On a recent trip to Fitzgerald I had the opportunity to visit Bishop’s County Store, just outside town on Evergreen Road. It’s located near my family’s farm in the old Emmett Davis homeplace. Emmett may have been best known for his pure cane syrup, which was looked forward to each winter by scores of local folk. My father worked in tobacco on this farm when he was a young man and still has many memories of the place.
Delene Bishop Clark, who also grew up in the neighborhood, has converted the house into a country store with almost anything you could imagine for sale, from camouflage bathing suits and gourmet jelly beans to honey, fertilizer and gnat repellent. Delene is one of the most down-to-earth people I know of and she sells a little bit of everything. She hand-picks a nice selection of fresh local produce during the season that’s as good as any you’ll find in Ben Hill County.
Fresh Watermelons in front of the Smokehouse
Privy (Outhouse)
I think it’s really nice to salvage an old house for such use, and the fact that authentic outbuildings remain on the property make it an even more interesting place to visit.
Stop by and see her if you happen to be in the area; just call for directions!
654 Evergreen Road, Fitzgerald, Georgia
(229) 423-9151, or (229) 425- 5935 if no answer at the first number.
I will visit this store when I go to Fitzgerald the end of this month. I know the area but never seen a store, thanks for posting the photos Brian.
They could probably stay open just selling the gnat repellant. I packed onions in Collins this year and it was like working in a cloud.
Great series, Brian!
Ah, the wonderful memories this brought back. I intend to stop by when I go back to Valldosta. So grateful for these photographs.