What's in a Face?

Shellmont Inn is adorned with numerous carved wooden shells,on both the exterior and interior, the handiwork of Italian Woodcarvers. In the 1890's, the shell symbolized "tranquility". Our name was inspired by this abundance of "shells" and our location on "Piedmont", hence the name "Shellmont". You will notice in the photo a rather ominious, meanicing creature on the left side of the newell post. During this era, visitors were restricted to the downstairs public spaces and the purpose of this mythical creature was to prevent upward passage of evil spirits to the private chambers. Similar to todays burgular alarm systems but relying heavily on the visitors superstitious nature, don't you think?

More New "Old" Photos

I promised back in November, 2008 that I would add more photos of the children of the original occupants of the Inn. Well, here they are and they indeed have some history behind them other than age. Judging from the apparant age of the children, I would date these photos as late 1890's. The photographs were taken with a projector style camera on tripod on a glass negative plate. The photographer placed a dark cloth hood over his head while shooting the photo. Just a gentle reminder how photography (film vs. digital and bulky vs. compact) has changed immensely in just over @112 years!

The first photo shows a baby in carriage next to Piedmont Avenue in front of the Inn. Notice the horse and carriage in the background. The second photo shows a baby strolling a toy baby carriage on the front porch and the third photo shows the three children decked out in their Sunday finest on the front walkway. How about the neat sailor outfit and those fancy, lacy dresses. Weren't the 1890's a real hoot??

A Past Era Revealed

In 117 years, the Shellmont Inn has had only two owners. We thought you might like an "innside" view into the everyday life of the original occupants. When originally constructed in 1891, the Inn was situated in the country. The City of Atlanta municipal limit was our side street to the north. The owners fox hunted in the woods behind the property.

The first photo perspective is looking south down Piedmont Avenue toward downtown. The Shellmont Inn is the fourth house from the left. Photo taken circa mid-1890's.

The second photo is of one of the children with her doll on the front porch while the last photo shows the children playing in the front yard with their St. Benard dog. More historical photos will be forthcoming in a future blog.