Jerry Emery, who is the new owner of this Fort Gaines landmark, is doing extensive restoration work. It was previously and incorrectly identified as the Brown House, but Jerry writes: I’m not sure where this name came from. It was built by the Cook family and had a long history with the Dobbins as well.
As the Dobbins House, it was one of two hotels in Fort Gaines and the only one from that era still surviving.
Fort Gaines Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
There are further updates to its history. I have found that some of my information was incorrect. It is possible that Rev John E Brown and a son built the house, circa 1832, but there are reports as early as 1819, which would eliminate him as he was still far away with a congregation. We’ll start looking through cursive deeds soon. Also we found a reference to it on an old Sanborn map calling it Puckett House. Here’s the interesting part. None of those names referencing the house have been firmly established as having ownership interest yet except POSSIBLY Cook, as far back as 1897. Any interested parties can look at a timeline I am building at https://time.graphics/line/1046781
I apologize for not addressing this sooner. Been quite busy with closing out the sale of my former home and nailing this one down. I’ve tried to reach out to the Ft Gaines museum for name info and further history, but that proves to be hit or miss with all of the latter thus far.
The renos have not started yet. Painting over the paint which has been applied since this photo is going to start in March with a removal of of old finishes where necessary and the application of around 40 gallons of Behr Marquee in a sort of gun metal blue with white trim. We will be replacing any necessary siding planks as called for also.
Several helical piers are also needed in the SE corner to support a foundation failure. That will hopefully begin in late February.
The house also needs a complete rewire from the circuit boxes to the end fixtures. That should begin in March.
Then there’s always the HVAC repairs as 3 of 4 units are out of service and the 4th is around 30 years old…so you know that’s going away as well.
We will also be replacing the deck in the back with a composite one designed for a period look and an outbuilding will be constructed in the back.
I’m also going to try to buy the very small blue house just to the north of it as it appears to have been a part of the property back at some point, possibly as a carriage house.
I have been told that the small house also served as a sandwich shop run by the owner of the big house some decades back. We’ve dug up quite a bit of history on the place already. Some of it dark with a murder and other deaths. If anyone wants to follow the progress, you’ll find it at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567289008279.
Oh…about the interior. Just the kitchen and the baths will be addressed. Those will be the final items outside of two rooms which are stripped to the lathe. I have not decided what to do with those yet since the rest of the home is pretty much shiplap planking.
I am the new owner. I’m not sure where this name came from. It was built by the Cook family and had a long history with the Dobbins as well. We will be doing a lot of work bringing her back. I also want to buy the small house just to the north. It was clearly part of the property at one time and was probably a carriage house.
Jerry- Thanks for reaching out. I got all the house names from an old Fort Gaines Walking Tour brochure, or either from the National Register of Historic Places. It’s possible, and happens from time to time, that places get misidentified in that process. I’m glad to update this and add your information. So glad to hear your doing work on the house.
This home was purchased and turned into a haunted house attraction during the Halloween season.
Maybe the steps to the third floor are too small to be of any real use, or at least too small to move furniture, and they needed an easier access to the attic. There are a lot of buildings in Philly that have a door on the third floor. They have a wood beam that sticks out over the door with a pully on it, to pull furniture up.
Just a guess.
Have a great day.
I’ve never thought of this use, Pat, but how fascinating. Very likely on this building too, as it was most certainly a boardinghouse at some point…
There was a tin fabrication operation of some sort in the attic LONG ago. Both ends of the house have that kind of door exactly for the reason you said.
So cool! We Brown’s always did do things a little bit different!!!
The front facade does have some classic features .