DeKalb History Center

Yes, This Was Once the Original BabyLand General Clinic.

What got us really excited about this building was that it was once the Cabbage Patch Kid’s BabyLand General Clinic from 1981-1985. But also, the modest modernist architecture of 402 E. Howard (1959).

Modernist architecture can be flashy and dramatic with skyscrapers or landmark buildings, but more often than not, it's these smaller commercial structures where we see the first wave of modernism reach cities and towns across America.

During the mid-twentieth century, buildings were evolving from utilitarian spaces into “Machines for Selling,” the phrase popularized by the 1946 published work “Machines for Selling: the Modern Store Designs by Kawneer.”

Aluminum and steel framing systems allowed for large plate-glass storefront windows, blurring the line between sidewalk and store interior. Opaque-backed window displays disappeared, removing visual barriers so passersby had a wide view into the store. Windows could also be asymmetrical and/or angled to reduce glare while creating visual interest that drew shoppers into the store. Brick and stone facades provided texture and contrast against the sloped metal framing. The results were striking, a new way of design for the consumer.

We see all of these characteristics in this 1959 commercial building at 204 East Howard in Decatur. It was Lewis Feed Store from 1959-1967, Spencer Tires and Sales 1970-1981, and finally BabyLand General Clinic from 1981-1985.

World Cup, Day 1!! Will you be watching?! ⚽⚽⚽⚽

Here are a couple of items from our collections to get you in the spirit of the games- plaque from the North Decatur Rebels soccer team 1976. Coach was Danny Hay; newspaper article from the DeKalb New Era, 1976, Fernbank Falcons vs Fernbank Flyers.

Tell us about your sporting days in the comments...

We have an extensive collection of archival material from Rock Chapel United Methodist Church. Several years ago, the DHC published a blog on CHIPS, a monthly newsletter produced by the Rock Chapel community for local soldiers serving overseas.

While CHIPS was a newsletter, photographs in the Rock Chapel United Methodist Church scrapbook document the day-to-day happenings during the same time period. Nearly 40 members of Rock Chapel community served in the military during the war, and their absence was deeply felt throughout the community. The author of CHIPS captured that feeling poignantly:

"Rock Chapel is still the same old place... count on that. There's a big empty space over on the mountain where the rock has been blasted out. And there's a big empty space in our lives where you all used to be, too."

(Shown in front) WAC Corporal Margaret Pearce, née Mitchell.
Margaret was born in the Rock Chapel Community, the oldest of five girls. When World War II broke out, since there were no boys in her family, Margaret decided to serve, joining the WACS, the Women's Army Corps.

She was stationed at Turner Field, Albany and rose to ranks of Corporal. CHIPS, the community magazine applauded her other achievement of becoming a good bowler while at Turner Air Field.

"Architecture is magical—it's the physical, living record of the evolution of time, and I learn something new every time I walk amongst it, even those buildings I've passed and seen countless times before. Another awesome Decatur architecture tour with DeKalb History Center and the ever-knowledgeable Marissa Glade Howard yesterday evening! Focusing on Modern Decatur, we visited downtown buildings constructed between 1935 and 1972."

Thank you, , for these incredible photos and thoughtful review of our Mid-Century Decatur Architecture Tour last week.

The next Architecture Tour is July 16th!
https://dekalbhistory.org/programs/decatur-architecture-walking-tour-2026/

Sun's out and shining! 🌞

The museum is open today until 4:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Meet Ed Anderson, a Clarkston resident who, with grit, has navigated science and social justice. Anderson shared his life story shaped by the political atmosphere of his youth and his drive to provide for his family.
Born in 1954 and raised in the “Main Line” suburbs of Philadelphia, Ed grew up in a working-class household amidst an affluent community. His political consciousness was forged early, as he watched the Civil Rights Movement unfold on TV. He later became a radical student leader at his predominantly white high school and even the student government president; a victory so poignant against the status quo that the school administration famously disbanded the student government in response.
Facing the pressure of student loans after college at Temple University, Ed pivoted to the U.S. Air Force, where he chose meteorology. This decision launched him into a high-risk career as a “Typhoon Chaser” with the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron in Guam, where he flew through the eyes of massive storms to gather life-saving data.
After transitioning to civilian life, Ed moved to Atlanta, where he broke barriers in broadcasting (1989 - 1991). He worked behind the scenes at the Weather Channel and CNN, and on air at WXIA (11 Alive). Despite the glamour often associated with TV, Ed spoke candidly about the industry’s harsh realities, noting he once made more money doing odd jobs than working full-time in news.
Now a retired DeKalb County science teacher (2003 - 2021), Ed offers powerful advice to the next generation of Black students: “Learn how to walk both sides of the street.” He emphasized the importance of versatility, clear communication, and maintaining one’s identity while navigating spaces that weren’t originally built for them. Ed’s story is a testament to the fact that while the path isn’t always linear, resilience and a “no shame in my game” work ethic can lead to the mountaintop.

Things are looking very different around here… but rest assured your favorite local history spot is still here! Despite continuing construction, we are still open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm. Free admission! 😎

Over the course of spring and summer, we'll be featuring items from our archives related to the 1976 Bicentennial. We're calling this series "What Was In the News?" From the DeKalb New Era newspaper, February and June, 1976.

In these 2 editions, restaurants and local businesses were highlighted. Which one(s) of these did YOU go to? Tell us in the comments. 🍕🌭

Today, we are honored to share the inspiring journey of Deborah A. Jackson, a trailblazer whose life story is a master class in perseverance and community leadership.
Born in 1952, in Savannah, GA, Deborah spent the first six weeks of her life in the South before moving to Jersey City, New Jersey. Growing up in a compact, supportive neighborhood, she first navigated the complexities of race in third grade, an experience that later fueled her passion for justice. A standout student, she served as high school valedictorian and student council president before joining the second-ever class of women admitted to Princeton University.
Deborah’s career was sparked by a firsthand encounter with systemic injustice during a summer break, leading her to pursue a law degree at Rutgers. Whether fighting for civil rights in rural Mississippi or legal equity in New York, she has always used the law to challenge the status quo.
Since moving to DeKalb County in 2000, Deborah has left an indelible mark on the City of Lithonia. As mayor (2012-2020), she transformed community plans into reality, moving them “off the shelf” and into the streets. She oversaw the creation of the new Municipal Complex and spearheaded 75 affordable housing units at Lithonia Plaza. She remains a fierce advocate for the historic Bruce Street community and the preservation of the public school for Black children in the county.
“I’m proud to be part of a group of Black women willing to step forward,” she says, reflecting on her lineage of leadership in this “place of stone.” Thank you Deborah, for helping us document the history of Lithonia.
If you or someone you know is interested in an oral history interview, please let us know! We’d be delighted to talk to you.

Tonight at 6:00 pm! Author J.D. Porter discusses his new book, The Muleskinner & the King. Grab your tickets here: https://dekalbhistory.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26945