As the summer season comes to an end, I’d like to share with you a special fact: this year, I spent my first summer in Athens. During those three months, I experienced this city through quiet, peaceful moments spent at local cafes and loud, exciting moments seeing our community come to life at the many festivals and concerts held here.
At The Red & Black, I worked with my staff to produce two kids issues, diving into the nostalgic experience of what it’s like to be a kid during the summer. We wrote this Athenscape issue, exploring the city of Athens and what it has to offer. And finally, we reentered the world of college football with our Classic City Kickoff issue.
Although summer months in Athens bring in blistering heat, they also bring in a time to make memories before school starts once again. As August arrives and the fall season begins, Athens welcomes thousands of students to the University of Georgia campus to reminisce over their summer memories and make new ones.
I wish the best for your fall semester and hope you will relish those new memories, whether it’s studying late in the library, cheering at Saturday gamedays or spending time with friends. As fall brings a chill to the air, I hope your heart is warmed by the moments you create.
To the new students, upcoming graduates and everyone in between, good luck. Make new friends, go on adventures and don’t forget to study. Enjoy your college years and all they have to offer.
While you spend your time exploring Athens, I hope you read what our newsroom writes every day to learn more about that cafe you visited, dive into football game highlights and keep up with breaking news in your community.
During this fall semester, The Red & Black will be here to serve Athens and UGA with daily, credible news. As Georgia’s largest student-led newsroom, it is our goal to provide you and the rest of our community with independent news and give students experience working in the journalism industry. You can pick up our monthly print editions, peruse through our guides and magazines or read our daily news on our website, redandblack. com, or app, Red & Black NOW.
Whether you would like to join our organization or have an idea or tip, visit our website to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.
As my time as editor-in-chief wraps up, I will remember all of the fond memories I made this summer before moving into a new role as deputy editor of standards and practices in the fall. Transitioning from one leadership position to another, I aim to continue serving my organization and community.
In my new role, I will prioritize our newsroom’s goal of improving diversity and inclusion within our organization as well as our coverage. Through this, our newsroom can reflect how diverse and beautiful the Athens community is.
Thank you from The Red & Black for reading our Athenscape back-to-school issue. I hope you find the Classic City just as special as I do.
–Ellis Goud, Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR Guinevere Grant
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ABOUT US
Publishing online daily at redandblack. com and in print each month of the academic year by The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions: $84. All rights reserved. Reprints by permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributors and not necessarily those of The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc. The Red & Black has covered the University of Georgia and Athens since 1893. Independent of the university since 1980, The Red & Black is a 501(c)(3) notfor-profit company with the dual missions of training students for future careers in journalism and serving our community as an independent news source. We receive no funding from the university and are self-supporting through advertising, events and donations.
CORRECTIONS
As a student-run news organization with the mission of training journalists, we know that mistakes happen and we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you spot a factual error, please let us know by sending a correction to editor@randb.com. Corrections to items in print editions are published in the next possible print issue. Corrections for online-only articles are posted at redandblack.com/ corrections.
Savannah Celeste Scott
With a population of more than 128,000 people and approximately 122 square miles of land, traveling through Athens, Georgia can be quite a hassle.
The Athens-Clarke County Government Transit Department provides services to nearly 750,000 passengers annually, consisting of fixed-route services and curb-to-curb paratransit services. This fare-free comprehensive service is offered Monday through Friday during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. It is also available on weekends from the hours of 7 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
ACC Transit is split into three divisions, including operations, maintenance and administration, with 95 employees among them. First, the operations division includes more than 60 employees, providing over 60,000 hours of public transit services annually on three modes of transit. Second, the maintenance division has 10 employees who are responsible for the daily maintenance, repair and servicing of over 30 transit and support vehicles. These operate in excess of 660,000 miles per year. Finally, the administration division has six employees providing leadership, management, transit planning and administrative support to the operations and maintenance divisions. There are over 80 bus shelters and approximately 500 bus stops throughout the county.
The Multimodal Transportation Center on the Hickory Street extension just off East Broad Street, is connected to the Classic Center parking deck via a walking bridge. Parking for those using the bus system is only available on the first level of the deck. The parking deck can be accessed via the pedestrian bridge on the second level over the rail corridor. This makes it easier to limit parking hassles, the expense of a car and ride the transit for free. Trip planning can occur through the myStop app or website, or via Google Maps. Bus times vary depending on the route and day, so it is imperative to track the buses using the app. The routes are named, numbered 1-30 and include all the stops the route will make. There is also a timetable which references when the bus will be at a given location.
For transportation needs outside of Athens, ACC Transit recommends Groome Transportation for further shuttle services such as to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Addition-
gave land to the Street Railway Company to extend its lines out two miles to a newly developed streetcar barn called the Boulevard, according to the ACCGov website. In 1910, after the streetcar barn was given to the railway, the lines were electrified. Additionally, service was expanded to cover four major streets.
The 19th century marked the beginning of the Auto Age in Athens, as the first automobile drove through the streets of Athens in 1899. Beginning in the mid 1900s, public transportation began to take the place of automobiles. Athens became interested in reviving the city’s public transportation system in 1970, and quickly rolled GMC coaches into service in 1976.
In its first year of operation, Athens Transit had 900 passenger boardings per day, with the millionth boarding in 1980. As the popularity of the transit system increased, it was recognized as one of the few transit systems with continual ridership increases every year. By 1992, approximately 15 million people had used the bus system.
The first service plan in 1976 provided services in the city from early morning until 9 p.m. In 1979, service was reduced to improve efficiency once demand increased. The system maintains one of the most efficient operating ratios in its size category in cost per mile and hour, and cost per passenger carried.
While Athens Transit Service was recognized as an outstanding transit system for its size in 1991, Athens Transit now serves a population of 100,000. This population comprises of a community of 35,000 college students, a viable downtown and an increasing commercial district.
Today, the Athens Transit Transfer Center, completed in 1987, is located at City Hall. At the highest point downtown, City Hall continues to be a landmark for the transfer center where public transit has become an integral part of the ACC community.
ACC Transit operations are predominantly funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. This service has been free since April 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, SPLOST is expected to generate the most revenue the bus system has ever had, including when the system charged fares. This fare-free system is why ACC commissioners have mixed opinions on how to fund Ath -
for the new opportunity and position.
“I am extremely appreciative of this opportunity to lead the Transit Department and our dedicated team of employees in providing vital services for ACC residents,” Pope said in the release. “Our goal is to foster public transportation solutions to suit the lifestyles of a dynamic community and to do so in a safe, courteous, timely and efficient manner.”
ACC Transit is already working on those solutions through their recently implemented Transit Development Plan. The TDP is a five-year strategic plan which identifies how the transit agency will meet both state and local priorities for public transportation.
These priorities include operating changes, capital improvements and strategic investments. This update will serve as a blueprint for system and service investments by setting the future vision and goals for ACC Transit. The TDP began in 2023 and will continue through 2028.
ens Transit, making the future of its fare-free policy unclear.
ally, Athens Transit does not operate
In keeping with changes, Victor Pope was recently named the transit director of the ACCGov in April 2024. Pope, a licensed Class B commercial vehicle operator, a federal transit administrator/Transportation Safety Institute certified transportation supervisor and a certified transit vehicle operator trainer, has 17 years of experience in the department. Pope became interim director for the agency in September 2023 and moved into the director position in 2024. “Vic’s extensive experience with transit at all levels of the department makes him an excellent choice as our next director,” Former ACCGov Manager Blaine Williams said in a 2023 press release. “He is passionate about providing high-quality and effective transit services and knows his hometown community very well. I look forward to working with him as he leads this department to serve ACC residents’ transportation needs.”
Upon accepting the role, Pope expressed his excitement
One way Athens Transit is already helping to foster community is by providing accessibility in transportation. All ACCT buses and routes are accessible with room for two wheelchairs, making things easier for handicapped Athenians.
Additionally, for Athens citizens with mobility impairments preventing them from using fixed-route bus services, there is a system offered called The Lift. The Lift is ACCT’s demand response transportation for transporting citizens with disabilities. It is a curb-to-curb paratransit offered within one mile of the fixed-route services, with three accesible vans. To ride The Lift, an application must be completed and signed by a doctor. The application is available at accgov.com and can also be requested by calling (706)-613-3434. ACC Transit also offers the Bus n’ Bike Program, which allows easier, safer and more convenient commuting for cyclists in
A car drives past an empty Athens bus stop on Prince Avenue in Athens, Georgia on
Athens. PHOTO/JIM BASS
A car drives past an empty Athens bus stop on Prince Avenue in Athens, Georgia on April 13, 2024. PHOTO/JIM BASS
A car drives past an empty Athens bus stop on Lexington Road in Athens, Georgia on April 14, 2024. PHOTO/JIM BASS
A car drives past an empty Athens bus stop on Lexington Road in Athens, Georgia on April 14, 2024. PHOTO/JIM BASS
Artist highlights unique Athens bus stops
Allison Ward pays homage to local functional art
Jesse Wood
Allison Ward has been drawing for as long as she can remember. She has 36 sketchbooks filled with artwork of her kids growing up, flowers, dumpsters she has parked across from and now, Athens.
Becoming a full-time artist
Ward grew up in Gwinnett County, Georgia and attended Berry College, where she received a degree in early childhood education in 1986.
Ward went from teaching kindergarten to seventh grade to fourth grade in her time as a teacher before she was recruited as a manager for the enablement team at Docebo, a learning management system designed for businesses to enhance employee, customer and partner training.
The new job brought her to Athens where she was immersed in a community full of artists. Despite having a demanding full-time job, Ward still found time to dedicate to her art.
“I would work all day long, then I would eat dinner, and then I would start drawing,” Ward said.
Ward’s art depicts botanicals and architecture, and living in Georgia, inspiration for her pieces never ran short. Ward said that she loves the rich history that the state has to offer, as well as its parks and botany.
“I think Georgia is such a beautiful state, and we don’t get enough credit for that,” Ward said.
When Ward’s life took an unexpected turn and she was laid off from her job, her inner circle wasted no time pushing her to pursue her artwork fulltime. She took the leap of faith last April.
Holly Corin, an art teacher at Manchester High School in Manchester, Georgia, met Ward during their time at Berry College, and the pair have remained friends for 41 years. Corin remembers Ward’s many sketchbooks in college and said that she felt proud of her when she announced that she would be pursuing a career in art.
“It’s a hard thing to make your art and put it out there, whether it’s your main business or not,” Corin said.
“It’s you really being vulnerable when you do it. I’m just so proud of her for that commitment and for being brave to put it out there.”
Ward graduated from sketchbooks to an iPad in recent years. Before, Ward’s mediums of choice were acrylic and watercolor paints, but when she scanned her paintings into the computer, the pieces would lose some of the vibrancy.
Originally, Ward used the iPad to practice calligraphy, but then she discovered Procreate, an application that allows for digital painting, and never looked back. The bus stops
Now as an Athens resident, Ward has made her art a fulltime gig and features much of Athens architecture, whether it is well-known or not.
One of Ward’s projects features the Athens-Clarke County Art Bus Shelters. When Ward would drive down Baxter Street, she would notice a bus stop featuring music notes. She said she liked how this public art was different from anything else she’d seen in other cities, such as Atlanta.
The Bus Stop Improvement Program and the Art Shelter Program work together in Athens-Clarke County to make public transit enjoyable and efficient. The program was allocated Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funding in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2018 to serve the county with bus shelters that also function as public art, according to the ACCGov website.
In 2005 and 2011, ACC Transit and the Athens Area Arts Council collaborated to hold the “You, Me and the Bus” program in which artists were encouraged to submit designs conveying themes of movement, transportation and people in Phase I and honor the music heritage of Athens in Phase II. These processes resulted in 11 bus stops.
ACC Transit then partnered with Athens Cultural Affairs Commission in 2018 to bring the latest round of bus stops to Athens. All 13 art shelters of this round were officially completed in July of 2020. While the bus shelters installed in 2005 and 2011 are more localized to central Athens, the newer bus stops are spread out through the outskirts.
The designs of the bus stops were chosen by a citizen committee made up of local Athenians. Each bus stop had to have certain elements to be a viable bus stop, such as ADA accessibility, seating, shade and more.
Rachel Hopkins, the marketing coordinator for ACC Transit, said that creating these sculptural bus stops has been a great success in bringing awareness to the Athens public transit system, as well as bringing creativity to the community.
groups: one group needs the public transit system because it is all they have, the second group uses it occasionally for convenience, such as to avoid the hassle of parking, and the third group supports public transportation. Ward has been met with positive feedback from Athenians who recognize the bus stops in her artwork.
“People love them. It makes them so happy,” Ward said. “The artists who are behind them, who built them, are so excited that they’re getting new recognition.”
Corin’s daughter enrolled at the University of Georgia a year and a half ago. Before then, she had not known about the bus stops, but after seeing Ward’s artwork of them, she sees them in a whole new light.
“[The bus stops] are just one of those great little quirky things about the Athens personality, and she’s bringing it forward so that people can share it and see this is something you should know about this great city,” Corin said.
Ward has drawn 13 bus stops that she sells on her Etsy storefront in the form of postcards, framed prints and more. Each creation, according to Ward, takes around 10 hours. Ward said that she prefers to sit and draw the bus
“They’re all different… they’re definitely something that the arts community embraces and everyone has enjoyed,” Hopkins said. “Most of them are really clever. You go by, and [when] you realize what they’re all about, it makes you smile.”
[The bus stops] are just one of those great little quirky things about the Athens personality, and she’s bringing it forward so that people can share it and see this is something you should know about this great city.
HOLLY CORIN | ART TEACHER AT MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL
stops in person, but on some occasions, she has had to work off of a photo she took.
Ward’s favorite bus stop is “Pill Bug” by Joni Youkins Herzong that sits on the East Side of Athens. The bus stop is made using two upcycled Volkswagen Beetles to resemble a pill bug.
Plans for the future
Ward currently runs her small business out of her historic home in Athens. Ward manages an Etsy storefront, attends festivals to sell her artwork and recently, has begun selling items on Faire, a platform that allows retailers to find unique wholesale merchandise. Ward sells a variety of merchandise with her artwork on it because she said that nowadays, people do not have as much wall space to hang art. Ward’s goal is to have her artwork featured in stores in the form of fabric, wallpaper and more.
“People like to have a journal with art on it… or something really beautiful that they can appreciate art and it doesn’t have to go on the wall,” Ward said.
In the future, Ward hopes to refurbish the old shed behind her house to serve as a warehouse and a studio all in one. Ward said that she will potentially be hosting art classes there in the future, as well.
Ward plans to spend many of her days running her business and drawing in the hammock hung underneath her 100-year-old Magnolia tree with Jack, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, at her side.
Many Athenians have a unique relationship with public transportation. Hopkins said there are three identifiable
Allison Ward, an artist well known for her sketches of notable Athens landmarks such as the bus stop sculptures around town, and her dog Jack pose for a portait at her home in Athens, Georgia on Monday, June 24, 2024.
PHOTO/SAMANTHA HURLEY
Upgrades people, upgrades
Baseball
Sayer
Olivia
Georgia Athletics is continuing its climb on the national leaderboards. On the gridiron, the Bulldogs finished a win shy of another playoff run, while Georgia saw its most successful baseball season in 16 years. Women’s tennis also secured its first doubles title in program history, while men’s basketball made a run in the NIT.
As the teams continue to surge, so do their facilities. The University of Georgia broke ground on multiple venue renovations, including those for football, baseball, softball and tennis.
Football When almost 93,000 people fill Sanford Stadium in the fall, the venue will look slightly different. Georgia expanded the 100-level south sideline concourse, created a “50 Yard Line Club” and moved the press box to the southwest corner of the stadium.
The Bulldogs completed phase one of the two-step plan prior to the 2023 season. With a sensory room and additional restrooms, the new space emphasized accessibility for those attending the games. The area was also a focal point for Georgia athletics.
“The south side was probably our biggest pinch point we knew our fans complained about,” associate athletic director of facilities and capital projects Tanner Stines said last August. “Its tightness, the way the restrooms, concessions [and] everything worked.”
After revamping the bridge area, Georgia turned its at-
The day after Georgia baseball’s season ended, the Bulldogs broke ground on part two of renovations to Foley Field.
Phase one finished prior to the 2024 season and included a new locker room, a new team meeting room and stadium LED lights that were displayed throughout the season.
Phase two of the $45 million project includes a pitching lab, hitting tunnels, coaches’ offices and other upgrades.
The technological additions stood out to head coach Wes Johnson, who is big on analytics, when he interviewed for the job in 2023.
“With the commitment that they’ve made not only to the facilities but to the technology that they’re going to bring, I’m huge on development,” Johnson said at his introductory press conference. “I heard the fact that we’re doing the $45 million upgrade, and we want the technology. That was a perfect match right there.”
The project is expected to be completed prior to the 2025 season.
Softball
Although Jack Turner Stadium is located next to the softball facilities, the new upgrades are geared toward many teams. The project includes a new weight room for softball, soccer, golf and equestrian.
“With the new age of college athletics, our biggest focus is on giving every student-athlete the same experience,” Stines said. “And also maximize their performance and their training.”
The project is expected to finish in January, prior to the season.
Men’s and women’s tennis
Georgia completed renovations to the Lindsey Hopkins Indoor Tennis facility earlier in the year. The $26.7 million upgrade included six courts, 570 seats, increased accessibility seating, an indoor/outdoor concession stand and electronic scoring. The space also emphasized convenience, as it included gameday locker rooms, an officials’ lounge and a team meeting room.
The additional courts allow the Bulldogs to be in the running to host the NCAA Championships, as teams are required to have at least six indoor courts in playable condition. Georgia saw its efforts rewarded, as the Bulldogs will host the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2026.
“We are so thankful for the vision and support the University of Georgia, Josh Brooks and his staff have for our tennis programs and this project,” former men’s head coach Manny Diaz said in a statement after the renovation was initially announced. “Along with our recently renovated outdoor stadium, we look forward to giving our fans a great place to watch tennis.”
The new upgrades come on the heels of unveiling Georgia’s new track and field locker room. Construction on the 17,500-square foot area finished in February 2023. The Bulldogs also have a plan in place for a new video board in Stegeman Coliseum.
“I think that’s been a very common statement from a lot of athletic departments that the days of building, building, building are going to slow down,” UGA director of athletics Josh Brooks said following a board meeting in May. “That’s why I’m glad we were able to get so much done these last few years and now get us caught up to where we’re in a great position facility-wise.”
Andy Mathis
This fall, Athens’ sports history will take a thrilling “next step” as the Athens Rock Lobsters, a professional hockey team, grace the ice at the Classic Center Arena. The team is named after Athens band The B-52’s song “Rock Lobster.”
The much-anticipated $126 million arena, located behind the 440 Foundry Pavilion and adjacent to the Athens-Clarke County Multimodal Transit Center, is not just an upgrade but a leap forward from the previous venue. Boasting a capacity for 8,500 fans, superior ice conditions and a center-hung scoreboard, it’s a facility that promises to redefine the local sports scene.
The Classic Center Arena’s development is a long time coming, with the administration’s planning and research starting more than a decade ago.
The success of the University of Georgia club hockey team and other events at the Classic Center sparked the notion of expanding the facility. The project received a significant boost from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which provided around $34 million in funding and additional support from Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz and the commission.
The Ice Dawgs, UGA’s club hockey team, has long been a fixture in Athens, consistently selling out games at the Classic Center before the pandemic and at the Pavilion this season. This success is part of a broader trend of growing interest in hockey across the South. UGA hockey’s advancement from Division III to Division I has further fueled this enthusiasm.
“I think that whole progression has instilled a lot of in-
terest from existing fans and new fans coming on board of anything that’s a UGA-brand sport,” said Ice Dawgs head coach John Camp in an interview earlier this year. “Once they see it, they might not be familiar with hockey, but they’re jumping on it, buying season tickets.”
The new arena is also expected to boost recruiting efforts for UGA’s hockey program. The improved facilities and increased visibility will likely attract higher-caliber players, further elevating the program’s status and competitive edge.
“It’s definitely already helping with recruiting,” Camp said. “It’s different from playing in a neighborhood rink –we were already out-drawing the bottom third of NCAA DI in attendance. Now, with the new arena, that should go up significantly.”
The arena’s impact extends beyond just UGA hockey as well. Danny Bryant, the Classic Center Arena’s general manager, emphasized the facility’s multi-use nature. It aims to host around 125 events per year, including family shows like “Disney on Ice,” Harlem Globetrotters games and monster truck rallies. This diverse event lineup is expected to draw significant crowds, contributing to the local economy and establishing the arena as a key entertainment hub in Athens.
“Being able to expand our sports tournament hosting, whether that’s gymnastics, volleyball or bringing in the state championships from GHSA,” Bryant said. “It will really be a multi-use facility.”
The arrival of the Athens Rock Lobsters, set to play in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, heralds a new era of professional sports in Athens. The league, a tier below the NHL, offers a professional platform that is expected to ignite local interest. The Southern hockey market has recently witnessed a surge, with teams like the Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning leading in average attendance in the NHL. This regional enthusiasm for hockey sets the stage for the Athens Rock Lobsters to quickly carve out a dedicated fan base.
“Athens, Georgia is our birthplace and where we started our journey ‘down the Atlanta Highway’ to spread our homegrown groove out to the universe,” The B-52’s said in a statement after the team’s official naming. “‘Rock Lobster’ was one of our very first songs, and we can testify that millions in the galaxy have gone wild to this deep sea surf anthem. We are truly honored to have our hometown hockey team named the Rock Lobsters.”
The community’s
nomic impact of
the
A
history
and
renovation
of the Iron Horse
Preserving the legacy of Athens’ famed sculpture
Restoration
Hunter Wright
The once-despised abstract horse sculpture turned revered Athens landmark has been temporarily removed from where it stood along Highway 15 to undergo a massive restoration. Conservator Amy Jones Abbe and metalworker Donald Cope are heading the operation, restoring the 70year old sculpture to its former glory.
History Abbott Pattison, an American sculptor and artist from Chicago working under a Rockefeller grant to introduce modern art to the South, installed the 12-foot, 2,000-pound sculpture at the University of Georgia’s Reed Hall in 1954.
The abstract and modernist horse sculpture was not well-received by students, who found it to be out of sync with their aesthetic preferences and the traditional styles of the time.
The Iron Horse was vandalized almost immediately by UGA students. On the night of May 27, 1954, students placed straw around the sculpture and set it on fire, manure from the university’s Ag Hill stables was placed under the rear and the words “Front” and “Rear” were painted on the horse’s neck and under its tail.
The sculpture did not stay on campus for long. Due to its negative reception, university officials were swift to hide the controversial sculpture, where it was kept in a secret hiding place for five years.
Eventually, Dr. Lawrence Cowley “L.C.” Curtis, a professor from UGA’s Horticulture Department, asked the university for the statue to be relocated to his farm in Greene County, Georgia, about 25 miles south of Athens. This section of the Curtis family’s farm, which has since been sold to UGA to become the site of what is now known as the Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm, is where it has resided for 65 years, up until its removal for its scheduled restoration this year.
Legacy Since its relocation to the secluded field in Greene County, the Iron Horse sculpture has become a popular destination for tourists and university students, who come out to see the sculpture as a school tradition.
The controversial sculpture was the subject of a documentary by Bill VanDerKloot in 2015, cementing its place as a tourist destination and detailing its infamous origins and history.
A myth that surrounds the placement of the horse’s rear, which is pointed in the direction of Athens, implies ill-will toward the city. However, the Curtis family has said it got stuck in this direction while towing it to its current home. Due to its isolated location, the Iron Horse has fallen victim to multiple vandalisms. Students have painted the sculpture pink, painted stripes onto it, written their names or other messages on it using markers and sorority and fraternity symbols were etched into the steel.
Additionally, several parts of the sculpture have been stolen over the years, including several ribs, one of its many legs and, most recently, one of its cheeks on the side of its face went missing in 2023, according to Cope.
Although many efforts have been made for the Iron Horse to return to UGA’s campus, the gigantic steel steed will be staying at the farm per the request of the Curtis family.
“It’s pretty unique for any university to have an artwork that’s so iconic affiliated with it, and certainly unusual for there to be such a dramatic story surrounding it,” Abbe said.
In the fall of 2020, UGA asked sculpture and object conservator Abbe to write a condition assessment and proposal for the Iron Horse’s restoration. Abbe has a private conservation studio based in Athens that specializes in fine objects and sculpture and has worked in restoring art of many mediums.
Before moving to Athens in 2011, Abbe studied art conservation at New York University’s graduate school and worked in New York for about a decade,where she spent time working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as an associate objects conservator. Abbe specializes in conserving sculptures and objects made of materials such as stone, metal, wood, ceramics, basketry, polymers and painted surfaces.
Because of the sculpture’s size and steel construction, Abbe collaborated with Cope, a colleague and expert metalworker to assess the Iron Horse. Abbe and Cope have collaborated with each other for nearly a decade, so Abbe knew he would be the perfect partner to tackle this project with.
“This is definitely the sort of project that really is most successful when it’s collaborative,” Abbe said. “I think that we’re just lucky to have someone who’s as skilled as [Cope] in Athens.”
According to Abbe, the iconic sculpture was in extreme disrepair, stating how large sections of the form were missing, with much of the steel having become completely rusted through. Large areas of the base welds separated due to part of the sculpture being buried under a significant amount of dirt.
“It’s a huge success on the part of the university that they’ve decided to go forward with this restoration project because it was badly needed,” Abbe said. “Who knows how much longer it would have continued standing.”
Cope said that after their initial assessment, the pair proposed a timeline of nine months to restore the sculpture but were given nine weeks at the request of the UGA Real Estate Foundation, heading the project.
“It’s important, [the] work didn’t really matter that much to me,” Cope said. “I canceled my summer plans and got to work.”
Cope attended UGA’s graduate school in 1991 for its technological studies master’s program and became infatuated with the Iron Horse, stating that he made many visits out to see it with his friends as well as researched the story and lore surrounding the sculpture. Cope said when he got the chance to collaborate with Abbe to restore the infamous artwork to its former glory, it felt amazing.
“I feel like it may be quite possibly the most important work that I’ve ever done in terms of helping to preserve the legacy of the Iron Horse,” Cope said. “I think [Athens was] awfully close to losing it altogether.”
Before the pair started the restoration process on May 13, extensive archival work had to be done in order to preserve the late Pattison’s work and its continuing legacy. Abbe researched archival images from when the sculpture was built in the 1950s and made sure to plan a restoration carefully balancing the preservation of original material while also making the stability of the work a priority.
Cope stated that despite the extreme level of corrosion damage, the pair have found a way to work with the material.
“Sometimes you don’t have the conditions that you really want, but you’re in a position where you’re forced to work with what you have,” Cope said.
Both Abbe and Cope stated that the most difficult part of the restoration was the process of transporting the two-
ton metal sculpture to its temporary home. The removal process was labor-intensive, as the pair had to excavate the sculpture from over 7,000 pounds of rebar-reinforced concrete the Curtis family installed to stop people from tipping it over.
Cope stated that it took over a week of heavy labor with jackhammers, chisels and hammers to break the concrete carefully so as to not damage the artwork. According to Abbe, they then had to rig it to a crane truck to get it onto a trailer in order for it to be transported safely. The trailer had to be fitted with a special form for the sculpture to sit on the trailer to ensure it was not going to fall apart, and structural braces had to be welded onto the sculpture before moving it.
“We were worried that large pieces might just come apart during the drive, so just moving an artwork that big without damaging it is complicated,” Abbe said.
Once the statue was relocated, it was then media blasted. This involves using a media blast cabinet to break down surface contaminants, with various abrasive materials such as glass and coal slag to remove the many layers of paint that covered the Iron Horse over the years to give Cope a
I
felt like it may be quite possibly the most important work that I’ve ever done in terms of helping to preserve the legacy of the Iron Horse.
DONALD COPE | METALWORKER
clean area to work on.
While doing archival research on the initial state of the statue, Cope confirmed that the statue was originally painted black by taking paint samples from the parts that had been buried since the ‘60s. According to Cope, he and Abbe intend to match the sheen and color of the original paint as closely as possible.
“It’ll be dramatic in terms of the total transformation,” Cope said. Most of the restoration work has been fabricating replacement parts for the missing or stolen areas of the sculpture. Other restorations include crack repair to the areas where the original welds have failed either due to corrosion or stress from various tourists climbing on it. They have been carefully cutting away the corroded steel and fabricating new panels to put in place of the damaged original parts, which are then welded into place in a way that’s discrete and undetectable by grinding and texturing the steel.
“Tying the thing back together and putting in new parts, blending the welds, texturing material and so on when it’s all back together, when it looks like it used to look originally is deeply satisfying,” Cope said. “Very, very satisfying.”
The Iron Horse is scheduled to return to its home at UGA’s Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm on Aug. 9, in time for the start of the fall semester, where new students admitted into the university and established fans of the sculpture can appreciate the history and legacy of the steel steed in all of its former glory.
The sun rises behind the Iron Horse at the Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm on a cloudy morning. PHOTO COURTESY/PETER FREY, UGA
Athens eats Four restaurants unique to the Classic City
Five & Ten
1073 S. Milledge Ave.
Located on Milledge Avenue, Five & Ten shines as one of the finest restaurants Athens has to offer. It seamlessly combines Southern cuisine with a French and Italian twist. Recently, the restaurant changed ownership from Hugh Acheson to Peter Dale, a Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication alum, in May 2024.
the catchy slogan to indicate the “ready, quick and efficient” service he strives for every day.
The American rock band R.E.M. adopted this slogan for their 1992 album to pay homage to their hometown of Athens. Genuine music and authentic food go hand-in-hand when radiating the aura of Athens.
Its famous barbecue pork nearly sells out everyday. From fried chicken to squash casserole, you really can’t go wrong with any of these homestyle Southern specialties. If you’re craving something sweet, Weaver D’s has that covered as well with an interesting assortment of desserts such as Coca-Cola Cake with Coca-Cola frosting and Apple Pie with Macaroon Top.
Weaver said he loves to see customers “taste it, love it and then really come back.” Building a community around this bright-green restaurant is what has made it so authentic and special to the Classic City.
Weaver D’s is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Five & Ten has been a cornerstone of the Athens community for almost 25 years, and Dale desires to respect that while continuing to improve the customer experience. Over the years, there have been certain dishes that have faded out of the restaurant. In order to honor the history of Five & Ten, Dale will be bringing back some of these dishes while also adding new meals to the menu.
Five & Ten provides Athens with a fine dining experience that few other places can match, although it is pricier than other local options. Carve out time to enjoy this unique experience, especially for special occasions.
Five & Ten is open from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Pauley’s Crepe Bar 134 E. Clayton St. This vibrant crepe cafe and bar is located conveniently in the heart of downtown. The overall atmosphere is unlike anything you have seen before.
The restaurant specializes in its variety of crepes spanning from savory meals to sweet desserts. For example, try the chicken Caesar crepe, a combination you never knew could be so delicious, or a classic strawberry and Nutella crepe to satisfy your sweet tooth. What sets this restaurant apart is its versatility. It serves as a go-to for a tasty brunch with your family, a quick lunch break during your downtown shopping spree or a lively nightlife full of upbeat music and fruity cocktails with your friends.
Overall, Pauley’s atmosphere and cuisine are a one-of-akind experiences you should try for yourself.
Pauley’s kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Last Resort Grill
174/184 W. Clayton St.
Last Resort Grill is a place you can count on, hence the name. It began as a music club in 1966 and today that passion is found in its menu and atmosphere. You have the option to sit inside and enjoy the decor and ambiance or enjoy your meal in the pleasant outdoor garden.
The restaurant supports the community by relying on local vendors for many aspects of its offerings. According to its website, it utilizes produce freshly grown throughout Athens-Clarke County, desserts from the local Black Bird Bakery and fish caught in streams of North Georgia.
Last Resort Grill is dedicated to delivering high-quality food paired with high-quality service. It is a great choice for when parents are in town.
For the ultimate experience, try ordering a four-course meal. Begin with a drink of your choice, and the crispy fried green tomatoes make for a perfect starter. Every entree is unique, but you can’t go wrong with caramelized sea scallops. End your meal on a sweet note with one of the cheesecake options.
Last Resort Grill is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-9:30 p.m., Friday from 5-10:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-10:15 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.
Two patrons dine outside of Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods during lunchtime on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. PHOTO/JAYDEN HENSON
Five & Ten is pictured on Milledge Avenue in Athens, Georgia on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. PHOTO/JAXON MEEKS
Zach Leggio
Every year, thousands of University of Georgia students come to live in Athens-Clarke County under a new local government. Local government affects daily life more than almost any other level of government, from waste management to water and sewer systems, basic infrastructure and law enforcement. Let this be a guide to your local government and learn how they impact you.
Mayor
The mayor of Athens-Clarke County is Kelly Girtz, who is in his second term, having been reelected in 2022. The mayor is the face of ACC and serves the important role of head of the Mayor and Commission. The mayor sets the agenda and priorities for ACC and recommends candidates to fill major positions in the government, such as the manager, attorney, Municipal Court judge and internal auditor. The mayor also presents the annual budget to the commission, which means he has the power to set where and how the money of ACC is allocated to.
“I want to be a leader that supports everyone in the community that’s accessible to everybody, that draws people together in common cause and helps people connect with each other,” Girtz said in an interview with The Red & Black in 2022.
In his 2024 State of the Community address, Girtz touted expanding programs to improve Athens roads, EMS response times and outdoor recreation through projects such as the Firefly Trail. He also encouraged all Athenians, regardless of if they were born and raised in Athens or just here to study at UGA, to give their input in Athens’ future land development plan, which his government is reworking for 2024.
“The places throughout this community make us stronger. I believe that working together in the years ahead, we can nourish each one of these places and build an enormous foundation,” Girtz said when he first launched his mayoral campaign in 2018. “A foundation that will mean that not only today, not only next year, but in decades ahead this will be a stronger town, a town in which we can layer strength upon strength, to do great things for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren.”
means that the commission is in charge of setting tax rates, adopting the budget proposed by the mayor and establishing policy through ordinances and resolutions. The mayor presides over the commission but only votes in the case of a tie. The commission is made up of 10 commissioners, who each represent different areas of Athens. Allison Wright is the commissioner for District 4, which encompasses most of UGA’s campus and downtown, so many students likely live under Wright’s jurisdiction, and she is their representative in the ACC government.
Mayor and Commission meetings normally take place on the first Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m. in City Hall. This is a great opportunity for Athenians to get involved with their local government, as every meeting is open to the public and has public input time where citizens can express their concerns with agenda items. All of the commissioners’ contact information is also available on the ACCGov website, so Athenians have the ability to directly contact their elected representatives.
Manager
The ACC manager is one of the most important roles in the county. The manager acts as the executive branch of the ACC government, as it is their role to implement and carry out all of the policies, programs, contracts, ordinances and resolutions that the commission passes. This role is most prominent when it comes to budget implementation, as the manager, along with two assistant managers, oversees the 24 main departments, divisions and offices of the county. The manager also appoints the heads of many of the departments within the county, giving them a large role in how the county is run.
At time of publication, the current manager is Blaine Williams, but he will have been succeeded by Niki Jones on July 13, who will act as the interim manager while a nation-wide search for a new full-time manager commences.
SPLOST
SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and it is something that all Athenians pay anytime they make a purchase, by means of a 1% sales tax. The current SPLOST funding period began when Athens citizens approved the funding in the 2020 elections. SPLOST projects include the Classic Center Arena project, affordable housing projects, park improvement projects, a broadband connectivity improvement project and many more. All SPLOST projects are approved by the Mayor and Commission and publicly track the use of funds and progress of projects. There’s also TSPLOST, which is a type of SPLOST that funds transportation projects such as road improvements, transit service expansion and the expansion of the greenway.
Leisure Services
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services promotes recreation, cultural, environmental and educational opportunities for the county. The department was created as a combination of the Athens Parks and Recreation Department with the Clarke County Department of Arts and Environmental Education. Leisure Services is in charge of all ACC parks, running programs such as art classes at the Lyndon House Arts Center, summer camps, community theater groups, nature education programs and sports programs. They also host events around holidays, such as the Star Spangled Classic for July 4, Halloween events and Christmas-time events, such as the downtown Parade of Lights.
Sustainability Office
The Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Office plays a key role in the ACCGov’s goal in reducing the county’s carbon footprint. The office works closely with all other departments to decrease carbon emissions in any way possible. Some of their larger projects involve transitioning to renew-
able energy and increasing energy efficiency. The office is overseeing the addition of solar panels to Fire Station No. 2, the Athens Transit Multimodal Center and the Classic Center. They’ve also worked to implement ground heat pump systems, which use natural geothermal heat rather than fossil fuels, into new buildings. They have also worked hard on decreasing the emissions of transportation, such as encouraging people to take buses instead of cars, encouraging the use of electric vehicles and building charging infrastructure to support more electric vehicles and building more bike infrastructure to encourage people to bike more. They’ve also purchased 12 new buses that are twice as fuel efficient as other buses in the county’s fleet. Finally, they have worked closely with the solid waste and water departments to help those departments become more efficient and sustainable.
Solid Waste
The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department is in charge of all garbage, recycling, compost, leaf collection and disposal. According to their website, the department’s vision is “to be a leader in sustainable material management by creating a culture of zero waste.” They are working to achieve this with extensive recycling, waste reduction and education programs. Residential trash collection is typically around $40 per month, and leaf and limb collection is provided to all residents. The Solid Waste department offers resources for people to host “zero waste events” as a part of the department’s efforts to create a more sustainable community. Finally, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is run through the Solid Waste Department whose goal is “to educate and empower citizens and businesses with the resources to take action as environmental stewards of litter prevention, waste reduction, and beautification,” according to their website.
Water
The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department provides water for all of ACC and maintains sewers for residents on the sewer system. All of the water ACC uses comes from the North Oconee River, Middle Oconee River and Bear Creek Reservoir and is cleaned in the JG Beacham
Left to right: Derrick Mason, Dexter Fisher, Mayor Kelly Girtz and Stephen Bailey perform a ribbon cutting at the newly constructed
Wednesday, April 17, 2024. PHOTO/SAMANTHA HURLEY
Kent Kilpatrick, director of Athens-Clarke County Leisure Service Department, speaks during the Star Spangled Classic event at Southeast Clarke Park in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. PHOTO/JAXON MEEKS
Legendary landmarks
The stories behind 9 of Athens’ most iconic sites
Zach Leggio
Arch The Arch is arguably the most iconic landmark at the University of Georgia and in Athens. Despite how important it is to the community today, the records of the Arch’s history are unknown. The first documentation of the Arch in its current spot at the top of North Campus is in a photo from 1875. The tradition of not walking under the Arch before graduation likely began in the early 1900s with Daniel Huntley Redfearn, who vowed as a freshman not to step under it until his graduation day. Today the Arch is not only a logo of the university but a powerful symbol and assembly point among students and Athenians alike, as it has been the site of protests and vigils for years.
Georgia Theatre
The Georgia Theatre, previously known as the Elite Theater, took its modern form as a concert venue in 1977. In the 1970s and 1990s, the theater saw many iconic performances such as The B-52s, The Police, R.E.M., Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band and many other acts. The theater faced a severely damaging fire in 2009 but was restored to its former glory in 2011. Today, the Georgia Theatre is a staple of downtown Athens, especially during AthFest and other major events.
City Hall City Hall was constructed in 1904, replacing the previous town hall from 1845. Today, City Hall is the location of the mayor’s office and many other government offices and hosts Mayor and Commission meetings. City Hall’s iconic copper dome and clock tower have become an important symbol of Athens’ downtown. On the grounds of City Hall also stands a double-barreled cannon, the only of its kind, which was a failed Civil-War-era experimental weapon. While it never worked, it still stands pointing north as a historical artifact. Also on the grounds of the hall is the “Spirit of Athens” sculpture by William J. Thompson, a commemoration of the 1996 Olympic Games, which held soccer, indoor volleyball and rhythmic gymnastics matches in Athens.
The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree That Owns Itself, also known as the Jackson Oak, is a strange piece of Athens history that dates back to the 1820s. This white oak tree is located at South Finley Street and Dearing Street. An 1890 article in the Athens Weekly Banner states that the tree was owned by William Jackson, a professor at UGA. To ensure the tree wouldn’t be cut down after his death, Jackson left a deed to give possession of the tree and the small amount of land surrounding it to the tree itself. The deed had no legal standing but was
respected, and a new tree was planted after the original Jackson Oak died in the 1940s, now called the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself.
Morton Theatre Completed between 1909 and 1910 by Athenian Monroe
Bowers “Pink” Morton, the Morton Theatre is an important site for Athens’ Black community. The Morton Building, which houses the theater, was described in 1914 by the Athens Daily Herald as the “largest building of its kind to be owned exclusively by a colored man in the world.” The building also housed the offices of many Black professionals, such as doctors and dentists, when the Morton Building was the core of the downtown Black business district. The theater building sat empty for several decades before being restored by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funding and reopened in 1993. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Athens bulldog statues
The bulldog statues that visitors can see all around Athens started as a simple fundraiser for the Athens-Oconee Junior Woman’s Club in 2002. The project was started by Linda Ford, who wanted to make art accessible to everyone in Athens. Today, the bulldogs are sprinkled all over Athens, from downtown, to inside car dealerships to in front of The Red & Black office. Visitors that want to see the nearly 50 statues can drive throughout Athens to get a picture with all of these creatively painted fiberglass statues.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Located off of South Milledge Avenue, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia boasts multiple gardens and trails, including the Alice H. Richard Children’s Garden and the International Garden. The botanical garden’s stated vision is to be a garden that celebrates the best in Southern horticulture, natural heritage and culture through excellence in gardening displays and
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of
Sanford Stadium
Sanford Stadium, named after the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication founder and former president of UGA Steadman Vincent Sanford, is
of life at the UGA and Athens as a
on the Georgia football team. The stadium opened in
in football 10-8. In 1913, the bell was moved to its current position behind the chapel and has stayed there ever since. Today, students ring the bell for any number of reasons–finishing the semester, graduating, touring UGA, winning a national championship or just for fun.
The Tree That Owns Itself pictured at South Finley and Dearing street in Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. PHOTO/JAXON MEEKS
The University of Georgia Chapel Bell on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. PHOTO/LIBBY HOBBS
R&B staff share favorite date night spots
A romantic activity for you and your partner
“My favorite date night spot is The Rook & Pawn board game cafe in downtown. It’s so cozy with the warm lights and you can pick from a ton of different board games, tabletop games and card games. It’s super fun.”
Savannah Celeste Scott, News Editor
Jinya Ramen Bar
With locations all around the United States, Jinya Ramen Bar serves authentic ramen, mini tacos, rice bowls and more. The location in downtown Athens is on East Broad Street and is open all days of the week.
“My favorite date night spot is Jinya Ramen Bar because the atmosphere is very calming, the food is amazing and it provides a great romantic setting.”
Hunter Wright, Assistant Culture Editor
Rook & Pawn One of the first board game cafes in the Southeastern United States, The Rook & Pawn has an extensive sandwich menu and serves coffee, tea, soda and other beverages. It costs $7 to have all-day access to every game on their wall.
Ellis Goud, Editor-in-Chief
Ben Burton Park
Located off Mitchell Bridge Road, this 35-acre wildlife preserve along the Middle Oconee River has walking trials, picnic areas and a boat launch. Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are leashed, and you can fish with a license or get on the river with a non-motorized small watercraft.
“Ben Burton is my favorite outside spot. There’s a short, shady trail to enjoy nature without being under the sun. There are picnic tables and pavilions, but I prefer to settle down in the grass under a tree. If you sit by the river, you can have a relaxing evening listening to the water rush by. Perfect for a romantic picnic!”
Jesse Wood, Culture Editor
Starland Lounge & Lanes
Starland is a bowling alley and bar. There is seating and a full bar on the first floor and four duckpin bowling lanes, a
full bar, pool tables and games on the second floor. Reservations are $40 an hour, and walk-ins for duckpin bowling are $30. After 8 p.m., only people over
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Barbara “Lady B” Sims, an event organizer, receives food samples from McGuiere’s Smokin BBQ during the Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Hot Corner Festival celebrates Black culture and history in Athens. PHOTO/JAXON MEEKS
