Mary Gay House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mary Gay House
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 716 West Trinity Place, Decatur, Georgia |
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| Built | c. 1850 |
| Architectural style | Classical |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002072 |
| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1975 |
The Mary Gay House is a very old and special house in downtown Decatur, Georgia. It was once the home of Mary Ann Harris Gay, who moved there around 1850. She lived in this house with her mother and sister. They stayed there during the American Civil War and for many years after.
This house was built around 1850. It is one of the few buildings in the area that existed before the Civil War. Because of its history, the Mary Gay House was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on May 6, 1975. This means it's officially recognized as an important historic site.
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The Mary Gay House: A Historic Home
The Mary Gay House is known for its beautiful Classical style. This style often includes features like tall pillars and balanced designs. It gives the house an elegant and timeless look.
Who Was Mary Ann Harris Gay?
Mary Ann Harris Gay was an important person in Decatur's history. She was a writer who shared her experiences during the Civil War. Living in the Mary Gay House, she saw many changes happen around her. Her stories give us a peek into what life was like back then.
A House on the Move
The Mary Gay House has been moved at least two times! In the early 1900s, it was moved east. It was turned to face a different street called Marshall Street. Even after this first move, it kept its historic status.
In the late 1970s, new buildings were planned in Decatur. This put the historic house at risk. The house used to sit on a large piece of land. But by 1979, it was on a much smaller lot. It was surrounded by businesses and hard to reach.
Saving the House
A group called the Junior League of Dekalb County decided to save the house. They arranged for it to be moved again. This time, it went to its current spot at 716 West Trinity Place. This new location was less than a mile away. It was also next to another historic house, the Swanton House, which had also been moved. The Junior League also made sure the Mary Gay House kept its historic status after this second move.
What is the House Used For Today?
After being saved and fixed up, the Mary Gay House has a new purpose. The basement of the house is now the main office for the Junior League. The rest of the house is used as a special place for events. People can rent it for parties, weddings, and other celebrations. It's a way for this historic house to continue being a part of the community.
