Documentary Filmmaker Danielle Beverly chronicled a community in Athens, GA for an upcoming documentary titled "Old South", which will be released in Spring 2015. The film focuses mainly on one block, over 3+ years.;xNLx;;xNLx;Yet a film can only show so much. This same neighborhood has been an important historically African American community for nearly 150 years. To celebrate the many "firsts" that have occurred there, and also consider the changes that have impacted it, this "Hope for Athens Historical Timeline" lets users travel BACKWARDS, to interact with its history.;xNLx;;xNLx;Content revision is ongoing. We seek your memories, photographs, and artifacts from this neighborhood to add to the timeline. Contact Danielle Beverly at ;xSTx;a href="mailto:petunia@petuniaproductions.net";xETx;petunia@petuniaproductions.net;xSTx;/a;xETx;
The story of the historic Reese Street neighborhood in Athens GA is told in pictures, words, documents, archival materials, video & audio interviews.
Founded January 27, 1785, UGA became the first state-chartered university in the nation.
On December 8, 1806, the CIty of Athens was incorporated.
Athens led the South in textile manufacture. Slavery rose exponentially between 1820 and 1830.
Black members of the church leave First Baptist to form Hill First Baptist Church, which opens its doors 10 years later in The Reese Neighborhood.
Reese Street Historic District was an important educational center for the black community.
These Men She Gave: Civil War Diary of Athens, Georgia by John F. Stegeman
African Americans transition from slavery to freedom in Georgia after the Civil War.
Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity was founded at Washington College in Lexington, VA. In 2008, its UGA chapter moved into a historically black area in the Reese neighborhood, igniting concern and protest from long-time residents.
An important centerpiece and gathering place of the Reese Historic Neighborhood. Click "find out more" to explore their Facebook page.
Hill First Baptist Church was named in honor of its first minister Rev. Floyd Hill who led the church without the ability to read or write. 129 African-Americans formed Hill’s congregation. SOURCE: Online Athens
Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity - Gamma Chapter was chartered on the University of Georgia campus in 1868. Black students did not attend UGA at that time.
The Knox Institute was founded in 1868 in Athens by the Freedman's Bureau. Watch a video or read more by clicking below.
The Athens Blade newspaper was founded.
Harris House 446 Reese Street: Dr. W.H. Harris was one of Athens’ most prominent early black physicians. SOURCE:
Closing Exercises Knox Institute: White Athens citizens witness Knox Institute first graduating class.
The Progressive Era was a newspaper that served the neighborhood's African American residents, with content aimed to push for better education for its black readers. No copies exist today. SOURCE: Online Athens
Ida May Hiram, the first African American woman to pass the Georgia Dental Board exams.
Archival map of the Reese neighborhood which had several African American schools and institutions in an area of only a few blocks. Athens High & Industrial School, The Knox Institute and The Hill First Baptist Church can all be seen here. SOURCE: Sanborn Map Company. [Athens, 1918]. Map and Government Information Library, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Ga., presented in the Digital Library of Georgia.
Athens High and Industrial School, the first Georgia public high school for African Americans moves to neighborhood.
During the time of the Civil Rights Movement, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes became the first black students to enroll at the University of Georgia.
Interview about Hill First Baptist Church, and the segregated Greek system at UGA.
Segregation in Athens schools ends 14 years after the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling in 1954.
"Thurmond's history of blacks in Athens is a new picture, that historians have failed to paint. In the many volumes heretofore published about Athens, none has recorded the many contributions of blacks who have aided in the development of the greater Athens community." Source: Book review in The Georgia Historical Quarterly
The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Ordinance, passed by the City Council in 1986, is the vehicle by which the Historic Preservation Commission can protect local historic districts and landmarks.
The UGA chapter of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity stopped flying the typically recognizable Confederate flag outside its house, except on special occasions, without putting up much of a fight. However, there are many Confederate flags, one of which continued to be flown outside the Lumpkin Street chapter for many more years. Click "Find out more" to learn about and view images.
Athens Banner-Herald headline: “As fraternity plans to move, its Old South traditions stir up painful past for new neighbors.”
Reese Street and W. Hancock are two of Athens' most historic neighborhoods and are extremely significant in African-American history. To read full story visit: http://www.achfonline.org/reese_street/ To see PDF of designation, click "Find Out More."
Online Athens Report: The Reese Street and West Hancock corridor was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, but that designation alone does not protect the district from such intrusions as a fraternity house.
A University of Georgia fraternity razed two historic houses in the Hancock-Reese neighborhood Friday over the objections of residents and preservation advocates. "It's quite unfortunate," neighborhood activist Hope Iglehart said. "They could have done something to save those houses and done something to make the organization look good."
4th generation neighborhood resident Hope Iglehart calls a meeting of residents and stakeholders in the community.
Rosemarie Goodrum speaks outs on house destruction in letter to Athens Banner-Herald
After concerted organizing by The Neighborhood Association, the Athens-Clarke County Commission approves the Reese Street Historic Designation. This prevents any further construction of large, uncharacteristic buildings in the community.
Video of Kappa Alpha (KA) annual Antebellum Parade, now commencing in African American Reese Hancock neighborhood. VIDEO COMING SOON
Red and Black headline: “National frat bans Old South uniforms: University chapter ahead of the game.”
Hill First Baptist Church celebrates nearly a century and a half as a place of worship and community involvement, in the Reese Hancock neighborhood. SOURCE: Athens Banner-Herald
June 7th Athens, GA “Hot Corner Fest looks to future by celebrating past”.
On July 28, 2012 the Hill First Baptist Church community enjoy a day together.
Kappa Alpha Order celebrates 144th year anniversary at the University of Georgia.
"Old South" - a documentary filmed over 3+ years in the Reese Neighborhood screened in a free community screening at Hill First Baptist Church. Hundreds brought chairs, blankets and their curiosity. It was an incredible evening. Some photos have been collected at the Facebook Page. Click the "More" link below.
Hill First Baptist Church celebrates 150 years today! Plans are underway! Mark your calendar and bring your memories to share.
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