The Wynne-Russell House is the oldest historic home in Lilburn, and it is the city’s only historic property that is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Built in 1826, the Wynne-Russell House, is an example of the “Plantation Plain” architectural style of the upper Piedmont region.
That history, along with a desire to share the house’s story fuels the 20 or volunteers who oversee its maintenance and preservation, giving them a sense of pride and purpose. They also have had volunteers from a local Scout troop and Parkview High School’s Drama Club.
Please join the city in recognizing the Wynne-Russell House volunteers as our July Citizens of the Month.
“Those of us who volunteer to preserve this house do so because we love the house and history associated with it,” said Teresa Czyz. “These old historic homes tell the story of the early settlers, how they lived and how they worked to survive during the early days of our nation. And it gives you a real perspective on how far we’ve come as a nation, state and city.”
Educating the community motivates the volunteer corps. They oversee free history tours that are conducted once a month, from April to September. A local historian has researched and compiled information about the pioneering families, Wynne and Russell. A collection of vintage-era items reflect the house’s 200 year old history.
“The Christmas season marks a special time of the year for volunteers and visitors alike. Aglow with lights and candles, the house comes to life for the annual Holiday Open House and Bake Sale held in December”, Czyz said. “It gives people a chance to see the home, visit with Santa, purchase homemade goodies and enjoy hot drinks and cookies,’ she said. “We also conduct free Candlelight Tours in the evening so people can get a sense of what it was like to live in the home with limited lighting.”
Then there are the ghosts who reside at the house. Yes, spirits. The house historian and her husband are paranormal investigators who have recordings of the spirits that roam the grounds. One spirit hangs out in the cemetery; another likes to sit out on the front porch in a rocking chair.
The Wynne-Russell can be rented for a nominal fee and has hosted weddings, photo shoots as well as birthday and graduation parties. Additionally, the volunteers occasionally hold fundraisers at the facility to help finance preservation efforts.
Please mark your calendars. On July 20, the volunteers will host an Ice Cream Social and Bingo fundraiser at the house from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can still reserve a seat for $7 by going to http://www.wynnerussellhouse.com/.
Learn more about the house, the families, and the spirits who still live there, by taking a guided history tour of the house.
“Thank You, City of Lilburn for recognizing our efforts at the Wynne-Russell House,” Czyz said. “We hope that it will continue to be a gem for the community and a vibrant piece of Lilburn history.”
