THE HISTORY OF 613 NORTH PATTERSON STREET
On March 23, 1895, one of four “elegant
houses” was erected on Patterson Street, at the present location
of 613 North Patterson. The home was built for Judge David
Smith, a prominent local lawyer. The structure served as a
residence and later as a residence and an office for some
years. Thereafter, the bottom floor was used as a “Latin
School” during the winter months of the year by “Yankees” who
wintered in Valdosta. It is believed that in the late 1920’s or
early 1930’s an addition was built in the back portion of the
structure. At some point following that a garage was
constructed and the property was used as an apartment house.
The house was divided into four apartments
(two upstairs and two down) with separate bathrooms and cooking
facilities for each apartment. In the mid 1970’s 613 North
Patterson Street became vacant and was used (or misused) as the
annual Halloween Week “Haunted House.” Ironically, the property
is now the site of a law office, having completed a 360º turn
back to its original affiliation with lawyers and the field of
law. Some say it is still haunted, with doors that open by
themselves, and inexplicable night-time movements and sounds.
In the later part of the 1986, the
structure was completely renovated and the garage was attached
to the house as a portico. The lot beside the structure (611
North Patterson) was committed as a parking area. The intention
to preserve the original demeanor and texture of this historical
building was realized with these changes. |
