The mold seen above is about all that remains to indicate that this was once home to one of the biggest industries in town and the state’s leading manufacturer of caskets. They were also the largest supplier of caskets to the U. S. military until the Vietnam War.
The Toccoa Casket Company was an iconic local business throughout most of the 20th century and when I was in town photographing the Schaefer Center for the Fox Theatre Institute last year, local officials suggested I go out and make a few shots, as the place was abandoned and for sale. There was a good deal of vandalism at the site and I must admit it was just a bit creepy wandering around the abandoned factory buildings.
The Display Room was where different models of caskets were shown to potential buyers.
The work spaces of the old factory are just a cluttered mess today.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
Why did it close down? There will always be a need for caskets….
Thanks for these pictures. The old buildings have long been demolished. The only thing left is the brick sign out front.
So sad. Last time we drove by was day after Easter. Only thing that remains is the brick ‘wall’. The letters that once spelled out the company name are gone. McNeely girls (4th generation) have both married & moved away from Stephens County i believe. Their mother, Marilyn McNeely, who was married to Thomas Halliday McNeely (grandson of founder, R.W.McNeely) still lives in Habersham County.
This most sad for me. After using Toccoa Caskets for many years and appreciating the product, they are no longer available. Im sad for the workers and economy of Toccoa, where so many worked. But most of all, Im sad for all of the funeral directors, like me, that can not purchase one of these fine caskets for their loved ones and client families.