Joseph Caldwell House

Joseph H. Caldwell (1848-1930) was the son of Harper Weir and Mary Ann Taylor Caldwell.  He married Mary Elizabeth Hardy Thompson (1853-1924) in 1882.

The house, built in 1890, graced the corner of South State Street and Caldwell Street, named after the family. It had 2 stories and offered 2,238 sq. ft. of living space. The ornate gingerbread represented some of the best design and craftsmanship that characterized the Victorian influence on Athens architecture.

Joseph and Mary raised six children in the house. At least two of the children became teachers in the Mercer County school system. The house was vacant for several years and was for sale before it was demolished in January 2023.

Photos contributed by Lois Miller, Roger Pennington, and Karen Johnson.