Sunday, April 28, 2024

The Mercer Williams House: Savannah's Most Notorious Home

mercer williams house

Dr. Myrick also moderated a panel at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music — U.S. conference in Philadelphia on April 13. Both students were in Dr. Myrick’s Furnace Fest research group last fall and were supported in their research and travel to present by Provost Seed Grants. Dr. Anastasia Kerr-German, assistant professor, and psychology and neuroscience research students were interviewed by National Public Radio to discuss exclusive practices in developmental neuroscience and how their research promotes inclusivity and diversity. Specifically, the lab is working with community partners in the local Macon area to provide screening services for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder for underserved communities. In the lab, they are developing novel testing hardware to accommodate diverse hairstyles and maximize fNIRS technology for use in rural Georgia.

Ways to Experience "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" in Savannah

The first trial ended with him receiving life in prison, though many people speculated that Williams was only convicted because he was a gay man. The judgment was later overturned upon the discovery of contradicting police reports. But, two years later, the fourth and final trial ended with Williams being found not guilty. Are you seeking an unforgettable trip filled with history, beauty, and charm? This evergreen landmark is 30 acres of beauty and was the scenic backdrop for several scenes in the movie. The park is a must-see for visitors to take in the captivating landscape, the enchanting Forsyth Park Fountain, and relax on the grass under the warm sun.

Dorothy Kingery Obituary - Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors - Hodgson Chapel - 2023 - Legacy.com

Dorothy Kingery Obituary - Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors - Hodgson Chapel - 2023.

Posted: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Carriage House

In the years to follow, no one else was ever charged with the murder of Danny Lewis Hansford. Williams was also known to throw wildly extravagant parties that would have surely made Daisy Buchanan swoon (although it's doubtful Williams would have been interested). These good times came to an end in the year 1981, after the shooting death of Williams' assistant and lover, Danny Hansford, a former prostitute with a past almost as questionable as the Mercer-Williams House itself.

School of Engineering

Even if you (like the judge) believe Jim Williams to be a guilty man, you must admit, he didn't really get away with anything after all was said and done. Even, as the trials ended, Williams breathed air as a free man for only six months before his death in his beloved house. As a result of its tumultuous past, the Mercer-Williams House has become a favorite attraction for those visiting Savannah. But, don't just go on any tour and listen to the ramblings of misinformation spewed as gospel. Ghost City Tours is the place to book with, because our mission is to share the truth with all seekers of the paranormal. Encounter "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" up close and personal at these historic locations in Savannah.

In 1913, a previous owner fell over a banister on the second floor suffering a broken hip and a concussion. For those who enjoy history and exquisite architecture, the Mercer-Williams House is a must see. After a century of prominent residents, the house was purchased by famed Savannah preservationist Jim Williams. Williams spent two years restoring the Mercer House and today guests can take tours to experience its sophisticated charm. Furniture and art from William’s private collection are on display including 18th and 19th century portraits, drawings and a collection of Chinese porcelain.

The Italianate home dates all the way back to 1860, when General Hugh Mercer commissioned New York City-based architect John S. Norris to build it. However, construction was interrupted by the Civil War and Mercer never even lived in the home. According to the Georgia Historical Society, it was first occupied by John R. Wilder in 1868 and was then abandoned for a number of years until Savannah's historic district was revitalized in the mid-20th-century.

mercer williams house

Tours run approximately every 20-40 minutes

The interior of the home is a look into old world craftsmanship and design details of centuries past. Lovers of antiques and amateur collectors may find some of the extravagant pieces intimidating, if not inspiring. Though the book took a few liberties with timeline and characters, it made the Mercer Williams House and Savannah, a new destination for tourists. Berendt's captivating nonfiction novel was a finalist for the 1995 Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction. Williams was charged with Danny's murder and tried four times for the crime.

This house is one of the more than 50 houses Mr. Williams saved during his 30-year career in historic restoration in Savannah and the Lowcountry. Throughout the house, you will see furniture and art from Mr. Williams's private collection, including 18th and 19th century furniture, 18th century English and American portraits, drawings from the 17th century and a wide collection of Chinese export porcelain. This is also the home that Mr. Williams lived in during the time chronicled in the book and film, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." The main façade, facing east onto Monterey Square, has five French windows (two on the first floor, three on the second).

These ghostlike reflections appear not only at night but during the waking hours as well. An especially grim version of an encounter with the ghost of the young boy is that this tortured young soul has reportedly been seen re-enacting the final moments of his life. Caught in a loop of horror, forever falling off the roof of the house and onto the iron spikes of the fence. To even imagine the sight of a small child impaled onto a fence is a ghastly nightmare waiting to be had. Another ghostly tale that is told about the Mercer-Williams House is that the spirit of the young boy, Tommy Downs, who fell to his death, continues to roam the property's grounds to this very day.

The construction of the home began in 1860, but like most things in Savannah, it was interrupted by the Civil War. Construction was eventually completed in 1868, for the new owner, John Wilder. It's a shame that no member of the Mercer family ever had the chance to live in the Mercer house. SAH Archipedia tells the story of the United States through its buildings, landscapes, and cities.

Here, Minerva, the voodoo priestess, routinely performed voodoo over Danny Hansford's grave to vindicate Jim Williams. On Monterey Square, the Mercer Williams House stands in all its glory. Made famous by the best-selling novel, the beautiful preservation and architectural detail of this historic home makes a statement all on its own. Visitors to the home recount feeling a chilling presence after hearing the details of what took place there.

So, it would make sense that Danny's soul would have stuck around over the years. Since Williams' death, those members of the staff who have worked inside of his house (in the after hours), have time and time again seen the ghost of Jim Williams. Most frequently, it is said that he appears in full apparition form, walking up and down the halls of the house. Williams was charged with Hansford's murder, and subsequently tried four times for the crime.

The course consisted of 35 advanced transplant professionals from across the country, and the faculty were from one of the country’s largest transplant and transplant research centers in the United States. Dr. James Davis May, assistant professor of English and director of creative writing, had four poems appear in the latest issue of Peripheries, a literary journal published by Harvard Divinity School. Dr. Ben Greulich, assistant professor of biology, presented his research titled “Regulation of TβRIII Shedding in Cancer” at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in San Diego. Dr. Rachel Le, assistant professor of athletic training, completed Item Writer training with the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam Development Committee for Athletic Training to help develop, construct and validate each portion of the BOC Exam. The garden has an outdoor swimming pool lined by sun loungers and a dining table, with a pool house at one end. Robbie and Ayda's new formal dining room features seating for 12, and features a striking scenic wallpaper of trees over water, with a dazzling chandelier hanging above the table.

In Savannah, the majority of historic homes use the name of the home’s original family in addition to the most prominent family. Between the house and the carriage house is a courtyard,[26] with a brick wall connecting the house and carriage house running either side. This privacy wall was raised after the 1994 publication of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Williams used the carriage house, which fronts onto Whitaker Street to the west, as a guest house for visitors. Both the northern and southern (long) sides have a French window in the middle of both the first and second floors, flanked by two single windows on each side. After Williams's death in 1990, the house was owned by Dorothy Williams Kingery, Williams's sister.

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