I recently had the opportunity to join a guided walk through Briarlake Forest Park along Briarlake Road between LaVista and Briarcliff Roads. The tour was part of DeKalb History Center’s DeKalb Traveler program, offered to members of the history center. The walk was led by Margo Reynolds with the organization “Friends of Briarlake Forest Park.”
Reynolds shared history of the land which was home to members of the Creek Nation before they were forcibly removed from Georgia. Then lotteries were held to distribute parcels of 202 ½ acres. Eaton Lee drew Land Lot 192 of the 18th District in 1821, which includes today’s Briarlake Forest Park. The next land holder was William Cash, who then sold to Spencer P. Wright in 1851. The land changes hands a few more times before being sold to Alma Long Gresham and John N. Gresham in 1919. Their granddaughter was Grace Gresham Flowers.
In the 1920s, a portion of Land Lot 192 was sold to Milton and Hattie Wood. Milton was an African American Baptist preacher at a local church. He also made charcoal from burned wood.
Due to the devastation of the boll weevil to cotton crops and the Great Depression in the 1930s, many farms in DeKalb turned to dairy farming, including the Gresham family.
The 1950s and 60s brought development to the area, including subdivisions such as Amberwood, Silvastone, and Breckenridge. 21 acres make up Briarlake Forest Park today.
Grace Gresham Flowers collected history and archives throughout her life and shared that history with others. She was also part of the effort to protect the land from development. Neighbors from all sides of the property worked together to prevent development in an area that was already dealing with water runoff issues. They also wanted to protect the old growth forest which includes a 250 year old white oak near the remains of the old Gresham home and great beech trees at the corner of Briarlake Road and Amberwood Drive.
Trees in the area close to Amberwood Drive and Briarlake Road, part of Briarlake Forest Park. (Photo by Valerie Biggerstaff)
The 21 acres were purchased by DeKalb County in 2015 and the land was preserved for a nature park. There are trails through the park with many plants marked. Native plants can be found throughout and non-native invasive plant removal is part of the plan. Master Gardeners work often at the park.
The remains of the former home of the Gresham family could not be saved in its entirety. Rather, the front section with a porch and steps has been saved, while in the back the original chimney is part of an open patio area. Still it is beautiful and charming, not to mention surrounded by a lovely forest, walking trails and other surprises (you’ll find out when you visit).
The home before it was saved as part of the park. Not all part of the home were sound enough to be saved. (Photo from Friends of Briarlake Forest Park)
Musicians have performed in the open air space. Information about events and additional history is available on the park website. Grace Gresham Flowers provided much of the history of Briarlake Forest Park, her former home. She gathered a large number of archival items which contribute to the history. Friends of Briarlake Forest Park also recognize the contributions of Kimberly Ellis, UGA Heritage Preservation graduate student.
For more information on tours and events available through DeKalb History Center, check out their events page and explore the website.