A. T. Fuller was a well-known landowner and timber operator in south central Georgia for a good part of the 20th century. I made these film photographs of his headquarters in 2001. The structures were razed not long after, but represent an important era in the development of South Georgia. Andrew Taylor writes: “This is the warehouse my grandfather (AT Fuller) used for his lumber mill and building supply business. It was a long string of buildings behind the front office. A railroad track ran along its side. The doors were raised to the level of the railroad cars to allow unloading. As a kid in the 1960s, I used to run through the buildings from end to end, delighted in the variety of objects stored inside. I believe the warehouse was built in the 1930s, but it could have been earlier.”
The top two shots illustrate the warehouse, and the bottom image features Mr. A. T.’s office.
Oh, such sweet memories! Thanks, Brian, for documenting all of these places from our past. If only more of us had thought to do this as we grew up. My granddaddy, Claud McNeill and Mr. A.T. were good friends back in those days. Mama (Shirley McNeill Coley) and Martha Fuller Owens were best of friends. I lived across from the mill until I was seven (on the Coley’s property with the gas station). I remember there being a fire at the mill once and how scary it was.
I remember when I was small you could hear that steam whistle from the Lumber Yard going off at Lunch and quitting times. You could it hear all over Ocilla.
Mr. A. T. was a true “Southern gentleman” – he treated everyone with respect. I also remember and greatly miss the stream whistle. Our farm is about 3.5 miles from town and I depended on that whistle. Sweet memories!!
Uncle A. T. was my mother’s oldest brother. Her name was Drury Fuller Hall. I have wonderful memories of visiting Uncle A.T. and Aunt Francis, both in their home in town and the beautiful one they built outside of town. My grandmother lived only about a block or two from the mill. Mother and I stayed with her while we visited Ocilla. I remember fondly the sound of the whistle that sounded loudly morning, noon and night. While I wasn’t allowed to play there, but we did go by the mill sometimes to chat with Uncle A.T. in his little office and watch the work going on at the mill.
It is so nice to be reminded of this man who exemplified everything I had been brought up to recognize as a true Southern gentleman. His character and his values were beloved and respected beyond words by all of us who knew and loved him. His sweet nature and love of family are my most important memories of all.
Hi Brian. I found these photos a few years ago, and I’m still admiring them. Spent many, many days playing in and around these buildings as a child. Would you be willing to share (or sell) high resolution digital copies? I am A.T.Fuller’s grandson. People in Georgia call me A.T., too… Please email me. Thanks.
I remember the playground on the property with a fig tree in it and the wisteria vines that would bloom profusely every year. I remember being at uncle at and aunt Francis’s house with you, my sister Marijim and the Owens cousins running all around the house and grounds
I remember hearing the steam whistle blowing at 7:00 am again at noon and again at 5:00 pm. You could set your watch by it. I live about 5 miles east of Ocilla on Evergreen Drive. What fond memories I have of those days of my childhood.
My grandfather was nelson cleghorn who lived near the big creek area near irwinville. I grew up in michigan but visited that area once or twice a year for two weeks at a time. My grandfather knew mr. A.T. Fuller and because of thir my father was allowed to take me to the ocilla country club to play golf. The era was the mid 1950s until about 1973 when both my grandparents passed away. Not sure if i ever met mr fuller but my grandfather was proud to know him
I well-remember visiting this business with my father, probably in the 60’s, and possibly early 70’s. We enjoyed golfing with Mr. Fuller – as did many among our community, and enjoyed their fellowship, too, at the Ocilla UMC. This brings back fond memories of a bygone time, in which a son would tag along most anywhere with his dad.