Westview Cemetery, 1680 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA (2026)

02/27/2026

Phoenix Flies: Free Events at Westview - Bus Tours, a Rest Haven Walking Tour, and a Victorian Section Walking Tour

Sunday, March 1, marks the start of the Atlanta Preservation Center's "2026 Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta's Historic Sites."

Celebrating its 23rd year, Phoenix Flies allows visitors free access throughout the month of March to more than 200 events across the city that showcase Atlanta's historic built environment. Three of those events are free tours at Westview! Sign up here: https://phoenixflies.plotsyft.com/

Tour 1: "Largest Cemetery in the Southeast: Westview by Bus"

Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10, 2 p.m. (seats limited)

Come learn about the lives of many important Atlantans like Joel Chandler Harris, Lemuel Pratt Grant, Donald Lee Hollowell, Asa Candler and Harriett Harwell Wilson High while enjoying beautiful sculptures and historic structures. Tours will include the outside of the 1890 Gatehouse and the inside of the massive Spanish Plateresque Westview Abbey and chapel.

Tour 2: "Rediscovering Rest Haven: Westview Cemetery's Historically Black Burial Section" (accidentally listed in PF booklet as "Rest Haven Cemetery")

Wednesday, March 25, 2 p.m. (rain permitting)

Explore the cemetery's historically Black burial section, Rest Haven. Located in the southeastern corner of the cemetery, its several acres were designed so that graves were clustered around three avenues – East Haven, Central and West Haven. As some of this tour is through forested trails, please wear appropriate footwear.

Tour 3: "Where History is Buried: Westview Cemetery Guided Tour"

Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m. (rain permitting)

Led by Jeff Clemmons - author of "Atlanta's Historic Westview Cemetery" (History Press, 2018) - the guided walking tour is a 1.5-mile trek through some of the cemetery's most historic sections and ends with a visit to Westview Abbey. With a history spanning 141 years, there is much to discuss and learn at Westview, which still has nearly 300 acres to expand upon.

These three tours are free of charge, although registration is required: preserveatl.eventbrite.com. Bus tour starts at the Bowen Administration Building, the other tours start at Westview's 1890 gatehouse.

If the tours are fully booked, please note that both are given throughout the year.

02/14/2026

Little Mabb Continues His Press Run

Adrien Esmilaire, aka "Little Mabb," continues to garner press in his native village, Croismare. (see yesterday's post)

Below is Director of Administration Jeff Clemmons's translation from French of the attached flyer. Be kind, he is not a professional translator. Nuances may have been lost.

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NEWS

Adrien Esmilaire: a memory rediscovered all the way to America.

For a long time in Croismare, some older residents recounted that Adrien Esmilaire had disappeared in a shipwreck in the Atlantic during a voyage.

The reality is less romantic: Adrien Esmilaire died on October 18, 1918, in an Atlanta hospital, from the Spanish flu, as attested by official records and his death certificate.

While talking with the village elders, Catherine Monnet, our town clerk, heard the rumors surrounding Adrien Esmilaire's fate.

Intrigued, she began her research. By typing "Adrien Esmilaire dead," she discovered an article by Jeff Clemmons of the Atlanta Cemetery (USA), who was indignant [wanted more] about the modest state of Adrien's grave, contrasting sharply with the imposing monuments nearby.

Catherine then contacted Jeff, and a correspondence ensued. He, in possession of the death certificate, which mistakenly listed a birth in Paris, was surprised to learn that Adrien was actually born in Croismare. Happy to reconnect with his native village, Jeff [with the help of Westview’s President Charles Bowen and Director of PR (sales) Grant Myers] decided to give him a more dignified burial, which has since become a place of remembrance for many people.

Touched by this story, Ginette Weyer, an artist from the village, created a life-size doll of Adrien, which was sent to Atlanta in a shipping crate made by Jacques Ricatte, a passionate woodworker—a gesture of craftsmanship and solidarity that deeply moved Jeff.

Since then, exchanges have continued between Atlanta and Croismare: more than a century later, Adrien's epic journey continues to bring the two sides of the Atlantic closer together.

Arriving in Atlanta, Jeff was overjoyed to see him.

02/13/2026

'Little Mabb,' Grande Vie: Adrien Esmilaire

In 2015, historian and author Jeff Clemmons, then working for Troutman Sanders LLP, was gathering information for his book "Atlanta's Historic Westview Cemetery" (History Press, 2018). To blow off some steam after a long day of work followed by research, he'd watch one of his favorite television shows - the horror anthology, "American Horror Story."

That year, the show's season - "Freak Show" - was about one of the last "freak shows" existing and struggling for relevance in the United States in 1952. Aside from starring Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, John Carroll Lynch, Evan Peters, and several others, one of the most unique cast members was Jyoti Amge.

Amge, an Indian actress who stands just under 25 inches tall and touted as the shortest living women by Guinness World Records, fascinated Clemmons. He had just discovered Adrien Esmilaire, aka "Little Mabb," who stood only 27 inches tall and was buried at Westview.

Esmilaire, a French circus performer, was in Atlanta performing at Lakewood park with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition when he died of the Spanish Influenza at Crawford Long Hospital on October 18, 1918; he was buried in Section 8 at Westview the following day.

Both Amge and Esmilaire had the same genetic condition - primordial dwarfism.

Fast-forward to 2021.

Clemmons - after a stint at Georgia Power, publishing his Westview book, and getting the cemetery placed on the State and National Historic Registers - now worked at Westview. There, he had more time to ferret out information about those who had intrigued him during his book research and writing. Esmilaire was one of those he wanted more information on.

Not long after Clemmons started at Westview, Catherine Monnet, town secretary of Croismare, France, reached out to him; she was looking for Esmilaire's grave, and Clemmons was looking for Esmilaire's hometown or village. Both - elated with finding each other - got their answers. And the two began a friendship, communicating via Google Translate.

In 2017, Westview had placed a small marker on Esmilaire's grave, but in 2022 Westview erected a much larger marker with a life-size image of Esmilaire on it. Clemmons, Westview President Charles Bowen, PR Director (sales) Grant Myers, and other staff thought the tribute to "Little Mabb" would make a fascinating spot to visit in the cemetery and would be a wonderful way to remember Esmilaire's life and legacy.

Monnet in Croismare, France, and other townspeople were also ecstatic with the new marker; Little Mabb's history had come full circle and two locales connected.

One of the townspeople thrilled over all that had transpired was retired teacher and artist Ginette Weyer. Weyer, who, incidentally, lives in Esmilaire's childhood home, had, years ago, created a life-size doll of Esmilaire for display in the village. But last month, Weyer, with the full backing and help of Monnet, decided to gift her "Little Mabb/Adrien Esmilaire" doll to Westview for display in its offices and for future installation in its 1890 gatehouse museum.

Last Thursday, "Esmilaire" was sent from France to Atlanta via a special wooden crate made by Croismare-woodworking-enthusiast Jacques Ricatte. While Esmilaire was in route, the "L'Est Républicain Lunéville" newspaper ran an article about the events above mentioned. (See below for link and translation.)

Today, Clemmons - excited like a child on Christmas morning - received the doll, uncrated him, and took "Little Mabb" to meet "Little Mabb." It was a full-circle moment years in the making.

The entire staff at Westview is humbled by this gift from Weyer and is indebted to Monnet and the villagers of Croismare for their efforts in making this happen.

May Adrien Esmilaire's "little" life loom large. May his memory endure. May you all come visit him for yourself.

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02/05/2026

Celebrating Black History Month with Westview Residents!

Every year, Black History Month is celebrated across the United States in February to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who helped shape the nation.

The precursor to the month-long celebration started in 1926 as the Negro History Week to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and abolitionist, orator, and author Frederick Douglass (February 14).

In 1976 during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

This year, as in years past, Westview would like to list some of the notable Black Americans that reside in the cemetery. (This is not an exhaustive list.)

Too, be sure to sign up on the Atlanta Preservation Center's Website for the upcoming tour of Rest Haven, Westview's historically Black section, during this year's Phoenix Flies celebration on March 25.

Westview Notables:
* Darrow Bronner - Bronner Brothers’ International Beauty Show director, and professional sales/marketing director
* Nathaniel Bronner - Bronner Bros. founder and president
* Roderick Burton, II - rapper, known as "Dolla"
* Lecresia Campbell - gospel singer
* Herman Cain - businessman, politician
* Josephine Cook - Fulton County Superior Court judge
* Howard Creecy, Jr. - pastor, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) president
* Howard Creecy, Sr. - minister, founder of Olivet Church
* Bill (Billy Ray) Ellis - S.O.S. Band founding member
* Vernon Forrest - U.S. Olympic and professional boxer
* Annie (A.D.) Hall - actresses Phylicia Rashad and "Debbie Allen" Nixon's grandmother, union organizer
* Alice J. Hawthorne - Centennial Olympic Games bombing victim
* Andrew Hill, Sr. - Peters Land Company employee, landowner
* Lula Hill - successful dress maker
* Robert Hightower – Georgia’s first African American state trooper, Division Director of Driver Services
* Donald Lee Hollowell - civil rights attorney
* Dr. Louise Thornton Hollowell - professor
* Arthur Leroy Idlett - Atlanta Black Crackers player, school principal
* Duane Jones - actor
* Rev. N. J. Jones- creator of the Colored Men’s Protective Association (CMPA)
* Vivian Jones - one of the first two African American students at the University of Alabama, and its first African American graduate
* James "Chris" Kelly - half of the rap duo Kris Kross
* Evelyn Lowery - civil rights activist, SCLC/WOMEN founder
* Joseph Lowery - minister, civil rights activist, SCLC president, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
* William Lucas - Atlanta Braves general manager, first African American to hold executive position in MLB
* James “Jim” Mitchell - NFL Atlanta Falcons player
* James Paschal - Paschal's Motor Hotel and Restaurant co-founder
* Robert Paschal - Paschal's Motor Hotel and Restaurant co-founder
* Dr. James Palmer - Civil Rights physician
* Cleo "Clayton" Powell, Sr. - first Black doctor of optometry to join the Georgia Optometric Association, vice president of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP
* Romae Powell - first African American Georgia state court judge
* Harry V. B. Richardson - theologian, writer, first president of the Interdenominational Theological Center
* Nicolas Rogers - NFL player
* John Shepherd - first registered African American State of Georgia professional engineer
* C.T. Vivian - minister, author, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
* Horace Ward - first African American federal court judge in Georgia
* J. Lowell Ware - Atlanta Voice editor
* Lottie Watkins - businesswoman, first African American female
licensed real estate broker in Atlanta
* Wendell Phillips Whalum, Sr. - composer, head of music at Morehouse College
* Rico Wade - music producer, hip hop pioneer, and member of Organized Noize

(All photos used for educational purposes)

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01/31/2026

Due to the weather and for the safety of our staff, families, and guests, we will be closing the office and grounds early today.

We will reopen at our regular times on Monday morning.

01/25/2026

Out of an abundance of caution, we will open tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

If conditions worsen overnight, we may alter that time and/or remain closed.

Please check back here for any update or call the office and get a "live" person before driving to us; our nineteen miles of roads don't often thaw as quickly as public roads do.

Most importantly, stay safe.

01/25/2026

Due to the weather, our gates are closed.

We are monitoring the situation to see if we will open delayed or at all tomorrow, Monday, January 26.

Thank you for your understanding.

01/19/2026

Westview Cemetery would like to take a moment to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who fought alongside him for equality and justice.

Many of those people are buried here at Westview: Donald Lee Hollowell, C. T. Vivian, Howard W. Creecy Sr., James V. Paschal, Vivian Malone Jones, Joseph and Evelyn Lowery, Dr. James Palmer, and others. See previous posts for historical information on some of these individuals.

Also, join us in March during the Atlanta Preservation Center's Phoenix Flies events for a tour of Westview's historically-Black burial section, Rest Haven.

On that tour, learn about prominent citizens Lula Leigh Hill and Andrew Hill, Atlanta University President Edmund A. Ware, Rev. N. J. Jones, Martha Fabian, Mack Leigh, Sterling Kent, Columbus and Anna Pullin, the Seay family, Louvenia Robinson, Anna May Harris, and many more!

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12/30/2025

We would like to wish all our families and guests a Happy New Year.

Our office hours on New Year's Eve will be 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The cemetery's gates will be open New Year's Day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The office and Westview Abbey, however, will be closed.

Please call with any questions: 404.755.6611.

12/23/2025

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah (a few days late, sorry), Happy Kwanzaa, and/or Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Please note our Christmas Day hours:

Westview Abbey - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cemetery gates - 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Main office - closed, with limited hours the day before, Christmas Eve

Please call us if you have any questions, 404.755.6611.

12/22/2025

Our calendars have arrived! Get them while they are on sale, 20% off.

They will make great holiday gifts.

$20, tax included!

12/12/2025

Coming Soon: 2026 Westview Calendars!

We are delighted to announce the publication of our 2026 calendar - a collaboration with the Atlanta Photography Group (APG).

APG arranged for more than 25 of their members to visit the cemetery back in August. During that visit, members of the group spent hours photographing the cemetery. Later, those photographs were submitted to an APG judging panel who then sent fifteen photos to us. We chose twelve, and voila - the first known Westview Calendar of its kind is at the printers today.

Hopefully, the calendars will be here by the end of next week or Christmas week. $25. Limited quantity.

And, we might just make this a yearly thing - mixing up the photography groups!

Legal notice: photographs or video taken at Westview for monetary gain are strictly prohibited unless a commercial photography agreement is obtained and approved at our office. Live models, modeling at the abbey or elsewhere is not permitted. We are an active, private cemetery, not an exotic photography locale, or public park, such as Oakland Cemetery. Please be respectful of families visiting loved ones.

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Westview Cemetery

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