Actual Factual Georgia
Q: Why does Oglethorpe University in Atlanta have gothic-style buildings?
A: You haven't ventured into jolly old England, but are seeing the gothic revival architecture that makes Oglethorpe University unique and brings a touch of the past to the New South. Buildings on the 100-acre campus in north Atlanta are reminiscent of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, England, the school attended by Georgia founder James Edward Oglethorpe. The liberal arts school's present location on Peachtree Road dates to 1915, with some of the land donated by publisher William Randolph Hearst (the school had originally opened near Milledgeville in 1838). Four of the granite and limestone buildings, which include Lupton Hall and its bell tower, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While its mascot – Petey the Stormy Petrel – may not be a gargoyle or anything like what you would see adorning gothic buildings, it also is connected to the past. The mascot looks like the seabirds that were believed to have "inspired Gen. James Oglethorpe as he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Georgia in the 1700s," according to the school.
Q: How was President Franklin D. Roosevelt connected to Georgia?
A: Head about 75 miles southwest of Atlanta, to the appropriately named town of Warm Springs, and you'll find the historic site where Roosevelt sought a cure for polio from its waters and died of a stroke 66 years ago, on April 12, 1945. New York businessman and philanthropist George Foster Peabody, who owned the property, told Roosevelt about how a polio victim recovered after bathing in the waters there. Roosevelt, who was stricken with polio at the age of 39, in 1921, visited Warm Springs in 1924 to find a cure and often returned there until he died. FDR reported improvement by soaking in the 88-degree waters, including moving his right leg, but never regained full use of his legs. In 1926, Roosevelt, bought the property and 1,200 acres from Peabody, and then created the Warm Springs Foundation in 1927 to provide therapy for polio victims. As the 32nd president, Roosevelt conducted official business and developed New Deal programs (he credited what he saw in Warm Springs with inspiring some programs such as the Rural Electrification Administration) from his Little White House, a one-story cottage that was finished in 1932 – a year before he was inaugurated as president. Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site is open to the public and a special event planned for May 28-30 will allow folks to pay ($20-$75) to take a dip in the shallow pools, which will be filled with warm spring water.
What do you want to know?
If you’re new in town or just have questions about this special place we call home, ask us! E-mail Lori Johnston at q&a@ajc.com.
About the Author
