Though it appears at first glance to be a house, this was the Vernon Johnson School. Located across from Asbury Church, on the Wilkinson side of the Wilkinson-Twiggs County line, it is best known locally as Asbury School today. A state educational survey in 1918 recorded 31 students from both counties. Wilkinson County students attended for 5 months and Twiggs County students for 6 1/2 months. One teacher was responsible for all eight grades.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--
With around 8 million metric tons mined and $1 billion in annual economic impact, kaolin is one of Georgia’s largest natural resources and industries. In fact, Georgia is the leading clay-producing state in the nation. Primary applications of kaolin include paper-coating (glossy magazine pages, for instance), paint pigments, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals, especially antacids such as Kaopectate and Mylanta.
The Kaolin Belt in Georgia runs roughly parallel to the Fall Line and is a vital economic force in at least 13 counties.
Historically, the industry had a bad reputation for its land rights and reclamation practices, but improvements in recent decades have (hopefully) lead to better stewardship. For an overview of the industry’s controversial earlier days, read Charles Seabrooke’s Red Clay, Pink Cadillacs and White Gold: The Kaolin Chalk Wars. The book was not well-received by the industry, though locals agree that much of it is solidly documented and reported. I’m not endorsing nor attacking the industry as it’s very important to the economy, but let’s hope it has improved. It’s not a liberal or conservative view to treat people right, to not steal their land, and to leave the land better than you found it.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--
After both the Methodist and Baptist churches in Irwinton burned in 1854, congregants came together to form a common house of worship. The result is the wonderful structure you see here, first known as the Irwinton Free Church. Though Sherman’s forces burned the courthouse, the church was somehow spared. Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians shared Union well into the 20th century but by 1960, the Presbyterians were gone and the Methodists and Baptists were settled into their own churches. During that decade, Joseph T. Maddox came forward to restore the building and prevent its deterioration. Perched on a hill on the edge of Irwinton, it stands today as an enduring symbol of cooperation and common faith.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Irwinton GA
This unusual courthouse has been expanded over the years; it’s very difficult to photograph. This is a side view.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Irwinton GA
The Masonic Lodge is also home to the Wilkinson County Post. Maebob’s Diner is located to the left of the building.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Irwinton GA
This typical depot of the Central of Georgia was discontinued in 1985 and restored in 2003. It is now home to a railroad museum.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Gordon GA
Penn Chevrolet was Gordon’s dealership and located adjacent to this building (if I understand correctly), which has murals honoring the business on both sides.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Gordon GA
A nice stone veneer building large enough to have been a hotel is located at the corner of Macon Road and Papermill Road.
Unions are fairly rare in Georgia, but in areas with heavy industry they survive.
Filed under --WILKINSON COUNTY GA--, Gordon GA
