When built in 1907, this downtown Waycross landmark at the corner of Mary and Tebeau Streets was originally the lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elk (B.P.O.E). After the Elks relocated to another facility on Plant Avenue in 1962, it served several tenants but most notably has been home to several popular restaurants over the past 50 years or so. To me, the most memorable was the Carter House, where my family would occasionally eat when we visited my father when he was in town overnight with the railroad. It was just down the street from the railroad men’s home at the time, the then-derelict Ware Hotel, and featured homestyle Southern cooking. Besides the old Green Frog, the Carter House was perhaps the most beloved Waycross restaurant of its day. Whitfield’s and the Crab Trap have also been located here.
Downtown Waycross Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I bet some great food was served in that restaurant. Another Spanish mission or colonial style building? Seems out of place in Waycross. My high school in New Orleans was this architectural style. Very impressive.
This brings me quite a bit of joy just to know it was the original home of the “Best People on Earth” in Waycross… as my Dad always said 😄. He was a charter member of the chapter in Americus, GA. Thanks for the post!
What a wonderful, quirky building! A neat addition to any downtown.
I would love to comment occasionally on your wonderful articles, as I used to. Word Press will not allow me to do so. They say I have lost my account and must retrieve it. I’ve never had an account, but when I try to retrieve or create an account that’s not allowed either. Just very disappointing.
Thank you so much for your two most recent articles on our local Ritz theater and Elks Lodge.
On Thu, Jan 25, 2024 at 5:20 PM Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian
Where was the most recent lodge. All I recall is it being on Plant Ave (Blackshear Hwy)
On Thu, Jan 25, 2024 at 5:21 PM Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian
It was ehere the Wal Mart is on Plant Ave