Q: Who was Emory University named for?
—Fran Jordan, Norcross
A: If you think it has some connection to The Coca-Cola Co., you have to look back further than the generosity of Coke founder Asa Candler and other benefactors connected to the Atlanta-based soft drink company. Emory was named after John Emory, a Methodist bishop from Maryland, who desired to provide an American education that would mold students' minds and character. Emory's founders started the new town of Oxford in Newton County as the site for their school, in honor of the prestigious English university that Methodism founders John and Charles Wesley attended. Emory opened in 1836, but its namesake had died in a carriage accident in 1835. When it came time for Emory to expand, Candler, in 1914, donated 72 acres of land and $1 million to build at its current Druid Hills location; there was a family connection as his brother was Methodist Bishop Warren Candler, who had graduated from Emory and had served as its 10th president, in the 1890s. And that's how a last name is tied to the university, which turns 175 years old this year.
Q: Is there an Atlanta museum that focuses on African-American art?
A: The city's varied art collection includes two options to see African art up close: Hammonds House Museum and the High Museum of Art. Hammonds House, in a Victorian home in Atlanta's West End, displays the late Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds' extensive art collection, with more than 250 pieces. The High Museum of Art in Midtown has more than 700 African art pieces, including those from the ancient to contemporary. You'll find works such as sculptures from central and west Africa created between 1850 and 1950, and Yoruba masks, beadwork, ceramic arts, metal work and figurative sculpture.
Q: The vampires and zombies craze has hit Atlanta, with AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and The CW’s “Vampire Diaries” filming in the city. Are other TV shows taping here as well?
A: Georgia hasn't sold its soul, but it's definitely on the mind of actors, actresses, directors and crews connected with other TV series attracted to our Southern setting and financial incentives for filming. Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva," "Auction Kings" on Discovery Channel, VH1's "Single Ladies" and MTV's "Teen Wolf" are giving Atlanta its small screen close-up. There's been a 440 percent growth in TV, film or commercial production in Georgia between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, with a $1.4 billion economic impact. Studios are causing more people to see Georgia as a place for (lights, camera and) action. That provides more opportunities to rub elbows with celebrities, as long as they don't want to drink our blood.
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.
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