Archibald Smith Plantation Given Restoration Award

From the city of Roswell:

The city of Roswell’s Archibald Smith Plantation has received the 2014 Award for Excellence in Restoration from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for the restoration of the historic home’s 164-year-old corn crib. 

“It is a great honor to receive the Restoration Award from the Georgia Trust," said Chuck Douglas, Smith Plantation site coordinator. "We have been lucky to have wonderful crafts people to work on the buildings here at the Smith Plantation over the years."

Smith Plantation was constructed in 1845 by one of the town’s founding fathers, Archibald Smith. For more than 150 years, the home has stood the test of time, and the home and grounds have become one of the best examples of architectural, cultural and historical interpretation found in the Atlanta region.

The recently restored corn crib — which was built around 1850 — is one of the 10 original outbuildings on Smith Plantation’s grounds. Oral tradition identifies this structure as having been constructed from materials salvaged from the oldest store in Roswell, which was located across present-day Alpharetta Street. 

In a photo from the early 1900s, corn is seen growing right up next to this building. The corn crib was filled with corn that fed livestock, thereby playing an important role on the farm.

In June 2013, the corn crib was severely damaged by a fallen tree during a storm. It was rebuilt in August and September 2013 by American Labor Construction LLC; Steve McMichen, senior project manager; and Jeff Harper, master carpenter.

With valuable input from Jack Pyburn, FAIA, Principal, Historic Preservation Studio of Lord Aeck, and Sargent Architecture, the components of the corn crib were painstakingly inventoried and repaired. 

Some irreparably damaged components were replaced with historically accurate fabrications. The restoration also included custom-milled wood and a cedar shake wooden roof. The end result is a structure that looks exactly as it did before the tree hit it.  

A vital part of the project was Master Carpenter Jeff Harper, who unfortunately passed away recently. Douglas hopes this restoration project will stand as a testament to Harper’s skills and dedication to his art.  

“Jeff Harper was truly one of the best I have ever worked with—a true craftsman,” Douglas said. “This award means even more as we are able to honor him with receiving it.”     

Smith Plantation was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by The National Park Service in 2006 and has been recognized by AAA as a coveted Gem Attraction in the Metro Atlanta area—a distinction not easily attained by many historic sites. 

For more information about touring Smith Plantation and Roswell’s two other Southern Trilogy Historic Homes, Bulloch and Barrington Halls, visit www.roswellgov.com/SouthernTrilogy.