Alida's Role in Preservation

Savannah’s architectural traditions became a huge accomplishment for Alida. She believed that Savannah would have a brilliant future.

Over the course of her adult life, Alida restored ten homes in Savannah and was involved in the early restoration movement in Savannah. During that time, she opened a weaving shop inside the Pink House. It proved to be unsuccessful, but her fate led her in the right direction.

The Georgian Tea Room, another part of the Pink House, was closing, and Alida saved it. Although she knew very little about cooking, she was confident that this business needed saving. Her involvement with the Pink House and her ownership of the Georgian Tea Room paved the way to her critical involvement in the movement.

The group, Society for the Preservation of Savannah’s Landmarks, was organized to save the Pink House, and Alida attended the first meeting. Alida recalled, “This meeting was the birth of interest in old things and since then preservation and restoration have never been a dead issue” (Zimmerman). Anna C. Hunter, founder of Historic Savannah stated, Alida deserves a great deal of credit for making people aware years ago of the importance of keeping our outstanding historic buildings.

She has done restoration without the advantage of a big bank account, going steadily from one building to another” (Zimmerman). Alida’s love for “old things” and preserving the past continues today as efforts are made to save Savannah’s historic houses. Her determination and bold character continue to be an inspiration for all.

Alida had several other ventures. She bought a brick house on Hull Street, then her next purchase was a Greek revival building on Bull Street which she completely restored,  converting the upper floor and carriage house into apartments.  The ground floor of the house was for her antique shop.  There is a passageway that separates the house and garage that transforms into an attractive courtyard.  In addition to the courtyard were shrubs, an iron gate, and lamps from England.  The garage became part of the antique shop.

Alida eventually owned around ten houses.  Two were restored and converted in luxurious apartments on Macon Street, they were both built in the 1840s.  She also owned the Meldrim House and restored it.  It was one of Savannah’s finer brick homes, and is also one of the most interesting historically.

Alida renovated an 1819 vintage, located on 122 Oglethorpe Avenue.  The house was made of English brick and had a charming ground floor with heavy overhead timbers.  She put in an elevator and air conditioning.

Alida shared many practical experiences with her friends.  They believe that she had become a great leader in salvaging old landmarks.   She was a big contributor in enhancing Savannah downtown area, rescuing houses and returning them to their former beauty, and encouraging others to follow her lead.

Call or visit the House for more information on Alida's efforts in Savannah's historic preservation.912.234.2180