Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

McGaughey home was Serviceman's Shelter

When the United States entered World War II and Lawson General Hospital opened in nearby Chamblee, Effie McGaughey began thinking of ways to help recovering soldiers.  The McGaugheys turned their home from a social gathering spot to a place for relaxation and recreation for injured soldiers, the Serviceman’s Shelter.

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Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

1891 Atlanta, smallpox vaccine debate

There were people on both sides of the smallpox vaccine debate in Georgia. A September 7, 1891, Atlanta Constitution column titled “Against Vaccination” featured a lengthy letter from a citizen strongly opposed to vaccination and Atlanta’s rule that students could not attend without vaccination.

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Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

Lawson General Hospital Dental training, Co. G, MDTS

I’m pleased to share the history of Glenn H. Curtis, who spent time training in the MDTS (Medical Department Technicians School) at Lawson General Hospital in Chamblee, Georgia during World War II. Curtis received dental training at Lawson between December 1942 to February 1943.

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Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

Oglethorpe University train station

In an interview with James Magbee, who grew up on Peachtree Dunwoody Road, he recalled the old granite Oglethorpe University station. He remembered that young men from Buford commuted to Oglethorpe University aboard the Air-Line Belle.

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Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

Lord family farm at Mt. Vernon Road and Wickford Way, Dunwoody

Not far from the crossroads of Mt.Vernon Road and Chamblee Dunwoody Road was the home of George Washington Lord and Dicey Ann Wade Lord. George Washington Lord was born in 1852 in Madison County, Georgia.   Dicey Ann Wade (full name Dicey Ann Sarah Frances Wade) was born in 1856 in the Oak Grove community of Fulton County, which is now part of Sandy Springs. 

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Valerie Biggerstaff Valerie Biggerstaff

Canneries were part of farm life

Several Georgia schools had canneries on their grounds.  In 1943, Tucker, Norcross, and Chamblee High Schools were among the top Georgia schools processing canned food and helping their community. 

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