Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society

Preservation

 

Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society has long played a leadership role in the preservation of Georgia’s past. Now it is eager and ready to play a similar role in the stewardship of Georgia’s future. The need for Cobb Landmarks has increased since its founding more than thirty years ago. When historic buildings are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of the past disappears forever. When that happens, people lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting surroundings that older buildings can provide.

 

By protecting and enhancing the buildings, communities, and landscapes that tell America’s story, preservation allows individuals to have physical contact with the places where the region’s identity was established and community’s character was shaped.

 

 

Stewardship/Management

 

Today, the organization understands that preserving tangible contact with the past strengthens the sense of stability and continuity that is essential in a healthy society, so it makes the protection of familiar landmarks a key component of maintaining attractive and livable neighborhoods. By proactively working to increase awareness of the financial benefits available to homeowners, the organization will partner with groups, families, and individuals to thoughtfully manage and maintain the architectural integrity of historic homes in need of restoration. With a track record of being good stewards, Cobb Landmarks will remain open to obtaining and managing properties in addition to the Root House Museum and the Power Cabin.

 

 

Rehabilitation

 

For many reasons, homeowners treasure their historic buildings. The buildings help educate people about history, help create a favorable neighborhood image, and very often feature beautiful architecture. The preservation of buildings in culturally significant neighborhoods is important because they are virtually irreplaceable. Additionally, the process of historic rehabilitation also supports a community’s efforts to deal with environmental and economic challenges by creating jobs, bringing tourist dollars, and revitalizing local business districts. An example of a nationally recognized rehabilitation project is outlined below.

 

In 2008, Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society was awarded a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation in support of its rehabilitation of the Rosenwald School of Acworth. As part of a $1 million initiative, the funding is directed toward preserving Rosenwald Schools across a 15-state region. Built in 1924, the one-room structure served as a school for African-American children. At the time, few public schools for blacks existed. This little known link to the nation’s heritage is being preserved to function as a community center and museum.

 

 

Preservation Priorities

Acworth’s Bethel AME Church Brushy Mountain Trenches Cheney-Newcomer House Hooper-Turner House Nesbitt/Union Chapel

Old Methodist Church – Atlanta Street Power-Jackson Cabin Tapp House Wallis House

"Graduates” of our List

• Bostwick-Fraser House
• Acworth’s Rosenwald School
• Cowen Farmstead