When I first posted an image of “Doc” Clements’ drugstore nearly four years ago, the building was in bad shape, as evidenced by the boarded-up second-floor windows. But I see lots of places like this in small towns all over South Georgia, and I didn’t think much else of it until Betty Thomas sent me a message that it was being demolished.
On 31 May 2013, she wrote: As for Doc’s Store, the new owner was holding out for more money, until it was too late! The roof caved in and the front bricks started bulging out. It became a hazard to the town and the main highway GA 112 going through town. Actually before they got it completely torn down, the brick wall on the highway side did collapse into the street this past weekend. The owner had several offers from folks wanting to buy, but he would never accept any of them! I know that a couple of the ones that wanted the store wanted to restore it and open it up for business again…I was told that the owner paid more to have it torn down than what he purchased it for!
Below is my photo of the drugstore, from 2009.
Some of these property owners are idiots.
Gone with the Wind.
How sad that the building ended up destroyed when it could have been sold. In the end the owner got nothing. Realtors always say that property is worth no more than people are willing to pay for it.
This brings back precious memories of a far better time.
It’s painful to see such historic old buildings being demolished. It would be better were they kept in good repair to teach our children the history of our home places.
I don’t know how to define South Georgia. I guess to me it’s always meant anything south of Macon, east or west.
South of Fitzgerald?
Vanishing right before our eyes … it never ceases to amaze me how little our world values the built environment that helped make us what we are. Thanks to you, Betty Thomas and other like-minded people who help preserve these touchstones to our past through photographs.
As is the red roofed modern example of commerce seen across the street to the left.
Very true, Ben…by the way, did you see the link to the Tattnall courthouse that I posted in the comments?
Missed it Brian until now, but I did a google search and came up with the same info. The photo showing front and side views of the building taken shortly after completion reveals the building in all its original magnificence. Some good old buildings started out as truly grand old buildings.
A sad commentary on our values today.