This is a good example of a tobacco barn built in the last era of the crop’s dominance in Georgia.
Tag Archives: South Georgia Agriculture
Big Chief Grist Mill, Marion County
This location on Lanahassee Creek has been home to a grist mill since the mid-1800s, according to an oral history conducted by Mia Harris in 2016 [Columbus State University Archives: Marion County Heritage Tour, April 2016]. Located near two historic communities (Church Hill and Pineville), the mill has been operated by three generations of the Upton family.
It ceased regular operations in 1950 but was revived in for a few years beginning in 1980. The late Billy E. Powell, son of Myrtice Evelyn Upton Powell, rebuilt the mill in 1994 and the sluice gate was rebuilt more recently.
The pond is known as Powell’s Mill Pond. It is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Marion County.’
Filed under --MARION COUNTY GA--
William L. Brown Farm Market, Montezuma
This popular farm market was established as a roadside stand by William L. Brown and his wife, Debra, in 1966. The family continues to operate it today and it has earned landmark status with locals and travelers alike. A second market is now open in Columbus. Visit their website to check on what’s available at any given time.
You’ll probably meet Molly when you’re here. She’s very friendly but mostly likes to just hang out and watch the customers.
Known for its peaches (and peach ice cream, and beans), it features a wide variety of seasonal local produce.
I generally only like the heirloom tomatoes my father grows, but these weren’t bad.
I visited recently with my parents and we bought some late Elbertas, and of course we had to have the peach ice cream. It’s homemade and really should not be missed, no matter when you drop by.
Filed under --MACON COUNTY GA--, Montezuma GA
Planters Warehouse, 1910, Pinehurst
Warehouses like this were once a feature in almost every South Georgia town, from the smallest villages to the cities.
Filed under --DOOLY COUNTY GA--, Pinehurst GA
Meadows & Porter Peach Farm, Bleckley County
The extensive Meadows & Porter Farm [Joe Walker Meadows and Marion Porter] is one of the most intact historic peach farms in Georgia. It is anchored by the Meadows’s Queen Anne farmhouse (above). Most of the dependencies are still standing and in good condition. For its connection to one of Georgia’s most iconic crops, the farm should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The commissary is located between the main house and the peach packing shed and is in exceptional condition.
Two tenant houses survive, reflecting different eras in the development of the farm.
This board-and-batten example is likely the earlier of the two.
This is a label from my collection, of Meadows & Porter’s “Rooster Brand” peaches.
The peach packing shed is an amazing example of the form, and peaches are still raised on the farm.
I hope these important structures survive well into the future.
Filed under --BLECKLEY COUNTY GA--
Irwinville Farms Tobacco Barn, 1930s, Irwin County
For many years an old wagon sat beside this iconic barn, surrounded by trees. I think I have a photo of the wagon somewhere but never got a good shot of the barn. I had just noted the loss of another Irwinville Farms barn I’ve photographed for many years when this came into view, as if to make up for that loss.
Filed under --IRWIN COUNTY GA--, Irwinville Farms, Irwinville GA
Seasonal Peach Workers’ Housing, 1910s, Lee Pope
A sign identifies this amazing survivor as the Lee Pope Hotel, though it was actually housing for Pearson Farms’ seasonal peach workers.
All the structures of the Lee Pope Fruit Farm should be included in the National Register of Historic Places as an important example of a 20th century Georgia peach farm.
Filed under --CRAWFORD COUNTY GA--, Lee Pope GA
Lee Pope House, Circa 1910
According to the Pearson Farm website, the Lee Pope House came with the farm when the property was purchased by John and Rosa Lee Pearson. They raised their family here.
Filed under --CRAWFORD COUNTY GA--, Lee Pope GA
