one of Johnny Mercer's Oscars, the famed bench from the movie Forrest Gump, and the Juliette Gordon Low family's carriage. Located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The Haunted City - Part II

2008-11-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Weston House which is owned by Savannah College of Art is now used by the school as a dorm but prior to their purchase is was formerly the Weston Hotel. It is located on 231 West Boundary St and is one of the various areas of Savannah where civil war battles were fought. It is reported that at all times of day students hear tapping on the walls, furniture moving in empty rooms, and a singing girl.

The Waving Girl on River Street is a very famous statue of the girl who waved a cloth or towel from the land as a helpful signal to boats coming into the city. The statue depicts here waving with a large dog sitting next to her. Many times the stone cloth has been seen waving as if in the wind. There are stories that the statue is haunted by a ghost boy who broke little children and animal necks. It is said he was hung near the river. On calm, autumn, under a full moon you can see him walking looking for victims.

The Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern- This historic and popular tavern is said to be haunted by its builder, General Habersham. He often appears in the basement, which is now the tavern. There are reports that he sometimes has been known to walk among the guests in the upstairs dining dressed in his full general uniform.

The Telfair Museum is haunted by its former owner. She is said to roam the housekeeping people from doing what they shouldn't do. If you smoke a cigarette in the house or sit on the wrong chair, you can hear her footsteps coming at you on the marble floors.

Several ghosts are believed to haunt this old cemetery (Bonaventure Cemetery, including the ghost of a small girl named Gracie Watkins who is buried there. At times she cries in the night, and the life sized statue of her cries tears of blood if you take something out of its hands. People who visit the cemetery often place presents in her hands such as trinkets or flowers. There is also a pack of ghost dogs that haunt the grounds and you can hear them barking and breathing.

It is reported that at Fort Pulaski late at night it is known to have strange noises, such as a gun firing, people dying and a little girl crying.

The Juliette Low Birthplace – two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closed down for the night. Visitors to the house often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast – It is reported to be haunted by the spirits of children. A “Lady in Gray” who haunts not only the B&B in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. She is a friendly spirit.

Savannah - The Haunted City - Part I

2008-10-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

BOO!

Savannah is rated as one of the most haunted cities in North America so it stands to reason that a fair proportion of the hotels and visitor sites in Savannah are similarly afflicted. So, if you are heading to the city for a stay, before you check-in, check-out whether you've opted for one of the most frequently haunted hotels and site that offer a free unwanted extra guest or a sudden unexpected visitor..

The Marshal House is one of the oldest hotels in Savannah was built in 1851, and is a prime candidate for ghostly encounters; the Marshall is featured on the city's ghost tour and has a interesting history, being at various times a hospital - once for yellow fever - and also a Union soldiers' clinic during the Civil War. After human bones were unearthed during excavations at the hotel in 1960 guests have frequently reported strange encounters, with many reporting that they have awoken feeling as though someone is taking their pulse. Ghosts of long-dead soldiers and patients have also been seen wandering the hallways and standing in the foyer.

Built in 1852, only a year later than Marshall House, the eerie East Bay Inn backs onto the Savannah River and is home to Charley; the hotel's 'official' ghost. This apparition is a regular visitor to the Inn and in 2001 Charley was finally snapped on film by a guest; the evidence now on display behind check-in. If you plan to stay there just ask to see the picture when you arrive, so you'll be able to identify him later if he appears in your room!

The Eliza Thompson House pre-dated both of the previously mentioned hotels, its construction completed in 1847. Once a private house it is now a 25-room Inn, spread over two major buildings. Both guests and visitors have reported seeing Confederate soldiers at an upstairs window and a young girl in a white dress regularly walks the hallway.

The Olde Harbour Inn is frequently filled with the smell of cigar smoke even when no smokers are present, courtesy of Hank, the Inn's resident ghost. Holder of the 'most-often sighted ghost in Savannah', Hank also likes to indulge in a spot of coin throwing and frequently likes to move things around, such as books and other small items.

Savannah - Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast - Said to be haunted by the spirits of children. Also, by a "Lady in Gray" who haunts not only the bed & breakfast in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. All have agreed that she seems to be a very friendly spirit.

The 1790 Inn and Tavern - This Inn was built in 1790 and is haunted by a girl named Anna who depending on who you asked will tell you an interesting tale of this seventeen year old girl. What she was shunned after getting pregnant by a sailor? Who jumped out of the third story window and died? Stop by this delightful Inn for refreshment and dine in their wonderful and historic tavern and ask about Anne!

The Hampton Lillibridge House - This is said to be the most haunted house in Savannah, and the only house known to have had an exorcism. When the house was being restored in the 1960s, some workmen refused to finish the job because of strange occurrences (tools disappearing, hearing footsteps when they knew they were alone, strange feelings). On one occasion, a man was seen wearing a black suit and bow tie in the third floor window when no one was living in the house. Neighbors have also heard a woman's scream coming from within the house, and a gray haired man has also been sighted.

Savannah - The Juliette Low Birthplace - two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closes down for the night. Visitors to the place often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

There are more than 10 “Ghost Tours” offered in the city and I am told that they are a lot of fun and the guides will give you the “real story”.

My next article will introduce other haunted spots such as the Fort Pulaski…late at night it is known to echo strange noises, such as people screaming, gun firing and a small girl crying.

Squares of Savannah

2008-10-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Squares of Savannah

In this short narrative, I will just write about a some of our 24 squares and in future articles I will provide information on all of them.

Oglethorpe planned on constructing 24 squares that would be used for planting crops, holding meetings and other activities but only the squares along Bull Street were originally meant by Oglethorpe to feature the grand monuments. The rest of the squares were laid out as open commons for the people to use as parks and activities I mentioned above.

The Orleans Square was named for Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. Just to the west of the square is the Savannah Civic Center. To the east, you can view the Champion House at 230 Barnard Street. The Cupola features amber glass. Yew trees are planted in the front year.

To the south, you will arrive at Pulaski Square located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets and was laid out in 1837. This square was named for Count Casimir Pulaski, historic Savannah's adopted foreign son who was the highest ranking foreign officer to die in the American Revolution. Additional monuments to Pulaski can be found throughout the historic district. The red brick Jewish Education Alliance building on the East side of the square is now a dormitory for the Savannah College of Art and Design. The house on the Northwest corner of Barnard and Harris is new housing, completed in 1993. The house across from it is the 1839 house of Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero. It is now several apartments. The square was once landscaped as rows of azaleas in diagonals representing the St. Andrew's Cross of the Confederate flat..the Stars and Bars. Sgt. Pulaski was a hero of the Revolutionary War.

The next square south on Barnard Street is Chatham Square, named for England's William Pitt and the Earl of Chatham. The Barnard Street School, now part of the Savannah College of Art and Design has a Terra Cotta roof. The tile was made in Ludowici, Georgia. Gordon Row dominates the southeast corner of the square and you are now at the edge of the Victorian District with the Republican Blues Homes on the right, a dignified old row built of Savannah Gray bricks.

Take your camera and take some photos of these wonderful and historic squares.

Famous Forts near Savannah

2008-09-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

From the beginning Savannah has been fortified to protect its inhabitants and its strategic port. In the early years the whole city was walled against the Spanish. Later artillery fortification protected Savannah from the British and the Northerners. Today the forts stand as fascinating memorials to U.S. History.

FORT JACKSON: Three miles from downtown Savannah is the oldest remaining brickwork fort in Savannah. It was constructed from 1809 to 1842 and saw service in the War of 1812 and the War Between the States. It is situated on the south bank of the Savannah River occupying a site fortified since colonial days guarding Five Fathom Hole, the 18^th century deepwater port in the Savannah River. The fort has numerous displays and artifacts. Seasonal demonstrations and exhibits depict camp life, woodworking and weaponry. Scuttled Rebel ironclad CSS Georgia lies off the fort’s north face. The fort is open from 9AM to 5PM daily. Located at 1 Fort Jackson Road (912) 232-3945

FORT McALLISTER: It is coastal Georgia life at its finest. The broad, winding Ogeechee River wraps around narrow islets of land jutting off randomly from either bank. This is Fort McAllister, on a peninsula of land known as Genesis Point.

The flat, coastal plain on which Fort McAllister lies is a haven for wildlife. Pelican, seagulls and terns, the land is rich with waterfowl. The land is sandy with occasional patches of thick black loam woven throughout the sand.

At the entrance a Civil War era cannon greets the guests, a fitting welcome for the centerpiece of this state park is the fort. Inside the visitors’ center is a small museum, gift shop, and a 17 minute video about the naval and land attacks on the fort. Pay a small admission and you are welcome to walk to the fort, a short hike along a broad, flat plain that was probably constructed as a road.

Along the side of this road, the remains of the CSS Nashville, which also served duty as a blockade runner and privateer. This boat sank on February 28, 1863, during one of the 8 naval battles which occurred here on the Ogeechee River. The rusted parts of this steamship lie to the right of the path, with an interpretive marker nearby.

The fort is surrounded by pickets, foreboding pieces of pointed wood leaning out at an angle. Follow the path around to the entrance and you are walking along a parapet with the river on one side and formidable cannon on the other. The path has informative signs along the way, with information about both the sea and land battles and life in the fort.

At the center of the fort is a bombproof, a sand and mud covered living quarters for the troops. Deep within the mound were the barracks for the men stationed at the low-tech fort. You may enter the mound and walk through, an exceptionally interesting part of the tour. Unlike its neighbor, Fort Pulaski, Fort McAllister was built with earthen walls, yet it withstood repeated Federal bombardments.

In addition to the museum, fort, and the hike involved in visiting the fort, there is a 3.1 mile trail through a typical low-land marsh. The culmination of this trek is a viewing tower over a small creek that runs near the park. If you are intending to hike this trail, bring repellant. There is a nature trail in the campground. A fishing pier offers excellent opportunities to watch the abundant wildlife and to fish if you desire.

Lodging

The park is a combination historic site/camping area, containing 65 campsites with water and electricity. There is an on-site dump station. Richmond Hill has lodging, restaurants, full grocery stores, a modest downtown shopping area and history museum. Open 9AM to 5PM daily (912-727-2339). The fort is located just east of Richmond Hill and follow these directions: Take I-95 to Georgia exit 90 (south of Savannah). Go east through Richmond Hill, for just over 6 miles. Turn left at the state park sign onto Fort McAllister Rd. The park is ahead 4 miles.

Interesting Stops - Near Historic Savannah

2008-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few miles out of town, take the time to visit these stops:

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY. Located 10 miles southeast of Savannah on Skidaway Island, you can visit the Aquarium exhibit of marine life found in Georgia waters, tours of institute which is conducting studies on area sea creatures and their potential uses. The Aquarium is open to the public. Call 912-598-2300 for more information.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Located just across the Savannah River on SC Highway 170, the entrance to this intriguing to-be-driven tour is just past the Houlihan Bridge in Pt. Wentworth, GA. Get your camera ready because you will see alligators half-asleep in the waterways, eagles tending their young in the trees and an amazing variety of birds who rest and shelter in this, their federal safe-haven. The drive-through is free. Take a picnic lunch and just enjoy the raw beauty of this refuge. Please do NOT feed the alligators.

HISTORIC SAVANNAH-OGEECHEE BARGE CANAL. One of the prime relics in the history of Southern canals. Beginning at the tidal lock on the Savannah River, the waterway continues through four lift locks as it traverses 16.5 miles before reaching another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River. Along the way, the canal passed through Savannah's 19th century industrial corridor, former rice fields, timber tracts and a lush tidal swamp. Local citizens in the 1990s began to restore and interpret the waterway and turn it into a park. Most of the effort is centered at the Ogeechee River terminus, where a small museum and nature center is open to the public near Lock 5. For more information contact Nature Center at 912-748-8068. The Center is located off GA 204 a short distance west of I-95. Open daily from 9AM to 5PM.

For more information on Historic Savannah, please go to The Savannah Traveler On-Line

Savannah Jazz Festival - Sep 21-28

2008-09-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is the 27th Annual Jazz Festival and is a celebration of all genres of jazz, from Dixieland, traditional swing, straight-ahead and bop to melodic standards, Latin rhythms and funky down-home "gutbucket" blues featuring the best in international, national, regional and local jazz talent.

The 2008 festival will feature (among others):

Bob James Quintet, The Savannah Jazz Orchestra Featuring "Simone", Donald Harrison, The Ben Riley Trio featuring pianist Larry Willis, Ben Tucker, Teddy Adams, Doug Carn, Wanda Johnson with Shrimp City Slim, James Cotton, Eric Culberson’s Blues Band, Freeport, Bob Baldwin, Eric Mintel, The Coastal Jazz Association All-Stars, The University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble with Trombonist, Steve Davis, The Jazz Corner Quintet, Beer Parlor Ramblers, The Jazz Trio, & The Skyelite Jazz Band."

The best is that the festival is free and sponsored by the City of Savannah. Visit the website for more details at www.savannahjazzfestival.org.

The Lucas Theater

2008-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Arthur Lucas and architect C.K. Howell opened the Lucas Theater in December 1921. The theater became a favorite venue for movies, touring vaudeville acts and a short-lived, in-house theater stock company. Staying on the cutting edge of technology, the theater was the first building in Savannah to install air conditioning in 1923, making the balcony a welcome retreat during the sultry summers. The front row in the mezzanine became known as “lawyer’s row” after local businessmen began spending their lunch hours sleeping in the cool, comfortable balcony.

With the advent of television and the population shift to the suburbs, the theater era began to wane. Downtown businesses began to feel the sting of suburbia, and the Lucas Theater was no exception. The Lucas Theater closed in 1976.

In 1986 the owners obtained a demolition permit and made arrangements to turn the once thriving Lucas Theater into a parking garage. The news motivated a group of Savannah citizens who founded The Lucas Theater for the Arts. The group pooled their resources, purchased the building and began what would be a $12 million restoration.

With a starting budget of $3 million and donations from Savannahians and celebrities such as Kevin Spacey, Clint Eastwood and the cast and crew of the film “Forrest Gump,” the complete restoration spanned nearly 13 years.

The Lucas Theater reopened in December 2000 with a screening of “Gone with the Wind,” and in the following months hosted Broadway shows and famous musicians. Although show attendance was high, the operation of the building proved too expensive to sustain on its own. The Savannah College of Art and Design recognized the theater as an important cultural asset in the community, and formed a relationship with The Lucas Theater for the Arts.

For a schedule of events, visit the Lucas website at http://www.scad.edu/venues/lucas/schedule.cfm

Also, for more information on Historic Savannah, please visit our popular on-line Savannah Traveler Magazine at www.savannahtraveler.com.

John Wesley - Methodist - Monument

2008-08-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

The John Wesley Monument in the center of Reynolds Square was erected in 1969 by the John Wesley Monument Committee. and consists of a stepped and blocked rectangular granite pedestal, inscribed on all sides, supporting a bronze statue of John Wesley.

John Wesley is the founder of Methodism. Wesley came to Savannah in 1736 as an Anglican clergyman to the Colony of Georgia. Returning to England in 1738, his stay in Savannah was short. inspired by his associations with Moravians in Georgia and later in England, he revised his ideas and eventually formed the United Societies, a Protestant sect which evolved into the Methodist Church. In Savannah, Wesley resided near Reynolds Square. The Wesley Monumental Church, located on the periphery of Reynolds Square, is named in his honor.

For more on Savannah, please go to popular travel site: www.savannahtraveler.com