The August 1940 Category 2 storm that slammed into the coastline between Georgia and South Carolina left suffering and devastation in its wake, killing two people in Savannah. Here, the Aug. 12 edition of the Atlanta...

Photographer Tracy O’Neal recorded the aftermath of the 1940 storm in Savannah’s downtown. Total damage in all areas affected by this storm totaled around $13 million in 1940 US dollars. That translates to $228...Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU Archives

BRAVE LITTLE SURVIVOR: A small girl clutches her dolls in the midst of the devastation. A total of 52 people were killed along the storm’s path up the Atlantic Coast and inland through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia...Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU Archives

Canned goods and other merchandise remain perfectly in place as the buildings once surrounding them have been reduced to rubble by the hurricane. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU ARCHIVESTracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU Archives

A soldier stands guard at a Buick dealership destroyed in the storm. New cars peek out from under bricks, boards and assorted debris. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU ARCHIVESTracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU Archives

Massive piles of debris cover parked cars in the downtown Savannah area. In Georgia, the highest reported rainfall amount from the storm was 13.68 inches. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU ARCHIVESTracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU Archives

The guest house's board and batten walls are painted Upward by Sherwin-Williams. Golf clubs and balls and a statue of a female golfer harken to the property's location near East Lake Golf Club and a history with...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Brick details and 12-foot ceilings are favorite features in the great room, where the homeowners watch golf on TV.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The East Lake sun design on the transom leading to the great room matches the sun design above the front door.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The kitchen was renovated to include an island and leathered granite countertops. The appliances are by GE. The exposed beams separating the kitchen from the great room were found in the attic during the renovations...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A stained glass transom featuring the sunny East Lake neighborhood logo welcomes people into the the late 19th century home. The original hardwood floors and trim are among the homeowners' favorite details.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A second stained glass transom decorates the entryway to the great room. The brick originally was on the exterior before Rick Baldwin and Lisa Walker purchased the home in 2013 and renovated it.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

One of the three bathrooms is updated with granite counters and subway tile.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The bathrooms in the 1890s home are updated for today, with subway tile, a walk-in shower and granite countertops.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The East Lake backyard includes a casual seating area with ferns and flowers. The house is on the Sept. 15-16 East Lake Tour of Homes.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The flagstone patio, which has repurposed granite and brick from the foundation and chimney used for its perimeter, includes room for a teak dining set. The double-sided fireplace connects to the screened patio...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The front porch has painted brick in a hue that fits with the neighborhood logo. The bricks were believed to be made on the property when it was constructed, according to information that homeowner Rick Baldwin...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Rick Baldwin and Lisa Walker are the husband-and-wife team who own Rick Baldwin Homes with Keller Williams Metro Atlanta. (Christopher Oquendo Photography)Fast Copy News Service

The property originally was composed of two buildings - a home and separate cottage - that were connected during renovations in 2013-2014. The 1898 building was originally a boarding house while the 1894 cottage...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The screened patio contains colorful seating and Atlanta-themed art and accessories, such as a reproduction Coca-Cola cooler from Scott Antique Market. When they thought about connecting the cottage to the home...

A planter is filled with flowers and woodsy touches, such as the owl accessories.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The window from the dining area to the kitchen is original to the house.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Brick details and 12-foot ceilings are favorite features in the great room, where the homeowners watch golf on TV.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The flagstone patio, which has repurposed granite and brick from the foundation and chimney used for its perimeter, includes room for a teak dining set. The double-sided fireplace connects to the screened patio...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The deck and patio, completed in 2016, leads to a new carport that provides off-street parking for the Virginia-Highland homeowners. The home will be on the Virginia Highland Tour of Homes on Dec. 1-2.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The patio area includes boxwoods in terra cotta pots, from Tuscan Imports, and clematis growing up the pergola.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The bungalow was built in 1910. After renovations and a two-story back addition, the home now has 3,600 square feet, four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The family room opens to the deck of the Virginia-Highland home. The fireplace is one of six inside and outside the home.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Faced with big blank stairwell wall, the homeowners were drawn to the masculinity and texture of the animal artwork, from Stanton Home Furnishings.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The chimney from the living room fireplace was left exposed in the renovations. This area previously was attic space, but the brick adds architectural interest along with the window grids.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The animal figurines are among the colorful accessories in the home.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The master bathroom, originally a bedroom, retained the fireplace and received an modern update with materials from Renaissance Tile and Bath and additional storage, through built-ins.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The porch is an L-shape on the front and side of the bungalow in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood. The homeowners painted the ceiling blue, in keeping with the Southern tradition.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Terra cotta pavers are stained and waxed in the renovated kitchen, which has an island and cabinetry by Phil Plunkett. The appliances are from Bosch, Jenn-Air and GE Monogram.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Windows with classic diamond grids, slate blue walls and greenery beckon people into the dining room. The dining room table and chairs are from Bungalow Classic.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

When they bought the home in 2005, the kitchen had no appliances and had only one cabinet, said Charlie Lefort. "It was disgusting," Lefort said. "That was really a blank slate," he said. The cabinets by Phil Plunkett...Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The homeowners are drawn to the water, as seen in the paintings and artwork throughout their home.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The living room's palette of primary colors was built around the rug, said homeowner Charlie Lefort. While most of the furniture in the home is traditional, a more contemporary item is the glass coffee table, from...Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

In the living room, the fireplace's original tile was stained with a dark wax. The columns between the living room and dining room also are original to the home.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Mirrored pieces dangle from the dining room chandelier, from Bungalow Classic. The artwork ranges from a painting of homeowner John Peter Casey at the beach to a animal-themed art along the stairway.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

One of their favorite pieces of furniture is the wood table in the living room. It was an 18th century English kitchen prep table and was purchased at Green Front Furniture in Farmville, Va. They cut down the legs...Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

A two-story addition, finished in 2015, added this additional living space with a limestone fireplace. The couch from Stanton Home Furnishings and artwork is by Amy Leigh Karstensen.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The outdoor entertaining makeover includes a fireplace with a soapstone surround and multiple seating and dining areas. They tore off the original deck, built a patio and fenced in the backyard."It's a great place...Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The homeowner restained the Craftsman bungalow's cedar shake exterior, added copper gutters and updated the deck area.Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Construction of a new $213.5 million downtown arena for the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers began in July 1997. Philips Arena acquired its name before opening in 1999. The arena has since undergone a number of changes...Atlanta Hawks

Explosive charges take down The Omni Arena, making way for a new downtown arena for the Atlanta Hawks on July 26, 1997.AJC

Steel girders that spell out "ATLANTA" on the exterior of the new home of the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers are prepped to be outlined with lights.AJC

Philips Arena acquired its name before opening in 1999. AJC

The roof of Philips Arena is supported by angled steel columns spelling out "ATLANTA."AJC

When finished the new Philips Arena seats 21,000 and includes 92 luxury suites, 9 party suites, and 1,866 club seats.AJC

A Philips Arena detail of front row seats before its opening in 1999.AJC

Construction workers use a 'rider' to flatten and polish the cement on the floor of the new Philips Arena in June 1999.AJC

Work continues to complete the interior of Philips Arena in August 1999. The Arena officially opened Sept. 18, 1999.AJC

Workers clean seats at the new Philips Arena a month ahead of its September 1999 opening. The new arena was equipped with more than 20,000 seats and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.AJC

In 2017, the Hawks began a nearly $200 million renovation of Philips Arena. The old "Hawk Walk" area is among the areas being transformed in an effort to offer more unique entertainment amenities, better sight-lines...AJC

The final phase of the arena reconstruction involved the transformation of the seating.AJC

The floor shows the de-construction of the arena where more than 450 construction workers a day are worked on the project.AJC

All of the seats in the arena were removed and the old luxury suites demolished. The renovated arena with reconfigured luxury suites opens in October.AJC

Amid construction the Philips Arena name remained. The venue will reopen in October under a new name, State Farm Arena.AJC

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned one year old Aug. 26, 2018. Since it opened in 2017, the state-of-the-art facility has hosted more than 3.3 million fans during 60 ticketed events.Branden Camp

In its first year, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted three games under an open roof.

The Atlanta Falcons went 5-3 in their first season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Atlanta United broke and set an MLS attendance record while compiling a 13-4-6 record in the first year of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.ccompton@ajc.com

Alabama continued its dominance in Atlanta, winning their first two appearances at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including the College Football Playoff championship game over Georgia in 2018.HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

The shingled home has a wide front porch with French doors that invite indoor-outdoor entertaining.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The backyard previously was a concrete jungle, but now it’s defined with materials such as slate, brick and pea gravel. The homeowner worked with Howard Design Studio and also added the SunSetter awning. Text...Christopher Oquendo Photographer

The SunSetter awning provides shade, when needed, on the patio, which is a spot for gardening and dining.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A Chinese ancestor painting dominates the stairway and upstairs landing in the Buckhead home.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The mask was made in Cameroon and sourced through Scott Antique Market. The homeowner, Hadi Irvani, founded PeachDish, which he launched in the home, and is a co-founder of RealMenBuyFlowers.com.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A modern piece by Alexander Calder brings a sense of energy to a hallway, said homeowner Hadi Irvani, paired with a bowl from Atlanta's Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

"Growing up in Atlanta, I always loved all the trees," said homeowner Hadi Irvani. When he bought his home in the Buckhead neighborhood, he added trees, including from Goodness Grows in Lexington.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

In the kitchen, textured decor items include the basket lights and wall hanging, all from Scott Antique Market. Text by Lori Johnston/Fast Copy News Service. (Christopher Oquendo Photography)Christopher Oquendo Photographer

The cart, from Scott Antique Market, provides additional seating for guests in the kitchen. The table is from RH.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The window-filled, eat-in kitchen has playful and practical elements. The table doubles as a workspace, while the woven wall hanging represents a plate with a fish on it.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The window-filled, eat-in kitchen has playful and practical elements. The table doubles as a workspace, while the woven wall hanging represents a plate with a fish on it.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The kitchen was unfinished when Hadi Irvani purchased the home as a short sale in 2010. So he added stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, even though he was aware they could have scratches and stains...Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The great room opens to the back patio, via sets of French doors. The room also has tones of orange, which is homeowner Hadi Irvani's favorite color.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Lamps from Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors frame the sculptures on a table in the great room. He has face sculptures throughout his Buckhead home. The built-in bookshelves are a similar shade as the pastel...Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Sculpture of all sizes is found throughout the Buckhead home, including on the table behind a sofa in the great room.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

The artwork over the fireplace is a polarizing piece that Hadi Irvani said he appreciates for its sense of energy. "You either hate it or you love it," he said. Most of the furniture in the great room is from Scott...Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Two sets of French doors in the master bedroom open onto Romeo and Juliet balconies in the back of the home. The artwork is of Nice, but was purchased locally at a fundraiser.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

A light fixture from Ikea is among the more modern choices in the Buckhead residence. The white chairs and single black chair, from Ikea, were a deliberate decision by homeowner Hadi Irvani, who wanted the black...Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Decorative English plates with scenes of monkeys fill the built-ins in the dining room. The artwork is one of many pieces from Scott Antique Market in PeachDish founder Hadi Irvani's home.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Graphic artwork, in both black and white and a multicolored piece by an Italian artist, serve as conversation starters in the library. The French doors open to the front of the Buckhead home.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo Photography

Hadi Irvani, founder and CEO of PeachDish and co-founder of RealMenBuyFlowers.com, purchased his home in the Buckhead neighborhood in 2010.Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Modern art by homeowner Daniel Vasquez is next to a built-in bar cabinet in the 1902 West End home.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Modern art by homeowner Daniel Vasquez is next to a built-in bar cabinet in the 1902 West End home. Text by Marena Galluccio/Fast Copy News Service.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Caleb Racicot and Daniel Vasquez's kitchen, which had been gutted by previous owners and had no historic elements, has white cabinets, a granite island and Whirlpool refrigerator.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The golds, reds and browns in the original stained glass were thoughtfully coordinated with the original colors of the entry hall, while the blues, pinks and yellows related to the middle hallway, homeowner Caleb...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The fireplace had been painted white, but when the paint was removed, homeowner Caleb Racicot said they uncovered original tile in a tortoise shell tone.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Antique furniture is used throughout the home, including the guest room. Caleb Racicot said there is picture rail in every room, which has historic charm and a practical use.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

One of Daniel Vasquez's passions is opera. "He is constantly searching for books about opera or old recordings," said Caleb Racicot, his husband. The century-old player still works, and the chalk paintings by a...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

An art nouveau side-by-side bookcase and secretary desk adds Victorian flair to the home.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Caleb Racicot and Daniel Vasquez restored three of the home's six fireplaces during the three-year renovation. The pocket door with Russell & Erwin pulls and locks is original to the 1902 West End home and opens...Christopher Oquendo Photographer

The fireplaces and woodwork sold the couple on the home, although renovations were needed to make it livable, they said. The walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Concord Ivory, which is part of its Historic Colour...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A death mask of 19th century opera star Maria Malibran makes a statement on the fireplace mantel. It is part of Daniel Vasquezâ's collection of opera items displayed in the 1902 home.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The restored 1902 home retained its original unpainted pocket doors.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The home, with its iron gate, reminded Caleb Racicot and Daniel Vasquez of different things when they saw it. Vasquez, a horror movie fan, thought it was the quintessential haunted house or like it could be in...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The front porch is a favorite spot for Caleb Racicot and Daniel Vasquez, who enjoy gardening and socializing with their West End neighbors.Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The 2,308-square-foot home, built in 1902 in Atlanta's West End neighborhood, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. In 2018, the home received an Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation from the Atlanta Urban...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Daniel Vasquez and Caleb Racicot purchased their 1902 West End home in 2015. Vasquez is a retired performance artist and music critic, and Racicot is a city planner and senior principal with TSW Planning, Architecture...Text by Marena Galluccio/Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Cars parked outside of the Varsity Drive-In restaurant, with the downtown skyline in the background, Atlanta, Georgia, early 1980s.AJC file

The Varsity restaurant is an Atlanta landmark. Photo taken January 31, 1989. (RENEE' HANNANS/AJC staff)AJC

Joshua Sieweke, Decatur, goes with slaw dogs, fries and a coke for his final order at the Varsity Jr. in Atlanta on Sunday, August, 22, 2010. Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.comccompton@ajc.com

"What'll ya have?" September 6 1980-Shouinard Jones, 18-months-old, bites into a hot dog from the Varsity in Atlanta, Georgia. The Varsity originally opened in 1938 and has steadily grown into an Atlanta institution...

A woman makes chili dogs at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Starlethia Floyd holds a salad at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

A tray of onion rings sit ready to be served at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Chili dogs sit ready to be served at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

President Obama greets customers during the short visit to the Varsity on June 25, 2012. President Barack Obama was visiting Atlanta on Tuesday to attend fundraisers for his re-election campaign, including a reception...vwong@ajc.com

A U.S. Secret Service screens employees before President Obama makes a stop at Varsity for hot dog on June 25, 2012 en route to campaign event downtown Tuesday. VINO WONG / VWONG@AJC.COMvwong@ajc.com

President Obama makes a stop at Varsity on June 25, 2012, for hot dog and greeted a few students before heading to campaign event downtown Tuesday. VINO WONG / VWONG@AJC.COMvwong@ajc.com

Gordon Muir, president, and his daughter Ashley Weiser, marketing director, taste their popular menu at the Midtown Varsity, representing the third and fourth generations of the Gordy family at the Varsity on Thursday...

Gordon Muir, president, prepares a tray at the Varsity in Midtown Atlanta on Thursday, August 2, 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

The Varsity is packed with customers on Thursday, August 2, 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

90th Anniversary banner is displayed at the Varsity in Midtown Atlanta on Thursday, August 2, 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Restaurant staff take orders at the Varsity in Midtown Atlanta on Thursday, August 2, 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Gordon Muir, president, is greeted by regular customer Juanita Worthy of Atlanta at the Varsity in Midtown Atlanta on Thursday, August 2, 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Jeremy Piven, starring in the new film, “The Goods,” meets Varsity President Gordon Muir as he makes a stop at Atlanta landmark on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Pouya Dianat/Allied AdvertisingPouya Dianat/Allied Advertising

Former presidential hopeful Mitt Romney enjoys a iconic frosted orange while stumping in Georgia for Attorney General Sam Olens, joining Olens for lunch at The Varsity on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, in Atlanta.Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Double chili cheese burger, fries and a Varsity PC (chocolate milk) in 2015.Becky Stein

Fried apple and peach pies, Varsity paper hat and peach pie a la mode in 2015.Becky Stein

A to-go box with fries, rings, slaw dog, naked dog and chili burger in 2015.Becky Stein

The Varsity’s Chili cheese fries in 2015.Becky Stein

Double chili cheese burger, fries and a Varsity PC (chocolate milk) in 2015.Becky Stein

Frosted orange, chopped onions, slaw dog, chili cheese dog and rings in 2015.Becky Stein

Team hats on the ice cream counter at the Varsity in 2015.Becky Stein

Tthe Varsity on Tuesday October 13, 2015. Becky Stein

On Tuesday October 13, 2015, a view of one of the many murals at the Varsity. Becky Stein

Georgia Tech fan Bob Sexton picks up one of his chili cheese dogs outside of The Varsity on Saturday, October 20, 2012. On Saturdays, thousands of Georgia Tech fans eat at the landmark before and after the game...JOHNNY CRAWFORD /AJC

The Varsity is the busiest fast food restaurant in the city, on Game Day, when Georgia Tech plays at home, they serve between 18,000 to 30,000 customers. Photo taken on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. JOHNNY CRAWFORD /AJC

Republican presidential hopeful Elizabeth Dole is waited on by Erby Walker at the Varsity on Friday, July 16, 1999. Dole visited the popular eating spot while in town for a campaign appearance. (AP Photo/Alan Mothner)Alan Mothner/AP

Lana Winings feeds her 20-month-old son, Taylor Winings (cq), a spoon full of frosted orange at the Varsity in downtown Atlanta in November 1998. To the left is her husband, David Winings and her daughter Triana...ALICIA HANSEN/AJC

Erby Walker working at The Varsity in the 1970's. Erby Walker

President Bill Clinton chats with Erby Walker at The Varsity in the 1990's.Courtesy Erby Walker

ATLANTA, GA - April, 1954 - Downtown Expressway looking south toward North Avenue (as it crosses the expressway) in 1954 with the Varsity Drive-In on left, Techwood Homes across expressway on right. Spring Street...Ryan Sanders/AJC Staff

Grace Whitaker, 4, of Buford enjoys a hot dog at the Varsity on Dawson Blvd. in September 1999. Richard Fowlkes/AJC staff

Jeremy Wheeler, 8, of Cumming, enjoys a chili dog from the Varsity in the Lenox Square parking lot as he waits for the Fourth of July fireworks to begin later that night Friday, July 4, 2003. BITA HONARVAR/AJC staff

Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry trys a chili dog at the local landmark restaurant the Varsity in Atlanta as he chats with owner Nancy Gordy Simms on Monday, April 19, 2004. CURTIS COMPTON/AJC

Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry, center, accompanied by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, right, and state labor commissioner Michael Thurmond, left in white shirt, stops by the Varsity in Atlanta on...CURTIS COMPTON/AJC staff

060310 - ATLANTA, GA -- The Varsity logo football player is surrounded by french fries, onion rings and a chili dog. The Varsity now accepts Visa and Mastercard (inside only). (CHARLOTTE B. TEAGLE/AJC staff)Charlotte B. Teagle/AJC

A chili dog with french fries, a frosted orange drink and an apple pie at the Varsity in Atlanta, Ga Friday, August 18, 2006.Elissa Eubanks/AJC

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch serves a frosted orange at the Varsity on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. He was at the Varsity to promote the 2010 Kobalt Tools 500 which will take place on March 7, 2010 at the Atlanta Motor...Johnny Crawford/AJC

The Stanley Cup visits The Varsity Thursday, April 5, 2007 during the lunchtime hour. The Stanley Cup was there for a photo shoot for the AJC. (JOEY IVANSCO / AJC staff)Joey Ivansco/AJC

Evan Ivester, 6, (left) shoves a hot dog in his mouth as he sits with his mother Susanne at the Varsity off of North Ave. in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Evan and his family, who hail from Good Hope, stopped...

Bob Mitchell eats a chili dog at the Varsity off of North Ave. in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Mitchell and his family stopped off at the Atlanta icon on their way back to Springfield, Il from vacationing...

Georgia Tech students carried the goal posts from Grant Field to the Varsity restaurant after Tech beat UGA in Athens in 1984. Joey Ivansco/AJC

Frank Gordy, founder of The Varsity, left Georgia Tech after a year but told his schoolmate that he'd make $20,000 before they graduated. He made $40,000. CONTRIBUTED: THE VARSITYcontributed: The Varsity

Frank Gordy's uncle Bob Ingram had a hot-dog stand in this 12-foot wide shack next to his gas station on North Avenue. Located right outside the Georgia Tech campus, it was in the right place to feed hungry students...The Varsity

Curtis McMillan (left) and Chas Berry (right) are heads-up in the Varsity sign as the Westin is set off in the downtown skyline on July 2, 2003. The pair who work for J and J Contracting Co. had refaced both sides...AJC

Outside of the Varsity restaurant in midtown Atlanta in 1988. (AJC files)AJC

The prices may be higher now, but those hot dogs haven't changed much. Varsity restaurant workers serving up hot dogs to customers in December 1977. AJC file

The Varsity in 1963.Tracy O’Neal

Varsity Drive-In on North Avenue, interior, in 1958.Tracy O’Neal

North Avenue with the Varsity in the background in July 1958. N06-059_aa, Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection, 1923-1975, Photographic Collection. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library...Tracy O'Neal

The Varsity sign looms over Friday afternoon traffic heading out of Atlanta on Feb. 11, 1972, as seen from the Fifth Street viaduct over Atlanta's downtown connector.Al Stephenson/AJC Staff

Varsity founder W. F. Gordy and his family, sometime in the 1950s.AJC file

President George H.W. Bush greets Gordon Muir at the Varsity.Courtesy of the Varsity

August 23, 1990 -- Jason James, 13, from Stockbridge, waits at the front gate to Fort Gillem in Forest Park with an American flag as convoys of the 101st Airborne stop for an overnight stay before continuing their...

August 26, 1965 -- Surprise, surprise! This view down Forsyth Street downtown proves whatever the decade, you won't catch a break from Atlanta traffic. GUY HAYES / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 25, 1943 -- In 1943, the Atlanta-Southern Dental College was almost altogether a training institution for the armed forces. Of the 374 students, 341 were members of Army and Navy training units taking as...

August 24, 1989 -- Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games members, including Billy Payne (front left), International Olympic Committee members and their party meet Thursday with Mayor Andrew Young in his office...

August 17, 1977 -- Oz Records on Peachtree Street remembers Elvis Presley with a marquee message. Presley died one day earlier, stunning the music world. BUD SKINNER / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVESajc staff

August 27, 1960 -- Presidential candidate Richard Nixon and wife Pat campaign in Atlanta during a downtown parade. John F. Kennedy ended up winning the state and its 12 electoral college votes. DOZIER MOBLEY / AJC...

August 30, 1961 -- Three African American students (Willie Jean Black, Donita Gaines, Arthur Simmons) leaving Northside High School (later North Atlanta High School) on the first day of its racial integration. Unlike...

August 1949 -- Pallbearers lead the casket of Margaret Mitchell during the funeral service at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery. The author died on Aug. 16 when she was hit by a car on Peachtree Street in Midtown. AJC...

August 27, 1950 -- Carolyn Carter, the first woman photographer for The Atlanta Constitution, climbs atop a light tank. Willard Neal, at the right, wrote the story. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 6, 1971 -- Walter Botts strikes his Uncle Sam pose during a visit to Atlanta. In 1938, artist James Montgomery Flagg was drawing an Army recruiting poster, and he asked Botts, a musician, to pose as Uncle...

August 16, 1949 -- Panoramic view of recently renovated Atlanta Municipal Market on Edgewood Avenue shows new lighting system and display stalls. Also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the building opened in...

August 5, 1984 -- Spiderman was one of the many superheroes, elves, dragons, and movie characters who appeared at that year's Atlanta Fantasy Fair in the Costume Contest. The Atlanta Fantasy Fair was held August...

Aug. 15, 1983 -- Dan Sweat speaks at a World Series Task Force press conference. The task force chairman, Shirley Franklin, stands to the right. The 30-member group was created to plan the city's celebrations in...Nona Boyd/AJC

Aug. 19, 1988 -- Cheshire Bridge Road just being Cheshire Bridge Road, with its hodgepodge of ethnic restaurants, bars and lingerie-modeling services. LOUIE FAVORITE / AJC FILE PHOTOLouie Favorite/AJC

August 1955 -- Workers move in to fill a huge chasm under Ponce de Leon Avenue across the street from where Mary Mac's Tearoom is today. The cavity at Penn Avenue extends 42 1/2 feet below the street and is 25 feet...Van Toole/AJC staff

August 11, 1989 -- Dale Murphy is congratulated by a team bat boy after his 376th homer, making him the all-time Atlanta Braves home run king. FRANK NIEMEIR / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 15, 1948 -- WSB-TV employees are shown broadcasting on location, the same year that the station was granted its broadcasting license. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 2, 1926 -- Crowds throng the streets for the grand opening of the Sears, Roebuck & Co. building on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Sears remained in the building until 1987 before it became reborn first as City...Atlanta History Center

August 1966 -- Miss Freedom gets some attention from an unidentified worker on the Georgia State Capitol dome. DWIGHT ROSS JR. / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVESAJC

August 15, 1965 -- Two Atlanta police officers phone in to the station during the night watch. Only three years earlier, African-American APD officers were given the authority to arrest whites. MARION CROWE / AJC...

August 26, 1978 -- "When are we gonna BE there?" Visitors to Six Flags Over Georgia make their way via parking lot shuttles to the amusement park for a day of fun. A brochure from that year advertised attractions...

August 1930s -- Children swim and fish in Clara Meer at Piedmont Park. The stone bathhouse building in the background was constructed in 1926. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 20, 1974 -- Two boys jump from twin diving boards at the Pittman Park pool. CALVIN CRUCE / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 1, 1966 -- An Atlanta Police sergeant looks over a reward poster for information on the Mary Shotwell Little disappearance. Little, a newlywed, failed to show for work in 1965 and has never been seen since...

August 1951 -- Atlanta Constitution editor/publisher Ralph McGill chats with poet Carl Sandburg. The two men became close friends after McGill interviewed Sandburg that year (perhaps during the meeting in this photo)...

August 6, 1978 -- Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson works at clearing kudzu during the First Annual Great Park Cross Country Run and Kudzu Kaper in East Atlanta. CHARLES R. PUGH JR. / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 14, 1945 -- A soldier and a woman embrace on V-J Day ("Victory over Japan Day") on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. That day, the Peachtree Street was mobbed with celebrants throwing confetti. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 2, 1980 -- The Falcons' David Becker gets a drink of water during team workouts. That year, the Falcons would go 12-4 and finish first in the NFC-West. STEVE DEAL / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 25, 1946 -- Elias Nour rescues a dog on top of Stone Mountain. Nour, who moved from Lebanon to Stone Mountain at age 10, became famous for being an expert climber of the mountain. By the time of his death...

August 18, 1965 -- Southern-fried Beatlemania hit Atlanta Stadium during the Fab Four's U.S. tour. The band was only in town for 10 hours but the visit produced what the group called the best sound of their U.S...

August 1971 -- Richard Rich (left), chairman of the board of Rich, Inc. assists Willard G. Rouse, vice chairman of the board of Rouse Co., in unveiling Perimeter Mall's 30-foot papier mache ice cream cone, the symbol...Bita Honarvar/Special

Maya Patel, a kindergarten student in the dual language immersion program at Level Creek Elementary School, raises her hand during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary School on Monday, August 6. Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Ana Fogle-Weekley, a kindergarten student, colors a picture during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary School. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Kerri Griffin, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, talks to her students, Ana Fogle-Weekley and Owen DeGeorge. Griffin teaches one of the dual language immersion classes. Jenna Eason / Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

A young boy poses for a photo against the brick walls of Peachcrest Elementary School on the first day of school, Monday, August 6, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Peachcrest Elementary School assistant principal Stan Gaddis welcomes a student back for the new year. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Here’s the back to school scene at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary in East Point. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Youngsters get a hearty welcome back. BOB ANDRES/AJC

A good breakfast makes for a great start to the school year. BOB ANDRES/AJC

One last hug before heading off to class. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Learning to line up and wait your turn is an important first lesson for kids. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Just about ready to head into the building after the first day’s bus ride. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Is summer break really over? Sigh... BOB ANDRES/AJC

First day back traffic: The school drop-off line. BOB ANDRES/AJC

The new year brings a mix of new faces and some of the older kids who have this school thing down pat. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Brumby Elementary School principal Amanda Richie greets students and parents as they enter the school during the first day in Marietta, Wednesday, August 1, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Students wait to be guided to their teachers during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

8/1/18 - Atlanta - Peyton Forest principal Cynthia Gunner, along with teachers and staff, gets ready to great students with a circus theme. It was the first day of school at Peyton Forest Elementary school, which...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Second grade teacher Megan Donnelly greets her students during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary School. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Donnelly (left) greets Aniya Bowden (right) during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary School. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Paraprofessional educator Purity Kamau (center) directs a group of second graders to their classroom during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary.  (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Second grader Aniya Bowden smiles at her desk before class begins during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Robert Hill holds his grandson Scotty while using an umbrella to cover his granddaughter Jasmine as they walk to the entrance of Brumby Elementary School during the first day of school. Hill was at the school to...Alyssa Pointer

Seniors complete interactive math lessons during the first day of school at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Wednesday, August 1, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Students tour the hallway during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

An empty classroom is set up for the new school year during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

A class schedule is displayed during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Choir instructor Megan Schuitema listens as her students sing a scale during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Math teacher Amy Shaffer works with her students during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Portia Langley, from Atlanta Stilt Dancing, was on hand to great Students at Peyton Forest Elementary. It was the first day of school at Peyton Forest Elementary school, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students walk through the Peyton Forest Elementary parking lot as they arrive for school with their families. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

The first school bus arrives at the school. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Kids and parents enjoyed the circus-themed welcome back. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

The Peyton Forest kids are all smiles, but a busy school day awaits. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Aleyah Jackson, 4, has breakfast in the cafeteria with her grandmother, June Crawford, as she starts her first day of Pre-K. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Xavier Williams, 5, is led by his mom as they search for his kindergarten class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, wearing a Peyton Forest t-shirt, visited the school. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, wearing a Peyton Forest t-shirt, had chicken and waffles with the pre-k and kindergarten students. They also got popcorn. Carstarphen has visited various APS schools every year...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students are introduced to a math assignment in Hannah Reisman's class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen helps London Williams with her math assignment in Hannah Reisman's class. “I think that the first day attendance, the first day participation -- whether it’s staff or students...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

You bet math is fun: The Peyton Forest kids didn’t waste any time getting down to the tricky business of addition. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students and their families arrive for the first day of school at Boyd Elementary School. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen continued her back-to-school tour of APS schools with a stop here. BOB ANDRES ...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen continued her back-to-school tour of APS schools with a stop at Boyd Elementary, and gave out stickers to students before visiting some classrooms. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen takes one of her traditional Day One selfies with students, staff and parents at Boyd Elementary. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Carstarphen greets students in Traci Cohen's 3rd grade class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students in Traci Cohen’s 3rd grade class are introduced to Superintendent Meria Carstarphen. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students are attentive to the day's lesson in Jenethia Forte's 4th grade ELA / Social Studies class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Emily Costine, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps her student, Leland Griffin, get in his seat. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Emily Costine, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps her student, Arianna Sims, during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Carmen Herrera, a kindergarten paraprofessional teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps a student, Olivia Washington, in a dual language immersion class during the first day of school. Jenna Eason / Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

James Jackson Elementary teacher Shandi Robbins gets a hug from a student on the first day of school Monday, August 6, 2018, in Jonesboro. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSchaefer

Para-pro Shaniqua Layne walks Kayla Tran into James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Kids head into James Jackson Elementary on the first day of school. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Arturo Oliver and his wife Elizabeth walk their child Kayla into James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

School crossing guard Freda Stafford directs traffic in front of James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Meanwhile, across the street from Jackson Elementary School, Zadyah Royster and Ahania Gover are dropped off at Jonesboro High School on the first day of school. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Workers inspect the metal tubing created at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming, Thursday, August 2, 2018. -- Text in this gallery by Michael E. Kanell and Alyssa Pointer, AJC. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA...Alyssa Pointer

Alejandra Ferrel welds metal tubing at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant. Ferrel is one of 300 workers at American BOA in Cumming who make metal “bellows” used as sleeves in vehicle engine and exhaust systems...Alyssa Pointer

Products created at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming are displayed, including a metal cylinder covered in a braided metal tube. Half the steel used for the metal bellows comes from Europe and...Alyssa Pointer

Vincente Delphin, Jr., director of the automotive business unit at American BOA Inc., watches over production. American BOA hasn’t raised prices to cover the higher costs yet, but it needs to, Delphin tells the...Alyssa Pointer

Car, truck and auto parts manufacturers rely heavily on foreign-made steel and aluminum, which are now taxed an extra 25 percent and 10 percent. “The president is right to go after the bad guys in this, but I have...Alyssa Pointer

Tube Mill operator Steve Blakely inspects metal tubes before stacking them at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming. The 54,000 auto industry jobs in Georgia account for more than 206,000 jobs in...Alyssa Pointer

Level three quality technician LaMar McDougal measures the width of the convolution of a metal hose. When tariffs hit, a small company may not be able to pass along higher costs, said Motor & Equipment Manufacturers...Alyssa Pointer

The president argues he can revive many of those lost industries by taking a hard line on U.S. trading partners and forcing them to renegotiate more favorable terms for American exports. President Trump instituted...Alyssa Pointer

Workers are busy at the Bellows Hydroforming area at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant. Nearly 24,000 people in Georgia work for more than 40 vehicle parts suppliers – nearly twice as many as just seven...Alyssa Pointer