This congregation was established in 1890. Inaha, like so many other places in Georgia, was once a busy crossroads with its own store and farmers coming in regularly to “trade” and swap tales. Today, it exists in name only, with the church being the last tangible link to its past. For a nice memory of the place, please read John Wayne McRae’s essay, linked above. He shares some great anecdotes about visits to his uncle and aunt Jim and Margaret Phelps Hale, who operated B. E. Smith’s store in Inaha. And for you non-locals, it’s pronounced eye-na-haw.
A couple of years ago, Vanessa Baker Waid wrote: The old country store that was referred to as being owned by the Hales was actually started by my great grandfather B.E. Smith. My grandfather Charles H. Smith was the last owner of the store and he passed away from cancer in 1968. The store was closed permanently in ’70 or ’71. The Hales did work there at one time (as did other folks) but never owned it.
Anyone have memories of a train station or depot in Inaha? I bought a station sign at a railroad artifacts show today, and was looking for some history of the town it came from. Thanks.
Mark- In a quick search of several references I use for railroad history in Georgia I’ve not found a reference to an Inaha depot, but it was likely served by the rails at one time. Likely a siding for a lumber or turpentine operation. Probably lumber. Please keep me posted if you learn more and I will do the same.
Hi Brian. John Wayne McRae here. Thanks for mentioning my post about Inaha. Margaret Hale was the daughter of John Fletcher Phelps my Grandfather. They lived out passed the Inaha Baptist Church most are buried. Grand Pa had 250 acres in Inaha and two other farms in Tift County. And thank you for enlightening folks as to the correct pronunciation on Inaha. Lol.
John-I’m sending you an email with a question about a Telfair County landmark that seems long forgotten. I hope you get it. Thanks as always for your interest in Vanishing South Georgia!
Below Inaha, was Cycloneta, Sunsweet and Chula. I love the old names.
Cycloneta is one of my all-time favorites. I don’t think anything is left there.
I don’t remember Inaha driving up and down 41 each summer but I do remember Sycamore. I thought all the towns between Tifton and Cordele along 41 were neat places.