This dogtrot house was the birthplace and childhood home of Leta Mac Stripling (1910-2011). It’s located near the Altamaha community and is soon to be restored. I’m grateful to the Stanley family, who now own the property, for allowing me access.
The small room seen above, at the front corner of the house, was probably used for storing vegetables or other essential items, though I’m unsure of its purpose. It’s much smaller than the two bedrooms.
The bedrooms were quite spacious to accommodate large families.
The original mantel in this room is still intact. There is usually little color to be found in houses like this, so the mantel adds a lot of character.
From the front porch a view down the partly open breezeway leads to the rear kitchen, seen here.
And finally, a view of the open hall, or dogtrot, from which this type of house gets its name.
Brian, I am thoroughly enjoying your posts! The small room in front, often at one end of the front porch, was often considered the preacher’s room, as it was available for the circuit preacher or other travelers who needed a room for the night. They were only big enough for a single bed and a washstand.
Had to look at this over and over. I loved being there! Wish I could see in person.
I love all your posts!! This one is great and I hope it will not only get restored but that you will be able to post pic’s when it is done.
Brian,
I love the old dogtrot framed and/or logged houses. They had character and a unique antique smell that emanated from their unpainted heart pine boards and logs. Years ago when we would go fishing at Flat Tub Landing(First Tub Lake) near the Jeff Davis/Coffee line, there stood an old dogtrot. In its front yard wagon ruts from the historic Tallahassee Trail were still visible. The fabulous old structure proudly stood just west of the Flat Tub Road to the Ocmulgee River. The Tallahassee Trail wagon ruts ran from East to West.
The smell of the old place was interesting, but the most striking thing to me was its coolness. Standing in the hall(dogtrot) one could almost always feel a breeze, even during the hottest days of July and August. If one had any imagination at all, he could visualize a stagecoach pulling up in front of that old house with horses snorting and dust rolling. Passengers would have likely bailed their hard seats and gathered at a well to enjoy a chance to stand and to drink some cool South Georgia water from a gourd dipper that was passed around the group.
I saw several dogtrots back then in Jeff Davis, Coffee and Telfair Counties that today have vanished into decay. Only our memories can resurrect these jewels. The few that are left certainly need to be preserved as history lessons about a way of life that now belongs to the ages.
Brian you do us all a decent service when you share these pictures. Keep up the good work. You deserve recognition as an outstanding educator.
Brian…these photos are beautiful! (as are all of yours!) But this one really speaks through the frame.
very nice Brian, i really enjoy your photos!
Brian ~ I always look forward to and enjoy your photographs of our beautiful state. Thank you for preserving a part of our history which drew me to GA 40 years ago. Thank you