I first thought this might have been a school that was later transformed into a house, but that is not the case. Olivia Williamson Braddy writes: This house was built for Joseph Jackson “Joe” Powell (1871-1957) and his wife, Ava Cynthia Youmans. Five children were born and reared here. After Cynthia’s death in 1942, Joe married Maggie Keene Morris. Following their deaths, the house was sold to Schley Williamson and continued as a dwelling until his daughter, Vernery Williamson Cason, passed away in 2010. It was always used as a residence.
Joe Powell was a well-known resident of Oak Park, who besides teaching school, also had a reputation as a builder of many structures, both residential and commercial, in the community.
Sadly, as of 2019, this house is in ruins as the result of a fire.
This house was built for Joseph Jackson “Joe” Powell (1871-1957) and his wife, Ava Cynthia Youmans. Five children were born and reared here. After Cynthia’s death in 1942, Joe married Maggie Keene Morris. Following their deaths, the house was sold to Schley Williamson and continued as a dwelling until his daughter, Vernery Williamson Cason, passed away in 2010. It was always used as a residence.
Thank you so much for identifying it, Olivia. I’ve always loved the house and wondered about it. It’s definitely a landmark in Oak Park.
This was my grandparents home. My Daddy, Raymond Powell, was raised here. It has been demolished. I have such sweet memories of my Grandaddy Joe and Maggie living in the little house next to this big one. I never met my Grandmother, Ava, she passed before I was born.
A brick house in rural south GA built before 1930 is unusual…I too think this house started as some kind of nonresidential public use.
Well, Sir, you are wrong!
Three chimneys ! Changes 1 , 2 , 3 ?