Community Revitalizing Paulding Hosts Second Progressive After Hours in Historic Downtown District
Community Revitalizing Paulding (CoRP) brought history to life during its second Progressive After Hours event on Tuesday June 24, held in the newly designated Paulding Downtown Historic District. The event featured three vibrant stops: Holly, Wood & Vine, Fuel Good Energy, and Buy the Book—each business nestled in buildings that have served as cornerstones of Paulding’s heritage for over a century.
The afternoon offered participants not just an engaging social outing, but a chance to immerse themselves in the rich stories behind the brick façades and arched windows of the village’s most iconic structures.
Stop One: Holly, Wood & Vine – Where Flowers and History Bloom
The journey began at Holly, Wood & Vine Florals Café, located in the 1891 Pursel Block on the west side of the square. Owners Holly and Bob Davis have operated their floral business here since 2010, expanding to include a cozy café in 2020. Guests enjoyed light conversation while learning about the building’s long-standing history, which includes stints as a dry goods store, grocery, and even Paulding County’s first hospital in 1919. Built by early businessman V.V. Pursel, the structure once hosted Civil War veterans, dentists, tailors, and the Young Men’s Reading Room. Twice saved from devastating fires, the building remains a resilient symbol of downtown’s historic charm. Melinda Krick and Kim Sutton, two members of the CoRP Wednesday History Group, made a YouTube video of the upstairs. The 2nd story is complete with old equipment, beautiful woodwork — even a rounded corner in the main hallway.
Stop Two: Fuel Good Energy – A Healthy Dose of the Past and Future
Next, attendees visited Fuel Good Energy at 108 N. Williams Street, housed in the Brewer Block—built in 1893 by saloonkeeper and entrepreneur John Brewer following the great fire that year. Now home to a modern Nutrition & Smoothie Bar run by owner Keylei Young, the space once served as a dime store for nearly 90 years. During the event, guests sampled protein teas and shakes while learning about the building’s evolution—from its early days as the Lone Star Saloon to hosting upstairs offices, a reemployment service during the Depression, and eventually, Paulding’s first hospital just across the alley, connected by a wooden bridge. Young’s mission to energize lives with healthy habits mirrors the building’s own legacy of serving the community.
Stop Three: Buy the Book – Turning Pages in a Storied Space
The evening’s final stop took guests to Buy the Book at 109 W. Perry Street. Operated by Friends of the Paulding County Carnegie Library, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit bookstore encourages literacy and repurposes donated books for new homes. Located in a structure that has housed everything from hardware stores to a pool room and an electric and furniture store, the building once featured the Model Opera House on its upper level—a venue so beloved that its 1894 debut left only standing room. Sadly, the opera house was destroyed by fire in 1930, but its legacy remains a proud chapter in Paulding’s cultural history. Guests browsed gently-used books while taking in the building’s enduring presence in the community.
Looking Ahead: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
As Paulding’s CoRP continues to breathe new life into its downtown, events like Progressive After Hours shine a spotlight on the unique stories and resilient spirit of the village’s historic core. CoRP is currently raising funds to install historic markers at the major entrances to downtown, offering both residents and visitors a deeper appreciation for the area’s architectural and cultural significance.
To support the historic marker campaign or learn more about CoRP’s efforts, follow Community Revitalizing Paulding on social media.
