Help Save
Forty Oaks Farmhouse
In the face of potential demolition by the city, our urgent priority is to preserve and protect the historic Forty Oaks farmhouse for future generations.
Earlier this year, the Clarkston City Council voted to demolish this significant historic structure. We have until November 5th to change their minds. Our current efforts are focused on raising awareness and encouraging the city to explore national and state grant funding to transform Forty Oaks into a vibrant space for education and community engagement.
FOFO's Mission:
Community, Nature,
History
FOFO is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Forty Oaks Nature Preserve and farmhouse. Today, the farmhouse is in dire need of rehabilitation. While the surrounding nature preserve continues as a public forest and community garden, the historic home itself has suffered from years of neglect. Despite this, the house remains an important architectural and historical treasure, offering a tangible connection to Clarkston’s past and valuable resource for the city's future. We believe that by restoring this historic home, we can provide a valuable point of interest in the park as a multi-use community and education facility.
Forty Oaks:
A Clarkston Legacy
The 130 year-old farmhouse belonged to the Sutton family for nearly 90 years. Ed Sutton was active in his community as the mayor of Clarkston, a newspaper editor, organized labor advocate, local volunteer, chicken breeder, brother in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and teacher who organized Clarkston's first public school.
Mrs. Sutton and her daughter Hazel were also active in civil service. Mrs. Sutton served as the 5th District family finance chairperson and was president of the first women's auxiliary to a labor union. Hazel was president of The Clarkston Woman's Club, member of The Women's Business Council, and award-winning youth opportunity advocate.
In 1972, Hazel and her siblings generously donated the 10.5- acre estate to Dekalb County, GA. Years later, the property was transferred to the City of Clarkston in 2017.
The Nature Preserve: A Community Greenspace
The Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, located on a 10.5-acre tract of land, was established with the goal of conserving the area's natural environment and providing a peaceful, public green space for the community. Over the years, the preserve has been home to various conservation efforts, including reforestation and the protection of native plant species. Several groups collaborated on projects to restore the land, improve water quality in the nearby stream, and enhance wildlife habitats. The preserve became a vital part of the local ecosystem, offering walking trails, educational opportunities, and a tranquil space for residents to connect with nature. Although some areas have since become overgrown, the potential for revitalizing the preserve remains, with opportunities to restore the landscape and reintroduce conservation programs.
Clarkston, Georgia
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