By Laura Bentley
Nestled among hardwoods and native dogwoods rests one of the oldest buildings in Fulton County, which is located at 15690 Hopewell Road. The Thomas Byrd Sr. house is owned by the City of Milton and was repurposed to serve the community’s increasing older adult population. The building, now affectionately referred to as the Byrd House, is representative of Milton’s legacy of preservation.
The red tin-roofed house, along with the wooded site that includes an abandoned roadbed that once carried travelers through the Cherokee Nation, is rich with history and a treasure that continues to serve its current residents. The contrast of modern day Tai Chi classes held beneath a ceiling adorned with a Moravian star painted by missionaries during the mid-1800s is something to see. The historic home has been reinvented and preserved all at the same time and now serves as a charming community gathering place for area seniors.
In 1834, Thomas Byrd of Hall County purchased the parcel on land lot 403, consisting of 40 acres, for $400. During this period, the home housed traveling clergy known as circuit riders and served as a stagecoach inn on the mail route to the gold mint in Dahlonega. The Byrd house then became home to Hopewell Baptist Church, which was constituted in 1851. The house has seen many uses and many owners throughout its life. The building has been expanded countless times in its nearly 200 years, but the aging wooden slats with century-old writings can still be seen in its foyer.In 2011, the City of Milton seized the opportunity to purchase the historic site from foreclosure. The community, City staff, and leadership agreed that the old Byrd house could uniquely fill the need for a new senior center in Milton. Renovations began in July of 2014 on the 4000-square-foot home. The City also partnered with Senior Services North Fulton, a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides programs and services for older adults living in the north Fulton community. In 2015, the historic doors of the Thomas Byrd House swung open, welcoming guests to a variety of activities in a distinct setting.
Now, the Thomas Byrd House is filled with activity, and depending on the day, participants can enjoy chair yoga, Tai Chi, table games, nutrition classes, trips to local restaurants or stores, and a daily free lunch. On Wednesdays, the historic building attracts artists who paint beautiful pictures, which are available for purchase at events hosted at the center throughout the year.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about Milton’s Senior Center, an Open House is planned on May 9, 9:00am-1:00pm. If you have questions, you may also contact Center Manager Karen Fowler at 770-475-7500. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the many opportunities that are offered in the historic Thomas Byrd House in beautiful Milton.
Laura Bentley is a councilwoman for District 2/Post 1 for the City of Milton, Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton. 678-242-2495. CityOfMiltonGa.us
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