We pass by these places all the time. An abandoned farmhouse long forgotten may not seem worthy of documentation to some, but this is where the real people of Georgia worked the farms that anchored our economy for much of the 20th century, long before “Big Ag” began squeezing out small farmers. Many will never be identified, but I’m grateful to all of you for the ones that have been through the years. I see a beauty in these places comparable to our finest homes.
Filed under --BERRIEN COUNTY GA--
Isolated in the countryside near the Lowndes County ghost town of Delmar, this historic farm is one of the most intact collections of original agricultural structures I’ve ever seen in South Georgia. I’m grateful to Mandy Green Yates for bringing it to my attention. Mandy travels the back roads of South Georgia and North Florida finding lots of places like this. Follow her to see what she finds next.
I believe this was primarily a turpentine camp, as the area was well-known for large scale naval stores production. There would have been tenant houses here at one time, also. The structure above was likely the office for the operation.
My favorite structure is the commissary, which would have served all the needs of this small community.
The shingle-sided barn and water tower are amazing survivors, as well. The owners of the property should be commended for keeping this place in such relatively good condition throughout the years.
Filed under --LOWNDES COUNTY GA--, Delmar GA
Bethlehem Primitive Baptist church was established in 1834 as the Baptist Church at Christ Bethlehem, just two years after the Primitive sect was formed nationally from a split with the Missionary Baptists. They formally affiliated with the Primitive Baptists in 1840.
The present church, constructed circa 1861, is one of the few remaining antebellum structures surviving in Brooks County.
To those familiar with the Crawfordite Primitve Baptists of Southeast Georgia, it will look quite familiar, as it is plain, unpainted, and contains multiple entrances.
The congregation disbanded in 1964, had a brief revival between 1981-1984, and has been inactive ever since.
It’s a serene place that will hopefully be preserved far into the future.
National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --BROOKS COUNTY GA--
This house may be among the oldest in the neighborhood. I hope to learn more about its history.
Filed under --RANDOLPH COUNTY GA--, Cuthbert GA
