Westview has lost a historic landmark – an old Dairy Queen building at the corner of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd and Laurel Ave across from the Westview Cemetery. The 1956* building, which had been neglected and uninhabited for many years, was most recently sold in 2009 before being demolished over the past week. While further research is necessary to validate this information, it has been said that the building was one of the first Dairy Queen’s in Atlanta.
Former neighbors who grew up in Westview and its vicinity in the 1960s had the following memories about the historic Dairy Queen building:
“Dairy Queen near West View. Had sign on top cone with curl on top.” – L. Bradley
“B. Denson worked at this Dairy Queen after school. (1956-1960). He never could linger after school, always had to go to work. Some years later he bought it. Over time he added other Dairy Queen restaurants around metro Atlanta to his holdings.” – C. Strickland
“It was a Dairy Queen. Went there many times after visiting Westview.” – D. Butler
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Before demolition, February 2014
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During demolition, November 2014
*Date is based on unverified tax information.
The Atlanta History Center has facilitated a series of events scattered throughout the city to highlight historic Atlanta landmarks. The events are called “Party with the Past” and are designed to get young professionals interested in history. So what better way to get these young people out than to entice them to the historic landmarks by offering them a cash bar where they can mingle with their friends and at some point listen to a speaker inform them about the history of the location?
The event series has been a huge success, and Westview residents were lucky enough to finally have a Party with the Past event held in their own neighborhood at the Westview Cemetery. On Halloween eve no less! Fittingly attendees were encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes.
Westview Cemetery President, Charles Bowen, and Public Relations Manager, Grant Myers, talked about the 130 year history of the cemetery and the individuals that are buried there. Attendees were additionally surprised by an impromptu concert by violinist Paul Mercer in the Mausoleum’s Abbey.
To view additional photos of the “Party with the Past” event at the Westview Cemetery visit the Atlanta History Center Facebook page.
The Westview Cemetery is celebrating their 130 year anniversary in October 2014. Join them for a series of events that include book release/signing, lectures, tours, and a Halloween bash with the Atlanta History Center on October 30th in the Westview Abbey!
Pre-Planning Seminar
By reservation only at cjulian@westviewcemetery.com, or sign up during open house on October 25.
10:00am
Location: Business Office
The Westview Cemetery is celebrating their 130 year anniversary in October 2014. Join them for a series of events that include book release/signing, lectures, tours, and a Halloween bash with the Atlanta History Center on October 30th in the Westview Abbey!
You’re invited to join the Atlanta History Center as they ”Party with the Past”
Come party with some of Atlanta’s most influential, dearly departed leaders. Historical costumes encouraged. 1st place takes home a pretty rad prize.
Free event, open to everyone 21 and over with reservations at www.atlantahistorycenter.com. For more information, call 404.814.4021 or email krast@atlantahistorycenter.com.
5:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Abbey Mausoleum
The Westview Cemetery is celebrating their 130 year anniversary in October 2014. Join them for a series of events that include book release/signing, lectures, tours, and a Halloween bash with the Atlanta History Center on October 30th in the Westview Abbey!
Guided Bus Tours of Grounds
10:00am, 11:15am, 3:00pm
By reservation only at cjulian@westviewcemetery.com, or sign up during open house on October 25th.
Event location: Abbey Mausoleum (arrive 10 min prior to departure)
The Westview Cemetery is celebrating their 130 year anniversary in October 2014. Join them for a series of events that include book release/signing, lectures, tours, and a Halloween bash with the Atlanta History Center on October 30th in the Westview Abbey!
Guest Speakers
10:15am – Rodney Mims Cook, Founder and President, National Monuments Foundation
11:15am – John S. Bayne, Author Atlanta’s Westview Cemetery, Sr. Consultant AT&T
1:15pm – Boyd Coons, Executive Director, Atlanta Preservation Center
Location: Abbey Mausoleum
Information, Book Signing, Commemorative Calendar, Tour & Seminar Reservations
10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Abbey Family Room
Tour de SWAT was the first annual bike and history tour through seven historic southwest Atlanta neighborhoods. The 13-mile tour included visits to historic renovated houses, city parks and other cultural attractions, as well as guided history lessons and refreshment stops while cruising through Pittsburgh, Capitol View Manor, Capitol View, Oakland City, Westview, West End, and Adair Park.
In Westview the biker’s stopped at a neighbor’s house on Rogers Avenue and for a bite to eat at The Big Apple Inn.
To view photos of shots from Westview (and a group shot in West End) check out the photo gallery below, or to see additional photos from other neighborhoods visit the Westview Facebook page.
Thanks to the Atlanta Preservation Center’s annual Phoenix Flies Celebration event people will be able to enjoy guides tours of the Westview Cemetery during a few days in March.
Preserving the past and serving the future since 1884, Westview Cemetery’s self-guided, small-group and bicycle tours offer ample opportunities to explore the final resting place of many important Atlantans, as well as visit sites such as the Battle of Ezra Church and the beautiful Mausoleum and Abbey Chapel.
TOUR DATES AND TIMES
Monday, March 17 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Tuesday, March 18 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Wednesday, March 19 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Thursday, March 20 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Friday, March 21 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Saturday, March 22 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Wednesday, March 19 @ 12:00pm – Bike Tour
RESERVATIONS
Please email cjulian@westviewcemetery.com for reservations.

Westview Cemetery Guided Tours
Preserving the past and serving the future since 1884, Westview Cemetery’s self-guided, small-group and bicycle tours offer ample opportunities to explore the final resting place of many important Atlantans, as well as visit sites such as the Battle of Ezra Church and the beautiful Mausoleum and Abbey Chapel.
TOUR DATES AND TIMES
Monday, March 17 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Tuesday, March 18 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Wednesday, March 19 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Thursday, March 20 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Friday, March 21 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Saturday, March 22 @ 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm – Guided Tour
Wednesday, March 19 @ 12:00pm – Bike Tour
RESERVATIONS
Please email cjulian@westviewcemetery.com for reservations.