Johnston–Felton–Hay House Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Johnston-Hay House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark

The Johnston–Felton–Hay House in Macon was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Location in Georgia (U.S. state) Show map of Georgia (U.S. state) Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	934 Georgia Ave., Macon, Georgia
Built	1855
Architect	T. Thomas and Son
Architectural style	Italian Renaissance Revival
NRHP reference No.	71000259
Added to NRHP	May 27, 1971
Designated NHL	November 7, 1973

The Johnston–Felton–Hay House, often called Hay House, is a famous old home in Macon, Georgia. It was built between 1855 and 1859. William Butler Johnston and his wife Anne Tracy Johnston had it built. The house is in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. People have even called it the "Palace of the South."

This huge house sits on Coleman Hill in downtown Macon. It is close to Mercer University's law school. In 1973, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important building for its unique design.

The house is about 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m²) big. It has 24 rooms! A New York architect, T. Thomas and Son, designed it. Skilled workers from Italy helped build it. They were led by a local builder named James B. Ayers. The house has four levels and a three-story tower called a cupola on top.

The owners wanted a very modern home. So, it had amazing technology for the 1800s. It had hot and cold running water and central heating. There was a speaker system connecting 15 rooms. It even had a French lift, like an early elevator. The house also had its own kitchen and a clever air system.

A Home Through Time
Hay House Today
- Keeping Hay House Beautiful
- Ongoing Restoration Work
Gallery
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A Home Through Time

Two main families lived in Hay House. The first family lived there for over four generations. Most of the furniture you see today is from the Hay family's time (1926–1962). A few pieces are from the Johnston family (1860–1896). One special piece is an 1857 marble statue. It is called "Ruth Gleaning" by Randolph Rogers.

The Johnston family and their daughters enjoyed the home until the late 1800s. After Mrs. Johnston passed away in 1896, her daughter Mary Ellen Felton and her husband moved in. The Feltons updated the house with new plumbing and electricity. They lived there until 1926.

The Johnston Family

William Butler Johnston earned his money from banks, railroads, and public services. He did not get rich from cotton farming. In 1851, he married Anne Clark Tracy. She was 20 years younger than him. From 1852 to 1855, they went on a long trip to Europe.

During their trip, the Johnstons visited many museums and historic places. They bought beautiful porcelains, sculptures, and paintings. They loved the Italian buildings they saw. When they came back to America, they built this huge Italian Renaissance Revival mansion in Macon. Only two of their six children lived to be adults. Caroline and Mary Ellen Johnston were born in 1862 and 1864. They grew up in the Hay House.

The Felton Family

After Mrs. Johnston died in 1896, her daughter Mary Ellen and her husband, Judge William H. Felton, lived in the house. They changed and decorated parts of the house. They also updated the plumbing and added electricity. Their only child, William Hamilton Felton Jr., was born in 1889.

In 1915, William Jr. married Luisa Macgill Gibson. The new couple soon moved in with the Feltons. They and their two sons, William Hamilton Felton III and George Gibson Felton, lived in the house until 1926.

The Hay Family

After William Sr. and Mary Ellen Felton passed away, Parks Lee Hay and his wife, Maude, bought the house. The Hays redecorated the whole home. They made it fit the style of the 1900s. The house became a well-known landmark in central Georgia. Mr. Hay died in 1957, and Mrs. Hay died in 1962.

Hay House Today

After Mrs. Hay's death, her family started the P.L. Hay Foundation. They ran the house as a private museum. Because of its important design, Hay House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974. In 1977, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation took over the house. This was to make sure it would be kept safe for a long time.

In 2000, the White House Millennium Council named Hay House an Official Project of Save America's Treasures. Today, Hay House is one of Macon's most popular places to visit. About 20,000 people come each year. The house is also a popular place to rent for special events.

Keeping Hay House Beautiful

Recently, The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation worked to raise money for Hay House. They raised $7.6 million to restore and maintain the building. About $3.5 million of this money was set aside for future upkeep. They believe $17.5 million is needed for a full restoration and to pay for all future care.

The Georgia Trust received many gifts and grants. These included money from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment of the Arts. They also got an Architectural Conservation grant from the Getty Foundation.

Ongoing Restoration Work

Today, Hay House is open for visitors. Tours happen every day. Some of the plants in the garden are from the 1800s. Renovations are still happening to keep Hay House in great shape. Future plans include redesigning the gift shop and fixing the outside walls.

Half of the money raised was for restoring the outside of the house. This includes the cupola and most public rooms. Other work includes fixing the porch and stairs. They are also repairing the brickwork, windows, and shutters. The stained glass is being cared for. UV protection is being added to windows. The ground floor, attic, and cupola are being restored. They will light up the 8,000-gallon water tank inside. This will show how advanced the house was. They are also caring for the paintings and porcelain. The outside grounds are being fixed too. Workers are also researching the original furniture and decorations. This helps them make sure the walls, paint, and furniture look just like they did when the Hay family lived there.