This textbook example of the Neoclassical Revival is one of the highlights of the McRae residential historic district, which is located just south of downtown. Houses of this type were built mostly between the 1890s-1920s, and can be found in nearly any good-sized town in Georgia. Before the collapse of many banks and the arrival of the boll weevil, such grand residences were emblems of wealth and prosperity. Many were built by bankers and planters.
I find it unfortunate that McRae doesn’t have an officially designated historic district, as there are many nice homes of varying architectural styles here. The district is definitely worthy of National Register status. There is a walking tour map, but every time I’ve tried to access it online, my antivirus program marks it as dangerous.
Malcolm Smith identifies it as the Alexander and Sylvia Smith residence and notes that the family owned the home until 2024.
Very neat that this article is getting some online traffic. Now that I subscribed, I am receiving some email updates. The construction of this residence was completed in 1905 and owned by the Smith Family until 2024. Dr. Mann’s home was the home next door.
I have read articles and viewed photos published by Vanishing Georgia from time to time over the years, but I did not know just how much is compiled on this site until recently. Thank you, Mr. Brown for sharing your hard work with us.
Thank you Mr. Smith. I appreciate you confirming this information and the history of this house. It’s one of the finest in McRae in my opinion. I will update as soon as possible.
This was Alex Smith house in the 1940s, 50’s for sure. Alex had an insurance agency in McRae, had two sons, Alex jr. and Shorty. (never knew Shorty’s actual name). Dr. Frank Mann, Jr. later on bought the house.
McRae was once a very thriving town with a large garment factory and a large emplorer that once made vacuum cleaners, later mowers, blowers, chain saws, etc. Thanks to NAFTA, all the plants work went to other countries
This was the home of Alexander and Sylvia Smith. I’ve heard there was damage to a building behind the house, but that the house did relatively well in the storm.
What a beautiful old house. A neo-classical exemplar if ever there was one. I hope it didn’t suffer much damage in the storm!
this was dr frank Mann’s house all of my life. His youngest child was a good friend. It was lively inside also. I understand it suffered significant damage during a recent storm.
Thank you. I will update soon.