th
13 Annual MADISON
ANTIQUES SHOW
& SALE
Showcasing American Antiques & Accessories Preview Party & Early Buying 6:00 - 9:00 P . M . THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Show & Sale 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21-22, 2014
Free Lectures FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9:00 AM CULTURAL CENTER AUDITORIUM MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER
434 South Main St. Madison, Georgia (706) 342-4743 Sponsors: Rosie & Don Becker
SPONSORED BY
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
Morgan
COUNTY
Citizen
THE MADISONIAN
Serving Morgan County since 1842.
D2 13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE
WELCOME Southern Grace and Charm prevails in Madison with the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s Annual Antiques Show & Sale! Whether you are an avid collector or casual shopper, we invite you to the 13th Annual Madison Antiques Show and Sale. Known as the “best little antiques show in America,â€? the show brings quality dealers from far and wide to Madison, Georgia for two days of the ďŹ nest and most enjoyable antiques shopping available. Come browse the show oor, enjoy the beautiful antiques, ask questions and get to know the expert dealers, many of whom have been featured in the show so many years they are like family to us! We also invite you to attend one or both of this year’s free lectures. Friday morning, guest speaker Jenny Garwood will lecture on “Needlework in the Most Approved and Fashionable Mannerâ€? – Exploring Georgia through Textiles at MESDA. Jenny is a Curatorial and Education Associate at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Saturday’s lecture will be given by John Case from Case Auctions and Appraisals in Knoxville, Tennessee. John’s lecture “Market Trends for Southern Decorative Artsâ€? will discuss trends of Southern pottery, furniture, ďŹ ne art, silver, textiles, civil war items, and more. After the lectures, head over to the Hall for the Show and Sale and to view an exhibit of quilts that will be displayed in the Hall’s lobby.
www.morgancountycitizen.com
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
special THANK YOU Sponsors:
Rosie & Don Becker
Co-Chairs:
Paulette Long and Don Lane
Host Committee: Beverly and Bill Abbott Ginger and Harry Beverly SAT/ACT Prep - Emily and David Buck Alla and Charles Campbell Rita and Lane Dennard Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Gaines Vicki and John Gillespie Judy and David Goodchild Sally and Arnold Hoge Ashley and Weyman Hunt Lyn and Whitey Hunt Mrs. Felton Jenkins Jr. Carol and Jim Jones Chris Lambert Kathy and Brian Lehman Madison Markets - Jane and Everett Royal
In-Kind Donors:
Madison Realty, Inc. - Judy Gilbert Anna Marett Karen and Gene Massey Mary and Bob McCauley Nancy and Jack Miles Betsy and Sandy Morehouse Diane and Will Pharr Deneice and Brad Rice Sharon and William Ross Bobbie and Bill Rushing Rita and Steve Schaefer Anne and Robert Trulock Dr. Mark and Jody Vrana Ann-Marie and Frank Walsh Cathy and Steve Whitcomb Virginia King and Robert Willingham
Epting Events, Le Petit Jardin, Morgan County Citizen, and Madison ChopHouse Grille
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center THANKS our Sponsors, Donors, Co-Chairs, Host Committee and the many volunteers who have helped with this year’s show!
The Antiques Show and Sale, now in its 13th year, will feature a Preview Party and Early Buying on Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 9 PM. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine while strolling the show oor, capturing the ďŹ rst glimpse of this year’s antiques, and take advantage of the ďŹ rst opportunity to purchase antiques before the public sale begins on Friday. Tickets are $45 for MMCC members and $55 for Non-members, which includes repeat admission Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available online at www.mmcc-arts.org and by calling (706) 342-4743. The Show and Sale will be Friday and Saturday, February 21 and 22 from 10 AM to 5 PM with the lectures starting at 9:00 AM in the MMCC Auditorium. Tickets for the Show and Sale are $7 each and can be purchased at the door. Tickets are good for re-entry all weekend.
The
Madison flea market
Welcome to Madison!
16,000 square feet - more than 100 dealers
Antiques • Collectibles • Americana • Paintings • Rugs
706-343-0100
1291 eATONTON rOAD
Monday-Saturday - 10am-5pm Sunday 1pm-5pm
A one–of–a–kind restaurant that ccombines American cuisine, daily specials & homemade desserts with w an atmosphere that captures our local history & celebrates the o People of Morgan County. n n s 3OUTH -AIN 3T s -ADISON
706-342-0693
121 East Jefferson Street www.madisonrealtyinc.com
Madison Tea Room and Garden r"ěFSOPPO 5FBT
Historic Higginbotham House - 7.2 acres in Madison. 5 fenced acres, bring horses, restored home with 4/5 BR,working FPs, pool, screened in & wrap around front porch, outdoor FP, gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, master on main. Great house for entertaining & a fruit lover’s dream with apple, peach trees & blueberry & blackberry bushes. $1,295,000
r-VODIFPOT 4PVQT 4BMBET 4BOEXJDIFT %FTTFSUT r#SJEBM 5FBT 4IPXFST Historic District - Beautifully landscaped lot. Unique and beautiful with unmatched charm. Old brick walks, front & side with stone walks around yard. Backyard is completely private and fenced. Beautiful heated salt water pool with stone surround, spa, diving rock, water fall and tanning area. Heart pine žSSVW ERH FVMGO žSSVW MR WYRVSSQ 4EReled walls, 3 zoned heating systems & more. $749,000
r#JSUIEBZ "OOJWFSTBSZ $FMFCSBUJPOT )BODPDL 4USFFU r .BEJTPO (Behind Madison Post Office, next to Suntrust Bank)
248-705-5010
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FEBRUARY 20, 2014
www.morgancountycitizen.com
13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE D3
Heritage Antique Maps
Antique
DEALERS Athens Classical Antiques Ron Evans Athens, Georgia 706.247.5746 ron@kgathens.com www.athensclassicalantiques.com Owner Ron Evans has had a lifelong love of history, architecture, and antiques. He focuses on collecting and dealing in fine American furniture of the LateFederal, Sheraton and Classical Periods. Decorative appointments consist of American and French objects that would have been used in period homes of the Antebellum South. Ron has procured furniture and decorative arts for some of the finest house museums and homes in Northeast and Central Georgia. Some examples of these homes are: • ca. 1850, Ware-Lyndon House Museum, Athens, GA. • ca. 1913 Wallace Miller Home “Mayor of Macon 1926-1927” designed by Neil Reed, Macon, GA. • ca. 1850, Edwards Plantation, Oglethorpe Co., GA. • ca. 1830s, Governor Howell Cobb Home, Athens, GA. • ca. 1840, General T. R. R. Cobb House Museum, Athens, GA. • ca. 1850 Hay House The Georgia Historic Trust for Historic Preservation, Macon GA.
Azra Oriental Rugs, LLC Azra Bastani 690 Miami Circle, Atlanta GA 404.931.6769 www.azrarugs.com Azra Oriental Rugs is family owned and operated, providing handmade Persian and Turkish rugs. Azra Bastani and her family have been experts in the selection, preservation, cleaning, restoration, and repair of fine Persian and Oriental rugs for decades. Each Persian or Oriental Rug is an original work of art, a hand crafted treasure unique in styling. These valuable heirlooms are commonly passed down for generations to come. Azra Oriental Rugs has been in business for three generations and has been a dealer at the Madison Antiques Show for years. Azrarugs.com
William Cawood Rome, Georgia 215.262.4089 mapking@hotmail.com www.heritageantiquemaps.com William Cawood, owner of Heritage Antiques Maps, is known for trading in fine and rare antique maps. We offer mid 1500’s to pre 1900’s American and International maps. Our selection includes maps covering the mid-Atlantic region including Georgia, from the early 1600’s through the period up to Statehood and several State maps of Georgia from the early 1800’s, which show the native American territories in Georgia. In addition, we have detailed US Coastal Survey maps covering the Mid-Atlantic coast, Florida and the Gulf coast including maps of Charleston and Savannah. We also have a selection of Civil War maps that are varied, comprehensive and detailed.
Kevin Holloway Antiques Cordele, GA 229-313-8827 holloway.km@hotmail.com www.hollowayart.com Kevin Holloway Antiques is located in Cordele, Georgia. Kevin has been collecting art and antiques for fifteen years. His area of interest is vast, with particular attention given to Southern antique furniture and regional art of the American South. This will be his first year appearing at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale.
LeRoque Antiques, Art & Jewelry Nancy LeRoque Atlanta, Georgia 404.240.0004 naleroque@aol.com Owner, Nancy LeRoque, of LeRoque Antiques, Art and Jewelry has a shop in Atlanta, Georgia and participates in a number of Antiques Shows throughout the Southeast. Besides a collection of general antiques and art, her primary interest is in jewelry. She offers jewelry, Early Americana and silver. She has been in this business for 30 years. She holds degrees in Space Planning and in Design and Fine Art from Michigan State College.
Blandon M. Cherry Antiques Mark Gaines Paris, Kentucky 859.338.9943 blandonmcherry@insightbb.com
Englewood, New Jersey 201.567.6711 markmgaines@gmail.com
Blandon M. Cherry is well known for his quality Kentucky furniture and art. He has earned a reputation via his years exhibiting at major Midwest antique shows. This will be his third year as a dealer at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale. His inventory primarily consists of Early Kentucky and Southern furniture and accessories.
Mark M. Gaines, from Englewood, New Jersey, is dealer in early southern decorative arts and historical items with a specialty in handcrafted coin silver from the early South. His collection also contains a stock of reference books relating to southern decorative arts and history. Mark has been a dealer at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale for a number of years.
Dennis and Dad Antiques Ann and Dennis Berard Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire 603.585.9479 antiques@dennisanddadantiques.com www.dennisanddadantiques.com
Michael Hall Antiques & Art Nashville, Tennessee 615.390.1836 www.michaelhallantiques.com
Dennis and Dad Antiques originated in 1966 in Athol, Mass. Over the years, their business has evolved into one specializing in 18th and 19th century English ceramics. Dennis and Dad Antiques is located at their home (built in 1776) in Fitzwilliam, NH where they raised three children, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Daniel. Throughout the years, family vacations became “antique affairs” and vice versa as their family journeyed around visiting interesting places and finding antique treasures.
Michael Hall is an antique dealer and appraiser based in Nashville, Tennessee. He specializes in 18th and 19th century American and Southern furniture and decorative arts. His clients include collectors and institutions. He offers appraisal and consultation services for individuals as well as estates and trust departments. He has appeared on the Antiques Roadshow as an expert appraiser as well as local charity appraisal events. “Our goal is to document and preserve important examples of Furniture and decorative arts.”
Michael Rainey Antiques
Today, you can find them at their home in Fitzwilliam or traveling around New England and the United States doing shows. You never know which child (all now adults) might be home to visit or joining them “on the road” to lend a Beaufort, South Carolina hand. 843.521.4532
www.michaelraineyantiques.com
Morgan
COUNTY
Citizen
THE MADISONIAN
Serving Morgan County since 1842.
Keeping You Up to Date With All of MORGAN COUNTY’S HAPPENINGS! www.morgancountycitizen.com
Michael Rainey is a dealer from South Carolina. He deals in 18th and early 19th century American furniture and decorative accessories. Michael has been a dealer at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale for a number of years.
D4 13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE
Antique
www.morgancountycitizen.com
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Scott W. Fithian Antiques
DEALERS Monty Young Antiques & Art Monty Young Shelbyville, Tennessee 931.684.9686 myoungantiques@charter.net Monty Young is a Tennessee dealer who has a shop in Shelbyville. He has been coming to the Madison Antiques Show and Sale for the past eleven years. His inventory consists of Southern Antiques and Art with an emphasis on Tennessee Furniture and Accessories.
Nancy and Woody Straub, Antiques & Art Nancy and Wood Straub Umatilla, Florida 352.669.8912 nancystaub@gmail.com Woody and Nancy Straub have over 50 years of experience dealing in Regional American Art, Period and Country Furniture, and related accessories. They are dealers in Antiques, Fine Art, and offer Fine Art Restoration Services. The Straub have been dealers at the Madison Antiques Show for years.
Patricia Biskey & Rachel Weitnauer Johns Creek, GA (Atlanta) 770.475.4569 biskey@aol.com Since 1983, Patricia Biskey and Rachel Weitnauer have been offering the finest selection of sterling and coin silver in antiques shows across the southeast. They have an extraordinary collection of silver hollowware and flatware including bud vases, goblets, dresser jars, mint juleps, napkin rings, water pitchers, bowls, trays and baby items. They are both from the Atlanta area. This will be their third year as dealers at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale.
Scott W. Fithian Cartersville, GA 770-712-1477 swfithian@att.net www.scottfithian.com Scott and Penny Fithian have been providing antiques to collectors and museums since they started their business twenty-five years ago. They have always offered the highest quality objects at fair prices and are best known for schoolgirl samplers from the 18th and 19th centuries, and English and Dutch delftware of the 17th and 18th centuries. Fithian Antiques also carries a large selection of 18th and 19th century furniture and appropriate accessories. Although most of their clients are collectors and institutions, they also have a nice selection of items for the beginning and novice collectors. Everyone is most welcome to visit, as they enjoy the opportunity to share their knowledge and provide collecting advice to collectors of all stages.
W.T. Thistlewaite Antiques Taylor Thistlewaite Glasgow, KY 270-404-1558 thistledecarts@gmail.com W. T. Thistlewaite Antiques, located in Glasgow, Kentucky, specializes in the decorative arts of the early South. From Maryland to Georgia, over to the western reaches of Kentucky and Tennessee, the South’s cultural identity is strongly represented by its furniture, pottery, silver, and art. W. T. Thistlewaite Antiques focuses on newly discovered and fresh to the market pieces, with an emphasis placed on academic and honest representation. W. T. Thistlewaite Antiques serves an active group of collectors as well as private and public institutions, including Colonial Williamsburg and the Museum of Early Decorative Arts. This will be their first appearance at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale.
Sharon & Claude Baker Antiques Sharon & Claude Baker Hamilton, Ohio 513.726.5496 sharonandclaude@fuse.net www.bakeramericanantiques.com Sharon and Claude Baker Antiques Claude and Sharon have been in the antiques business for over 35 years and have been doing quality antique shows throughout the country for the past 19 years. They specialize in 18th through 19th Century Americana, including furniture in original paint and surface, appropriate smalls, and folk art. They are members of the New Hampshire Antique Dealers Association (NHAADA) and the Maine Antique Dealers Association (MADA).
Madison Markets An Extraordinary Antique Store!
-
Gift Certificates Available! Fine American & %NGLISH !NTIQUES s 0ORCELAINS s !RT 1144 Academy St. Madison 706-342-8795 MONDAY-SATURDAY 10 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. SUNDAY 12 TO 5 P.M. WWW.MADISONMARKETS.COM
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE D5
www.morgancountycitizen.com
Town & Country Vintage Linens Ruchelle Davis Rome, Georgia 706.291.1341 rc_davis@bellsouth.net Ruchelle Davis of Rome, Georgia, will be presenting her wonderful array of late 18th and 19th century monogrammed linens, both American and European. These include damask table linens, bed linens, German shams, linen sheets, damask towels and 1940’s and 50’s printed tablecloths. The inventory will also include European “turkey red” damask cloths, napkins, and towels and a large selection of French lavender sachets, with monograms. She has been in the antique business for over 25 years, specializing in vintage linens for 15 years. She travels to New England several times a year, both purchasing and selling her linens, and out to Texas four times a year, doing over 30 shows a year. You can find her at Scott’s Antique market each month, in the north building, at the end of row C6. She probably has one of the largest and the most comprehensive inventory of vintage linens and textiles of any dealer on the Antique Show circuit, and has been coming to the Madison Antiques Show and Sale for a number of years.
Simply Southern Antiques Curtis Marbut Hampton, Georgia 404.310.0619 curtismarbut@charter.net Simply Southern is now a private gallery, traveling to at least 3 shows a year after closing their actual gallery space in 2006. Owner, Curtis Marbut has been collecting antiques since the 1980s, during his college days at West Georgia. In 2000, he turned his collecting of antiques to a part time business. It has been well received and very successful. Simply Southern specializes in all things southern but not exclusively southern. Southern historic pottery is known to be Curtis’ “love” and he will be bringing some to the Madison Antique Show and Sale along with other pieces of Southern furniture.
Stephen Lott / Gregory Smith Cullowhee, NC 828-399-1518 steve.lott@rocketmail.com Greg Smith lives in and is a native of the community of Matney, near Banner Elk, NC. Greg is an accomplished artist with works in the permanent collections of several major museums. He is a painter, wood carver, furniture builder, storyteller and musician. He is also a picker, dealer and collector of Southern STEPHEN LOTT GREGORY SMITH folk art and antiques. Steve Lott is a native of Barnwell County, SC, but for the past 25 years, Steve and his wife, Mickey Randolph have lived in Cullowhee and Asheville, NC. He is a retired Collegiate Golf Coach who now spends his time participating in Civil War and antique shows all over the southeast. He collects and deals in southern stoneware, folk art, and southern smalls. For the past few years, Greg and Steve have been each other’s best customers, so they now participate in some shows together. This will be their first year as dealers at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale.
The Polished Antique Mary Lawson and Sarah Stephenson Greenville, South Carolina 864.232.3957 maryslawson@charter.net Mary Lawson and Sarah Stephenson are the owners of The Polished Antique of Greenville, South Carolina. Their collection includes porcelain, silver, rugs and early furniture. In business since 1985, they have been dealers at the Madison Antiques Show and Sale since 2007.
Antiques Galore! at five great stores!
J&K Fleas An’Tiques
184 S. Main St. 706-342-3009 Our flagship antique mall has more than 12,000 sq feet of fabulous finds including estate furniture, linens, and restoration hardware.
Junque Korner
176 W. Jefferson St. 706.342.3009 Our “Downtown Flea Market” has it all. Find a unique treasure for yourself, or the perfect gift for that special someone!
Jacks & Kings
125 W. Washington St. 706-342-8060 Everything for your man cave! Antique tools, knives, beer signs, NASCAR collectibles, and more. Guy stuff galore!
FIND OUT MORE AT WWW. J-AND-K-ENTERPRISES.COM
Just Out of the Kloset
179 S. Main St. 706-752-1960 Find an electic mix of new and vintage clothing, artwork, furnishings and beautiful accesories at our consignment store!
J&K An’Tiques Etc.
159 S. Main St. 706-485-7002 Have a refined shopping experience at our boutique shop, featuring fine antiques, glassware, art, estate jewelry, and more.
D6 13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE
www.morgancountycitizen.com
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Free
LECTURES Friday, February 21, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
at 9:00 AM Cultural Center Auditorium at 9:00 AM Cultural Center Auditorium
“Needlework in the Most Approved and Fashionable Manner.”
“Market Trends for Southern Decorative Arts.”
Exploring Georgia Through Textiles at MESDA
Trends of Southern pottery, furniture, fine art, silver, textile, civil war items, and more.
By: Jenny Garwood
By: John Case
Curatorial and Education Associate, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Samplers, needlework and decorative bedcoverings were the direct result of a young woman’s education in the 18th and early 19th century. Jenny’s lecture, “Needlework in the Most Approved and Fashionable Manner,” will explore Georgia through textiles at MESDA while introducing MESDA and its extensive collection of southern textiles. This includes the discovery of a previously unknown Madison, Georgia whitework bedcovering. Jenny Garwood is a Curatorial and Education Associate at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jenny is an expert on early southern textiles in the MESDA collection and has been closely involved with much of the new interpretation in the museum.
Complete Insurance Service
Case Auctions and Appraisals Knoxville, Tennessee
John Case is the owner, founder and president of Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals. He has over 20 years experience researching and evaluating American antiques and art, with a specialization in early Southern decorative arts. John is an accredited member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA). He is a graduate of Duke University, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course and exam, and a museum graduate course sponsored by the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) at Wake Forest University. John has given lectures on Southern material culture at MESDA and the William King Regional Arts Center. He has appraised for the television show Treasures In Your Attic, and served as a contributing editor for the Frist Museum’s 2006 Art of Tennessee exhibit in Nashville. In 2012 he was appointed to the board of the Tennessee Executive Residence Preservation Foundation. Specialties include fine art, southern pottery, southern furniture, southern textiles, silver, folk art, late 18th to early 20th century Native American and Civil War relics, and general decorative arts.
Night and Day A Homeowners Policy THIS IS THE ONE Might Not Be Enough REGISTER TO WIN A free round of golf at Reynolds Plantation by previewing our listing.
WATERS EDGE GATED EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY
Make Sure Your High Value Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry Are Properly Covered! Call Doug Ewing at 706-342-4900 today for a complimentary quote! Family owned and operated. ÊLÕà iÃÃÊ ÛiÀÊxäÊÞi>ÀÃt
171 BLUE HERON DRIVE, EATONTON - $1,675,000
This elegant custom built home is nestled at the end of a cul de sac with waterfront footage providing panoramic lake views from one end of the house to the other. Spectacular living room has coffered ceiling, oversized stone fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, and a large front porch to enjoy the morning sunrise. The immaculate home has custom upgraded finishes, extensive trim detail and top of the line ambient and recessed lighting throughout. The immense kitchen with cooking island, oversized eating island for six and dining area with adjacent screened in porch - designed for entertaining! Appliances: Thermador gas cooktop, two dishwashers, three sinks, double ovens, two refrigerators, undercounter ice machine, and warming drawer The upper level also includes a wood paneled study with full bathroom and circular stair to library above; laundry room with office area/pantry; powder room off of entry, master bedroom with custom painted coved tin ceiling and large bathroom with steam shower. TERRACE LEVEL: Oversize great room with fireplace, full wall of windows and French doors to lake; two separate wings off great room: one with two bedrooms and two baths, the second wing is a full master apartment with living room, full kitchen, master bedroom with fireplace and bathroom; in addition there is a pool room which is also wired for a theater room, an exercise room, laundry room with half bath and exit to outside shower and fish cleaning sink THIRD LEVEL: 20 x 35 children’s bunk and play room. OTHER FEATURES: Chair lift on back stair to terrace level; Max doc/deep-water; three car garage with epoxy painted floor; phantom screen doors; gas fireplaces; and speakers throughout interior as well as exterior porches. REYNOLDS’S GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP: Owner’s lot in Reynolds Plantation with Gold Level Membership is included with sale of the house. Seller financing available for lot. Beautiful Antiques For Sale With Property
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127 East Jefferson Street Madison, Georgia
706 • 342 • 4900
www.jedtinsurance.com
Hoffman International Tara Powell (678) 296-2333 Seller: Carolyn Oshinsky (706) 816-0126
JEDT is a proud supporter of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
www.AtlantaRealEstateDreams.com
REALTY (404) 991-4181 Marilyn Hoffman (214) 674-3961
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
www.morgancountycitizen.com
13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE D7
How it all
BEGAN MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER Circa 1895 It was a lovely July evening in 1976 when citizens of Madison and Morgan County assembled to celebrate the opening of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Madison was the first city in Georgia to have such a center, and it had come into being because Madison and Morgan County citizens had worked long and hard to bring it to life. Governor and Mrs. George Busbee were in attendance along with other Georgians who had made the opening possible. Most in attendance that night had gone to school in that building; the elementary grades on the first floor and the high school on the second. Every Friday morning they had processed into the auditorium for a chapel program. Roy Lambert, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, reminded former pupils of the school to resist the urge to take out their pocket knives and carve their initials on the seat in front of them. Two former students in that school, now outstanding musicians, Mike McDowell and Dera Goodner Weaver, performed on the Steinway piano in honor of Madison’s beloved music teacher, Martha Rhodes, for the program. Joseph Cumming had written a song of praise that was performed by a Choral Group from the University of Georgia. There was a performance by the Atlanta Ballet. A reception afterward was held in the Members Room. What a celebration it was, heralding the beginning of a Cultural Center that has been a home for the arts ever since. That night in 1976 was the beginning, of sorts, but so much thought, time and energy had preceded the opening. What follows is the story of how the MadisonMorgan Cultural Center came to life. The 1895 Victorian brick building that had housed the Madison School for generations was evacuated by the students in the fall of 1957, when the Morgan County Schools were consolidated and moved to structures at the edge of Madison. With the help of convict labor generously offered by the county, the floors of the building were shored up to hold shelves of books as the Uncle Remus Regional Library moved into the old structure. The once noisy, energetic building was now a quiet space for reading and study. Perhaps it needed a rest. By the late ‘50s, citizens were meeting to discuss the future of the building. Finally, Robert Turnell, Kay Tipton and Joe Bell bought the building for a nominal fee from the Board of Education. These men of vision enlisted the aid of other outstanding citizens to form the Morgan County Foundation that would keep the building intact and put it to good use. Those added to the team of supporters were J.D. Harris, the first chairman, Jim-
my Griffin, H.O. Thomas, Catherine Shouse, Paul Reid, Joe Baldwin, Patsy Baldwin, J.A. Nolan and Sam Few. An advisory board, composed of members from the entire county, was formed, and Alma Quillian and Adelaide Ponder represented Madison. With Mr. Tipton’s death and Robert Turnell living in North Carolina, Paul Reid was asked to be the second chairman of the foundation in 1967. He served until 1981. By now, the high school building, placed behind the elementary building, had burned. Only the small lunchroom building and the gymnasium at the back of the property remained. Ideas for the use of the building were tossed about. Knowing that the library would be moved to new facilities, suggestions were offered about the possibility of a dance studio, the Girl and Boy Scouts, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy using rooms. They wondered about renting the office space. There was a lot of HUD money from the federal government available, and it was hoped that they could tap into that, which would determine, to a great degree, the use of the building. The auditorium needed repair; it was time for some decisions. Adelaide Ponder, encouraged by several other advisory and board members, spoke of Madison’s need and her dream for a visual and performing arts center. The idea took root, and Paul Reid asked Adelaide and Chris Lambert to join the board. At their first meeting at the Holiday Inn, these two ladies demonstrated their good taste as well as their ability to rise above embarrassment by arriving at the luncheon wearing identical dresses! Of course, the first item of business was to raise money. By 1973, when Chris and Adelaide joined the board, the HUD money was beginning to dry up. But to create and support a performing and visual arts center, they soon learned that they needed to turn to private funding sources. The committee, in Adelaide’s words, “turned Chris and me loose to decide on the use of the building and to raise funds for it.” Perhaps that was the smartest move they could have made. While Paul Reid was getting the roof repaired, banishing the pigeons and fixing broken windows and Patsy Baldwin worked to build a strong membership base, Chris and Adelaide wrote letters of request for funds to every former student of the Madison School. This raised $60,000. It soon became clear that private money would be awarded to an art center on the basis of matching funds and membership. So Madison went to work. Progressive dinners in Madison’s finest
homes were organized, tours of historic homes took place, everyone was willing to participate in the Follies, churches had concerts, and residents offered bed and breakfasts during special events like the annual theater festival. The Center became a county-wide project. Even the city government was most cooperative, providing services to the building and grounds whenever possible. Adelaide and Chris traveled throughout Georgia, knocking on doors of private foundations asking for money to restore the building. They had help statewide from Roy Lambert; Governor Busbee; Bill Trotter from LaGrange; John Bitterman, head of Georgia Council for the Arts; Dr. Philip Weltner, of the Woodruff Arts Center; and Bill Griffin, chairman of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. To their surprise, they discovered foundations wanting to lend money. The Campbell Foundation in Atlanta suggested the name “Cultural Center,” and the two agreed they would have it named it anything to get the grant money! Finally, they were courting two foundations, Callaway and Campbell. Callaway offered $135,000 if they could find a match for it and provide local money. The Campbell foundation came through with $270,000 that would enable them to do a bare-bones, downstairs restoration. But now, they could go to Callaway and say they had met the challenge. So, with the $60,000 raised at home along with the Campbell grant, they were able to secure the Callaway Foundation award. The Cultural Center could now be completely restored and a humidity/ sprinkler system that would meet the requirements of any existing traveling exhibit could be installed. Pinkerton and Laws Contractors from Atlanta were chosen to renovate the building and work began in the fall of 1975. It was decided that the upstairs would be galleries and offices. The old first grade room became the Members Room and its walls were covered in wallpaper from England depicting plants native to Georgia. Furnishings for that room came from local donors. The former second grade classroom became a downstairs gallery. Miss Martha’s music room was converted into a reception area, and Miss Nonie’s fourth grade room became a kitchen. The furnishings for the upstairs historical classroom were funded by a Georgia Sesquicentennial Commission grant. The City of Madison agreed to share a CETA grant that would provide a part-time director and fulltime jewel, Sue Freeman. Marie Meacham, Jane Symmes and Terrell Garrard formed the museum committee and collected items for it. What had
been the dirt-hardened playground was landscaped and turned into an elegant front yard with a central walk. The old bell that John Moreland, the school’s beloved janitor, had rung to start and end so many school days was still in place. During the weeks prior to the opening, board members and others were scurrying around completing tasks for the big night. Chairman Paul Reid, who had provided such capable leadership, was called down from the ladder he was on changing light bulbs in the auditorium to attend an interview of a new job applicant. The applicant was incensed that the “janitor” was part of the interview and never returned. Jane Symmes had spotted a log cabin in Apalachee that was brought in and assembled for the museum the day before the opening. The Presbyterian church agreed to house their communion service, once stolen by Union soldiers, in the museum. Up to the last hour, they were still cleaning bathrooms and seeing that every inch of the lovely old building was ready. When the renovation was complete, there was money left over, so an endowment was started. Today, the annual budget is supported by income from investments, sponsorships, grants, admissions and memberships. Because the auditorium is small, even a sellout crowd cannot support events like the annual Atlanta Symphony performance. The small lunchroom has been demolished and the city sold the gym to the Center for a nominal fee. Tom DuPree renovated it and now it is “The Hall,” a lovely place for receptions. Every time there has been a need, someone has stepped in to supply it. Even though so many of those concerned, dedicated citizens are no longer with us, the legacy of their vision lives on. Perhaps the old Madison School educated its children about more than reading and numbers. It could be that within those dark halls, they also learned about working together, honoring the past, and making a place in the lives of their children for celebration, for art, and for music. Let’s go ring the bell one more time! Martha deBeaugrine is the niece – and namesake – of the aforementioned Martha Rhodes, better known to Madisonians as “Miss Martha,” who lived next to the Cultural Center and taught piano for 47 years. Ms. deBeaugrine currently resides in Athens.
D8 13th Annual Madison ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE
www.morgancountycitizen.com
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Show & Sale
SCHEDULE Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine while strolling the show floor during the preview party! THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Preview Party and Early Buying 6:00 – 9:00 pm Cultural Center Hall on Foster Street Entrance fee $45 for Madison-Morgan Cultural Center members and $55 for non-members. Includes repeat admission Friday and Saturday
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Free Lecture - Jenny Garwood 9:00 am MMCC Auditorium - “Needlework in the Most Approved and Fashionable Manner”. Exploring Georgia through Textiles at MESDA
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Show and Sale 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Cultural Center Hall on Foster Street $7 at the door. Includes repeat admission on Saturday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Free Lecture - John Case 9:00 am MMCC Auditorium - “Market Trends for Southern Decorative Arts”. Trends of Southern Pottery, furniture, fine art, silver, textiles, civil war items, and more.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Show and Sale 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Cultural Center Hall on Foster Street $7 at the door. Includes repeat admission.