Business, civic and political leadership gathered at the Buckhead Theater on March 1 to celebrate a notable 19th century commercial development.
In 1838, entrepreneur Henry Irby built a general store and tavern at the intersection of Peachtree, Roswell and West Paces Ferry roads. The area that developed around it evolved into modern-day Buckhead.
The 175th Birthday shindig, hosted by Buckhead Heritage Society, raised money to help the nonprofit group put together a master history plan. That plan is part of an initiative to add more park space to the community, the Buckhead Collection. Buckhead Heritage said tickets, which sold for $150 or $175, were sold out.
Attendees posed for pictures in front of a mock-up of Irby’s general store in the lobby and noshed on sushi, steak and chocolate covered strawberries as a cover band played.
“We at Buckhead Heritage are responsible for telling Buckhead’s Story, through signage, digital apps, tours, things of that nature.” Buckhead Heritage President Wright Mitchell said. “So your money tonight will go to further that program.”
Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell received a service award for his work within the community and he was co-chairman of the event along with Aaron’s Inc. founder Charlie Loudermilk, who was unable to attend. Harriet Kirkpatrick received an award for her volunteer work cleaning up Mt. Olive Cemetery near Frankie Allen Park. Blue Heron Nature Preserve Executive Director Nancy Jones received the Heritage Society’s preservation award.