These ruins in downtown Eatonton were recently brought to my attention by Dutch Henderson, who notes that they may soon be demolished. Dutch is quite knowledgeable about obscure historical locations in the area and has shared some fascinating places with me over the years.
Henderson notes that the owner, who is a preservationist/historian, believes the structure dates to circa 1818. He has actively sought a preservation solution for the ruins, but they are very compromised by long-term neglect and rapid urbanization and there may be very few options.
The structure was dated circa 1853 and identified as “Brick warehouse” when nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This date may have been related to an advertisement for the business in the 23 May 1854 edition of the Eatonton Independent Press. It’s also believed that 1853 was the year the Marshall family purchased the factory, which was already an established business. David Kaminsky’s 1975 photograph for the nomination form shows that the roof was still in place at that time, and that at least two modern businesses, one known as Bailey’s Garage, were located in the building at some point.
The advertisement, shared by Mr. Henderson, identifies the business as “Marshall, McKavitt & Co., Manufacturers of Carriages, Rockaways, Bugies (sic), Two-Horse Wagons, &c.” [The National Register form misidentifies McKavitt as McKavilland, and includes an extra partner in the business, by the name of Rice].
The bricks were probably made on-site or nearby. Their dependence on the rich red clay dominant in the area is obvious.
There are but a scarce few surviving antebellum industrial structures in Georgia, so I was grateful to be able to document this one. I will update with more information as it becomes available.
Eatonton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
I know there is not a lot left to save but breaks my heart just the same that what is left would get “demoed”. On another note, I LOVE your photos!
Don DeMille DeKalb County, GA (Pine Lake)
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Wonderful photos and great to have this documented . Probably last record of its existence as it does ( unfortunately) look near collapse. Excellent as usual! Thanks for all you do .
This post says that your friend shared a photo of the newspaper ad, but it wasn’t included in the post. Will you post it later?
Thanks for all your work. I very much enjoy them!
Karen Ferrell-White
On Fri, Jan 21, 2022 at 8:59 AM Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown wrote:
> Brian Brown posted: ” These ruins in downtown Eatonton were recently > brought to my attention by Dutch Henderson, who notes that they are soon to > be demolished. Dutch is quite knowledgeable about obscure historical > locations in the area and has shared some fascinating plac” >
Hi Brian, Thanks for sharing this phenomenal photo! It’s very interesting and unique! Do you know what the plans are for the handmade bricks when the building is demolished? They would be quite an addition to someone’s building project! If you hear of any plans for them, maybe to sell them, or have them just picked up, please let me know! We are getting ready to build a new house, specifically in the Victorian Folk style, and I’d love to have some old historic bricks to use in the chimney and/or foundation! Thanks again for sharing your wonderful photographs. I’m quite a fan of historic homes and I enjoy your photos very much!Debra Compton
Good morning! What an interesting story, thank you for sharing. It reminds me of the old powerhouse building at High Falls State Park, SE of Jackson, NW of Macon. Have you seen it?
Rafe SemmesMidway/Savannah GA
I have, Rafe. I see the resemblance, too.
Interesting history. I’m always thrilled whenever you post from Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia area since my dad was born and raised there. Thank you for sharing.