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Michelle Hall at the Dean of Students Office at Agnes Scott sends in this great pic taken by Decatur photographer Neil Dent of Agnes Scott’s 280 new, incoming students.

Michelle adds…

It was taken after the students signed the Honor Pledge and features our 40 new international students

…all the new students are about to tour the “welcome to Decatur fair” on our quad where many members of the DBA are featuring their businesses.

Welcome to Decatur!  But be careful, this place is addictive. 

Scott’s panoramic pic of Smith’s.

A couple days ago, Dave posted a pic at InDecatur that showed an old “Smith’s Shoes” sign had reappeared over Sage’s old location on the Square.  On seeing it, I hoped this meant the new owners of the Iberian Pig were bringing a piece of history back to the Square.  Today I received word that this isn’t part of the plan.   According to a source, The Pig has plans to paint over the old sign.

I’m hoping we can change their mind.

The owner and tenants of this building ultimately can do what they want, but Decatur has already lost far too much of its history. We cannot rebuild any of the old distinctive buildings and neighborhoods or rebuild the intricate web of city streets lost during invasion of massive buildings and parking lots.

But we can individually try to save pieces of what remains.

And though I can understand the hesitation to retain a sign that could be seen as confusing to new Pig patrons, I’d argue that the old sign would more than make up for any momentary confusion by providing this rather ordinary 1920s commercial building with distinctive character that would separate it from every other business on the Square.  “The Iberian Pig. Under the Smith’s Shoe’s Sign on Decatur Square” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Comment below to show your support and perhaps together we can help save this piece of Decatur history.

“S” posted this comment yesterday, but it got stuck in moderation.  The AJC reported on the incident this morning, but some details differed from the account below.

Earlier today a Kirkwood resident was working in his yard when he was approached by 2 young black males, at least one armed with a handgun, demanding money. When the victim stated he did not have any, he was shot multiple times and currently undergoing surgery.

The shooting occured at Ridgedale Road near Branham Park.

One black female and two black males, traveling together in a bright red Kia SUV, partial tag # 4247.

- 1st black male dreadlocks multi-colored shirt appeared to very young.

- 2nd black male wearing a blue shirt appeared to very young.

- black female, no description

If you see this vehicle, please contact the police.

Valencia Hudson – Public Safety Liaison for Councilmember Natalyn Archibong