L.R. NASH HOUSE

415 Walnut Street NE

Circa 1898

This quaint Victorian-era cottage sits at 415 Walnut Street NE. Throughout the home’s history, it has had a number of renovations. The original front porch was replaced with a Craftsman-styled porch in the early 20th century, and metal siding was added in the mid-20th century.

Some of the earliest residents of the house were planter George W. and Berta C. Couch. Perhaps the most notable past residents of this home were Luther and Ruby Nash, who arrived in Decatur in the early 1920’s. Luther was hired to manage Decatur’s Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In 1923, the Nash’s purchased the Coca-Cola Company. When Mr. Nash died in 1937, Ruby became president and chairman of the company. She retained her role as president and chairman of the board for approximately 33 years until her son-in-law and grandson, W. F. Troup and Randall Troup purchased the company in 1970. Mrs. Nash lived in this house until her death in 1993. Mrs. Nash is also credited for completing plans started with her husband to build the striking Art Moderne house affectionately known as “Fort Nash” at 522 Oak Street NE for their daughter. It was the first modern designed home with central air conditioning in the city. Prior owners renovated the master bath, added rooms on the second floor and installed a staircase.

The current owners purchased the house in 2020. They added outdoor lighting and removed the screening on the front porch resulting in a much more open front porch.