THOMASVILLE — Thomasville Landmarks Inc. will measure the success of this year’s annual picnic in participation in the 52nd annual event.

“We’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Landmarks Executive Director Nancy Tinker pointed out.

The event is Thursday, Nov. 19, at the 1135 Gordon Ave. residence of Dr. Allen Lee. House tours are from 5 to 6:45 p.m, with dinner and music on the grounds at 7 p.m.

Those planning to attend are asked to purchase tickets by Monday, Nov. 9. Tickets prices begin at $100 and must be purchased before the event.

Tinker said wearing masks will be mandatory of those entering the house. Ten people will tour the residence at a time, with six-foot social distancing.

Cocktails and dinner will be served outdoors. Tables will be arranged to allow proper distancing.

The house was built in 1938, and designed by Cleveland, Ohio, architect Edward G. Reed, who also designed the adjacent residence on Blackshear, known as Ten Oaks, as well as Milestone’s Lodge and Cottages.

The Gordon Avenue French Renaissance landmark was the home of Mary Roddenberry and Worth Upchurch. Prince E. Jinright of Thomasville was the supervising architect and oversaw construction. The house was built across the street from The Three Toms Inn of Arnold and cost about $20,000.

Mrs. Upchurch planted azaleas and camellias, some of which still flourish today.

Peggy and Scott Rich purchased the house in 1985, and enlarged and remodeled the residence with the help of architect William Frank McCall Jr. The addition of a walled pool and wisteria arbor was included in the Riches’ renovation. In 2002, the Riches commissioned Thomasville architect Stanley F. Smith for a major restoration after a fire caused significant damage to the house.

The current owner, Dr. Allen Lee, purchased the residence in 2018, and undertook a complete renovation and expansion of the main house, pool house and grounds. In addition, the adjacent Millpond Road property was purchased and incorporated into the main site, along with the addition of a carriage house, raised gardens, outdoor cypress kitchen and additional brick estate wall surrounding the new property.

Lee, an architect prior to attending medical school, worked with architect Troy A. Stencel on the renovation.

The picnic menu includes:

• Arugula salad

• Beef tenderloin with horseradish cream

• French scalloped potatoes pave

• Asparagus

• Garlic chive sour cream biscuits

• Bite-size desserts

Take-out will be available.

The buffet dinner will be served California-style by JB Crumbs staff.

Picnic reservations may be made at thomasvillelandmarks.org/picnic. For more information, call (229) 226-6016.

Tinker said that among Landmarks’ current projects is Operation Care, which helps underprivileged families receive repairs for their residences.

Another program is Construction Trades, an after-school course that provides instruction in a variety of construction areas.

“It’s a great way to lead youths to a sustainable, financially-successful career path,” Tinker said. “It is a program designed to introduce teens to careers in the building industry.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820