This amazing survivor was built as a single-pen log residence in the 1850s by area pioneer David Reddish (1824-1902). Thanks to Mr. Reddish’s great-great granddaughter, Amanda Farmery, for bringing this highly endangered pioneer home to my attention. Mr. Reddish lived in the house until his death in 1902.
The hearth was located on the end pictured above and has collapsed and some of the brick was salvaged or removed.
This view of the interior illustrates the condition of the house, which is so compromised that I wouldn’t even step inside.
Typical of construction of this era in Georgia, the logs are held in place by dovetail joinery.
A rear view of the original section of the house illustrates just how utilitarian structures of this type tended to be in early rural Georgia.
At some point, a board-and-batten addition was made to the house. It’s possible that this was done after Mr. Reddish’s death. Amanda Farmery notes that a well on the property displays a date of 1912, suggesting it continued to be used a residence for some time.
This view from the board-and-batten addition looks toward the original single-pen log section.
Though there is likely no hope for saving the structure, it is wonderful that the family has allowed to stand all these years. I am very grateful to Amanda Farmery for not only recognizing its importance to her family history but her desire for documenting it and sharing it for posterity’s sake.
