Tag Archives: South Georgia Mills

May 5, 2020 · 7:49 AM

Fickling Mill, Taylor County

I’ve not been able to locate much information about Fickling Mill, but it’s definitely one of the best-loved landmarks in the area. The tin building (pictured above) was not part of the original mill, which had its origins in the 19th century. A two-story wooden structure was originally located to the right of the spillway on Patsiliga Creek but either burned or was torn down at some point in the history of the site.

It’s my understanding that the mill was established by Major William Hampton Fickling (1834-1907), Company C 59th Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry. Major Fickling was a Justice of the Peace and served Taylor County in the general assembly.

Watkins Mill, Matthews

I believe this historic mill structure was relocated here; the only Watkins Mill I can find in Georgia historical records was located in Butts County. I’m unsure if this is that mill or another, more local operation.

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Filed under --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, Matthews GA

Tagged as --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Endangered Places in South Georgia, Matthews GA, South Georgia Commercial Architecture, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills, South Georgia Vernacular Architecture

September 10, 2018 · 8:04 AM

Abandoned Mill, Daisy

I’ve heard that this has been torn down to build yet another Dollar General, as of summer 2019.

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Filed under --EVANS COUNTY GA--, Daisy GA

Tagged as --EVANS COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Daisy GA, Lost Structures of South Georgia, South Georgia Agriculture, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills, South Georgia Vernacular Architecture

May 10, 2017 · 9:53 AM

Ruins of Bowen’s Mill, Ben Hill County

Having grown up swimming and exploring House Creek, I always wondered about the history of Bowen’s Mill. A few days ago, I got a message from Mike Hudson that a new bridge over House Creek was about to be constructed and he expressed concern that these ruins would likely be swept up in the debris of the construction project. Mike Carlok of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Office of Environmental Services notes: these ruins will not be swept up from GDOT construction. Our Office of Environmental Services (OES) has taken extraordinary steps to make sure that this history will not be erased by our projects. This site has been recommended Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places…and it deserves that recommendation…and I myself will be there to monitor construction…

A large grist mill was constructed here by R. V. Bowen, Sr., in 1836 and was in operation here into the 20th century. A water-powered sawmill was also part of the operation. This was one of the first industrial sites in this section of the state.

A wooden dam, which contained a 100-acre lake, failed at some point in the 1940s and swept away most of the mill.

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Filed under --BEN HILL COUNTY GA--, Bowens Mill GA

Tagged as --BEN HILL COUNTY GA--, Antebellum South Georgia, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Bowens Mill GA, Lost Structures of South Georgia, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills

February 3, 2017 · 4:55 PM

Clark’s Mill, Jefferson County

I haven’t been able to locate any information on Clark’s Mill, but it’s obviously an important landmark in Jefferson County.

Like most old mills today, it’s located on private property and is not accessible to the public. There’s also what appears to have been a modern restaurant located on the property.

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Filed under --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--

Tagged as --JEFFERSON COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, South Georgia Agriculture, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills, South Georgia Vernacular Architecture

February 28, 2015 · 7:55 PM

Site of Davis Mill, Worth County

Davis Mill was built on Jones Creek in northern Worth County in 1879. The foundation of the gristmill remains today, as does the millpond (now known as Jordan Company Lake). The mill itself is extant, as well. It was relocated to the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton.

I came here with Hoyt Dorminey, who shared memories of visiting his uncle and aunt, J. W. & Mattie Lindsey, in the 1950s. They operated the mill, which was then owned by S. O. Spooner. It stopped producing about 1963.

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Filed under --WORTH COUNTY GA--

Tagged as --WORTH COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills, South Georgia Rivers Creeks & Lakes

October 14, 2014 · 1:49 PM

Durden’s Mill Pond, Emanuel County

This sign beckoned me to turn in, but besides turning around and snapping a few shots, I was unable to explore this local landmark as it’s private property.

The structure pictured above and the cabin below are all I saw, but there appear to be others on the surrounding property.

The mill pond is a tranquil landscape and a longtime favorite of fishermen.

Scarlet Wild Basil (Clinopodium coccineum) , a species widespread in the nearby Ohoopee Dunes, is present here, as well. I’ve seen more of these interesting native plants in Emanuel County than anywhere else in Georgia.

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Filed under --EMANUEL COUNTY GA--, Durdenville GA

Tagged as --EMANUEL COUNTY GA--, © Brian Brown/Vanishing Media, Coca-Cola, Durdenville GA, South Georgia Hunting & Fishing, South Georgia Landmarks, South Georgia Mills, South Georgia Rivers Creeks & Lakes, South Georgia Signs, South Georgia Vernacular Architecture, South Georgia Wildflowers & Native Plants

October 14, 2014 · 12:35 PM

Parrish Mill, 1880, Emanuel County

Now the centerpiece of George L. Smith State Park, the renovated structure seen here was built by James M. Parrish, who along with Alexander Hendricks purchased the surrounding 200 acres from J. J. Moring in 1880 and set about building a dam and grist mill on Fifteen Mile Creek. The structure also served as a covered bridge.

The pond, filled with cypress trees, is one of the most picturesque places in this section of Georgia and attracts fishermen, kayakers and nature lovers from all over. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth a visit.