The
Folk Traditions Store
In Savannah's Historic District
12 Price Street (1/2 block south of Bay Street). Phone: 912-341-8898.
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In Savannah's Historic District 12 Price Street (1/2 block south of Bay Street). Phone: 912-341-8898.
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We usually think of cities in three dimensions: height for skyline, length and width for sprawl. Savannah cannot boast of the splendorous heights of its skylines or of the magnificent breadth of its sprawl. But few North American cities can compare with Savannah in the transparent depth of their fourth dimension, history. Savannah has four, remarkably preserved historical districts, comprising one of the largest registered historical areas in the US. The oldest of the four districts is nearly a square mile in size. It was laid out in 1733 by Savannah's brilliant and benevolent visionary founder, James Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe's timelessly inspirational vision encompassed diversity and tranquility both culturally and spatially. His cultural vision was stirred by his experience presiding over a British parliamentary committee on prison reform. Soon afterward, he persuaded George II to grant him a charter to found a new colony in North America where those suffering from abject poverty and religious persecution could begin anew. Georgia was to be a colony of refuge. Oglethorpe brought with him English and Irish settlers. It is no wonder that a man with his sort of spirit would achieve a deep friendship with the Native American Creeks that shared his admiration for the low country. Within a few months of Oglethorpe's arrival, a group of Jewish settlers from Portugal and other parts of Europe increased the colony's population by over 30%. For half a generation, Georgia stood alone as a colony where only free men could live and work. But 16 years after its founding, economic pressures took over and Africans were brought to Georgia under less hopeful circumstances than its other founders. But they too brought memories which they quietly preserved amidst the hardships they found. Today there are vibrant communities of each founding culture, who have welcomed newcomers from Greece, Germany, eastern Asia, and many other parts of the world. Oglethorpe's spatial vision was embodied in the city plan of Savannah. Perched on a rare, low country bluff, he used equalitarian and defense principles to lay out 25 units, each with its own central park, a "tything of" (10) houses, and 4 large lots for public structures, like churches, banks, or government buildings. The design created an extraordinary amount of open space, which still exists today. In an age of whizzing powered vehicles and massive traffic jams, Savannah is still a joy for the walker. Oglethorpe's parks are now sheltered by massive oaks with branches spilling beyond the park borders to protect centuries old houses, churches, and commercial, industrial and governmental buildings. Savannah receives ships and visitors from around the world. All enjoy the sort of gentle welcome that would make Oglethorpe proud. On the corner of Whitaker and Taylor in a neighborhood that was developed in the mid-18th century is The Folk Traditions Store. It lies on the Free CAT Shuttle in the Historic District, two blocks from the Georgia Historical Society. It is street number 414 on the well-known "Walk on Whitaker" of galleries and specialty shops. We at The Folk Traditions Store aim to receive and convey the spirit of welcome, of new beginnings and of the community creation of beauty that is Savannah's legacy. Whether you are a native Savannahian, a frequent visitor or a first time tourist, we hope you will experience the pleasure of Savannah's cultural depth in our store and find in it materials that will help to enrich the lives of yourself and others. |
Preserve a tradition. Grow roots, significance, harmony and balance.
Copyright © 2003-2005
The Folk Traditions Store, David Dirlam, Webmaster
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