Esoteric History

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Municipal Zoo

Mrs. Thornton Kennedy rides an elephant at the Grant Park Zoo.
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Palm Reading at Union County Fair

A sign at the Union County Fair advertises Madam Tillie’s fortune telling services in 1972.
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Oakland Cemetery Ghost

A costume-clad Atlantan stands between the tombstones in Oakland Cemetery, ca. 1915.
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Paul Anderson, World’s Strongest Man

Toccoa native Paul Anderson and unofficial “strongest man in the world” demonstrates his strength in 1955.
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Mayor Hartsfield with Mortimer Snerd, ventriloquist dummy

Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield with entertainer Edger Bergen and his ventriloquist dummy Mortimer Snerd in February 1950.
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Magician Martin Hal levitating a woman

Magician Hal Martin performs an illusion in Atlanta, ca. 1949.
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The Three Governors Controversy

For a brief and tumultuous few weeks in 1946 and 1947, Georgia had three governors. What followed is the stuff of political legend.
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Historic Holiday Traditions

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. To celebrate this festive season, we’ve gathered together some historic holiday traditions to share with you and yours.