By Robert M. Sarwark
On Saturday, December 2, along with many friends and family, long-time East Atlanta residents Lynne and Henry Bryant celebrated their golden anniversary — fifty years of marriage.
The Bryants officially wed on November 24, 1973 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta. After a few years of living outside of the city, they moved into their home on Metropolitan Avenue in 1980. There they raised two children, Courtney and Will, both of whom still live nearby as well. Over the years the Bryants have renovated and refurbished many elements of their home, which is now almost 120 years old.
As Henry recounts: “Lynne and I met in 1968 on the first day of high school in a painting class. We became very good friends and by the end of the school year were dating. We went away to different colleges in different states but wrote letters constantly, both returning to Alabama [where we had first met] for holidays and more time together. After two years of that, we both ended [up] at Florida State University, moving to Atlanta after graduation.” For 31 years Lynne taught small children, first in Clayton County and then, for many years, in Dekalb County. Until his recent retirement, Henry had a career in advertising design. Both are artists who create works in various media including, still, painting.
On behalf of Liliana Bakhtiari, who was out of town, former District 5 Councilmember Natalyn Archibong was on hand to present the Bryants with an official proclamation from Atlanta City Council. The document was signed by the entire council and recognizes Lynne and Henry for their many decades of contributions to the community and to the city at large. These include various acts of service to the East Atlanta Community Association (EACA), the Friends of East Atlanta Library (FEAL), Neighborhood Planning Unit-W, Battle of Atlanta Commemoration Organization (BATL), the YMCA, as well as Henry’s role as co-founder and publisher of The Porch Press. Henry also co-wrote the book on East Atlanta in the Images of America series.
Echoing the sentiments of legacy embedded in the event itself, the Bryants opted for a unique invitation to their party. The hand-delivered cardstock, rolled up and tied with a bow, featured the image of a brief article and black-and-white photo from the archives of the Atlanta Constitution: the June 25, 1940 announcement of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Everitt. The Everitts just so happened to be the first owners of the Bryants’ home on Metropolitan. That couple was wed in 1890 and built the now historic house — which was also featured in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame — in 1906.
To all their friends, family, and neighbors, both Lynne and Henry have one message: “We love you all!”
