This week, we're covering the history of Atlanta’s earliest Chinese citizens. In 1890, the entire state of Georgia had only 1.78% of residents with foreign patronage, so I wondered what brought Chinese men to Atlanta in the 1880s? What work did they do? What were their names? How did the South embrace them? Today, we’re covering all those questions and more. Want to support this podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta I...
May 22, 2020•18 min•Ep. 82
This week, we're talking about school in Atlanta, from the period between 1869 - 1965. When did public school begin? Who was it for? What were it's issues? From day one, public schools dealt with over-crowding, segregation, teaching students with disabilities and even debates about prayer in school. https://apsforgotten.wordpress.com/ Want to support this podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG: www.instagram.com/arc...
May 15, 2020•19 min•Ep. 81
This week, we’re covering Avondale Estates, the mastermind behind it, and how the neighborhood housing stock covers two distinct periods in American history. Before Avondale, there was Ingleside and in 1924, George Willis purchased 950 acres to create this Utopian planned community. Check out my friend's podcast: tombwithaview.weebly.com/ Want to support this podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG: www.instagram.com...
May 08, 2020•20 min•Ep. 80
This week is about a 141-year old, unsolved, double murder of Martin and Susan DeFoor, in what is today one of the fastest changing parts of Atlanta. This is a story of crime, race, the legal system, confessions and, of course, cemeteries. What I thought was a simple, short story, was really a 5 year-long mystery with no happy ending. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatl...
May 01, 2020•14 min•Ep. 79
This week, we’re going to the almshouse, or poorhouse. Why did Atlanta have one, where was it located and what is still around today. The story has government drama, accusations of poor treatment, prison labor, asylums, women's history, AND forgotten unmarked graves. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG: www.instagram.com/archiveatlanta T: www.twitter.com/ArchiveA...
Apr 24, 2020•21 min•Ep. 78
A settlement born at the crossroads of Native American trails, developed for the wealthy white elites of the Gilded Age, later the poster child for racial segregation and home to the leaders of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. The West End is one of the oldest and most history-packed neighborhoods of Atlanta. https://www.historicatlanta.org/swasa/ Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.c...
Apr 17, 2020•17 min•Ep. 77
This week, we’re covering Atlanta’s history with the bicycle; its riders, causes, promoters, races, and venues. In the first 50 years of the city's cycling history, riders establish numerous clubs, started a lantern parade tradition, fought for paved roads and closing streets to vehicle traffic and created the first dedicated bike path...and that's just the tip of the history iceberg. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: thevict...
Apr 10, 2020•25 min•Ep. 76
In this new world of viruses and pandemics, I've found myself drawn to times in Atlanta’s history where things felt dark and overwhelming. I think there is value in looking to the past with hindsight and, at the very least, learning that ‘this too shall pass’. “Black Week” is actually a one-month period during which Atlantans opened the newspaper to one horrible news story after another and had never seen such tragedy in such a short time-frame. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.co...
Apr 03, 2020•13 min•Ep. 75
From the men who chartered the companies and the mules that pulled the cars to bitter feuds, boycotts and labor strikes...there is a lot to share about streetcars in Atlanta. They created several of Atlanta's neighborhoods and structures that are still around today. http://www.dot.ga.gov/BuildSmart/research/Documents/GAStreetcar.pdf Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlan...
Mar 27, 2020•21 min•Ep. 74
As the world is in chaos, my hope is that, at the very least, I hope it can be a way for listeners to escape the news cycle and take a mental break. After 1890, black Atlantans were barred from park or recreation spaces in Atlanta. This week, I am sharing the earliest stories of the African American fight for park space, who led these fights, where some of these places were and how strongly they were fought against by white Atlantans. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveat...
Mar 20, 2020•14 min•Ep. 73
My goal is to get people to think deeper about everyday places. Whether it’s where you live, where you work or where you play...if it’s in Atlanta, and it’s not brand-new, it has a story. From the first white settler, Victorian health resort and later amusement park, this week we're covering all things Ponce City Market. If you've ever patronized restaurants or rides here, you'll be surprised to learn that their names almost all come from Atlanta history. Want to support the podcast? Visit: www....
Mar 13, 2020•16 min•Ep. 72
In 1934, W.A. Scott was a hugely successful entrepreneur, with a publishing empire and a brand-new 4th marriage. As he pulls his car into his garage one late night, he is shot by an unknown assailant. One week later he'd be dead. We may never know who killed W.A. Scott, but this week we're talking about his life, why someone would want him dead and who was charged with the crime. Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: thevictorialemos@gm...
Mar 06, 2020•16 min•Ep. 71
As the world watches the COVID-19, come learn about historical outbreaks in Atlanta and how the city dealt with each. The press loved discussing the spread of disease - sensationalizing, rumors and fear were used just as freely 150 years ago. Diseases like yellow fever, smallpox, cholera, scarlet fever and tuberculosis each had their moment in history and this week, I’m covering Atlanta’s response, reaction and how wealth, race and gender played a role - because it always does. Enjoying the podc...
Feb 28, 2020•19 min•Ep. 70
This week is all about Margaret Mitchell - from her family, childhood, marriages through health struggles and how she wrote arguably the most famous book in the world. What I love most about this episode, is how her life interacts and intersects with almost every iconic place in the city. https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/over-the-edge/ https://www.flipsnack.com/preserveatl/phoenix-flies-2020-a-celebration-of-atlanta-historic-sites.html https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/victoria-lemos-archive...
Feb 21, 2020•20 min•Ep. 69
This week, I'm interviewing local entrepreneur, author and friend, Akila McConnell. We're talking about Atlanta’s early cooking and restaurant history and this episode is packed with incredible stories you've never heard before. From Native American cooking techniques, the first food vendors, the first restaurants to our love of Decatur Street and how immigrants have always shaped Atlanta's food scene. https://unexpectedatlanta.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Culinary-History-Atlanta-American-...
Feb 14, 2020•36 min•Ep. 68
February is Black History Month, Alexander Hamilton is STILL my favorite episode to-date AND my resources and researching skills have improved since starting this podcast - so this week, we're replaying the very first episode of Archive Atlanta, with some refreshed information. Atlanta's Alexander Hamilton is the epitome of the American Dream. Rising from enslavement, to elected office, then owning his own business...his name would continue to live on through his son and future descendants. The ...
Feb 07, 2020•13 min•Ep. 67
One of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, this is the story of the people who settled it, the buildings they built and what stories these streets have to tell. Stories of rail work, streetcars, police brutality, riots, schools, churches and an orphanage...just to name a few. Pittsburgh’s proximity to the Atlanta Beltline has brought new residents and new development, so I wanted to make sure that it’s past - both the good and the bad, can be shared with all. Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon...
Jan 31, 2020•21 min•Ep. 66
Long time listeners are well-aware of my love of cemeteries. This week, we’re going to cover 6 cemeteries that may not have enough history for their own episodes, but are still places everyone should visit. Learn about the final resting places of Revolutionary War soldiers, the Father of Country Music, the creator of Chick-fil-A, the real-life inspiration for Driving Miss Daisy and where Dr. King was first interred before moving to the King Center. Also, the first community mausoleum in the Sout...
Jan 24, 2020•15 min•Ep. 65
Not only was Techwood Homes the first in Atlanta, it was actually the first in the entire nation, and built solely for white families. Built almost simultaneously with University Homes, which were for black Atlantans, BOTH of these projects came at the destruction of already existing settlements of extremely poor African Americans. Today, we’re going to start with Atlantans earliest slums, what they were called, where they were, who lived there and then move into the Great Depression, the New De...
Jan 17, 2020•18 min•Ep. 64
This story ends on March 11, 1879, around 6:40 pm. Lt. Col. Robert Alston lay dead on a sofa inside the home of Dr. Tabor, over on Decatur Street. He had been shot in a duel by his close friend, in retaliation for going against the prevailing beliefs of his time. Today, I am going to tell you about Alston’s life and how is ended in this tragic way. Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/arc...
Jan 10, 2020•11 min•Ep. 63
This week, I'm tackling a much-requested episode on Decatur. Starting with dinosaurs and heading to the early 20th century, listen in to learn about the streets, people, churches, schools and neighborhoods that make this city was it is. https://www.amazon.com/Native-Decatur-earliest-history-formation/dp/0692974377 Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected] FB: www.facebook.com/archiveatlanta IG: www.instagram.com/a...
Jan 03, 2020•18 min•Season 1Ep. 62
For most Americans, we turn the faucet and water comes out or we flush the toilet and don’t think twice about where it goes, but in the earliest of Atlanta’s days, these were all complex issues to solve. Understanding how the water and sewer systems were created and structured is essential to understanding modern Atlanta. Today, we’re covering how early residents got their water, how wealth, race and class played a part and fun stuff like what a night soil man actually did. https://www.amazon.co...
Dec 06, 2019•16 min•Ep. 61
This week, you get to hear more of our interview with Sara Butler as we start off outside the hotel, discussing the architectural features, the restaurant and bank, and then make our way inside to learn about the ornate and beautifully restored interiors. Whether you’re playing this as a guest of the Candler Hotel, or just use it to understand the amazing photos so many have been posting on social media, I hope that this story can share how special this building is to the city of Atlanta. Sara B...
Nov 22, 2019•14 min•Ep. 60
This week, we’re doing things a little differently. You’re here because you love hearing about Atlanta’s past...but do ever think about its future? What do you think the metro area will look like in 2050 and what do we want to do now, to make it the place we want then? Listen to the new season of What's Next ATL to find out. I'll be back next Friday with our regular scheduled history programming! https://whatsnextatl.org/podcast/ Enjoying Archive Atlanta? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta ww...
Nov 15, 2019•26 min•Ep. 59
When the Candler Building opened at the turn of the 20th century, it was the tallest building in the city and contained the longest, unbroken, all-brass stairwell in America, running all the way up to the 17th floor. In the last few weeks, the building has reopened as The Candler Hotel, and it was an incredible to record this interview to learn about the Candler family, the building and the drama and scandal that happened inside. A HUGE thank you to Bill Nowicki from https://www.mariettastories....
Nov 08, 2019•34 min•Ep. 58
The Old Fourth Ward is arguably the trendiest Atlanta neighborhood right now, but do you know how it's got its name? This week we’re covering the city's first five wards, the expansion of the ward system and honestly, what a ward even was. In order to understand Atlanta, it's important to see how the city was divided in its earliest days and what criteria was used to do so. https://biketoursatl.com/atlanta-street-art-bike-tour/ Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.arch...
Nov 01, 2019•16 min•Ep. 57
So many Atlantans do not know the story of The Herndons - who they were, the careers and companies associated with them and most importantly, the lasting legacy on this city. This history isn’t just about a family - it’s about gender, race, slavery, entrepreneurship, modern women, sexuality and even the Civill Rights movement. They are my favorite historical family and I can’t wait to share this with you. http://www.herndonhome.org/ Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www...
Oct 25, 2019•19 min•Ep. 56
This week, we’re talking about a period in Atlanta and Georgia’s history called Reconstruction. To put it simply, the period after the Civil War, our then-divided country has to figure out how to make themselves whole again. We're covering Presidential Reconstruction, Congressional Reconstruction, the role of Atlanta in this time and the story of the 33 expelled legislators. Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: [email protected]...
Oct 18, 2019•16 min•Ep. 55
This week, we’re covering a darker period in Atlanta’s history - the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan reigned terror throughout the United States, first in the period immediately after the Civil War and then again in the first decade of the new century. You will be blown away at how many homes, buildings, places and names in this city have ties to the organization. https://biketoursatl.com/atlanta-street-art-bike-tour/ Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archivea...
Oct 11, 2019•17 min•Ep. 54
Did you know The Temple is the oldest synagogue? Starting off in rented halls with a borrowed Torah, it was during the first Jewish wedding in 1876, that the Rabbi calls for a formal congregation. They would see two world wars, the lynching of Leo Frank, the resurgence of the KKK, the Civil Rights movement and the infamous bombing that took out a 16-foot hole in their place of worship. Enjoying the podcast? Visit: www.patreon.com/archiveatlanta www.archiveatlantapodcast.com/ Email: thevictoriale...
Oct 04, 2019•16 min•Ep. 53
