Vanishing South Georgia Photographs by Brian Brown

Log Tobacco Barn, Lowndes County

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:14:16 +0000

This is located just off White Water Road in southern Lowndes County.

Farmhouse, Clyattville-Lake Park Road

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:09:51 +0000

The photo below shows the diamond vent which was probably original to the farmhouse. It seems to have been enlarged over the years.

Grocery & Post Office, Clyattville

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:54:55 +0000

Utilitarian Architecture, Clyattville

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:46:59 +0000

Freight Office, Clyattville

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:42:19 +0000

I presume this was a railroad freight office at one time and was likely built by one of the several railroads which have operated the 10-mile run from Clyattville to Valdosta since the late 1880s: Florida Midland & Georgia Railroad; Georgia & Florida Railroad; Valdosta Southern Railroad. My guess would be Georgia & Florida Railroad.

Railroad Shed, Clyattville

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:22:28 +0000

The Valdosta Railway is a shortline operated by Genesee & Wyoming to connect Clyattville to the CSX and Norfolk Southern lines at Valdosta.

Grand Bay, Lowndes County

Brian Brown — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:48:22 +0000

Grand Bay WMA is located within a 13,000-acre wetlands system which is said to be the second largest natural blackwater wetland in the state. It is of the type of land features known as “Carolina bays” which, according to one theory were created by meteor showers. Dudley’s Hammock, a rare example of a mature broadleaf-evergreen hammock community, is found in the area.

http://www.sherpaguides.com/georgia/wildlife_viewing/plantation_trace/51.html

Strolling leisurely along the boardwalk which provides easy access to the wetland, one of the most beautiful plants likely to be encountered in late spring and summer is the Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), as pictured below.

At the end of the half-mile boardwalk is the 54-foot Kinderlou Tower, which served as a fire lookout in nearby Kinderlou Forest from 1939-1993. It was donated to the state by Harley Langdale, Jr., a prominent Valdosta businessman. Be advised in summer that the walk up the tower can be exhausting and that numerous red wasps nest on the structure. The view from the top, though, is worth expending the energy.

To reach Grand Bay WMA from Valdosta take U. S. Highway 221 North approximately 10 miles and turn left on Knight’s Academy Road. Go 1.5 miles to the entrance sign on the right. The entrance road leads 1 mile north to a “T”. The boardwalk is to your left, the interpretive center and canoe trail entrance to your right. A Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass, or GORP, is now required for access; for more information, call the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division at 229-426-5267.

An aside: My good friend Jan Stokes, who had a long career with DNR at Bowens Mill, pointed out to me in an email just how difficult a task it was to build the boardwalk in 100-degree and freezing weather over several years, battling snakes and alligators at every turn. Their dedication to the project mirrored the enthusiasm of Tip Hon, who was the guiding force behind the state’s vision for Grand Bay WMA.

Neoclassical Vernacular, Lake Park

Brian Brown — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:29:12 +0000

This beautifully restored home has a nice wraparound porch.

Conine’s Store, Stockton

Brian Brown — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:08:45 +0000

Thanks to Cathee Boswell for the identification!

Sunrise, Cornflower Road

Brian Brown — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:36:34 +0000

No better way to start the day than a beautiful country sunrise!