1. 16 May


    The Terminal Hotel is on fire May 1938-This picture was made on a Monday at the Terminal Hotel, a popular Inn for Atlanta railroad men and travelers. At 3 a.m. on May 16th, a fire broke out either in the basement or kitchen and fire trucks arrived within minutes. The roof of the hotel collapsed and an estimated 27-34 people were killed. Atlanta Journal-Constitution photographic archive

    The Terminal Hotel is on fire

    May 1938-This picture was made on a Monday at the Terminal Hotel, a popular Inn for Atlanta railroad men and travelers. At 3 a.m. on May 16th, a fire broke out either in the basement or kitchen and fire trucks arrived within minutes. The roof of the hotel collapsed and an estimated 27-34 people were killed.

    Atlanta Journal-Constitution photographic archive

     

  2. 14 May


    A body is found May 15, 1973- The body of Mary Alday is lifted onto a stretcher out in a wooded area where she had been molested and shot to death. Mrs. Alday is the wife of Jerry Alday who was found also slain along with four other members of the family in their mobile home in Reynoldsville, Ga. The Alday murders are the second largest mass murder in Georgia history.  

    A body is found

    May 15, 1973- The body of Mary Alday is lifted onto a stretcher out in a wooded area where she had been molested and shot to death. Mrs. Alday is the wife of Jerry Alday who was found also slain along with four other members of the family in their mobile home in Reynoldsville, Ga.

    The Alday murders are the second largest mass murder in Georgia history.  

     

  3. 10 May


    Stone wall 1963- Scaffolding for sculpting the Stone Mountain Monument, the largest bas-relief in the world. In the relief, there are three Confederate leaders depicted. One of them, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, died on this day in history, May, 10 1863, following his accidental wounding at Chancellorsville by Confederate troops. Although not a Georgian, he was one of the most well-known generals in the Confederate Army.  Copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    Stone wall

    1963- Scaffolding for sculpting the Stone Mountain Monument, the largest bas-relief in the world. In the relief, there are three Confederate leaders depicted. One of them, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, died on this day in history, May, 10 1863, following his accidental wounding at Chancellorsville by Confederate troops. Although not a Georgian, he was one of the most well-known generals in the Confederate Army. 

    Copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution

     

  4. 8 May


    Let us help defeat him! 1940’s-“Let us help defeat him!” banner hangs in a prison-tent factory with an amateur depiction of Hitler to serve as inspiration to inmates who making tents for armed forces during World War II. On this day in history, May 8, 1945, at 8 a.m. Atlanta time, President Harry Truman announced that Germany had surrendered, effectively ending World War II in Europe. Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archive

    Let us help defeat him!

    1940’s-“Let us help defeat him!” banner hangs in a prison-tent factory with an amateur depiction of Hitler to serve as inspiration to inmates who making tents for armed forces during World War II.

    On this day in history, May 8, 1945, at 8 a.m. Atlanta time, President Harry Truman announced that Germany had surrendered, effectively ending World War II in Europe.

    Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archive

     

  5. 7 May


    I’m not Jimmy Carter Nov 6, 1983-Mary Dabbs dresses like a Jimmy Carter with a long nose. This was a short rally before the march to the Emory campus protesting the construction of Freedom Parkway.  ”In 1981, ex-President Carter revived the idea of a highway along the east-west route to serve his planned presidential library and policy center on Copenhill. Carter originally bought only several acres of land. However the GDOT leased him 29 more acres in exchange for backing GDOT plans for a 2.9 mile east-west expressway, on the condition that if the road were not built, the Center would lose the land. Carter lobbied and won support from Mayor Young, the City Council and Chamber of Commerce. The road would connect the new Carter Center with downtown on the west, and to Druid Hills (and thus access to Emory University) to the east.” Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    I’m not Jimmy Carter

    Nov 6, 1983-Mary Dabbs dresses like a Jimmy Carter with a long nose. This was a short rally before the march to the Emory campus protesting the construction of Freedom Parkway.  ”In 1981, ex-President Carter revived the idea of a highway along the east-west route to serve his planned presidential library and policy center on Copenhill. Carter originally bought only several acres of land. However the GDOT leased him 29 more acres in exchange for backing GDOT plans for a 2.9 mile east-west expressway, on the condition that if the road were not built, the Center would lose the land. Carter lobbied and won support from Mayor Young, the City Council and Chamber of Commerce. The road would connect the new Carter Center with downtown on the west, and to Druid Hills (and thus access to Emory University) to the east.”

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

     

  6. 2 May


    Leo Frank trial May 2, 1913-In talks with an Atlanta Consitution reporter, both Newt Lee and Leo Frank strongly insisted they were innocent of Mary Phagan’s murder. Frank was confident his name would be cleared in the process of the investigation. Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

    Leo Frank trial

    May 2, 1913-In talks with an Atlanta Consitution reporter, both Newt Lee and Leo Frank strongly insisted they were innocent of Mary Phagan’s murder. Frank was confident his name would be cleared in the process of the investigation.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

     

  7. 28 Apr


    Definitely not a loan officer“May 16, 1985 - Howard Finster and his folk art, which is currently on display in the National Bank of Chattooga County in Summerville, Ga. (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” This was the folk artist’s first exhibit in his hometown where his kind of artwork and general outlook on life wasn’t always understood. For the big event Finster wore a suit instead of his usual overalls and called the event, “the wonderfulest thing.” “They thought it was garbage,” said Finster about his creations.Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Definitely not a loan officer

    “May 16, 1985 - Howard Finster and his folk art, which is currently on display in the National Bank of Chattooga County in Summerville, Ga. (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” This was the folk artist’s first exhibit in his hometown where his kind of artwork and general outlook on life wasn’t always understood. For the big event Finster wore a suit instead of his usual overalls and called the event, “the wonderfulest thing.” “They thought it was garbage,” said Finster about his creations.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  8. 26 Apr


    Robin Hood in Decatur“April, 1966 - Most southpaws will probably be found on the baseball diamond these spring days. However, here’s Robin Woltz displaying a left-handed technique in the sport of archery. Robin is a sophomore at Agnes Scott College and a good shot with the bow. (Bill Wilson/AJC Staff).” According to the 1966 Agnes Scott yearbook Silhouette, in addition to archery, Woltz was majoring in Spanish and was a member of the Curriculum Committee, Arts Council, and Glee Club.Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Robin Hood in Decatur

    “April, 1966 - Most southpaws will probably be found on the baseball diamond these spring days. However, here’s Robin Woltz displaying a left-handed technique in the sport of archery. Robin is a sophomore at Agnes Scott College and a good shot with the bow. (Bill Wilson/AJC Staff).” According to the 1966 Agnes Scott yearbook Silhouette, in addition to archery, Woltz was majoring in Spanish and was a member of the Curriculum Committee, Arts Council, and Glee Club.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  9. 25 Apr


    Hovie times three“Gospel singer, Hovie Lister. July 8, 1982 - (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” Lister was born in Greenville, South Carolina but lived most of his life in metro Atlanta. In 1948, he founded the Statesmen Quartet. It became one of gospel’s most popular, influential and long-lived groups. He had a lively, sort of Jerry Lee Lewis, piano playing style. He once compared himself to Liberace and Piano Red. Lister was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1986. He died in 2001.Photo courtesy of  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Hovie times three

    “Gospel singer, Hovie Lister. July 8, 1982 - (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” Lister was born in Greenville, South Carolina but lived most of his life in metro Atlanta. In 1948, he founded the Statesmen Quartet. It became one of gospel’s most popular, influential and long-lived groups. He had a lively, sort of Jerry Lee Lewis, piano playing style. He once compared himself to Liberace and Piano Red. Lister was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1986. He died in 2001.

    Photo courtesy of  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  10. 24 Apr


    Solid as a rock“April 9, 1966 - Veteran New York Yankees hurler Whitey Ford (L) checks teammate Mickey Mantle’s shoulder before an exhibition game with the Braves in Atlanta. (Marion Crowe/AJC Staff).” New York swept a 3-game series just before the season began. According to news stories, Mantle had shoulder surgery in January and wasn’t sure if he could pitch. He could. He pitched six 1/2 innings the first night, winning 5-4. The Yanks won this game 2-1 with Mantle in center field.Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Solid as a rock

    “April 9, 1966 - Veteran New York Yankees hurler Whitey Ford (L) checks teammate Mickey Mantle’s shoulder before an exhibition game with the Braves in Atlanta. (Marion Crowe/AJC Staff).” New York swept a 3-game series just before the season began. According to news stories, Mantle had shoulder surgery in January and wasn’t sure if he could pitch. He could. He pitched six 1/2 innings the first night, winning 5-4. The Yanks won this game 2-1 with Mantle in center field.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  11. 21 Apr


    Next stop, Nelson?“March 21, 1982 - Illinois representatives of Quad Cities Sportsmen’s Group applauds Kennesaw for their gun ordinance, and present plaque and gun. (L-R): Kennesaw Police Dept. Major Kenneth Carter, Kennesaw Mayor Pro Tem, J.O. Stephenson, Calvin Shriver and Brad Park of Quad Cities Sportsmen’s Group. (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” Nelson, Ga. recently passed a law based on Kennesaw’s ordinance and has had quite a bit of publicity as a result. No plaque and gun yet.Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Next stop, Nelson?

    “March 21, 1982 - Illinois representatives of Quad Cities Sportsmen’s Group applauds Kennesaw for their gun ordinance, and present plaque and gun. (L-R): Kennesaw Police Dept. Major Kenneth Carter, Kennesaw Mayor Pro Tem, J.O. Stephenson, Calvin Shriver and Brad Park of Quad Cities Sportsmen’s Group. (Cheryl Bray/AJC staff).” Nelson, Ga. recently passed a law based on Kennesaw’s ordinance and has had quite a bit of publicity as a result. No plaque and gun yet.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  12. 19 Apr


    Maps upstairs, and jail downstairs“June, 1970 - Roswell, Ga. City Hall. (Robert Connell/AJC Staff)” Of course the jail is downstairs. It looks like Roswell’s approach to governing (and keeping the peace) was a little more casual back in 1970. But the city was trading on its history even then. A sign shot by the same photographer on the same day reads “Welcome to historic Roswell. Stop With Us. See our colonial homes. Churches. Landmarks. Free maps & information at City Hall.” Roswell got its current “Taj Mahal” city hall in 1991.Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    Maps upstairs, and jail downstairs

    “June, 1970 - Roswell, Ga. City Hall. (Robert Connell/AJC Staff)” Of course the jail is downstairs. It looks like Roswell’s approach to governing (and keeping the peace) was a little more casual back in 1970. But the city was trading on its history even then. A sign shot by the same photographer on the same day reads “Welcome to historic Roswell. Stop With Us. See our colonial homes. Churches. Landmarks. Free maps & information at City Hall.” Roswell got its current “Taj Mahal” city hall in 1991.

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  13. 18 Apr


    Early adaptersNice lettering! Atlantans Leigh Bunkins and Tom Duggins campaign for the environment in Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta on the very first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. These young activists may have been college students at the time. Hurt Park is very near Georgia State University. Note that the sign held by Duggins has a footnote citingthe source of his information. This photo was shot by AJC staff photographer Bill Wilson. Earth Day 2013 is Monday.

    Early adapters

    Nice lettering! Atlantans Leigh Bunkins and Tom Duggins campaign for the environment in Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta on the very first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. These young activists may have been college students at the time. Hurt Park is very near Georgia State University. Note that the sign held by Duggins has a footnote citing
    the source of his information. This photo was shot by AJC staff photographer Bill Wilson. Earth Day 2013 is Monday.

     

  14. 18 Apr


    The whole world in their hands“1984 - Kids play with an Earth Ball on Earth Day.” Just to be clear, we’re not talking about these. Earth Balls have come a long way since the not-so-Orwellian year of 1984. Now, they look more like the earth and a little less like some sort of mutant medicine ball. We don’t know how much this ball cost but there are some pretty pricey ones available now. But what’s a few bucks in pursuit of raising consciousness?Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    The whole world in their hands

    “1984 - Kids play with an Earth Ball on Earth Day.” Just to be clear, we’re not talking about these. Earth Balls have come a long way since the not-so-Orwellian year of 1984. Now, they look more like the earth and a little less like some sort of mutant medicine ball. We don’t know how much this ball cost but there are some pretty pricey ones available now. But what’s a few bucks in pursuit of raising consciousness?

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

     

  15. 17 Apr


    A lonely stretch in Kennesaw“Kennesaw, Ga.: This is a 1952 photo taken in Kennesaw. In the photo, we are looking South on U.S. Highway 41. In the background, on the left, is Kennesaw Mountain. The smaller hump next to Kennesaw Mountain is Little Kennesaw Mountain. (Jerome Drown/AJC Staff).” We’d love to know exactly where this photo was shot. Perhaps that is Ellison Lake on the right. That looks like a tractor on the right hand side as well. Needless to say, things have changed!Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    A lonely stretch in Kennesaw

    “Kennesaw, Ga.: This is a 1952 photo taken in Kennesaw. In the photo, we are looking South on U.S. Highway 41. In the background, on the left, is Kennesaw Mountain. The smaller hump next to Kennesaw Mountain is Little Kennesaw Mountain. (Jerome Drown/AJC Staff).” We’d love to know exactly where this photo was shot. Perhaps that is Ellison Lake on the right. That looks like a tractor on the right hand side as well. Needless to say, things have changed!

    Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.