Book Description

Founded in 1924 by self-made millionaire George Francis Willis, Avondale Estates is a unique planned community--the only documented one of its kind in Georgia and the Southeast in the early twentieth century. Located just 7 miles east of downtown Atlanta, Avondale Estates is the antithesis of the bustling metropolis, with beautifully landscaped parks and plazas, an abundance of community-oriented facilities, and historic architecture reminiscent of an English village. A community seemingly frozen in time, it was to its founder the "ideal city." In this collection of over 200 vintage images, the history of Avondale Estates is uncovered, from the development of its early businesses to the citizens who first called it home. The impressive commercial buildings, designed by prominent Atlanta architect Arthur Neal Robinson, showcase the only fully-developed Tudor Revival style in Georgia. The small, closely knit community has seen its fair share of local residents achieve fame and notoriety. Noted sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who not only started the carving of Stone Mountain in Georgia but also went on to carve Mount Rushmore, once called Avondale home. Avondale High School was the 1950s alma mater of "Whispering Bill" Anderson, singer, songwriter, and television star of Grand Old Opry fame. Within these pages, readers will discover these and other fascinating characters who emerged from the community.