Variously known locally as the Muse-Dews-Gay-Martin-Blaskow House, this structure, has been enlarged and improved during its long history. It was originally built by Baptist minister Thomas “Uncle Tommy” Muse for use as the dormitory of the Bethel Baptist Female College of Southwest Georgia. Rev. Muse was instrumental in establishing over 50 Baptist congregations in southwest Georgia. The school was also known as the Cuthbert Female College. It operated until 1863 and was briefly reopened a few times into the 1870s. By the 1880s the property was given to the state and from then on was used for private residences.
The three vintage photographs were shared by Kathy Wagoner.
They were made during the 1960s and 1970s, while her uncle, George Blaskow, lived here.
It’s nice to see how it looked as a residence.
The red clay frames it nicely.
National Register of Historic Places
Hello Everyone I own the female Baptist Dormitorie in Cuthbert. I bought the house 10 years ago and have been restoring it.Unfortunately Cuthbert has no historicall preservation laws. Cuthbert at on time had over 12 Greek revivals in the city limits. All but 4 have been moved or torn down. Unfortunally Cuthbert has had no leadership for the last 30 years . The city does have a mayor and city official’s but they are only itersted in holding the city and the citizens back. These people have pretty much destroyed the city. It could be years before they are gone. They have already done way to much damage.
My grandmothers home on Villa Nova Street was reportedly the president’s home of the College. It is still standing. The college was across the street. The area was known as the Village of Villa Nova.
Thanks, Spence. I meant to add that but got busy and forgot.
I was driving through the other day and saw this house. Would this,house be for sale? I am very interrested
Hello I own the Female Baptist Dormitory . Timothy D. McDaniel. (229) 310 9769.
outstanding website.. please continue your work. I was born in Cuthbert in 1962 and grew up there until college. I had no idea that Baptist Female College existed.
Thanks, William!
Hi Brian, I am a Blaskow. My Uncle Junior and Aunt Fankie owned this home back in the 70’s. He used to own as small radio station back in the day. We are in St. Louis, MO and somehow he wound up in Cuthbert, GA in what was said to be a haunted mansion. I would love for you to contact me, I have often wondered what happened to the house. Last I heard, it was sold to someone who wanted to move it, but that never happened. Feel free to email me I would love to hear what became of this once stately and beautiful home. Thank you, and I will gladly share whatever pic’s and stories that I have about this house with you as well.
Christine…thanks for getting in touch. Every link of this place’s history is important to its story. I know very little of it, in fact. I wish I knew more. It’s still there and has been stabilized from time to time. I know a few of the columns were recently “restored” as I remember seeing some askew a few years ago, and now they’re not. I don’t know much more about its present condition but I do know that if its survival were ever in question the whole state should rally to save it!
I really like the old ruins, am keeping your newsletters flagged so when I come south this winter I may visit some of them.
Have not seen any since the house on Nolen Store Rd in Morgan County GA that just tugged at my heart strings. Hope it is saved in time. What a gem.
history, history, history! there has got to be a story, maybe a novel. wish i know!
Love Cuthbert! Though I am from Rome, GA, my mom was born/raised in Cuthbert during the Depression and WWII. Always love our visits back to her hometown, but the notion of a “Vanishing South Georgia” really saddens me.
Peggy I agree with you 100%, but because of the economy most small towns do not have the funds to restore these old beautiful homes and buildings. Thanks to Brian our kids will have the pictures to show them the history of Georgia. Great job Mr. Brown…..thanks for educating everyone on the history of Georgia.
This is absolutely beautiful, Brian! I do love this style of architecture!
This should go on the national registry of historic places. It is really magnificient and deserves to be preserved. Thank you for “finding” it and letting us see it. As usual, we are all inspired.