I’m grateful to Meg Balian for sharing her father’s circa 1973 painting of Mrs. W. E. Porter’s general store in the forgotten village of Findlay. I’ve been meaning to share it here for some time not only for its subtle beauty but also as a link to the history of this elusive place in Dooly County. The building was still standing a few years ago but I never knew a name for the store until Meg reached out.
Meg’s father was Kevork Misak (George) Balian (1932-2013). As a young man, George began the study of art at a French and American school in Aleppo, Syria. At 18, he immigrated to America with $250, a suitcase filled with his belongings, and a watch. He worked his way through school and received a degree in Architecture from Auburn University, where a lifelong passion for War Eagles football was born.
Mr. Balian was a member of the American Institute of Architects and completed residential, public, and commercial designs in cities as diverse as Macon, Atlanta, St. Louis and New York. He was also involved in the design of the Abuja National Mosque in Nigeria.
Artist George Balian married Robbie Porter who grew up in Findlay. They met at Auburn. You can see the reflection of Robbie’s childhood home in the store window. It was across the street. Her mother was Louise Porter and father was Willie Porter, a prominent farmer from the area.
George and Robbie Balian had three children, Bob, Meg and Perry who can remember going into this store ‘Ms. Essie’s store’ when it was still open in the late 60s, early 70s.
What is the historic place in Dooly County you refer to. I spent many summers in Dooly County from the time I was two till I was thirteen.