Michael Williams reached out to me last week to let me know that one of Hazlehurst’s most recognizable landmarks, the home and office of Dr. Samuel L. Martin (1876-1966), was soon to be demolished if no one stepped forward to move it before a new fast food restaurant (Taco Bell) would be built on site. I understand that the land has already been sold.
As our friend Jesse Bookhardt said back in 2024: “Everybody loves Dr. Martin’s old home, but nobody seems to love it so much that they are willing to save it, so it continues to vanish bit by bit.“
Dr. Martin was a graduate of the Atlanta School of Medicine (now Emory University), who also dabbled in politics. He was a city alderman and mayor of Hazlehurst, in addition to service in both houses of the state legislature. While serving in the senate, he promoted a bill which provided scholarships for medical students who would practice for four years in small towns who were underserved by health care.
Even in its deteriorated state, the house has been a favorite to many who have seen it and photographed it over the years. It has most recently, to my knowledge, been some sort of antique store, but it has been abandoned for quite some time.
The architecture is quite eclectic, especially the asymmetrical front. I think the front and colonnade may be early additions to the house, which was originally built by Charles Felder Chapman (1879-1951) for his wife, Winnie Mae Roberson Chapman (1890-1931).
The carriage house became Dr. Martin’s home office, though he was an old-fashioned country doctor and spent much of his time on the backroads of Jeff Davis County, taking care of rural patients.
It is always sad to share news like this, but I’ve seen so much of it over the years, I can imagine the outcome. The best possible scenario would be for someone to move and save the house, but short of that, it will soon be gone forever.
Wait for it … the county will step in and require the Taco Bell to sport a colonnade with Doric columns on its front. Hat tip to Georgia history and all that.
Very sad. So many cities have learned the hard way that letting historical properties go in favor of modern construction is a short-term gain at best. Yes, the Taco Bell may add to the town’s tax roll (which I understand is important, and am not judging people who have to make these decisions), but no one is going out of their way to see another Taco Bell. Here is an irreplaceable landmark that reflects the area’s culture and history, and it cannot ever be replaced. There really should be more governmental support to help save these places.
I found a poster when I was in college, half a century ago, that I kept until it fell apart. It said, “When there is no Vision, the people cast off restraint.”
This still applies.
“College poster” comment: I wrote this. Not “totally abashed…” whoever that is. This website has a problem. I have reported it.
Rafe Semmes
Midway GA
If I were king of the world, I would require all developers to hire a photographer to record in great detail what exists before they tear something down or bulldoze land or cut down trees. Then upload the images to a state government database for free access by future historians and interested citizens.
Sad. I do hope they will salvage what they can. Stained glass windows and other special details.
What a sad state of affairs. Your earlier post some years ago of this same house looked so vastly different — then it had landscaping and a fence. This was certainly an unusual home for a small town. But its memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew it, and Dr, Martin.
Thanks for both your posts. They are important in preserving our shared history.
Rafe Semmes
Midway GA
Wow! We’ve passed by this house 100’s of times heading down to St. Simons Island. I always thought it would be great if someone could save it and turn it into a bed and breakfast. Sadly, that’s not something in my wheelhouse. I agree with L Lewis. Maybe someone can salvage the wood and other architectural pieces.
So sorry to see it go.
Maybe someone can come in and salvage the wood and any other architectural parts.