2007 Places in Peril
Aluminum Hill Mill Workers' Houses

mill workers’ homes, artifacts of Georgia’s industrial past, neglected

The Story: The Enterprise Aluminum Company, originally constructed as a cotton gin and later converted to manufacture aluminum products, has been demolished, but 17 vernacular mill workers' homes built between 1885 and 1910 remain. The homes, though simple, contain original windows, moldings, mantels and other features. The homes, located along a major road just outside downtown, are a significant historic resource to Eatonton. 

Threat: Considering some have been vacant for nearly 40 years, the houses are in fair condition overall. However, many are plagued with roof leaks, overgrown by vegetation or suffering from inadequate rehabilitation. The current owner, who received the property through a foreclosed lien, has never seen the houses and has not maintained them. Although the structures are for sale, interested buyers' requests for sufficient time to perform feasibility studies have been rejected.

Solution: The Eatonton Better Hometown and the Historic Preservation Commission have expressed interest. The owner should sell to a buyer who will rehabilitate these unique historic buildings. Other mill villages around the state are in similar situations. Although simple homes, their preservation will be reminders to future generations of Georgia's industrial past. These homes, like other Georgia mill village houses, would make ideal affordable or workforce housing projects.

-30-

Left: Mill Workers' homes in Eatonton are reminders to future generations of Georgia's industrial past.