DPT Historians, Valerie Biggerstaff and Lynn Tinley, gave a Lunch & Learn Presentation on November 17 for the Dekalb History Center. They discussed the long history of the Donaldson-Bannister Farm. The home and farm were built in 1870 on property that was acquired by the descendants of the family in the 1821 Land Lottery. The farm is now located in a bustling suburban community of Dunwoody. View the recorded presentation here.
Dunwoody Preservation Trust is so appreciative of everyone that gave donations to our campaign earlier this year to help replace lost funds for not being able to host our primary fundraiser, Lemonade Days. We did have a winner of our drawing for a catered evening at the farm – Maggie Staats! We hosted their dinner this past weekend at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm and it was a celebration with family and friends for Henry Staats birthday. It was a lovely evening of fine food, wine and music.
Join us each Friday at 12Noon on DPT’s Facebook page for our Friday at the Farm Live Video. Learn about the history of the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, what events are going on and more! https://www.facebook.com/DunwoodyPreservationTrust
(And all past videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel as well at https://www.youtube.com/user/DunwoodyPT/)
Dunwoody Preservation Trust was recently named a recipient of CARES Act funds through a grant from the Georgia Humanities and National Endowments for Humanities. Amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, funding such as this helps us keep our programming going. Thank you so very much!
For more information, please visit GeorgiaHumanities.org
Prior to the onset of the COVID virus, we purchased a 40’x40′ gable-style tent to cover the pavillion at the barn. It is now installed and with this new covered space, we are now able to host larger, socially distanced events – complete with string lights. Learn more about hosting an events at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm here.
Looking to get out of the house and want to learn some of Dunwoody’s History? Take a look at our new driving tour on the PocketSights app for your smartphone. This is a free app and you can find numerous walking and driving tours around the country. We are the only tour in Dunwoody. The tour starts and ends at the Cheek-Spruill House and will take you on a 20-mile round trip tour to view 17 historic locations in the City of Dunwoody. Along the way you can view past photos and read about the history of these sites. Check us out!
2020 marks the 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the Donaldson-Bannister House. Thank you for joining us at the Kickoff Champagne Concert and Afternoon Tea Party. Our next event is Descendants Day on Sunday, May 3. We’re inviting the families and descendants of those who lived and worked on this farm. Come join us for an afternoon of stories and reminiscing!
Descendants Day will be rescheduled. More information to come soon!
The Dunwoody-Bannister Farm is located at 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody Preservation Trust (DPT) recently announced its inaugural Volunteer Hall of Fame Members. Thank you Lynne Byrd, Joyce Amacher, Queenie and Danny Ross!
Lynne Byrd and Joyce Amacher were our Founders when they woke up one morning to find two 1880 railroad section houses had been demolished overnight and the 1906 Cheek-Spruill House was next in the developers sights. Both experienced historic preservationists, founded the Dunwoody Preservation Trust in 1994.
Queenie and Danny Ross were Co-Presidents of DPT from 2004-2009. During that time they helped coordinate the efforts to save the Donaldson-Bannister Farm from development. They are active volunteers to this day being involved with the recent renovation of the Guest House and the creation of Millie, our Play Me Again piano.
