Hot already in the morning, but with lots of trees, and the possibility of seeing  inside the buildings,  Clem wanted to see the village.  I wasn’t sure it would be worth it, especially since it didn’t open until 11:00, but it was just way too hot for golf,  so I agreed, and it turned out I was pleasantly surprised! The 18 buildings, arranged in a town like square,  are originals, built in the 17 and 1800’s, relocated, restored, and filled with period antiques.  We have seen a lot of historical buildings, but many of these were quite unique, with lower levels with brick floors which provided cool rooms below the house! Large cool rooms!!  Some practically a whole other floor, with duplicate dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms!  Certainly handy in the southern summer heat  in days before air conditioning.  Everything from a log cabin, to a wealthy plantation home were assembled, with information about the structure as well as the family who had lived there.  Very interesting! 

6250 square foot, 14 room plantation home built in 1856 is considered an excellent example of neoclassical architecture. The curved staircases are said to be" welcoming arms."  

the parlor of the plantation home where I thought it would be lovely to play canasta!

even a Baccarat crystal chandelier in the music room! 

Lower level warming kitchen, where foods were finished after being brought in from the kitchen house. 

a lower level bedroom where it was cool and private

the kitchen house and garden next to the house

 interesting description of this rare livestock barn circa 1830  below 

only 12 surviving intact slave houses in all of Georgia, so rare to find two together

I had seen one of these  "gate closers" in Williamsburg, and find them so neat!

House was built when Washington was president!  Interesting "nogging" construction , where stone walls were made from brick, and then covered with wood siding, which created an extremely strong and well insulated house.  

Cabin is believed to be the oldest building in DeKalb (pronounced without the '"L" in this area!), county. logs are keyed, or locked into place making the corners strong enough to withstand tornadoes.  

Dr. Powell promoted relations with the Cherokee by providing them lodging and medical care, and served as county Sheriff and in the state legislature. 

Keeping Kitchen, where families were cool below, and "kept together"

We grabbed a bite in the park, then went to the Memorial Building, which contained films and information about the Civil War in Georgia, and the carving of Stone Mountain, which was started, stopped, then resumed by another crew, and finally finished in 1970.  As much a memorial to the inventors and carvers as to the carving itself.  

We learned that Stone Mountain, even before the Civil War, and long before the carving and park, was considered a resort community, with its lovely trees and lakes, and early trains brought visitors to picnic and stay in this idyllic location.  

This was a popular spot to have ones photo taken during the carving of the stone face.....the horse's 

nostril, at actual size from the carving!

Clem had been monitoring the car repair, and learned we would be able to pick it up Wednesday at closing time, so he set out to return the rental and be there in time to get it.  I had intended to grill dinner, but big black clouds were rolling in with equally rolling thunder, so I decided plan B would be in order, and started packing up lawn chairs and the grill, as the winds started whipping! The weather has been very hot, and the threat of severe storms has been a constant.  Most of the midwest and southeast is suffering severe temps and storm warnings, so we are not alone.  I figured out a good recipe for the pork chops and cooked dinner inside, while the rain pelted the coach.  

The boys cuddled on the back of the couch for the evening.  

We would like to get an early start tomorrow and make the trip to Louisville in one day, so as to reclaim some of our time there to explore, so a movie and get to bed in a timely manner!