Old Toccoa Bus Station Revamped


Alisha Searl
NewsChannel 32
Thursday, September 13, 2007


This old Greyhound ticket counter really proves to be a focal point in John Hewitt's life.

John tells NewsChannel 32, “Having a love of all things old and historic really just emphasized that it was meant to be.”

A little more than five months ago John came across this historic Greyhound bus station that dates back to the late 1940's.

So, this self proclaimed history buff decided take on a real challenge and transform it into an upscale restaurant and antique shop.

John says, “It's kind of like a multi pronged dream, that historic preservation being number one and number two, an opportunity to come back to the town and be a part of the revitalization.”

A part of John's dream includes leaving the floor plan as is, keeping the original wood doors, bathroom tile, and also re building this canopy that the buses used in the 40's and 50's.

Owners also say being located right next to the railroad really shows the significance of this being a major transportation hub in Northeast Georgia.

John adds, “When Toccoa was in its hay day, it was a commercial hub, particularly when Camp Currahee was operational. So, that combined with having elderly gentleman stop by here when I’ve been working and say I left to go to war out of this place.”

It's those special stories that John will cherish and ultimately live on here, with the help of his wife, she's the antique buff.

Dorothy Hewitt says, “It’s an obsessive compulsive disorder that makes me want to collect things.”

So, you'll be able to find Greyhound memorabilia downstairs and upstairs, as they revamp these old rental rooms for overnight buss passengers to apartments.

The owners hope when it’s finished it'll not only be in the heart of Toccoa, but in your hearts as well, as you exchange memories in this historic building.

The renovations will be completed in late October.