Category Archives: Harlem GA

Eclectic Victorian House, Harlem

This is one of Harlem’s grandest old homes. I hope to locate some history.

Oliver Hardy Water Tower, Harlem

It’s hard to miss Oliver Hardy when you’re in Harlem. He even graces the water tower.

Laurel & Hardy Museum, Harlem

This is the only museum in the United States dedicated to Laurel & Hardy. Harlem also hosts the Oliver Hardy Festival each October.

Columbia Theatre, 1949, Harlem

The Columbia was open for just 14 years, closing in 1963. Since 2005, efforts to restore the theatre have had slow starts. The marquee was restored nearly ten years ago and apparently, the interior is in poor condition. Advocates for restoration have been frustrated by the general lack of interest in the process, but I’m hopeful this will be completed in the near future.

Laurel & Hardy Mural, 1996, Harlem

This mural, one of several tributes around Harlem, was created by Andrew Sabori. It’s located on the side of the Columbia Theatre. Though there is some debate as to whether he was born in Harlem or Covington, Harlem claims Oliver Hardy as its favorite son. He later lived in Milledgeville in Macon, as well. It was in Milledgeville, working as projectionist in a silent movie house, that he set out to become an actor. Hardy was one of the first comedy superstars, as the American half of Laurel and Hardy.