A couple of weeks ago, Rhonda Thompson Wright brought this wonderful home to my attention, knowing that it was just the sort of place I seek in my travels. I made a special trip to the area just to find it, and I ‘m so glad I did. In early springtime, a massive camellia bush is beginning to bloom and honeybees busy themselves on the enormous holly beside the front porch.
According to Kathy Hogan Henderson, the house was built by her grandfather, Uriah Griffin Bonaparte [known locally as Mr. Boney] Griffin (9 October 1876-16 December 1943) because his wife, Amanda Jane Osborne Hogan (12 September 1875-11 May 1948), wanted to raise her growing family in the country and away from the hustle and bustle of town. I am unsure as to the date of construction, but I would guess circa 1900-1925.
After Mr. Boney’s death, George Hogan inherited the house through a family lottery and upon his death it passed to his son George, who still owns it.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
My great grandmother was Effie Hogan. I recently attended a Hogan family reunion and have some photos of this home to add to this thread if interested.
The house was built for UGB Hogan around 1918 by Sam B. Wynn and his partner. Mr. Wynn lived in Dexter and rode his bicycle to this site every day while building the house.
My husband’s second great-grandmother, Amanda Emaline Hogan, was the sister of Mr Boney. I’ve seen and admired this house for years but not until I started doing his family tree last year did I find the connection. Laurens County is full of historical treasures such as this.
Correction, Amanda Hogan Weaver was the aunt, not sister of Mr Boney.
I’ve just recently begun receiving daily notices, so I’m “catching up” on all these wonderful photos. A few comments about the Hogan house”:
I expect the house was built at the end of the 1890’s. The architectural term for the portico is porte-cochere and was designed for carriages (later cars) to provide a covered location for passengers to alight the vehicle, often, as here, at a secondary entrance.
If you look closely at the photos, there is a lot more going on than you think! The chimneys have new flashing; new wood has been installed above the front door, there is a new floor on the balcony with new support brackets–so the front balcony is now secure and water tight. On the left side of the house, the decorative brackets have all been replaced and there is new wood in the overhang here, as well as on the front between where the old columns were located. Those are some huge jack posts holding up that roof! Hopefully now that the exterior appears to be water-tight, new column are on order. The work being done on the outside is securing the structure and preventing water infiltration–as it should be! My best regards to the current owner of this wonderful house and commend the efforts to secure it.
I believe the “carport” should be referred to as a portico, meant as a shelter for delivery as well as people. Vehicles weren’t normally left there long term.
What a great find! All of us who love old homes can just hope this one is saved. It will take a lot of resources and money to replace the columns and get it back into good condition. Wonderful photos!
It’s hard to imagine this home – in its condition – would still be occupied, but I’m sure Brian has found stranger things during his phone photo travels. Neat find, & I can believe it was awesome in its prime.
As much as I love old houses this is really depressing, that such great places are left to fall apart!!
Love it!!! it has always been my dream to live in a historic home. I just love them
This home was a very stately beautiful home in its early days; the senior class of 1965 went to this home and had their pictures for the superlatives of the class for the annual. It was a very pretty home place and it is so sad that it has not been kept up; would have been easier all along; not sure if it could be done at this point…or if a person could afford to have it done. Would be wonderful if someone would to restore to its original beauty!
Colleen: Which school took their pictures there in ’65?