Have a Happy Fourth of July

I guess you will have to settle for Lay's Potato Chips unless you can find a bag of Sunshine Potato Chips.
Gordon's Potato Chips sold to Sunshine Biscuits in 1956

Decatur's Main Streetcar No. 274 circa 1948

When Decatur's main streetcar gave way to the trackless trolley, tracks were removed from the streets and new traffic patterns were established.
photo courtesy of Vanishing Dekalb

Location: Decatur, GA
N. McDonough St. in front of old court house, look close and you can see it in background.

North Decatur Drugs

This is from Flickr member xpkranger os on vacation

Here is what to expect at Decatur's Forth of July Parade

Here is a video from last years parade.
Decatur elife.

1951 ad for The Scott Drive-In Theatre

Click on photo to see new updates on The Scott Drive-In Theatre web site.

Plans for DeKalb amusement park end in foreclosure

Plans for DeKalb amusement park end in foreclosure

By PAUL DONSKY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Developers had big plans for a 32-acre plot of land just north of I-20 in southeast DeKalb County: an amusement park, indoor water park, 6,500 seat arena and hotel conference center, all with a theme based on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

But despite more than four years of planning, it appears the project, known as Grand Empire Palace & Resort, will never be built.

AJC story

A Parade, Concert and Fireworks, Fun times 3

Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.

For information call 404-371-8386 or email cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. For 24-hour information call the Decatur Events Hotline, 404-371-8262, or check this website.

>Parade guidelines and registration form at decaturga.com

http://www.decaturga.com/events_july4.aspx

Decatur Sidewalk Sale

Linda Harris from decaturga.com sends this over:


Blue Moon Designs • 418 Church St. • 404-378-1114
10 percent off the entire store and 40 percent off select furniture.

• Decatur Yoga & Pilates • 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-377-4899
10 percent off class cards, yoga wear discounts and free YogaKids summer drop-in with class card purchase.
• Eyeworks of Decatur • 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-377-3937
20 to 50 percent off select frames.
• Fabutique - 335-D W. Ponce de Leon Ave. - 404-377-6363
40 to 50 percent off select items.
• Fleet Feet Sports • 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-371-0208
Sale on select merchandise.
• Heliotrope • 248 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-371-0100
50 to 75 percent off select items.
• Little Shop of Stories • 133 E. Court Sq. • 404-373-6300
20 to 50 percent off select books and toys.
• Mingei World Arts • 427 Church St. • 404-371-0101
Outdoor sales tables and a variety of specials.
• Opus Winds Classical Music • 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite D • 404-370-0507
Select items marked down from 10 to 50 percent.
• Salon Red • 416 Church St. • 404-377-3164
Select items on sale July 3 and 5.
• Taste • 416 Church St. • 404-370-1863
10 to 50 percent off select items.
• Vivid Boutique • 133 E. Court Sq. • 404-371-5181
Get a free pair of earrings with $30 purchase of regular price merchandise.
• Whit's End • 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. #2 • 404-377-3310
10 percent off Columbia shorts and shirts, Patagonia shoes, Toms Shoes and 20 percent off Dockers pants.

Decatur High Construction Update Photo

Isn't that Raquel Welch behind those Foster Grants ?

1950's pair of Foster Grant sunglasses.

Buy your Fireworks at The Scott Village Shopping Center

The Scott Village Shopping Center
Scott Blvd & Lawrenceville Hwy
Decatur, GA

Pedicabs find niche in Decatur

Photo credit: D.G. Whitefield
Pedicabs find niche in Decatur, but going is slow elsewhere in area

By Jamie Gumbrecht



There’s a new way to get around in Decatur, different even from the bicycles, scooters, rent-by-the-hour cars and mass transit that already make the city unique.

It involves a pair of pedicabs — bright yellow boxes large enough to seat two or three passengers, attached to an adult-sized tricycle — powered by Mike Gerke’s legs. For a few bucks, he runs short tours around town, takes tired event-goers to their parked cars or provides easy trips home after a long night out.

AJC full story

Two Entertainment Icons who will be Remembered

Click on photos.

Beat the heat and plan your Staycation for Decatur this weekend.

Beat the heat and plan your Staycation for Decatur this weekend. Free Southern mojito lessons at Taste, James Dean painting at the Seen, sock puppet class at Hoopla, portraits at Leon's, two jewelry artists at Mingei, frozen drink samples and live music at Javamonkey, kids activities, street entertainment and so much more! . Come to Church (Street) this Sunday and get local!

Sunday, June 28, 1-4pm
Church Street between Ponce and MARTA

Customer Appreciation from Rose Squared

To my loyal customers,
On my one year anniversary at my new location, I thank you so much for your support. Please come by and take advantage of this special offer for all your framing needs. While your here, check out the new paintings, drawings and etchings from prominent and upcoming artists in the gallery.
Again, Thank you,
JD Isaacs



20% Off Custom Framing Coupon
Rose Squared
Gallery & Framing
111 Clairemont Avenue
On the Square in Downtown Decatur
offer expires August 1, 2009

http://rosesquaredgallery.com.p2.hostingprod.com/

Piedmont Park Conservancy books a Beatle for Benefit

Atlanta’s summer concert season just got a whole lot hotter.

Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney is scheduled to play The Green Concert, an Aug. 15 show in Piedmont Park.

Photo gallery of McCartney appearances in Atlanta

The booking, a benefit for the Piedmont Conservancy, was announced Wednesday morning at a Live Nation press conference held at the Midtown public park’s Magnolia Hall.

“This is, without a doubt, the biggest thing that’s ever happened to us,” Piedmont Conservancy’s Monica Thornton told the AJC. “We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year and this will help us to complete the park’s 53-acre expansion.”

AJC PEACH BUZZ STORY

A proud slice of Decatur history

The Rutledges are very proud of the slice of Decatur history their home preserves. The English cottage garden in bloom in the front yard is partially comprised of Black-Eyed Susans, African cone flowers, hollyhocks, sky pencil hollies and tea roses. Sean Drakes/AJC Special
AJC story see more pictures here.

North Decatur Service Station and North Decatur Pharmacy circa 1950

The service station is a Texaco, also in the photo is A&P Super Market .

Here is a 1950 photo of the North Decatur Pharmacy which was located at N.Decatur Rd & Clairmont.

The top-selling albums this week at Decatur CD:

by Richard Eldredge

The top-selling albums this week at Decatur CD:

1. Meat Puppets, “Sewn Together”

2. Grizzly Bear, “Veck atim est”

3. Steve Earle, “Townes”

4. Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Time Out” (deluxe 50th anniversary edition)

5. Kings of Leon, “Only by the Night”

Courtesy: Warren Hudson, owner, Decatur CD

AJC Peach Buzz









http://blogs.ajc.com/peachbuzz/2009/06/22/high-five-from-decatur-cd/

King of All Book Festivals Coming to Decatur Labor Day Week-end

The 2009 poster was released last night for the upcoming event for Labor Day Week-end.
More info at:
www.decaturbookfestival.com/

MARTA fares jump to $2 starting in October

MARTA fares jump to $2 starting in October
Trains will run till 1 a.m., but fewer buses will run

By Ariel Hart

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



For the first time since 2001, MARTA fares are going up. After months of buildup, MARTA’s board of directors has approved a budget including $2 fares, going up from $1.75.

The higher fare will start on Oct. 1.\
AJC story

Great Customer Service

The Plaza Theatre

Public Enemies Starts July 1

Click on photo.

Decatur Beach Party free sand

It's all gone

Decatur Beach Party free sand in demand

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Early Saturday morning — as the last few notes of the band lingered in the air and vendors began breaking down their carts — a distinct sound could be heard at the Decatur Beach Party.

Scrape. Plop. Scrape. Plop.

AJC story

1950's Ted Levy Ad

Ted Levy
526 N. McDonough St
Decatur, GA
Across the street from The Decatur Theatre

Expect Something Special from a Special List
Everything That's New in
Young Men's Clothing and Furnishings

Note: Very odd that the ad shows June 21 and today is June 21

A Summer Place

I hope you find A Summer Place.

Railroad Tracks Looking East Towards the Depot 22 years Apart

I told flickr member xpkranger last week that I liked his photo so much that I was going to try to recreate it, so today I decided to try, his photo bottom was taken in 1987 my picture top was taken today 22 years apart. Maybe I will take another in the fall when all the leaves fall so you can see the strip of stores on E. College Ave like in his photo.


Above is my version of his photo taken today 20 JUN 2009
``````````````````````````````````````````````````

This is Flickr member xpkranger's 1987 photo

Thanks to xpkranger for letting me post his photo.

Note: For people new to Decatur, the Depot was moved back about 35 feet away from the tracks
when city of Decatur bought it. Today it has been restored and it's the Depeaux restaurant.

Will a roundabout help Improve Emory Village

Click here to see how Roundabouts work for the United States.
this site has several animations, it explains it great.
below is what is on the site.
Look for this below and click on the play button for each

MODERN ROUNDABOUT ANIMATIONS
The users guide offers more details and the following animations will "walk you through" several modern roundabout scenarios. You will experience how easy it is to enter and exit a modern roundabout and what will result with improper use.

choosing the proper lane.
Yield to pedestrians.
What to do when encountering emergency vehicles.
Using the truck apron for large vehicles.
Improper lane change results in crash.
Wrong assumption leads to crash.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The modern roundabout is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Twenty three states -- including Alaska, California, Colorado and Utah -- have active roundabout programs.


Construction of the roundabout will start soon in Emory village.

The roadwork consisted of three phases. First, outdated water lines along North Decatur Road have been replaced by DeKalb County. This project began in mid-January 2009. The second phase, which will also last approximately 60 days, involves burying power lines along North Decatur Road. Georgia Power will manage this project.

Both of these projects must be completed before DeKalb County can begin the final roadwork project, the roundabout. That project is projected to begin this fall. As a precursor to the County’s roundabout work, Emory University has recently completed its new entrance, which will provide additional space needed to develop the roundabout.

The Alliance to Improve Emory Village is committed to providing periodic updates on these projects. For additional information on developments, events and merchants in the Village, visit www.emoryvillage.org. .

Here is a European youtube of how a roundabout works there.
Note:
European right of way rules for roundabouts are the opposite of those in the United States but this "just" gives you the concept of what it would be like.

Pulp Fiction Dance

Just mention Old Timer for Next Stop Decatur at Mingei World or Taste for 15% Discount

Pssst.. the password is… Old timer

It’s hot on Church Street, and it’s gotten to us a little bit. We looked up from our screens and decided it was time for a little blog-inspired fun.

Through the close of business on Sunday, the right password will get you 15% off on your purchase at Mingei World Arts and/or Taste on Church Street. Need to finish your Father’s Day shopping? Have a wedding gift to buy? Come visit one of these two businesses and give us the secret Next Stop Decatur password as you check out. Your password is "old timer". We are contacting other bloggers with other passwords, so show your Next Stop.. Decatur spirit and your favorite blog will help you save a little over the next few days. It will be interesting to see which blog readers come in!




Mingei World Arts
427 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-0101

Railroad Tracks looking east toward the Depot - 1987

This is a fantastic photo from flickr member
xpkranger

Decatur Beach Party Today 5:00 PM to Midnight

Coming in July - Medlock Garden Tour

MEDLOCK GARDEN TOUR JULY 11!
Second Annual Medlock “Funky-Elegant Lush Summer” Garden Tour


As our neighborhood and the whole metro area burst into full and glorious spring, the Medlock Garden Tour Committee has been out walking the neighborhood, checking out all kinds of new gardens for the second annual Medlock Garden Tour. Gardeners are so grateful that rain has finally returned to the Southeast that they are not complaining too much about delayed planting due to storms. In fact, this seems like one of the freshest and greenest springs in many years, and we hope that our summer gardens will be lush and bounteous as well.

For those of you who didn’t attend last year’s First Annual Medlock Funky-Elegant Lush Summer Garden Tour, let it be said that it was a rousing success! We had huge lots, small plots, fish ponds, bird houses, showpiece gardens, old gardens, new gardens, community gardens, vegetable bounty, butterfly habitat, shade gardens, and sunflowers galore.

Approximately 250 adults and many children toured these gems of our neighborhood. Those who had never planted anything learned a lot and took great inspiration; gardeners and non-gardeners alike delighted in the uniqueness of each individual garden; neighborhood kids sold out of cookies and lemonade and gave guided garden tours; produce was given away; live classical music was played; neighbors had a wonderful time meeting each other as they walked, bicycled and drove through the neighborhood; and we raised $811 to benefit environmental education at Medlock School.

So, what’s in store for 2009??? The garden list is having the finishing touches put on it as we go to press; we have found that there are many more wonderful gardens in our community than we could have imagined. The list this year will include mostly new gardens, with a couple of star repeats from last year. We are looking at gardens with multiple raised beds for vegetables; a front yard that is nothing but flowers; a 1.7-acre lot featuring a huge shade garden, creek, swinging bridge and pond; a “power line garden” which includes a stream trail and bluebird habitat; a “rain pond garden” fed by gutter drainpipes going underground; and some major historical neighborhood landmarks on large lots, including one with a very large fish pond.

SO – mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. And please note: we will need lots of volunteers on the day of the tour to "garden-sit.” Contact Margie at Thirdbrown136@sbcglobal.net if you can help on the day of the tour!

MEDLOCK GARDEN TOUR JULY 11!
Second Annual Medlock “Funky-Elegant Lush Summer” Garden Tour
14 Exciting Gardens – Including Historic Gems of Neighborhood!

~ Volunteers and Lemonade Sellers Needed ~

The grounds of the historic Steele-Cobb house on Fox Hills Drive and the McClelen family property on Medlock Road, both historic sites formerly totaling 400 acres, will be on the upcoming Medlock Garden Tour! Each of these properties are two acres each, and other gardens on similarly large lots will be included on the tour. The fourteen gardens represent a great range in style and personality and include mature hardwoods, vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, berry bushes, ponds and fountains, wildlife habitats, creeks and lagoons, rainwater preservation, and more. Both North Decatur Presbyterian Church and Medlock School gardens are on the tour, as is an Atlanta Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary. You can get a good sense of the neighborhood’s geography and see how gardeners have creatively used power line areas. In all, the tour promises to be every bit as exciting as last year’s inaugural event! Volunteers are still needed for two-hour “garden-sitting” shifts (contact Margie at thirdbrown136@sbcglobal.net if you’d like to volunteer), and we hope neighborhood children will set up lemonade and cookie stands (contact Linda at lr1518@att.com if your child is interested). Tickets will go on sale June 12 at Ace Hardware, and will be available at Medlock School on the day of the tour. See you July 11!


Thanks Dennis for mentioning on your blog.

Jean Cohen

Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build Wins Remodeling Award

Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build Wins Remodeling Award


June 12, 2009 - Continuing to set new standards of professionalism, remodeling companies from across the nation were honored at the fifteenth annual Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence on June 5th during the Southern Building Show in Atlanta. The awards program recognizes the nation’s best work in residential remodeling.



Judged by editors and writers of Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Southern Living and Houseplans.com, the winners were selected from over 500 entries. These entries were judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.



Decatur-based Renewal Design-Build took home the award for Best Kitchen Remodel in the $75,000-$100,000 category. Having won many awards in the past, including NARI’s Contractor of the Year awards and Earthcraft Renovator of the Year, this is the first Chrysalis award for the company. “This was the first year they have entered the awards, and to take home top honors on the first attempt is impressive,” says Ken Kanline, Director of the Awards.



The winning kitchen was originally small, outdated and did not suit the homeowner’s lifestyle and taste. Renewal expanded the kitchen to the porch, which provided ample space for an island and built-in dining table. The new kitchen is now modern and much larger but still maintains the home’s cozy cottage style.



Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, porches, decks, small projects and repairs.

For information, call 404.378.6962 or visit www.RenewalDesignBuild.com.

Decatur holds line on taxes, dips into reserves and No. 1 Fire Department to be Renovated

Decatur's No. 1 Fire Department building to be renovated.


``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
By APRIL HUNT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Decatur has agreed to spend more than $1.3 million of its savings this year and next, to keep taxes the same for its citizens.

Despite dipping into its reserve fund, the city will still have $5.9 million in savings - almost a third of its $18.6 million spending plan.

“This is exactly why you save money over time, to get you through the tough times,” said City Manager Peggy Merriss.

The city commission on Monday approved the 2009-2010 budget which holds the millage at 13.035. The spending plan includes money to renovate the main firehouse, redesign the city’s website and upgrade equipment in municipal parks.

AJC full story

"ROY WILLY'S" - WORLD'S BEST BAR-B-Q.

Trivia Question.
The picture here is of ROY WILLY'S Worlds Best Bar-B-Q .
The building was fictional, made up for a movie.
Now here is the Question.
What movie was this from. ?
No cheating.

Father's Day at Wahoo!

Michelle Allen of Wahoo! Grill sends this in.




Treat Dad to Brunch or Dinner
this Father's Day at Wahoo!
Sunday, June 21st



Featuring Delicious Brunch Favorites Like...


Shrimp & Grits
Carved Ham with Mayhaw Jelly and Pineapple Glaze
Smoked Salmon with Capers
Chicken Curry Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Grapes


Brunch from 10 am to 3pm
$16 Buffet / $8 Children (under 12)
$5 Mimosas & Bloody Marys
Live Jazz Duo

Accepting Reservations For Any Size Group
Make Your Reservation Today - (404)373-3331

"Best Patio Dining"
Critics Choice, Creative Loafing
2006 & 2008 Best of Atlanta Issue


Wahoo! Grill
1042 West College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
Ph. 404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Decatur Beach Party this Friday 5:00 till Midnight

This was sent in by Jerry Andrews

Please remember the Decatur Beach Party is Friday, June 19 from 5:00 till midnight. We will be honoring Barry Bailey (see info below) at 7:45 on the square, but we would like for everyone to meet Barry at Eddie's Attic at 6:30.


Barry Bailey Info

“In 1972, a group of talented musicians came together to form the Southern Rock Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section. During the next 35 years the band would earn gold and platinum records, as well as a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”



One of the original members of that band is Decatur’s own Barry Bailey! Barry began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and while attending Decatur High School, joined a small garage band. The rest is history.

Barry will be returning to Decatur on Friday, June 19, for the annual Decatur Beach Party. Mayor Bill Floyd will be presenting Mr. Bailey a key to the City as well as reading a proclamation declaring June 19, 2009 as “Barry Bailey Day”. The presentation will be made at the Main Stage on the MARTA Plaza at 7:45pm, before the band begins to play.



Hope to see you there.

Beach Party Info
June 19, 2009 • 5 p.m. to midnight

Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event.

Dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band.

Activities include children's boardwalk games, face painting, wading pools in the sand and more.



There are many food and drink vendors all around the square.

No coolers, glass or pets allowed. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.


For more information or to buy advance tickets for Beach Party, visit www.decaturdba.com . Tickets are $6.50 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free, limit two with each paying adult.

See you on Decatur Beach!

ART "B" QUE AVONDALE ESTATES JUN 13 09