Tracy Trebendis writes: This house was built by my great-great-grandmother’s brother, Benjamin Bennett Wilkes (1862-1919). Not sure of the exact year, but it was back when houses had separate kitchens and long walkways down the center leading to the kitchen. Two of Bennett’s daughters, Mrs. Harvie Wilkes Nasworthy and Addie Wilkes lived there for a long time. In fact, my grandfather, Willard Wilkes, always called it “The Addie House.” Addie lived there until she died in 1957. After that, my grandfather rented it out a few times to some of his farm workers, but it hasn’t been lived in since around the mid-80’s.
The house was completely gone by 2013.
Attire Wilkes was my great great aunt and only God knows the true story of what happened here.
This house has now been completely destroyed. There is nothing left where it stood. I remember this being a beautiful place; a yard filled with heirloom flowers; a nice walkway to the front door, fence and gate. It’s a shame these old monuments of our ancestors are not maintained.
This is exactly the type house currently falling apart on my family’s land off John R Flanders Rd on the Johnson County/Emanuel County line. It was my Grandfather’s place and looking at this one really brings back memories of sitting on the porch listening to the wise older folks tell stories. I’m told it had the separate kitchen originally, as well. Sure do miss it. I have an original painting done by my brother (who is a freelance illustrator) of our old place. It’s true photo-realism. May I send you a jpg of that?
Yes, Mitch. Please send it to wbrianbrownATgmail.com
Brian, I totally dropped the ball on sending you the illustration I referred to in my post above. I just sent a request to my brother to see if he has a better quality .jpg reproduction of the painting than I do. If so, I’ll forward that and if not I’ll send what I have. Not terrible quality, but not the best and may not be suitable to post.
I would love to see a picture of your grandfathers old homeplace on John R. Flanders Road. I live in Meeks. My husband Solomon and I pastor the Trinity Baptist Church. I wish more of the older homeplaces had been maintained at least enough that if someone had the money that they could have been restored preserving our local history.
This house was built by my great-great-grandmother’s brother, Benjamin Bennett Wilkes (1862-1919). Not sure of the exact year, but it was back when houses had separate kitchens and long walkways down the center leading to the kitchen. Two of Bennett’s daughters, Mrs. Harvie Wilkes Nasworthy and Addie Wilkes lived there for a long time. In fact, my grandfather, Willard Wilkes, always called it “The Addie House.” Addie lived there until she died in 1957. After that, my grandfather rented it out a few times to some of his farm workers, but it hasn’t been lived in since around the mid-80’s.
Thanks so much for sharing this history, Tracy…I can imagine what a neat old house this must have been back in the day…
Just wanted to say that is “Willard” Wilkes Road – The land now belongs to my father.
Thanks, Tracy. I’ll change it…do you know anything about this old house?