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What is that double-pen saddlebag building in Decatur?

In 2001 the Decatur (Georgia) Preservation Alliance moved this "two-room circa 1870s servant's quarters tenement structure." I think this means two mirror image rooms / apartments on either side of a central chimney.


It's at the corner of Church and Bell, at the entrance to Decatur Cemetery.

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It's a bit out of place a few blocks north the the Dekalb County Courthouse.

Fras22_22-2-thanks-Decatur-Preservation-Alliance
This particular shape is irresistible to me: gable end front and center, narrow and deep with a modest side porch. It risked wasting away a few blocks from the present site. I can't figure out exactly where it was.

It's a familiar sight all over the south. It looks as if it's companion buildings have wasted away. We've mostly moved on from places like this.

I enjoy more new constriction in this style. Georgia architects Historical Concepts does vernacular very well as seen here.
It was time to stop and look.

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These are fine paneled doors with nice trim, original?

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The windows are trimmed out the same way. I doubt the sashes are 100 years old.

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Eave, soffit, return, and facia are pretty fancy.

 P1130960-2012-11-19-Decatur-Vernacular-Church-Bell-circa-1870-Fraser-House-detail-gable-return-corner-board-fascia-detail
Contrasting frieze boards and coner-boards with a tiny cornice are a good look. It looks fine with dark trim but I'd prefer all white or less contrast.

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The detailing and dark paint make it quite a bit fancier and heavier looking that the Browning Courthouse, in Tucker above.

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When you get close it looks massive.

What's inside a double-pen saddlebag?

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Looks like they took the chimney down before they moved the house.

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...in 1893, the old church was donated to(sic) house the Donald Fraser School for Boys."

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P1130966-2012-11-19-Decatur-Vernacular-Church-Bell-circa-1870-Fraser-House-interior-west-room
If you've got a few minutes, why not stop and have a look for yourself.

Leslie at the Dekalb History Center thinks they will move it a to nearby community garden. I hope they'll put it back in service. Thanks to Leslie for helping out on this post.

It nice when you can save one.


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