The day had a somber beginning with the news of a friend passing just hours before I awoke. RIP Big Pond!
After a hotel complementary breakfast we were off to roads unknown. The only requirement was arriving back to my daughter's Florida cottage before dark. We marveled at the beauty of southern Georgia.
As we approached Valdosta, GA our stomachs alerted us it was time to get off the motorcycles. However, we did run through the historical downtown
and then meandered over to see the Barber-Pitt Mansion.
Built in 1915 by E.R. Barber, a respected entrepreneur and inventor who was also prominent in local civic activities, the house is an excellent example of turn-of-the-century Southern domestic Neo-classicism. It was designed by Lloyd Barton Greer, a prominent South Georgia architect and long-time resident of Valdosta. The exterior detailing of the home is beautifully simple with its linteled windows and fanlight over the front door, and has impressive six Ionic supporting columns with dentils and brackets running around the cornices and its symmetrically spaced windows and entrance door.
Upon the death of Mr. Barber in 1965, the house became the property of his daughter, Ola Barber Pittman.
When the new U.S. Post Office/Federal Office Building was constructed on North Patterson Street in the 1960s, the safety of the home was threatened. While the General Services Administration was eyeing it as a potential site for the expansion of parking facilities, Mrs. Pittman was determined to protect her home. It was through her tenacious efforts, possibly including a phone call to President Lyndon B. Johnson in which she made her position in the matter very clear, Mrs. Pittman won the case.
Mrs. Pittman died in Valdosta on April 12, 1977 after spending the last two years of her life in a nursing home. When her will was read, it revealed that she had left the home to "the citizens of Valdosta."
She has detailed very explicit instructions as to her wishes regarding the use of it. She was particularly anxious that the government not gain control of the property. There was also a provision in her will which prohibited selling it. Should any attempt be made in this direction, the property was to revert to her estate. This home had apparently been a haven of rest for her... a place in which she felt secure and could pause, relax and reflect upon the pleasantries of life. And, seemingly, this was the heritage she wished to pass on to the citizens of Valdosta in leaving the property to them.
The Barber-Pittman House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 12, 1980.
We rushed to cool dining and a nice Speghetti, Bread Sticks & Salad lunch. 😋
We arrive back to Florida safe, sound & absolutely tired puppies!
Nana
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