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| | | Jane Davis stands next to a photo of her grandmother Lillie Vandiver Fouts. Davis has placed a few family photos in some of the homes. (click for larger version) | |
November 21, 2007
Recounting her past, Davis painted a picture of what Johns Creek was like when she was growing up in he 1940s and 50s, that's much different than it is now.
There weren't any million dollar homes or sizable shopping centers and there certainly wasn't traffic clogging up local thoroughfares. Instead, life consisted of living in a three-room home, growing cotton and hand washing clothes.
Davis is able to revisit her past, thanks to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center off of Old Alabama Road.
Three homes at Autrey Mill are former residences of Davis, her grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters during the 1930s and 40s.
The homes were nestled around various Johns Creek locations but were permanently moved to Autrey Mill by Fulton County in an attempt to preserve the area and houses.
"I think it's great they've preserved it," said Davis, a Doraville resident. "My grandchildren can come here and see a little bit of history."
The site is also home to The Green Store, a former country store from the 1920s that was preserved at Autrey Mill two years ago. Autrey Mill is currently sifting through original Green Store artifacts to display them for visitors.
The homes have been renovated mostly by volunteers and Boy Scout troops, giving fresh coats of paint and refurbishing kitchens and outdoor patios. Davis said the infrastructure of the homes has mostly remained the same.
"I don't mind the renovations...in fact, I think it's nice because it'll keep the houses here longer," said Davis.
Autrey Mill continues to renovate the nature preserve, including plans for more extensive restorations in the near future.
The Warsaw Church, moved to Autrey Mill from Medlock Bridge Road in 2004, will receive a face lift adding handicap ramps and porches. An extension of the walkways throughout the nature preserve is also planned.
Renovations were made possible through state grants and funds from Fulton County.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, which will celebrated its 20th anniversary next year, transformed one of Davis' family homes into its main office.
Davis said she and her family still visit Autrey Mill for special occasions, such as the Autrey Mill Heritage Festival and even spent a Mother's Day hiking on the trails. Her family plans to have her grandson's graduation party next spring at Autrey Mill.
For more information about Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, visit www.autreymill.org.
- www.northfulton.com
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