Surrounded by its lush, aged trees, the gardens behind Green Court provided the perfect setting for Thursday’s Cotton Ball, a party for Historic Augusta members.
Guests remarked that the landscape of the Cumming Road home appeared relatively unscathed from the ravages of Hurricane Helene which devastated much of the city.
While Rae’s Creek Revival sang their quirky songs about the wonders of homegrown tomatoes and tearing down stills, supporters of Augusta’s history mingled, ate barbecue, drank the signature Mint Juleps and celebrated 60 years of historic preservation efforts in the city.
“We have these events to keep people involved,” said Erick Montgomery, Historic Augusta’s executive director.
The first Cotton Ball was in 1988, and they’ve been held most years since except during COVID and another odd year or so, he said.
Typically, Historic Augusta events are held at a historic venue such as Green Court, the home of Pamela Dorminey-Uros and Nick Uros.
A historical marker designates Green Court as the home of Charles Jones Jenkins (1805-1883) a Georgia governor, lawyer and state legislator. It is featured on the cover of “Augusta,” written by James W. Garvey and Lee Ann Caldwell, with photography by James R. Lockhart. The book was a 50th anniversary project of Historic Augus
Historic Augusta has several events during the year including its annual antique auction, Walk with the Spirits highlighting the city’s historic cemeteries and loft tour.
With a goal of preserving the city’s historic structures, Historic Augusta also works with the city’s Historic Preservation Commission and brings a spotlight to endangered properties each fall.
Four Augusta area properties were recognized for restoration efforts at the recent Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Awards. Read more about them here.
To become a member of Historic Augusta, visit its website here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
