The highlight of this section of East Clayton Street is the circa 1885 Haygood Building. The red brick three-story Victorian storefront retains much of its original character.
Downtown Athens Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Named one of the 25 best record stores in America by Rolling Stone in 2010, Wuxtry Records is an unusual landmark, but for some it’s the downtown Athens landmark. REM’s Peter Buck even worked here for a time. (For those of you who thought record stores had gone the way of fanny packs and leg warmers, you’d be surprised at just how serious vinyl collectors can be). Though I can’t recall specifically, I believe I first entered these doors in the spring of 1989. I didn’t buy a record because I was all about cassettes in those days, but I bought a poster and perhaps a t-shirt. The vibe of the place has always been eclectic, with hardcore musicians and collectors mingling with curious onlookers.
Downtown Athens Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Thought to have been cast by the Athens Foundry and replicating the Great Seal of Georgia, the Arch is supported by three columns (pillars) which represent the state’s motto, “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation”. Serving a functional rather than monumental or commemorative purpose, it originally included two doors which connected the columns. The University website notes that until the early 20th century, it was known as “the gate”. The gate and adjacent iron fence, also installed circa 1857, was the boundary of the historic Old North Campus of the University of Georgia. Today, besides serving as the logo of the University, the Arch is a beloved icon of both Athens and Georgia.
Old North Campus- University of Georgia, National Register of Historic Places
These days, it’s’ hard to find any Athens landmark in its original location.
Even the Varsity, in its second incarnation since the 1960s at the corner of Milledge and Broad, is about to pack up and move. And while purists and locals bemoan the proliferation of chains, especially downtown, the Mayflower is a standout. It’s the oldest restaurant in Athens in its original location. As its menus proudly proclaim, it’s been “Putting the South in Your Mouth” “Across from the Arch” since 1948.
If you’re looking for healthy or trendy, forget about it, but if you crave a good old fashioned diner breakfast or lunch, stop by the Mayflower. The staff are friendly, even if you’re not a regular, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Built by John E. Phinizy with iron railings from the Athens Foundry, this house was sold in 1894 to John A. Hunnicutt, a founder of the Athens Electric Railroad Company.
Cobbham Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Laura Cobb Rutherford was perhaps the first advocate for the education of women in Athens and through her efforts and the financial backing of her brother, T. R. R. Cobb, the Lucy Cobb Institute (named for Cobb’s daughter who had died at the age of 13 from scarlet fever) was constructed in 1858 and held its first classes in 1859. W. W. Thomas was the architect.
National Register of Historic Places
W. W. Thomas began construction of this Athens icon in 1882, after Miss Nellie Stovall wrote a letter to New York philanthropist George I. Seney asking for a chapel for the adjacent Lucy Cobb Institute.
It was dedicated in 1885 and is considered the only authentic Elizabethan theatre in the Southeast. It served as a lecture hall, theatre and auditorium for the Institute.
National Register of Historic Places
Founded in Atlanta by the Gordy family in 1928, the first Athens Varsity opened in 1932, across from the arch. It remained open until at least the late 1970s. This location opened in 1963. Recent rumors suggest the property is to be replaced by a grocery store, but I cannot confirm.
It was confirmed on 13 May 2021 that the Varsity will be demolished for a new development on the property.
Update: Per a social media post by Historic Athens, The Varsity was demolished in November 2024.
A portion of this house is said to date to the 1700s, though the present form dates to its 1849 purchase by Young L. G. Harris (namesake of Young Harris College). It was remodeled circa 1900.
Milledge Avenue Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This has been home to the Alpha Delta Pi sorority since 1939. It was built by Dr. James E. Hamilton before the Civil War but the ornamental ironwork, ordered from England and delayed by Union rail blockades, was not installed until after the war ended.
Milledge Avenue Historic District, National Register of Historic Places