About Nellie Mae Rowe . Georgia Historical Society Marker
A commemorative marker was unveiled near the site of the home, or “Playhouse”, where Nellie Mae Rowe lived and enjoyed her life as an artist.
On June 1, 2024, about 100 people gathered for a dedication — 10 to 15 of whom were members of Nellie’s family. High Museum Curator Katie Jentleson was there, as was Thunderbolt Patterson, the “wrastler” Rowe immortalized in drawings.
The Georgia Historical Society partnered with The Judith Alexander Foundation and Vinings Village Home Owners Association (VVHOA) to make this meaningful moment happen.
Artist and Judith Alexander Foundation board member, Mario Petrirena, contributed to the decorating of the tree.
The marker is located in Vinings, GA on Paces Ferry Road in front of Hotel Indigo. From its inception, the hotel has honored Rowe by displaying photos of the artist and her work on the lobby wall. Drew Fransen, Director of Sales, was an integral member of the team the made this event happen.
Woodie Wisebram and Melissa Johnson of the VVHOA had the delightful idea to decorate a sad, dead crape myrtle tree trunk as Nellie might have done, making a joyful display of color and whimsey to celebrate the day, inviting all who came to join in with whatever ornament or bauble they brought along.
Rowe Family (from left): Cathi Perry, Walter North, Connie Chapel, Cheryl Mashack, Ella Mashack, Roberta Bates, Darlene Hamilton, Ken Brown, Princeton Mashack, Hashem Mashack
Thunderbolt Patterson — inspiration to Nellie Mae Rowe and 2023 WWE Hall of Fame inductee
From left: Drew Fransen, Cathi Perry (Board President, Judith Alexander Foundation), Judith Augustine (Director, Judith Alexander Foundation), Melissa Johnson (Board President, Vinings Village Homeowners Association), Woodie Wisebram, Cheryl Mashack, Ella Mashack
From left: Breana James (Georgia Historical Society), Cheryl Mashack, her granddaughter Ella Mashack, and Cathi Bates Perry (great-grand nieces of Nellie Mae Rowe and board members Judith Alexander Foundation) unveil the historical marker. Courtesy of Lilly Heidari.
Dellighting in the tree are Ella Mashack, Cheryl Mashack, Katie Jentleson, and FeFe Handy
Son and grandson of Cheryl Mashack, Princeton & Hashem Mashack, with Thunderbolt Patterson
Celebratory cake provided by Vinings Village Homeowners Association