Subdivision of the week: Waverly

When John Marks downsized about three years ago, he decided on a home in Waverly, a quiet yet central neighborhood in west Augusta.

"It's convenient to everything," said Mr. Marks. "It's a wonderful place. It's quiet. There's not a lot of traffic. All the people keep up with their houses and yards."

Mr. Marks said the single-story home was built in 1974 and has been updated over the years. Previous owners removed a wall between the living room and den, providing a more open floor plan.

Mr. Marks has added hardwood floors throughout the house, recessed lighting and more accent molding.

In contrast with the house's updated features are the antiques that have been passed down through Mr. Marks' family. One of his prized pieces is a grandfather clock made in 1736. A bill of sale from 1880 is still attached to the clock's interior.

Stashed in the family Bible is an Oct. 16, 1949, article from The Augusta Chronicle about Mr. Marks' great-great-great-grandfather, John Milford Clark. The story asserts that Clarks Hill, S.C., was named for his ancestor, who owned 3,000 acres in the area.

A photo of a portrait of his ancestor ran with the story. The same portrait, from around 1830, hangs in Mr. Marks' formal dining room.

Other family memorabilia include paintings in the living room of Mr. Marks and his mother that were commissioned in New Orleans when Mr. Marks was a child.