College Park Historical Society

10/08/2026

Looking back- College Park Memorial Commons.

Atlanta Photographers and Film Makers KarenImages Presents a new sh...

09/19/2026

September 18, 1959 changed flying in two ways on the very same trip.

That morning, 119 passengers boarded Delta Flight 823 at New York’s Idlewild Airport and took off for Atlanta aboard a brand-new Douglas DC-8.

It was Delta’s first jet flight — and the world’s first scheduled passenger service aboard a DC-8. United would begin its own DC-8 service later that same day.

But when Delta’s DC-8 arrived in Atlanta, another piece of aviation history was waiting.

Instead of passengers walking down aircraft stairs and crossing the ramp, they could enter the terminal through a new enclosed boarding bridge — an early Jetway, whose first passenger use coincided with the arrival of Delta’s inaugural DC-8 service.

Think about that: the jet and the jetway effectively entered the passenger experience together.

One flight helped introduce two things we now barely think twice about — fast jet travel and walking directly between an airplane and the terminal.

And it happened 67 years ago today, September 18, 1959.

09/19/2026

09/17/2026

Doyle Rodgers (later nicknamed "Wolfman") bought a furniture store, known as Gallery Furniture, most likely sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s. In 1981, he asked his daughter Donna if she would be his co-star in a series of commercials for the business. She agreed, and they instantly got to work. They apparently aired primarily on the TBS, mostly in the Atlanta area. The commercials were an instant success, with the catchphrase "Ask for the Wolfman!" becoming a household saying. The commercials often didn't last longer than thirty seconds. They typically involved a wacky sketch of sorts, followed by their current sales. The commercials ran often, until roughly the late 1990s or very early 2000s. The reason for them stopping is unknown, but it's speculated that it was due to Wolfman's health, which began to decline. He passed away in 2004, after having a heart attack a few weeks prior. Donna said in an article with the AJC that her and her brothers made a few more commercials after his death, but she said it "didn't feel the same." Donna still works at Gallery Furniture, and has an office filled with props from most of their commercials.

09/10/2026

At a time when architecture was a male-dominated profession, Leila Ross Wilburn was one of only a handful of female architects practicing in the early 20th century. This home in College Park is just one example of her work. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1885, Wilburn moved with her family to Atlanta in the mid-1890s and studied at Agnes Scott Institute, now Agnes Scott College, in Decatur from 1902 to 1904. In 1906, she began working at B.R. Padgett & Sons, an architectural firm in Atlanta. Two years later, Wilburn opened her own firm in the Peters Building in downtown Atlanta, where she practiced for the rest of her career while living in Decatur. Wilburn is best known for her plan books, which contained high-quality, affordable house designs in a variety of sizes and styles, making it possible for many to build a house of their own. Her numerous designs can be found throughout Georgia and the Southeast and scattered around the country. She passed away in 1967 and is buried at Decatur Cemetery. In 2003, she was inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement.

06/29/2026

https://www.bet.com/article/4srsdz/grassroots-group-fights-to-save-historic-black-georgia-cemetery?fbclid=IwZnRzaASvkKVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeLVbbMB2-hCGLwm2QF_EmZ49DX3_LLtVMXZGUchTkRuSrr6D19ZYbGkdp6r0_aem_RScJu83bhSdj66Sh1yxPkg

Behind a Baptist church, headstones of Black veterans and leaders are reappearing as volunteers fight to restore a neglected cemetery.

06/25/2026

This charming historic house in College Park was built in 1943 for renowned aviation pioneer Captain Thomas Prioleau “Pre” Ball, a 2005 inductee of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. A Chief Pilot at Delta Air Lines, Captain Ball established national speed records for commercial transports in the DC-6, DC-7 and DC-8; these records, plus his transcontinental speed record for commercial jets in the Convair 880, still stand today.

While living in this home, Captain Ball designed a bomb shelter in the basement which now serves as a rustic and functional laundry room. In 2013, the previous homeowner, also a Delta Air Lines pilot, restored the home to capture its original charm while updating it with modern conveniences. Attendees of our 2023 Spring Ramble had an opportunity to tour this amazing home!

06/03/2026

College Park is proud to be one of only two cities participating in the ARTrail Project, which aims to elevate community voices, celebrate local creativity, and educate visitors about the artists whose work shapes the visual identity of the city.

05/30/2026

🎉 You're Invited to the Juneteenth Parade & Celebration! 🎉

Join Councilwoman Tracie Arnold, Ward 3, and the City of College Park for an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, heritage, and community. Enjoy a vibrant parade, exciting dance activities, music, and family-friendly fun as we come together to celebrate our history and culture.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth with us! ✨🖤❤️💚

Freedom. Unity. Celebration. We look forward to seeing you there!

See the flyer for details!

05/18/2026