Category Archives: –BAKER COUNTY GA–

New Salem School, Circa 1890, Elmodel

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When I photographed this structure nearly six years ago (29 March 2010) I had no knowledge of its history. I identified it as a farmhouse, which was partially true. That was its later purpose. But the more interesting story was shared by Jessica McDaniel, who does an excellent job documenting her corner of the world at Southwest Georgia in Photographs. She wrote on 18 July 2011: This is…the New Salem School. It has since been moved to the Blakely Highway…It was one of the many Baker County one-room school houses. I believe that it’s the only one still standing besides the Elmodel Masonic Lodge.

Ichauway Store, Baker County

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Located on a high bank of Ichawaynochaway Creek, this is one of the most iconic country stores in Georgia, in my opinion. It’s still open (with limited hours) and the gas pump still works.

Old Hoggard Mill Bridge, Baker County

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I can’t locate anything about the history of this bridge, but it  provides one of the most scenic views in all of South Georgia. Kyle West writes: I worked out there for about 8 years. In fact, I installed the lights on the bridge  for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. The story of the bridge as was told to me was that it was the original Highway 91 bridge and when the state moved the highway to the present location they were going to demo and Mr. Woodruff bought it from the state to keep them from doing away with it.

The girder style construction is a bit complex for a dirt road and the view as you near the end of the bridge is of the iconic Ichauway Store.

Ichawaynochaway Creek at Ichauway Plantation, Baker County

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Various spellings have been attributed to this beautiful stream over the years and locals often shorten it to Notchaway Creek. It’s a Muskogee word thought to mean “the place where deer sleep”.

Truck Farmer, Newton

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Local “truck farmers” are usually the best place in rural areas to buy produce. Julius Williams, Jr. identifies this gentleman as Willie C. Williams. Cal Coker remembers: I use to buy cantaloupes from him when I was a kid, and he would say they were “Sweeter than sugar candy”.

Hoggard Mill Courthouse, Baker County

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Hoggard Mill [also referred to as Hoggard’s Mill] was a settlement on the banks of the Ichawaynochaway Creek. A post office served the community from 1877-1907 and the economy was based on several mills, agriculture, and timber.

Notchaway Baptist Church, 1896, Baker County

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The congregation was founded circa 1839. The present structure was built in 1896. It’s apparently the only surviving public building from the lost settlement of Cheevertown, which had a post office from 1882-1894. Thanks to Jessica McDaniel for making me aware of Cheevertown. She knows as much as anyone about the crossroads communities in this part of the state.

National Register of Historic Places

Hall-Odom Building, 1911, Newton

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This is one of just two or three surviving historic commercial structures still standing in Newton after the Flint River Flood of 1994. I believe this one is in the best condition of the survivors.

Baker County Courthouse, 1900, Newton

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Designed by J. W. Golucke in 1900, this courthouse survived the Flint River floods of 1924, 1929, and the historic flood of 1994, during which waters nearly reached the second floor. Golucke was Georgia’s most prolific courthouse architect, but ironically died in prison in Newton in 1907, having been convicted of misappropriating funds in the construction of the very courthouse seen here. Though no longer used as a courthouse, it is now utilized by a variety of public service entities.

National Register of Historic Places

McRainey House, 1909, Elmodel

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Archibald Malcolm McRainey (1866-1914) came to Baker County from North Carolina and made a fortune in the timber and turpentine businesses. The community of Elmodel grew up around these enterprises. The house was designed by architect William Jay.

Update: As of 2019, Miss Effie Holt McRainey, the owner, has passed away, and one of her heirs is restoring the property.