The Orr-Johnson House, c. 1887

131 McDonald Street

 

This quaint Victorian cottage-style house, nestled among magnificent magnolias, has been the setting for two national television commercials. The property was originally owned by Ervin Maxwell and is thought that Godfrey Norman designed the house based on its style of construction. It is believed that Ervin Maxwell (of the Maxwell House Coffee family) built this house and occupied it while he was constructing Mockingbird Hill, across the street. Horace & W.T. Orr purchased it in 1917 for $2,600 and it remained in the Orr family until purchased by the current owners. Horace Orr was killed in the Argonne Forest during World War I and the American Legion post in Marietta is named for him.

Jim & Jennifer Johnson, the present owners, have completely renovated the house and added an addition on the rear.