ATLANTA -- The doors to Whitehall, the 1840s Greek Revival mansion in Covington that some say was one of Margaret Mitchell's architectural inspirations for "Gone With the Wind," were swung open to "GWTW" fans Thursday night.
"The public can now tour what inspired the family home of Ashley Wilkes," owner K.C. Bassham announced before the 5:30 p.m. ribbon cutting of the house and soon-to-be museum. More than 175 "GWTW" devotees had reserved tickets for the tour that features artifacts from both the book and movie. Former child actors Patrick Curtis and Mickey Kuhn, who both claim to be baby Beau in the film, were also scheduled to attend.Bassham and her husband, Vern, bought the property in January partly because they believe Mitchell told "GWTW" producer David O. Selznick that Whitehall was "her vision of what Twelve Oaks should be."
Not so fast, two local "GWTW" authorities say. Author and "GWTW" collector Herb Bridges says his research shows that Mitchell probably never said that to Selznick. Bridges says the source of the legend is a book, "David O. Selznick's Hollywood," where a photo of Whitehall appears. "Once it got in that book, it became gospel," says Bridges. "The truth is, you could look at any grandiose mansion of that era in Atlanta and say it was a model for Twelve Oaks."
Mary Rose Taylor, executive director of the Margaret Mitchell House, says she too is dubious about Whitehall's role. "My feeling is that Margaret's Mitchell's vision of Twelve Oaks was always a composite of many homes."
In any case, in a city where thousands flock yearly looking for Tara, Whitehall might make a compelling enough stop. The 10,000-square-foot, four-story structure opens for tourists June 2.