City of Duluth, Georgia

Historic Tour

Duluth City Hall
The stone building that currently houses City government offices was originally the Duluth First Baptist Church. The Baptist Church was organized on February 13, 1886, with the first church building following shortly thereafter. For 61 years, the white wooden building welcomed parishioners with its chandelier and four wooden oil lamps hanging from the ceiling. Then in July 1947, the original building was destroyed by fire. The structure you see now, at 3578 West Lawrenceville Street, was constructed on the same site in 1948 at a cost of $20,000. In 1962, a three-story educational building was added at the rear of the sanctuary at a cost of $85,000. The exterior is finished in Stone Mountain granite. The City of Duluth purchased the building in late 1979.

Historic Downtown Duluth
Visit Historic Downtown Duluth, Georgia where you can stroll, shop and dine in our specialty shops along Main Street and the newly construction Town Green. Whether you are shopping for clothing, furniture, a new home, stained glass, flowers, unique gifts and accessories or just getting your eyeglasses adjusted, downtown Duluth has something for everyone. Duluth also houses the new Pilate’s Yoga Studio in downtown Duluth where many find classes during their lunchtime or after work.

Since the Designation as a Main Street City in 2001, Downtown Duluth has experienced tremendous re-development and growth. Downtown Duluth features architecture of the 1900-1930 “turn of the century” period with new buildings as well as older buildings being renovated for new businesses.

Gaining community support for the downtown area through the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI), through government development of the Town Green, Taylor Park and the Duluth Festival Center, the City has solicited private development as well. In the past four years, Downtown Duluth has experienced positive change and growth, which shows substantial community support. Currently under construction is retail/restaurant with apartments upstairs known as Parkside at Duluth as well as another mixed use development with retail/office and lofts and townhomes by another local private developer. The City is always interested in new development that will enhance the downtown area. Please contact Phil McLemore, City Administrator, at 770-476-3434 if you are interested in developing in the downtown Duluth area.

Downtown Merchant Links
Roland Huthmaker Stringed Instruments – www.maestronet.com/huthmaker

Payne-Corley House
This is the stately, columned home located at the intersection of Brock Road and Main Street. It is the second oldest home in Duluth. This home was built in 1871, by W.T. Little, who sold the house to the Respess family. The third owner was Francis Payne Corley’s grandfather, Joseph Leonidas Moor. When constructed, the home was surrounded by farmland. Mr. Moor originally owned all the property along Brock Road where Duluth High School is now and a large parcel of land down the railroad from the home. Through the years, the home was passed down through the family and the owners for the most of those years were Mr. & Mrs. Minor Corley. The Corley’s have been a part of Duluth for five generations. Currently, the house is operated by Dreamkeepers, LLC, and they host weddings, receptions, and other special events.

Johns Stained Glass
is located on Main Street in Duluth. The building that is now occupied by this creative business has a long history. Built in the late 1800′s, it was originally the home of Lowe Mercantile, operated by Mr. John Lowe. Mr. Lowe came to Duluth in 1873 and went to work for the firm, Rogers and Jones.

Born in Duluth in 1880 to parents who had also been born and raised in Gwinnett County, Mack Pittard was long a leading Duluth merchant. He went to work as a clerk in a local store in 1899. He became a partner with Mr. John Lowe in 1922 and the business was called “Lowe, Pittard & Company”. The store sold paint, lumber and dry goods all throughout the 1920′s and was very successful. Soon Mack Pittard made the store “Pittard Brothers” by buying out Lowe.

Mr. Pittard was well known in Duluth for extending credit during the Depression, knowing full well that most of the families would never be able to pay him back. He was so popular that he became Mayor of Duluth and then served as a Georgia State Representative for several terms.

“Pittard Brothers” continued on after Mack Pittard’s death on August 1, 1949, in the hands of his son Hamilton Pittard who ran the store until his untimely death at age 50 in 1964. The store was owned by several surviving Pittard brothers and was sold soon after Hamilton Pittard’s death. The building occupants after between 1964 and 1992, I do not know. John Phillips moved into the building in 1992 and offers custom glass restoration, classes and many other services.

The Strickland House
Is located on Buford Highway in Duluth. The Strickland House of Duluth was built by Henry Strickland, Jr. and his wife, Alice Harrell Strickland. The home was begun in 1890, after their original house had burned. The two-story, 11-room structure was completed in 1898. Both Henry and Alice were from early pioneer families in this area. Henry was born in 1853 and was a young lawyer and businessman when he married Alice Harrell of Forsyth County. They raised seven children in this home and Henry died in 1915. Alice continued to live here until her death in 1947. In addition to raising her sizeable family, Alice Strickland took an active part in civic affairs. She was a very progressive lady and was remembered for being forceful but fair, having a great love for her family, her church, the town and its people. She was the first woman Mayor in Georgia, having served as Mayor of Duluth in 1921-22. The Strickland’s youngest child, Ellyne, began restoring the home in 1959. The home is still occupied by Frank & Alice Zeigler, Alice Strickland’s granddaughter.

Harry Day Pianos
Is located on Main Street in downtown Duluth. The building is approximately 100 years old and was home to several merchants down through the years. The building was owned by Frank Summerour, who was the Duluth postmaster from 1922-1944. Under his ownership, which spanned several decades, the building served as the local funeral parlor. A longtime Duluth resident, Frank Mattison, operated the business. Local historians remember a certain way bodies were put on display. They were placed int he big windows, so that everyone walking down Main Street could pay their respects. In later years, a heating and air conditioning company was there. Then the Day family bought the building and remodeled. Today, Harry Day Pianos is the proud owner of the building and they specialize in the restoration of fine pianos.

Nature’s Elegance
This is the small, white farm house located at the intersection of Brock Road and Buford Highway. It served as the Duluth Animal Hospital for many years. This house was originally owned by the Strickland family (owners of the Strickland House) and was located next door to the first brick house in Duluth. The small brick house was located on the site now occupied by the Duluth Animal Hospital. Today, Nature’s Elegance features unique silk and floral designs, wreaths and topiary trees.

Duluth Montessori School
The Duluth Montessori School is located near Downtown Duluth and has been run by the Overholser Family for many years. The building is within the City’s Historic Overlay District for preservation purposes.

Information obtained from the “Duluth Heritage Days” brochure. “Duluth Heritage Days” is a collection of merchants showcasing themselves and the rich history of their particular establishments. Visit these merchants at their historic location in Duluth May 10-17.