H. V. Kell was a a grocery-hardware store chain. The stenciled advertising placed diagonally between the windows was very common in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, but is rarely seen intact today. The banners read, from left to right: Farm Hardware; Field Fence; Roofing Nails; Paints And Oil.
Fort Valley was a real surprise, as I’d only passed through the area briefly before my recent photo expedition there. There are three National Register Historic Districts in the town and one of the most interesting and well maintained downtowns I’ve seen in awhile. It’s a bit out of the way, but definitely worth a trip whether you’re a photographer, historian, or casual visitor.
Fort Valley Downtown & Railroad Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Just passed thru there last week on my trek down to Appling Co. The Peach trees were blooming. The Depot there is always a favorite to gaze at. The BlueBird Manufacturing Plant is another. Not sure why they closed the RV/Coach Park.
Brian, my mother worked for this company for several years. I love looking at all your photos.
Thanks, Cheryl! Nice hearing from you. I’ve not been able to find too much about the Kell company, but it must have been a large operation.
I would never have known. I am going to have to break out of my travel patterns and explore a little.