History Museum and the Swan House

This lovely walk through the woods took us to a mansion on the grounds of the 33 acre Atlanta History Museum.    

Built in the 30's for Edward Inman,  a wealthy businessman, and designed by noted architect Phillip Trammel Shutze working with Mrs.  Inman, it houses many of the original furnishings, and her extensive collection of porcelain and decorative arts.  

 Architect Shutze "himself" was there in period dress to answer questions!  When we showed an interest, he followed us around and offered more, and it was a thoroughly entertaining time!

There are interior shots which I will add later, as I am tired from a full HOT day, and

frustrated with the wifi.  ( 8:30 PM ad still a very humid 85 degrees. )

A separate building housed a Civil War Museum, and a Bobby Jones exhibit, in addition to others.

photos to follow

I had never seen an old refrigerator with two sides, or the middle portion, which I never got to inquire about. 

Loved this old Good Housekeeping cookbook!

I remarked that the table was small for the room, but  apparently it was a wedding gift to Mrs. Inman, and though it had many leaves that could be added, she preferred it shown this way. Beautiful trim work throughout the home.


We were allowed to go up the grand staircase to bedrooms on the second floor, and the servants quarters on the third floor, but the basement housed architect Shutz's extensive collection of decorative arts.  Mrs. Inman had encouraged him to collect, and he became an exporter as well as collector.  He left his collection to the estate, with the stipulation that it always be displayed in the mansion. 

These soup tureens, among many, were especially interesting, as when the soup was hot, the steam rose from their nostrils!

"Mr. Shutze" poses for me in a replication of his small apartment, which he cleverly built out to accommodate his collection.  He had intended to build a large home for himself, but decided his money would be better spent on collecting and importing. 

The Hunger Games were filmed at the mansion, we learned, and Atlanta is a favorite place for filming many movies and TV shows.  

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