This is one of a few survivors of numerous motels located in and near Jesup on US 301, mostly from the 1940s-1960s. The two story building was a lounge and coffee shop (the upstairs was an office and/or residence).
Carol C. Harper writes: “In its heyday, when 301 was a main thoroughfare, this was “Camellia Courts”, a popular motel owned and operated by Curtis and Mabel Harper of Jesup. The Harpers were my husband’s uncle and aunt. The motel offered a restaurant, swimming pool, and beautiful camellias cultivated by Mabel and shared with guests.“
It was later known as the Mary Ann Motel and was last used as apartments.
Great postcard!! Evidently the breezeway to the coffee house was added later.
I’ve said it before, & I’ll say it again, Vanishing Georgia is my most welcomed email. Thank you Brian & all who care about history
Back in the 50’s Mabel Curtis fed me my first bowl of grits. I was a run-away boy of 13 years old. I never forgot her beautiful face and how kind she was. I am now 81 years old and I just visited the property this past week and reminisced about the great time it was back then. It was a pleasure to know her and every time I eat grits I think of her and smile.
I have another post card of this motel from the 1940s showing a typical room and the restaurant as well as the outside. I can send you a picture if you tell me your email.
12/2018 image on Google Earth shows that sign has fallen to the ground and motel structure is abandoned with “no trespassing” sign on door of building in front.
wbrianbrownATgmailDOTcom
This was also at 1 time called “the MaryOtt”. My parents ran it for a couple of years in the mid-sixties. We lived upstairs over the office.
Do you know who owns this property now?
In its heyday, when 301 was a main thoroughfare, this was “Camellia Courts”, a popular motel owned and operated by Curtis and Mabel Harper of Jesup. The Harpers were my husband’s uncle and aunt. The motel offered a restaurant, swimming pool, and beautiful camellias cultivated by Mabel and shared with guests.
The last time I was there the sign was still up. It was the Mary Ann Motel.
Thanks. I’ll update it.
I can feel the history to the place!
Not sure about the ”cabins” (as I recall what they were called back in the days), but the 2 story building on the front definitely has some architectural potential!