Changing Faces

This section focuses on the face or appearance of Athens as defined over the years by its business, organizational and residential structures. Below are photographs and slide shows arranged chronologically. The stories behind some of the changing faces are covered in Evolving Campus and Practicality. Architectural Detail

It is obvious that change began when Athens was settled and early structures were built to serve the developing community. Of course photography wasn't developed and popularized until the mid-1800s so there are no pictures to illustrate what it was actually like. Still, there are descriptions that are included in the History division.

The early photographs of Athens reveal an active business district where entrepreneurs developed stylish and functional facilities for lodging, dining, and the sale of merchandise. We expect that there are many photographs that have not yet been found or published. Please consider sending information and photographs you may have about Athens by contacting us here.

Old and New Landmarks Help Define the Community

Bank of AthensBank of AthensMoved to its third facility, the second building was torn down. Photos here...
William Holroyd HouseWilliam Holroyd HouseThis original settler house was demolished in 1977. Photos here...
E. H. Jennings' BuildingE. H. Jennings StoreThe store was torn down and Gino's built on the site. Photos here...
Beckett Home RenovationBeckett HomeOld Massie Hotel (Beckett home) renovated. Photos here...

Old Massie Hotel (Beckett Home)Old Massie HotelKnown as the Beckett home, the hotel was torn down. Photos here...
Roy Beckett's Gulf Service StationBeckett's Gulf StationThe station and Beckett home were demolished in 1997. Photos here...
Old Hotel Athens (Bondurant Home)Old Hotel AthensWhat we knew as the Bondurant Home was demolished. Photos here...
Parker Brothers Store.Parker Brothers StoreAthens' appliance and hardware store demolished in 1997. Photos here...
South State Street As RememberedSouth State StreetA before and after view of what is now the CVS plaza. Photos here...
Athens TheaterAthens TheaterDemolished to make room for a new bank. Photos here...
Lockhart and Oxley GroceryLockhart & Oxley StoreOne of three grocery stores in town during Our Years. Photos here...
Athens MarketAthens MarketOperated as Homer Ball's Grocery, later by brother Jimmy. Photos here...

The South Side of Vermillion StreetFamiliar Store Fronts"Modernized" and historic buildings awaiting major change. Photos here...
Under Construction.NextAdditional images contributed by site visitors. Read more...
Under ConstructoinNextAdditional images contributed by site visitors. Read more...
Under Construction.NextAdditional images contributed by site visitors. Read more...

Evolving Campus

The changing face of the Town of Athens illustrated in this section has a counterpart of the campus of Concord University. Some of these changes are illustrated in the next section. Click here.

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