Ashley Slater House Rental
211 S. Gaskin Ave., Douglas, GA 31533
Contact: Chamber of Commerce, (912) 384-1873
Capacity: 300 person capacity
Meeting Rooms: Ashley’s Dining Room and Ada’s Parlor
Built in 1912, the two-story treasure is home to the Chamber and Economic Development Authority. The first floor of the building is available for lease for private events.
About the House
Every home has a story. This one began in 1907, but the foundation of the
house was not laid until 1912. The story started with a chapter of wealth
and prosperity, underwent times of struggle and despair, and ended with the
presentation of a glass slipper- a historic treasure for the local
community.
Many characters are among the pages of history in the house. Perhaps there
are none more prominent than the original owners - a farm boy with a desire
for city life, a strong willed wife eager to overcome heartbreak, a baby
that never reached childhood, and lawyer slated to be Georgia's Governor
prior to his tragic death. It's a story worth telling.
Construction was completed in 1916 by J.M. and Ada Clements Ashley.
Interior treasures in the home include original Quezal American art nouveau
glass globed chandeliers, a band of original art serves as the cornice in
the dining room and stately accents of woodwork.
J.M. and Ada had one child who died in 1916 shortly after they occupied
their new home. The day of the child's death, J.M. endured a stroke and
died only a few days later. He left behind a grieving wife in a lonely
home.
Ada later married John Slater, who served as U.S. assistant Attorney General
prior to his marriage to Ada. In 1930, at the age of 38, he died at the end
of a self-made noose in the stairway leading to the attic of their home. An
Atlanta newspaper reported his death and honored his accomplishments in
Georgia. The report stated John Slater, if he would have lived, would be
the next Governor of the great state of Georgia.
The story of this home is a ghostly tale that some believes to still haunt
the dwelling. The house stands tall with stories of leadership and business
development for the local community and has become a popular place for
special events and programs. Lace your event with history; book the historic
house for your next event. (912) 384-1873
