Jim Cottingham shared this historic photograph of three gentlemen outside the Merchants & Farmers Bank circa 1905. His grandfather, W. T. Cottingham, is pictured at left.
Tag Archives: South Georgia Banks
First State National Bank Building, 1885, Bainbridge
This has served as Bainbridge City Hall for many years, and was recently restored. It’s one of the most impressive marble structures in South Georgia.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --DECATUR COUNTY GA--, Bainbridge GA
Mid-Century Modern Bank, 1953, Bainbridge
This impressive bank was likely considered an eyesore at one time, but this style has gained appreciation with architectural historians in recent years. If it’s not included in the historic district, it should be.
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --DECATUR COUNTY GA--, Bainbridge GA
Historic Storefronts, Bainbridge
Bainbridge has a relatively intact commercial core, unlike many small South Georgia towns who have seen significant losses due to neglect and deterioration in recent years. There is presently an active movement to restore buildings which have long been derelict, resulting in a vibrant downtown. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight, but they’re making great progress.
Corner of Broad and Water Streets
Marble Front Bank (1900), Broad Street
Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets
Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets
Broughton Street
Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --DECATUR COUNTY GA--, Bainbridge GA
Abandoned Bank, Matthews
I’ve been able to find very little information about Matthews. It was well established by the late 19th century and was incorporated in 1904, though the area was likely inhabited much earlier.
Filed under --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, Matthews GA
Historic Storefronts, Meigs
I first photographed the commercial center of Meigs in 2009 and am amazed at how little has changed on Depot Street since then.
The community landmarks of our smallest towns are all at risk of being lost. Meigs is no different than countless other places in Georgia.
These structures were home to banks, grocery stores, general stores and offices. Most were built in the early 20th century.
One of the last businesses still open was Meigs Grocery, located in the left hand side of the large commercial block seen below.
This replaces a less detailed post, Depot Street Storefronts, originally published on 26 October 2009.
Filed under --THOMAS COUNTY GA--, Meigs GA
Bank & Post Office, Girard
I recently learned of the existence of this bank from Vivian Wisham, on my Vanishing Georgia Facebook group. She also told me of the house next door. I spoke with an older gentleman while photographing it who noted it was the Bank of Girard (he wasn’t positive about the name) and probably built in the 1910s. After it failed in 1927, it became the Girard Post Office and served that function for many years. He also stated that he had a photograph of his father in front of the post office circa 1934. He was hopeful that it will be saved. The old bank vault remains inside.
Filed under --BURKE COUNTY GA--, Girard GA
Bank of Sparks, 1909
I had a nice talk with the owner of this old bank, which was built by E. J. Fuler. He showed me around the interior, which is in a bit of a mess at the moment as he is presently restoring it. It still retains the fancy tilework and marble counters. He has added a section at the rear which will house an indoor shooting range. The building will not only retain its historic integrity but intrusive renovations made in the later days of its use as a bank will be removed.
Filed under --COOK COUNTY GA--, Sparks GA
First National Bank Building, 1900, Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --CLAY COUNTY GA--, Fort Gaines GA
Bank of Edison Building, 1904
Now used as City Hall, the Bank of Edison was built at the corner of Hartford and Turner Streets by contractor W. T. Jay of Shellman.
Filed under --CALHOUN COUNTY GA--, Edison GA
