Wayne-Gordon House Time Line

1818
Major Moore Wayne, the Mayor of Savannah, purchases a double lot in a fashionable location to build a home for his family.

1821
The house, designed in the English Regency style (architect unknown), is completed at a cost of $6,500, with Egyptian Revival and classical details popular in the early 19th century.

1831
Major Wayne moves to Washington to serve in the federal government and later on the U.S. Supreme Court, and sells the house to Daisy Gordon's paternal grandparents.

1842
When Daisy's grandfather dies, her grandmother Sarah closes the house and moves with her children to New Jersey for 10 years. Meanwhile, gaslights, a new bathroom, and some plumbing are installed.

1852
Sarah Gordon returns to live in the house.

1857
Sarah's son (Daisy's father), William Washington Gordon II, marries Eleanor (Nellie) Lytle Kinzie. They move into the house with Sarah.

1866
With a growing family, Willie and Nellie move down the street.

1882
Sarah Gordon dies and Willie purchases the house from the estate for $10,000.

1885
Willie hires architect Detlef Lienau to remodel the house, now 67 years old. A third floor with bedrooms and bathrooms is added, the dining room is enlarged, and a piazza and butler's pantry are added.

1887
Central heating and a telephone are installed.

1903
Electric lighting is added; the carriage house is built.

1917
Nellie Gordon dies; soon after, Willie permits the Red Cross to use the home as offices during wartime.

1920
George Arthur Gordon, Daisy's brother, and his family move into the house, screen-in the piazza, and convert the stable to a rental property.

1930
The garden is turned into a playground when George Arthur Gordon's daughter runs a day school in the house.

1942
The parlor and bedroom floors are converted into four apartments by architect Mark Sheridan.

1953
The house is purchased by Girl Scouts of the USA the following year; the Dimes for Daisy campaign begins, to raise money for its restoration.

1956
The house opens to the public on October 19. There were over 12,000 visitors the first year!

1964
The deteriorating stucco on the exterior is removed and replaced.

1992
The 102-year-old roof is replaced with coated stainless steel.

1996-1997
The windows and doors are removed and restored to operating condition.

1999
The piazza and deck are restored.

2000
Strategic planning begins; 12 projects identified.

2001
The house has its 2 millionth visitor. The Juliette Low Birthplace Circle of Friends begins. In November, The Birthplace closes for rebuilding of the weakened circular staircase and construction of public areas for visitors.

2002
Reopening, renovation continuing in the second-floor bedrooms and upstairs of the stable building.

2004
Elevator is completed. Entrance becomes handicapped accessible.

2006
Planned renovation of the historic garden.