TRAVEL BACK IN TIME When walking the streets of Downtown Toccoa, you’re sure to see rich green and bronze plaques located on nearly every storefront. Main Street Toccoa is proud of its active historic plaque program, which has seen over 50 plaques installed since it began several years ago.
The Main Street Toccoa Historic Plaque program highlights the unique storefronts and people that have inhabited Downtown Toccoa in years past. The program is presented as part of a coordinated effort by Main Street Toccoa, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Whether it’s the McNeely & Company building, whose catchphrase, “from the cradle to the grave,” was apt in that the business constructed furniture, operated as a mortuary, and grew as a casket company, or the Studio, featuring the original hand-crafted bricks from the old Toccoa Brickyard, there is so much history in Downtown Toccoa that needs to be shared. This is why Main Street Toccoa has created an historic plaque walking guide. This walking guide is not only freeof-charge, but features full-color photographs and narratives on durable glossy paper to follow along with as you walk the historic plaques. Begin your journey at the Historic Train Depot as you enjoy the deep history of the Currahee Military Museum, then weave your way through the back alleys and across the railroad tracks as the walking guide takes you through quaint nooks and across the Main Street, ending your trek downtown at the Ritz Theatre in time for popcorn and a movie. If you haven’t had enough fun already, head out to the Lake Toccoa for one final historic plaque and enjoy an ice-cold beverage on the lakeside patio at Ping’s Grill. Each plaque referenced in the guide features particular tidbits of information about the historic structures themselves, relating to building construction, materials used, tenants over the years, and much more. Come by the Main Street Office and pick up your free walking guide today. For more information, visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com.
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