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History of The Crescent
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The Garden Center of Valdosta, 904 N. Patterson Street, was built by Colonel W.S. West, a lawyer, a U.S.-Senator, a large landowner and a lumber man. The architects were Beckly and Tyler of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. West was a man who knew timber and he collected curly pine from the heart of pine trees for several years to be seasoned and used in the building of this home. Much of the lumber was destroyed by fire before the house was begun, but some of it was saved as is evidenced by the handsome paneled dining room with its many beams, recessed window seats and built in china cabinet, The many ceiling panels and the elaborate frieze are of hand-moulded plaster. Opening out front this room was a glassed in semicircular flower pit or solarium.

The construction was started in 1898. It is said that colonel West tock his walking cane and drew a semicircle on the ground and said, "This is how and where I want my porch". It is a most spacious porch with tiled floor and marble steps. It has 15 huge columns that reach to the top of the second floor and also support the porte-cochere on the south side. It was from the shape of this porch that the house was named "The Crescent”.

Another most attractive feature is the artistic shaped balcony above the front door.

It was two years before the house was ready for occupancy as Mr. West wanted the plaster to set for a year. The family moved into the home in 1900.

The third floor is a large ballroom, complete with huge mirrowed fireplace with built in seats on each side at one end of the room. On the front side is a large orchestra room with spacious lounges on each side of it for the ladies and gentlemen. These two rooms have picturesque fireplaces. One can almost hear the echo of the gaiety from the marvelous parties and entertainments enjoyed there.

There is a huge gold leaf tiled bathroom on the second floor which has a fireplace in it. There are columned mirrowed mantels and fireplaces in every room all of which is symbolic of the fabulous taste of this fine southern gentleman.

As one ascends or decends the wide curving stairway they can more fully appreciate the spacious grandeur and charm of this typical old southern home of which so few remain.

The pieces of furniture in the Crescent originally owned by the Wests are; Dining table and twelve chairs, big couch and chair in third parlor, the oil portraits of Colonel and Mrs. West in the second parlor, the big striped chair in the reception hall, bookcase in library and desk, and old grandfathers clock in the upper hall.

The rest of the furnishings, many of which have most interesting historical back grounds have all been donated or bough with donations from members, interested friends or individuals and are in keeping with the period.

Data compiled by
Mrs. Paul Myddelton


Lowndes County Historical Society: History of Lowndes County
Last updated on: June 1, 2003

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