Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

MILTON, Ga. — Milton's new public library will be at the corner of Charlotte Drive and Mayfield Road, in downtown Crabapple. The county paid $1.1 million for the 4.09-acre piece of historic property where the homestead of the Dinsmore family still stands.

With a large white house sitting up on a slight rise from the road, there are two barns and a smaller, yellow house on the property. There are plenty of large trees on the property, including two massive oaks. A family of turkey vultures has taken up roost in one of the barns.

The Dinsmore farm belonged to Theodore Roosevelt (T.R.) Dinsmore and his wife Imogene. While the white farm house dates back to the 1950's, the property has been in the family for much longer.

"You would see [T.R.] sitting on his porch at all times," said Wes Williams, a long-time area resident and real estate agent for the property.

At one point, the Dinsmore family owned a large percentage of the Crabapple area, Williams said.

T.R. died in 2005 and Imogene died in 2009.

Drivers-by might recall that the property has had a "for sale" sign out front for the past several years.

Williams and Glenn Fletcher are partners in Carroll Realty, the Realtors who have tried to sell the property for the past seven years.

It was slow going, Fletcher said, trying to find the right developer and development for such an important site in Crabapple, especially with the newly formed City of Milton.

"This is the last big parcel in Crabapple that wouldn't require an assemblage of lots," said Fletcher. "We went looking for the right fit."

They then heard about the $275 million library bond.

"When Wes and I happened to along how Fulton County passed their bond and they were looking for a library site, we knew it was a perfect site," said Fletcher.

The lot has road visibility and is within walking distance of several schools – Milton High School, Northwestern Middle School and Crabapple Elementary School – all important criteria for site selection by the library board.

The realtors reached out to the library director, John Szabo, and invited him to walk the site.

This was all in 2008. Two years later, Fletcher, Williams and Williams' 10-year-old daughter, Colleen, went to a Library Board of Trustees meeting to make their case.

They think the decision was made easier for the board when young Colleen stood up and wanted to speak.

"She told them, 'I think that Charlotte Drive would be a great location for your new library,'" said Williams. "She got up there and was unfazed by the people in the room."

The Fulton County Commission voted at their June 6 meeting to approve the $1.1 million to purchase the Dinsmore estate. The motion to approve came from North Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann and was unanimously approved.

The 25,000-square-foot library is part of 10 new or renovated libraries that were approved in a 2008 referendum worth $275 million, and work has been moving on a few sites since then. The library in Roswell already has preliminary designs drawn up, and the new Alpharetta Library is part of the new designs of downtown Alpharetta. The next step for the library is for architecture and designs to be drawn up.

For Fletcher and Williams, it's a perfect fit for Milton.

"It's nice to think this piece of property will be the center of learning for young kids," said Fletcher, who also helps teach special needs children at the Old Milton High School.

"This is one of the main entrances into Milton," said Williams. "What better way for a city to be represented than a landmark to learning?"

Labels: Crabapple, crabapple antique and arts festival, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Crabapple Crossroads, Historic, milton, Milton Library

100-plus antique dealers and juried artists on hand

MILTON, GA., Sept. 30, 2010 - The Crossroads at Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival, featuring more than 100 antique dealers and juried artists from six states, will again enliven quiet Crabapple this Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A tradition since 1969, this one-day-only, rain-or-shine, outdoor festival features thousands of antiques and unique pieces of art in all mediums. Parking and admission are free.

For directions to the festival (held at 750 Mayfield Road, Milton, GA 30004) go to www.crossroadsatcrabapplefestival.com or www.cityofmiltonga.us or call 770-448-3860. You may also click here.

"We get quite a crowd, so shoppers please come early for the best buys," said festival organizer Sally Rich-Kolb. "We have thousands of antiques, from 19th century American Country, to primitives, to shabby chic, to old and new pottery and quilts."

Artists will be on hand selling jewelry, birdhouses, watercolor and oil paintings, photography and hand-blown ornaments, said Rich-Kolb.

"There is just too much to list, so you must come and see for yourself," she said.

Included in the festival are roaming musicians, food, a trolley to free parking areas and children's activities provided by the Goddard School from 2 to 4 p.m. A number of non-profit organizations also take part, including the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA.

Please note: The City of Milton is a presenting sponsor of this event. It is not a city-run special event.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Labels: Crabapple, crabapple antique and arts festival, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Crossroads, crossroads at crabapple

t's that time of year again to stroll through beautiful, historic Crabapple on a cool fall day, taking in the wares of more than 100 antique dealers and juried artists from six states.

We're talking of course about the Crossroads at Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival, held Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Crabapple. A tradition since 1969, this one-day-only, rain or shine outdoor festival features thousands of antiques, accessories and unique pieces of art in all mediums.

Portions of sales benefit the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and many other non-profit organizations. Parking and admission are free.

For directions to the festival, click here.

"We get quite a crowd, so shoppers need to come early for the best buys," said festival organizer Sally Rich-Kolb. "We have thousands of antiques and accessories, from 19th century American Country to vintage/chic, pottery and old and new quilts. Plus, as always, we have the perfect find for someone searching out that unique piece of art or jewelry. There is just too much to list so you must come and see for yourself!"

Included in the festival are roaming musicians, a varied menu of food items, trolley rides and children's activities provided by the Goddard School from 2 to 4 p.m.

Children at the Goddard School must have one guardian with them at all times, said Rich-Kolb. While there the youngsters will be entertained by Captain Planet, music, magicians and a moon bounce.

Organizers recommend bringing cash or a checkbook, as about half the artists and dealers can not accommodate credit cards.

Please note: The City of Milton is a presenting sponsor of this event. It is not a city-run special event. For more information, go to www.crossroadsatcrabapplefestival.com or call 770-448-3860.

Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Labels: Crabapple, crabapple antique and arts festival, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, crabapple mercantile exchange, croassroads at crabapple antique and art festival, Crossroads

October 3 – Crossroads at Crabapple Antique & Art Festival
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., historic downtown Crabapple, 790 Mayfield Road
A tradition since 1969, this one day only outdoor festival features 50 local juried artists and 50 American Country Antique Dealers from six states. Thousands of antiques, accessories, and unique pieces of art in all mediums will be available, so come enjoy this old- fashion festival. Included in the festival are roaming musicians, food for sale benefiting the Boy and Girl Scouts, children activities from 2 till 4 p.m., a home tour, and trolley rides. An event not to miss. Parking and admission are free.
• For more information for this event, please call 770.448.3860.


October 17 – 3rd Annual Milton Roundup
Noon – 7 p.m., Milton High and Northwestern Middle School campuses
Our annual Milton Roundup is a celebration of the City. All residents of Milton, along with their family and friends, are invited to join in the day-long event where they can eat good local food, play games, hop on one of our exciting rides or just spend the day outside enjoying Georgia's beautiful fall weather. Parking and admission is free.
• For information on becoming a vendor for this event, please contact Linda Blow at linda.blow@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678.242.2500.


October 17 –Inaugural Milton Mayor's Run
10 a.m., Milton High and Northwestern Middle School campuses
The City of Milton plans to host an inaugural Milton Mayor's Run. This event begins and ends at the campuses of Milton High and Northwestern Middle Schools and features 5K Trail Run, 1-mile Fun Run and Tot Trot options. All proceeds benefit Milton's Birmingham Park.
• Sponsorship details

December 5 – Christmas in Crabapple
5 p.m. - 8 p.m., historic downtown Crabapple
Celebrate the season of giving with a traditional outdoor celebration. Santa will be on hand – complete with live reindeer – for children to share their secret wishes and to get their picture taken. Everyone can enjoy hot chocolate, cider and S'mores while listening to carols sung by the Milton High School choir. Admission is free and children will get a special gift from Santa.

Labels: city of milton, Crabapple, crabapple antique and arts festival, croassroads at crabapple antique and art festival, Milton Georgia

Back in the days when you could count the cars coming through this historic community, a festival was begun by Mrs. Statham and Mr. and Mrs. Reeves that has since become the Crossroads at Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival.

They owned antique shops and before long other antique shops appeared. With the festival, these pioneers put Crabapple on the map as one of the best places in the country to come for American Country Antiques.

No more a sleepy community, Crabapple still retains its historic feel, housing antique, art and gift shops in its 19th century homes, buildings and former cotton gin. New retail buildings under a strict design guideline add the needed amenities for a sustainable, walkable community where everyone feels at home.

The spirit of the festival encompasses Crabapple's relaxed atmosphere with roaming musicians, antiques from 50 dealers, artwork and crafts from 50 juried artists.

Come and enjoy strolling under 200 year old oaks, down a closed street, and through the hay field for food, fun and great buys.

Parking and admission is free for this one day only festival Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also children's activities at nearby Goddard School from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us or call 770-448-3860.

Labels: antiques, city of milton, Crabapple, crabapple antique and arts festival, october 4

The city of Milton is busy working on two Fall events and would appreciate some help from anyone who may be interested.

First, the Milton Roundup is scheduled for September 13, 2008 at the Birmingham United Methodist Church.

The Milton Roundup Committee had it’s second meeting last week and is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, May 27th 6:00 p.m. at Milton City Hall, Entrance Suite 107G. We welcome new committee members at any time. The Roundup was a great success last year and we are planning on expanding it and making it bigger and better. You are always invited to come and listen to see what is being planned if you would like. I look forward to meeting all of you at one time or another.

Second, the Crabapple Antique & Arts Festival is scheduled for October 4, 2008 at the Crabapple Crossroads:

It is already being planned and they also need your help. This a City sponsored event along with the business owners at Crabapple Crossroads. If you have any interest in antiques or live in the area and want to help make it even more of a success than last year, please contact Sally Rich-Kolb at kolbt@bellsouth.net or 770-448-3860 for details and meeting schedules.

Thanks to all of you for your offer of support for the City of Milton..
Linda M. Blow
Project Coordinator
City of Milton, Georgia
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Building 100
Suite 107B
Milton, Georgia 30004
678-242-2489 Direct
www.cityofmiltonga.us

Labels: city of milton, crabapple antique and arts festival, Milton Roundup, volunteer opportunities