Snow Sledding in Decatur GA.

This family who lives on W. Hill St. was having a good time

Decatur Snow...Will Decatur See it Again ?

Relics & Rarities and Ice Cream Planning March 15th Opening

Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities tells Next Stop...Decatur he is planning to open Sunday March 15th
I took a tour through it and it is looking good.
Ice cream shop looks great, looks like an old diner.
Full story on this place coming soon with more pictures.
Decatur kids & adults will love this place.
-----------------
It's an old garage converted to a wonderful Ice Cream Parlor, that desires to be a museum.... Simply put, it's Relics and Rarities. A unique place full of the weird and wonderful, from delicious ice cream to history to classic cars, and so much more.



Relics & Rarities
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, Ga

Across from Decatur High School

Winning ....Paul Newman - Great Music soundtrack

This is one of my favorite movies, Winning with Paul Newman & Robert Wagner.
I loved the music soundtrack so much I bought it when the movie first came out and still have it today and listen to it all the time. Great music.

see photos from the movie

Comment from farid:
It is a good post show me more about Paul Newman. Please visit my blog at music6six.blogspot.com

February 28, 2009 12:26 AM

Remembering My Three Sons

MY THREE SONS

U.S. Domestic Comedy

Created by Don Fedderson and Leave it to Beaver alumnus George Tibbles, My Three Sons was one of television's longest running and most influential domestic comedies. The program was conceived originally as a television vehicle for Fred MacMurray, (who owned 50% of the program), when Fedderson was approached by Chevrolet to develop a program that was "representative of America." During its twelve year run, the program averaged a respectable, but not spectacular 22.2 rating and a 35% share, and underwent enormous narrative and character changes. It is most significant for its development of a star-friendly shooting schedule and for its redefinition of the composition of the television family.

Before he agreed to his contract, Fred MacMurray queried veteran television performer, Robert Young, about Young's workload. Upon Young's complaint about television's time-consuming schedule, MacMurray insisted on a unique shooting plan that was to be copied by other top actors and christened "the MacMurray Method." This so-called "writer's nightmare" stipulated that all of MacMurray's scenes were to be shot in 65 non-consecutive days. All other actors had to complete their fill-in shots while MacMurray was on vacation. Practically speaking, this meant the series had to stockpile at least half a season's scripts before the season ever began so that MacMurray's role could be shot during his limited work days. The repercussions of this schedule were enormous. Guest-stars often had to return nine months later to finish filming an episode; MacMurray's co-stars had their hair cut weekly so as to avoid any continuity discrepancies (MacMurray wore a toupee); and any unforeseen event (a sudden growth spurt, a guest-star's death) could cause catastrophe. Often times, the producers were forced to film MacMurray in scriptless episodes, and then construct a script around his very generalized monologues. Frequently, to avoid complication, the writers simply placed his character "out of town," so that there are an inordinate number of episodes in which Steve Douglas communicates to his family only by telephone. Despite the hardship on writers, directors and co-stars, the MacMurray method was adapted by a number of film stars (Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda) as a conditional requirement for their work in a television series.

Read full story at MBC

An Afternoon Drive Down Ponce

Vintage Bottle Caps...When they were Cool.

Remember when Bottle Caps were cool looking.
Today they are a plastic piece of crap.
Photo from Blog.epromos.com

5th Earl Gives Thanks to Communty

5th Earl gives thanks for all the donations that they received for the employee fund
as you know they had heavy damage from the fire at Trackside.
read all about it over at Decatur Metro

2009 Decatur Arts Festival ... FAQ

2009 Decatur Arts Festival

Frequently Asked Questions for Artists



Can you tell me some general facts about the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How can I apply for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

What are the steps for applying to the festival?

How do I make digital images of my work, and how do I prepare my images for uploading to ZAPP?

When is the deadline for applications?

When will I know if I have been selected for the Decatur Arts Festival?

Why was I not selected for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

Is there a wait list for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How much is the booth fee for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

I am a gallery artist. How can I participate in the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How can I learn more about the jury for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

http://www.decaturartsalliance.org/FAQ.html

Entrance to Agnes Scott College from train tunnel to Decatur

Walkway to downtown Decatur for students or a kid like me taking a short cut to Decatur. I lived one block from Agnes Scott in fact it was almost my backyard.

This is for you Mary who requested more photos of Agnes Scott back in the day. I will try and post more photos soon.

Java Jive on Ponce

Java Jive Co.
790 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA.
404-876-6161

read review

Spring Items at Whit's End

Dear Whit’s End Shoppers,



Spring items begin arriving Friday, February 27, and will continue on through the end of March. For a limited time, you can get 10% off any new Spring item when you purchase any item on Winter Clearance which is already deeply discounted.



We have some terrific new products to offer Decatur. We are adding a line of summer footwear from Rafters, made from recycled materials. Please call or email if you have any questions about when something is coming in.


See you in soon.

Jeff and Greg

Whit's End, LLC
431 W. Ponce DeLeon Ave, #2
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-3310
(404) 377-8335 Fax
whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net
www.whitsenddecatur.com

Improvements to the Pay by Phone Parking in Decatur

I received this email from Park Now (this is the pay by phone parking in Decatur.)

Dear cell phone parking user:

Thank you for trying cell phone parking in Decatur. We are continuing to improve the functionality of the system and are pleased to announce that beginning this week you will be able to select the amount of time you wish to park. Just follow the new system prompts. You will be asked to push "1" for two hours , "2" for 1 1/2 hours, "3" for one hour, and "4" for one-half hour or you may select the actual number of minutes you wish to park (minimum 15), each followed by the # key. An additional new feature allows you to call the number again and add time to your current parking session remotely, up to the two hour limit.
If you have not yet added funds to your account we encourage you to do so. Please log onto your account at www.goparknow.com If you forgot your username or passcode please call the cell parking telephone number 678-791-4116 press 0# and you will receive a text message containing the information. Your passcode is case sensitive. Alternatively you may call our help desk at 1-866-951-7275 and a customer service representative will assist you.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@goparknow.com

Thank you,

ParkNOW!

My photo of the old Columbia Theatre used in Atlanta Time Machine

This picture I took of The Columbia Theatre is being used in a new Atlanta Time Machine
Greg Germani of Atlanta Time Machine sent me the link here.

Greg does a great job on all of his Atlanta Time Machine photos.
Thanks Greg for using one of my photos. Good job.

The Majestic Diner

Check out this myspace blog someone started.

Edward L. of Atlanta says:
I love the Majestic for it's Americana and for its Poncey-Highlandness - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I love the Majestic for the new polished metal and red restroom doors and fancy track jackets - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I love the Majestic for the 24/7 ness and cleanliness and bright whiteness - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I don't know what else to say... I love the Majestic - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 875-0276

The Old Decatur Theatre Website Updated

The Decatur Theatre in the art world.
To see the new updates click here.

If anyone has a photo of the old Decatur Theatre I would love to add it to the site.

Welcome to Decatur's Own Rose Squared

Considered the 'best little frame shop in town,' last summer JD Isaacs expanded to a new downtown Decatur location on the Old Courthouse Square. The most exciting news though, is that it has given him the space for a gallery to feature prominent and upcoming artists and a classroom to teach painting in watercolor and drawing. It also allows him the opportunity to show his own paintings and drawings. I hope everyone goes by to say hello and look around.

Congrats on the three large commissioned paintings for Parkers on Ponce, one of which will be hung tomorrow morning.
JD Isaacs has a new website , check it out.

Great job JD on the new website

Looking back at East Court Sq. circa 1967

What's That ?

That's the money you could be saving with Geico..

------------------------------------------
ryan w fitzgerald said:
ha. that rocks.

thanks for an awesome blog!

February 20, 2009 4:28 PM

Shopping in Decatur

Boogaloos
246 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia
404-373-3237
boogaloosboutique.com

DressCodes
201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, #117
Decatur, Georgia
404-343-2894
dresscodesatl.com

Evolve
1581 North Decatur Road
Atlanta, Georgia
404-474-3244

Kaleidoscope Boutique Featuring 4Bags
252 East Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia
404-378-1214
kscopeboutique.com.

Squash Blossom Boutique
113 East Court Square
Decatur, Georgia
404-373-1864
squashblossomboutique.com

from atlantamagazine

Now Playing at the Plaza

Pink flamingos to help fight crime

mountdesertislander.com photo mark good
Pink flamingos an anti-crime symbol in East Atlanta

By BEN SMITH

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

There’s campaign afoot in East Atlanta to turn the pink flamingo from an icon of tackiness into a crime-fighting symbol

“You always hear about neighborhood associations coming down on ugly pink flamingos,” said Jason Hatcher. “We thought it would be a clever form of civil disobedience to show that our concerns are being ignored.”
Hatcher, an art director for a local weekly newspaper, and Johnny Castellic (a.k.a. “Johnny Hollywood”) have launched a campaign to raise public awareness of what they insist is a growing crime problem in their area.

They say that problem is being ignored by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington.

“People are practically yelling from the rooftops,” Hatcher said. “And every time we yell they parade out this revolving dog and pony to say that overall crime is down in the city of Atlanta.”

Pennington has said police data shows that while property crimes in some of Atlanta’s gentrified communities have increased, incidents of violent crime are down.

“The community groups work closely together,” said Pennington during a recent interview. “When they hear about one crime, they e-mail their neighbors and then you get a barrage of e-mails. I think they just respond to what they hear. And a lot of times, perception to them is reality.”

The pink plastic birds have shown up in front of restaurants along Flat Shoals Road and Glenwood Avenue and on the front lawns of nearby homes.

AJC full story

more photos

25 Years of Downtown Development in 2007

In 2007 Decatur marked it's 25 Years of Downtown Development
Here is a slide show of photos then.
Some have even changed since then.
click here to see the changes before and after.
Decaturga.com

Update on Decatur High School Construction

DAVID ELLINGTON at Twains Tonight

Wed, February 18, 8:00pm – 10:30pm
DAVID ELLINGTON - After studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1980 - 1982, David Ellington moved to New Orleans in 1983 and quickly became a player in its extraordinary music scene. In 1988 he began a three-year stint as pianist/organist for legendary New Orleans guitarist, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, traveling the world and recording for Rounder Records. This led to another three years of study at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Ed Petersen, and Harold Battiste, where his composition, “Armando” won the prestigious composer’s award in UNO’s “Svenson Composition Competition” in 1996. David’s work as a versatile sideman, versed in Funk, Jazz, R&B, and Latin styles, led to the formation of his own group “Chevere” and the release of “Baila Mi Ritmo,” a CD of Ellington originals. Chevere made its New Orleans Jazz and Heritage debut in 2000 and has been a standout at the Festival ever since, returning each year to excellent revues. Hurricane Katrina forced Ellington to abandon a busy musical career in New Orleans as bandleader, valued sideman, and church music director. David landed in Atlanta, near his parents and quickly became a first-call pianist/organist, in demand for many of Atlanta’s best groups and performers. He continues to develop his solid reputation in Atlanta, and has gained “roster” status with “Young Audiences of Atlanta - Woodfuff Arts Center.” David is leader of 'The David Ellington Organ Trio' as well as 'Trio Fino' here in Atlanta and sideman with several acts including singers Tommy Dean and Karin Williams and Atlanta's mainstay 8-piece band, 'The League of Decency'.

Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest begins

Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest begins
Winning entry becomes a keepsake for 55,000 runners

AJC Staff Report



Here’s your chance to create the Peachtree Road Race’s gold medal —well kind of. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest has begun.
Representatives of the Atlanta Track Club, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and local artists will judge t-shirt designs. Five finalists’ designs will be selected and published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The public will select the winning design.

The person who submits the winning design will receive $1,000 and have the design reproduced on the 2009 Peachtree Road Race T-shirt, distributed to runners at the race’s finish line. The four finalists who are not selected will each receive $100.
All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2009

ajc full story

more t-shirt photos

Atlanta Wine School Courses

click on photo for info.
Wed, February 18th, Sexy & Seductive Pinot Noir
Presenter: Michael Bryan
NOTE: 2 seats opened up.

Tuesday, February 24th, Winter in Italy
Presenter: Kelly Wheeler

Wednesday, February 25th, Wines & Cheeses
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Tuesday, March 3rd, Taste Like a Pro
Presenter: Kelly Wheeler

Wednesday, March 4th, For Beginners ONLY
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Monday, Mar 9 - April 27, Introduction to Wine, Level I
Presenters: TBD

Wednesday, March 11th, Boutique Napa
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Wednesday, March 25th, Wines & Cheeses
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Aaron Rents reports $21 million fourth-quarter profit

Aaron Rents reports $21 million fourth-quarter profit

By KELLY YAMANOUCHI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Atlanta-based Aaron Rents Inc., a rent-to-own furniture chain, reported a $21.1 million profit for the fourth quarter, or 39 cents per diluted share, up from $15.5 million, or 28 cents per share, a year earlier.

It had $404.9 million in revenues, up 11 percent from the year-ago quarter. For the full year, Aaron Rents had $90.2 million in profit, or $1.66 per share, up from $80.3 million, or $1.46, in 2007.

Aaron Rents chief executive Robert Loudermilk said the company expects its business to continue to be strong, as “more people see the availability of their credit diminish or disappear.”

The company updated its guidance, saying it now expects to earn $1.72 to $1.87 per diluted share in 2009, up two cents from its previous guidance. It also expects first quarter earnings of 49 cents to 54 cents per diluted share, excluding store or asset sales.

Navo Church

Navo is a new church that meets in the Oakhurst community of Decatur. Picture the best music venue mixed with unabashed honesty. We’re about doing stuff instead of just talking about it. That’s why we’re called Navo - Hebrew for “we will go”.

Back in the 1960's this was a Colonial Store which I went in often.

Navo Church
630 East Lake Drive
Suite C
Decatur, GA. 30030
678-764-2492

Facebook’s terms-of-service change has users abuzz

More and more problems with Facebook lead to danger.
Read this AJC story.
--------------------------------------------------------

Facebook’s terms-of-service change has users abuzz

By Wailin Wong

Chicago Tribune

Monday, February 16, 2009

Facebook knows your age, alma mater and favorite band. It’s seen your spring break photos and read the messages you sent to your friend. So, can it do anything it wants with that content?

Legally, almost. But in practice, the rules that govern Facebook’s relationship with its users are abstract and subject to constant negotiation.

The blogosphere was abuzz Monday after a popular consumer affairs blog pointed out changes to Facebook’s terms of use that the social networking Web site quietly made earlier this month. The issue of who controls the data posted to the site is a massive gray area that continues to evolve as Internet companies and consumers shape social norms of how to define trust in the digital age and share their lives through new technology.

Under both the old and new rules, members grant Facebook a license to use content “on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.” But the revised agreement eliminates language saying this license would “automatically expire” if content were removed from the site.

“They’re saying, ‘Once data gets in our database, we can do whatever we want with it,’” said Eric Goldman, associate professor and director of the High Tech Law Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law.

Suzie White, Facebook’s corporate counsel for commercial transactions, announced on the company’s official blog on Feb. 4 that the site was updating its terms of use. But Facebook didn’t send out a mass notification asking users to sign off on the changes. And White’s brief post, which didn’t call attention to the content license, went unnoticed.

Then, on Sunday, the Consumerist blog, which is owned by the publisher of Consumer Reports, warned readers of the changes by describing the revised policy as, “We Can Do Anything We Want With Your Content. Forever.”
Full story
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Facebook is like living in a glass house.

More and more people are now learning the danger of Facebook.

Decatur Self Storage

Decatur Self Storage
2915 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA.
404-378-3232
web site: http://www.selfstoragedecatur.com/

Check out Angela Bond Art. here.

Liberty Belle B-17 was at Peachtree Dekalb Airport this week-end

More than 12,000 B-17s were produced from 1935 to 1945; of those, 14 are still flying. The planes also flew in Korea and Vietnam, but are most famous for the bombing runs by the 8th Air Force from England deep into Germany in 1944-‘45.

My Dad was a navigator on a B-17 in World War II
This is his Flight Crew photo.
He is standing far left.

Relics & Rarities and Ice Cream Coming in March

The photo above is just my vision of what the outside "might" look like, remember it's only my vision.



Looking inside were a dozen or so old and/or classic cars.
A vintage Atlanta Police Car, Plymouth-Prowler,and what looks like a (Delorean -Back to the Future) are just a few of what I saw.
I am wondering what brand ice cream it will be ? Could it be Jakes Ice Cream. I don't know for sure but I think that's a good guess.
I guess we will have to wait and see.

Paul Anka - Smells like teen spirit

Leon’s Full Service...... Decatur GA

131 E. Ponce De Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-687-0500


Please give your comment about your visit to Leon's Full Service

Valentine's Day at Eddie's Attic

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14th - VALENTINE'S DAY!
JOHN GORKA / PETER BRADLEY ADAMS
Show time: 8:00 pm / Doors open: 6:30 pm
Individual tickets: $20 / Tables of 4: $100

For 2 decades JOHN GORKA has been at the forefront of the new-folk movement - perhaps the most respected/admirer performing songwriter by his peers. Simply amazing songs, hummable melodies with serious themes, delivered with a warm/mellow baritone and an engaging/intimate performing style. He's touring in support of his latest CD entitled "Writing In The Margins", which features harmony vocals by Nanci Griffith.




PETER BRADLEY ADAMS, formerly of the duo eastmountainsouth, has the kind of songs that you can listen to over and over. He is a classically trained pianist and has a hushed, mellow voice. His music has been featured in over 30 films and TV shows. His debut solo CD, "Gather Up," received critical acclaim, and he is here tonight performing songs from his second solo release, "leavetaking."

Happy Valentine's Day....from Hallmark

Steak ‘n Shakes promotion in Atlanta offers 1934 price

15-cent Steakburger on sale for 3 hours Friday
Steak ‘n Shakes promotion in Atlanta offers 1934 price

By JOE GUY COLLIER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Atlanta-area Steak ‘n Shakes are rolling back the clock on prices to celebrate the chain’s 75th anniversary and give customers a break in a tough economy.

On Friday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Atlanta-area outlets will sell the single Steakburger for 15 cents, the cost in 1934. After the initial offer, the single Steakburgers will be 75 cents all day, every day through March 29.

Also on Friday, the first 75 guests at each of the 20 Atlanta-area locations also will get a VIP card providing them a free combo meal each month for a year.

While a nice gesture by Steak ‘n Shake, the offer likely won’t impress diehard Chick-fil-A fans. For every new store it opens, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A provides the first 100 guests enough coupons to get a free meal each week for a year.

photo courtesy of steak n shake

Thanks from Russ at Wordsmiths

My final blog for the Wordsmiths Books blog is up, and is here:



http://blog.wordsmithsbooks.com/?p=400



I’d like to extend a gigantic, all-encompassing gratitude to everyone-readers, friends, publicists, publishes, authors, journalists-for making my years here exciting, challenging, and enjoyable.



My last day at Wordsmiths will be Friday, Feb 21th. As of that date, I will neither check nor respond from this email address. For all personal or professional communications and/or opportunities, please contact me at RussCommunications@gmail.com.



Take care.



-Russ Marshalek



*PLEASE NOTE*

Effective Feb 22, 2009, I will no longer be with Wordsmiths Books. To reach me for publicity/marketing/event opportunties, email RussCommunications@gmail.com For inquiries regarding Wordsmiths, please contact owner/operator Zach Steele at zach@wordsmithsbooks.com.

-----------

Russ Marshalek

Marketing/Publicity Director
Wordsmiths Books
545 N McDonough
Decatur, GA 30030
(404)378-7166
russ@wordsmithsbooks.com



Currently reading: Yesterday's Weather, by Anne Enright

Love is in the air February 14th at Wahoo! Grill

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air February 14th at Wahoo! Grill





Make your reservation now!
404-373-3331


Valentine's Day Features & Wine Pairings
In addition to our full dinner menu


Appetizer
Fried Cold Water Rock Shrimp drizzled with
Hoisin and Mayhaw-Pineapple Sauce.....$8
Kris Pinot Grigio

Entrées
Heart-shaped Ravioli stuffed with Lobster and
Smoked White Cheddar sautéed in brown butter,
topped with Lobster and Parmesan.....$19
Appetizer Portion.....$10
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay

Eight ounce Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Butter,
Lobster Risotto, Grilled Asparagus.....$28
Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackened Grouper with Shrimp Buerre Blanc,
Mashed Potatoes, Today's Fresh Vegetable.....$24
George DuBoeuf Pouilly Fuisse

Dessert
Fresh Berries in a Lemon Cream .....$6
Campbells Tokay Dessert Wine

(No split plates this evening please)

*********

Now Selling Wahoo's delicious coffee
by the pound!




Since we opened our doors, Wahoo Grill has been serving locally-roasted Lakehouse Coffee right to your table. We've now decided to take our coffee one step closer to your kitchen table. Wahoo Grill and Lakehouse Coffee have teamed up to create a package that you can now purchase and bring home as you leave our restaurant. Lakehouse Coffee has been roasting Mountain Blend (our blend of choice) for the last 15 years. Mountain Blend consists of the perfect combination of Indonesian coffee with the finest Central American beans, and then, we top these off with a touch of French Roast. You will enjoy a comfortably rich taste that allows you to pick up on the full-bodied, sweetness; along with a snappy, tingling sensation on the back end of this coffee. Enjoy - $10 per lb.




1042 West College Avenue * Decatur, GA * 30030
404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

2009 TOUR deCATUR

2009 TOUR deCATUR
5K Road Race,1 Mile Fun Run & Tot Trot


March 21, 2009
Renfroe Middle School

TIME: 8:45 am

ENTRY FEE:
(if submitted by March 13)
Adults: $18
Children under 18: $12
CSD Employees: $15

Race day entry fee is $25 for all participants


Register On-Line at www.tourdecatur.com
All proceeds benefit the
Decatur Education Foundation
PO Box 3159
Decatur, Georgia 30031
404-377-0641
www.decatureducationfoundation.org








Decatur Education Foundation | 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 770 | Decatur | GA | 30030

Hobbyist looking for home for empire

This is a model of the old downtown Rich's building, built by train enthusiast Frank Lowrie, 71. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Hobbyist looking for home for empire

By JAMIE GUMBRECHT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, February 09, 2009

Frank Lowrie’s Atlanta is about 1,700 square feet, full of trees and buildings forgotten by the real Atlanta, the one he lives in. Lowrie hand-built his city, with long-gone landmarks from history and his childhood, with trains still running everywhere.

The miniature city and trains operated for years at Underground Atlanta. These days, it’s packed up in boxes that fill Lowrie’s basement and two-car garage in southwest Atlanta. Lowrie doesn’t want it to stay that way.

His “Good Old Days Atlanta” exhibit was a class field trip favorite and nostalgia-generating machine at Underground in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and again from 1999 to 2003. Lowrie began making models as a hobby in 1974, and was known to wear his conductor hat and overalls at Underground to explain the cardboard and plaster structures.

He’s 71 now, still living with his wife in the same home where he began piecing models together as an adult. He doesn’t add much to his Atlanta anymore, except for a few key pieces he’d like to perfect — the Fox Theatre, for one. His goal now is to find a place for the city to live, something even bigger than his old space at Underground.

“I’d like to set it up somewhere where it’s permanent,” Lowrie said. “It takes about 90 days to put this up. It’s not something I can just throw up or tear down in a day or two.”

Kelli Copeland, director of specialty retail for Underground Atlanta, said they’d love to have Lowrie’s Atlanta back on display, but they don’t have a large, long-term, wheelchair-accessible space they can promise. (Underground Atlanta operators recently proposed building a $450 million casino and entertainment destination at the site; no timeline for the project has been announced.)

“He knows that we’re interested. It’s a great concept for us to have here, being so close to the zero-mile marker,” Copeland said, referring to the spot where the Western and Atlantic Railroad ended. The area became the settlement Terminus, the town of Marthasville and then the city of Atlanta.

Underground still gets phone calls asking about the old exhibitions, Copeland said. She, too, remembers the last time Lowrie’s city went on display.

“I was amazed by his craftsmanship, his attention to detail. He made the old Rich’s building look like the old Rich’s building,” she said. “It was so inspiring to see him put it all together, like a city within a city.”

After 30-some years of rebuilding Atlanta, Lowrie admits it’s nice to have some time off. He’s gotten into Japanese gardening, adding waterfalls, bridges and trees to his back yard. But if ever he found a space large enough space to hold the mini-city permanently, he said he’d go back to modeling.

As he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a 1989 story: “I’ve never met a model railroader who was finished.”




Holding a scale model of a Stuckey's gas station, model train enthusiast Frank Lowrie, 71, says "I went to every building that was still standing, smelled them, and tasted them, before I built a model." Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

more photos