Vanishing South Georgia Photographs by Brian Brown

July 25, 2017 · 11:23 AM

Pope Hill, Circa 1830, Wrens

The community of Pope Hill was the area around which present-day Wrens was established, around the time of the American Revolution. It’s sometimes referred to as Pope’s Crossroads.

Though I haven’t been able to locate much information about the Popes, I assume they were the first settlers of the area. I’ve also yet to establish a coonnection to this house, but I’ve learned that it was built sometime around 1830. Double chimneys flank both ends of the house. I’ll update as I learn more.

A curious stone marker, placed by Carrie in memory of A. J. & Nancy Williams, stands in the front yard.

Storefront Details, Wrens

Commercial Block, Wrens

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Filed under --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, Wrens GA

Tagged as --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, South Georgia Commercial Architecture, South Georgia Landmarks, Wrens GA

July 23, 2017 · 9:27 AM

Howard Manor, 1884, Wrens

This was the first house built in Wrens after the town was incorporated in 1884 and it still stands as a landmark for travelers passing through on US Highway 1. I believe it was originally owned by the Railley family. Purchased by Milo Howard in the 1920s, it became a meeting place for the the John Franklin Wren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, at the invitation of their son, Milo Howard, Jr. Upon his death in the 1990s the house was bequeathed to the chapter, which he felt shared his values of all things historic. The condition of the house isn’t as good as it appears and though many renovations have been made over the years, more are needed. I believe the ladies of the DAR will do their best to make sure this landmark is around for a long time.

Eclectic Houses, Wrens

From the early to mid-20th century, functional utilitarian houses were replacing more formal styles for their practicality and lower cost. They are very common in small towns throughout Georgia and most were built to last.