Category Archives: –BIBB COUNTY GA–

Napier-Small House, Circa 1846, Macon

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This house originally faced Vineville Avenue and overlooked 325 acres extending to Ocmulgee River. It was built by Skelton Napier, a son of one of Antebellum Macon’s most prominent politicians, Judge Thomas Napier, and his family occupied it until 1891. Ralph B. Small, Sr., purchased it in 1919. At some point in the early 1900s, it was moved on logs to its present orientation facing Rogers Avenue. It’s one of several Macon landmarks featuring a pattern of inverted laurel wreaths in the frieze.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Solomon-Smith Farmhouse, Circa 1823, Macon

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Built by pioneer settler Henry Solomon as the centerpiece of a 50-acre working farm when it was “out in the country” from Macon, this Early Republic style home is the second oldest structure in Bibb County. It was nearly lost to neglect and deterioration but was rescued and restored in 2002.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The Big House-Allman Brothers Band Museum, Macon

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The early history of this circa 1900 Tudor Revival is hard to track down today but its connection to the Allman Brothers Band make it an epicenter of Southern Rock history and a shrine to fans from all over the world.

Known today as The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House, it was rented by members of the band in January 1970 and a succession of wives, girlfriends, groupies, and industry types passed through until the end of 1972. Duane Allman and Berry Oakley were both living here at the times of their deaths in motorcycle crashes [29 October 1971 and 11 November 1972, respectively]. Dickey Betts wrote “Blue Sky” in the living room and “Ramblin’ Man” in the kitchen. By early 1973, the remaining band members and their families were gone from the house. It has since been restored and now maintains a world-class collection of Allman Brothers Band memorabilia and ephemera.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Queen Anne House, 1900, Macon

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Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Hough-Ashmore House, 1900, Macon

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Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Vineville Baptist Church, 1902, Macon

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Vineville Baptist Church was organized at the home of Judge J. L. Hardeman on 10 May 1891. They met at several residential locations and then constructed a wood frame church, which was replaced by this structure in 1902. They relocated a few blocks up Vineville Avenue, in the 1920s I believe, and this became home to Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church for many years. It later served as the Macon Islamic Center and is soon to be an event venue. Thanks to Andrew P. Wood for assistance with identification.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Robert Jenks Taylor House, 1903, Macon

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A Neoclassical landmark, this home is one of the gems of Vineville Avenue. It was built by Robert Jenks Taylor, Sr. (1854-1939), a leading Macon businessman. [Some sources date the house to 1880, but I believe this to be incorrect, considering the Neoclassical style was not in fashion at that time; if 1880 is the correct date, the portico could be a later addition]. In 1938, R. J. Taylor, Jr., gave a gift in memory of his father and grandfather which established Taylor Memorial Hospital in Hawkinsville.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Clopton-Comer-Winter House, 1834, Macon

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This Greek Revival mansion was built by Alfred Clopton and was the centerpiece of what was originally a 23-acre estate. It was sold to Major Anderson Comer of Jones County in 1844. Comer raised his family here, including his three daughters known as the “Comer Belles”. One of the Comer girls married James J. Winter and they lived here until the early 1900s. During the ownership of T. E. Merritt, the house was modified and the stucco siding added. Judge E. P. Johnston was the last private owner; it was sold to Drs. William Orr and Oscar Spivey in 1963 and the interior was modified for use as offices.

Vineville Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Georgian Cottage, Circa 1880, Macon

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This raised cottage may be of an earlier date; 1880 is the earliest mention of the house I can locate.

Macon Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Lamar House, 1860, Macon

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Macon Historic District, National Register of Historic Places