Chesser-Williams House Restoration Project

A man and woman outdoors near a white pickup truck, carrying a long wooden plank together across a grassy area with a wooden fence and trees in the background.
Painting the exterior and door of the Chesser-Williams House in Buford, GA
Exterior wall of a porch area painted with a decorative pattern featuring cream and brown colors. The wall includes a window and a door with glass panels, surrounded by intricate trim work in matching colors.
Historic two-story wooden house with a decorative front porch, yellow siding, and a shingled roof.

Location: Buford, Georgia

Project Scope: Preservation of Historic Exterior Murals and Removal of Frieze Panels

The Chesser-Williams House, a significant example of 19th-century vernacular architecture in Buford, GA, underwent a careful preservation initiative aimed at safeguarding its rare historic features. This weathered wooden structure, with its original hand-hewn timber and rustic character, is especially notable for its hand-painted frieze panels—an uncommon form of folk art that has survived through generations.

As part of the restoration project, the delicate process of removing the historic frieze panels was undertaken with precision to prevent damage to the original artwork. These panels contain unique exterior murals, believed to have been painted in the late 1800s or early 1900s, showcasing regional craftsmanship and cultural expression of the period.

This preservation effort not only protected these historic murals from further deterioration but also helped document and stabilize the structure’s exterior. The project contributes to the broader mission of maintaining Georgia’s architectural heritage and educating future generations about the region’s cultural history.