I always loved seeing this house as I passed through Helena on Highway 341. It was so inspiring to hear from those who lived and had wonderful memories here.
Mary Matson: I have just discovered this image of my grandmother’s house. She was Mildred Walton Pittman and her father built this house and according to my grandmother, they moved in the house in 1907. I have a photograph of the house just after it was built. I also have a photo of my grandmother and Rexie sitting on the front porch that was taken in the 1980′s. Rexie was Rachel Brook’s sister. Rachel was a dear friend of my grandmother and her family.
Jack Dennis, Jr.: I, along with my sister and brother were raised in this wonderful house. My mother purchased the house during WW2 while my father was in the army. The Walton family built the house around the turn of the century. It originally had no electricity as the wiring was exposed on the walls. It was built from heart pine wood that was as hard as stone. It also had a magnificent 200 year old oak in the front yard that grew over the highway until the idiots from DOT cut it down. I think my mother paid $2500. for the house and half the city block.
Michaela Dennis Hadlow: This house belonged to my Mother and Daddy, Jack and Rexie Dennis. They had 3 children who grew up in this home: Jack, Jr., Rex, and me (Michaela). My Daddy died in 1954, and my Mother lived in this home until she had a debilitating stroke in 1999. We maintained the home while she lived near my family in Florida until she passed away in 2003. A man who also lived in Helena as a young boy, Billy Routh, (now a realtor) purchased the house from us. I am saddened each time I see it now, because the yards have not been maintained….and it is an eyesore!
As of 2011, the house was dismantled.
I am so thankful that Mama’s home was torn down, because it looked HORRIBLE the few times I saw it after it was sold. One huge branch of a pecan tree on the right side crushed part of the roof and porch. When I saw it last, a Dollar Tree store had replaced it! So thankful my Mama never saw it like it had become. I would much rather it no longer be there!! I sincerely thank all the wonderful remarks – and Susan, we were the “jump-rope” friends, for sure!
As a youngster, I played many hours in this home with Michaela. My Dad’s service station was across the yard from their home. Later Dad and Miss Rexie worked together at Brooks Auto Parts. Have wonderful and fond memories of all these folk. Love to all, Michaela.
I enjoyed Miss Rexie so much. She was one of my favorite clients.
Thank you so much for the work you are doing to preserve south Georgia’s beautiful architecture through photography. I was raised in McRae and remember this home, along with so many others that have fallen into disrepair, fondly. It’s been many years since I left town, but I still live in middle GA and go to McRae fairly often. Looking through the pages of your blog reminds me of how wonderful it was to grow up in such a beautiful area.
My email address is lapink14@yahoo.com
I’m very touched by your warm memories of your homeplace, Michaela…my grandmother’s home in Fitzgerald has suffered much the same fate, and I can hardly stand to drive by it. My hope is that someone would buy your homeplace, move it, and restore it, but in this strained economy that seems unlikely. It’s such a beauty!
I grew up in Alamo Ga. My parents just bought a 116 acre farm right outside of Helen Ga. When they heard that this home was going to be torn down they wanted and still want so badly to save it and restore it. they thought about moving it,but thought it might destroy the house to move it. then they thought that restoring it right where it is would be the best and safest thing. We haven’t giving up completely on the idea of moving it . You probably know my relatives if you grew up there,they are Lafavor’s born and raised there. I would love to know more about the home.
This house belonged to my Mother and Daddy, Jack and Rexie Dennis. They had 3 children who grew up in this home: Jack, Jr., Rex, and me (Michaela). My Daddy died in 1954, and my Mother lived in this home until she had a debilitating stroke in 1999. We maintained the home while she lived near my family in Florida until she passed away in 2003. A man who also lived in Helena as a young boy, Billy Routh, (now a realtor) purchased the house from us. I am SADDENED each time I see it now, because the yards have NOT been maintained….and it is an eyesore!
My Mother LOVED her home! THANK YOU for the pictures. It brings JOY to me! Wonderful memories!!! I especially appreciate the comments from Bill Thompson. VERY kind!
My Family, Hilton (Pet Milk Man) and Mizelle, Sammy, Philip and Sheila Rawlins moved to McRae in early 1960 and I now live out Long Bridge Road from Helena just inside Dodge County. I knew Rex as we were growing up and loved miss Rexie as I called her. She was a very sweet lady and full of energy. I have a lot of fond memories of your homeplace and your family. I went to town one day a few months ago (2011) and the house was gone. I was told it had been moved but can’t verify that as yet. Will post more when I find out the history.
Sam, thank you for the kind words about my Mother. She was always a true blessing in OUR lives, for sure!
When I speak to Rex (“Sandy”), I’ll tell him about your nice note.
I had heard that Mama’s house was being torn down, but I don’t know any of the details. I know we sold it to Billy Routh….but he didn’t always maintain the yards, etc., very well. I do know, however, that a house NOT lived in is not a good thing! Mama genuinely loved that house….and we did, too.
Thank you for writing.
Michaela Dennis Hadlow
DeBary, Florida
I grew up knowing the lady that raised her family in this house. Then I had the opportunity to work with her at an auto parts store. She was like family. Her children were also good people. Good to see pictures of the past.
Thanks for sharing your memories of this place, Bill. It seems such a shame that it’s about to be torn down…
I have found numerous photos of McRae in the 50’s and 60’s if you would be interested in posting them on your website.
Send me a few in an email, Sam. I occasionally use user-contributed photos on the site…
do you know susie thompson