Private Home Tour- The Stoddard-Lawton House
March 8, tbd
15 West Perry Street
Built from 1867 to 1868 by John Stoddard, this Italianate house is considered as one of the most prominent historic homes in Savannah. Stoddard was a prominent cotton merchant and planter who was also President of the Georgia Historical Society.
The foundation was laid before the War Between the States. According to family members, silver was buried under the foundation. Since it is not a typical Savannah House, it is believed that the plans for the house were changed to add the section to the right of the front door when the house was built after the war.
It has been the home of the Downing family for decades now and they have made many improvements and renovations including updating all the individual apartments in the house. Prior to their occupancy, the house was boarded up by the Historic Savannah Foundation and then saved by the Historic Savannah’s Revolving Fund. The mantles had all been stolen then were later replaced with those from Philadelphia of the same period.
The Private House Tour will reveal a great example of historic renovation and preservation along with some of Mrs. Downing’s stunning collections of antiques, silver, art, and artifacts.