This circa 1817 I-house was part of a much larger plantation purchased by the Nolan family in the 1850s. It was home to the Nolan family before the more substantial structure was built at the crossroads circa 1905. It is not publicly accessible but visible from the right of way in winter.
National Register of Historic Places
This is one of a few working Lummus gins in Georgia. It’s such an integral part of life in this community that it’s the namesake of the annual Cotton Gin Festival, held the first Saturday in November. Bostwick is a fascinating place that I’d recommend anyone visiting when they’re in the area
One of the best descriptions and general histories of Bostwick can be found at my friend Dagmar Nelson’s Southern Exposure blog.
Bostwick Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
UPDATE: Part of the Bostwick Gin was badly damaged by fire on 18 May 2022. I’m not sure how extensive it was, but apparently this section was spared.
This is Seed House No. 2, part of the extensive Bostwick Supply & Gin Company.
Bostwick Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This large commercial block is symbolic of Bostwick’s agricultural prominence. The place is a step back in time. Unfortunately, structural collapse on the end of the Bostwick Supply Company, seen below, could threaten this view.
I hope an effort is made to stabilize this in some way, if possible.
Bostwick Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Bostwick Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Built by John Bostwick, Sr., to accommodate burgeoning railroad traffic in the area, the Susie Agnes remains the crown jewel of Bostwick. Mr. Bostwick had purchased a large tract of land in the area and, encouraged by rapid growth, divided a portion of it into lots which became the town bearing his name.
National Register of Historic Places
I waited five years to see this grand old home and wasn’t disappointed when I finally made my way here during the winter of 2015. Many of my fellow photographers have shot the interior; it wasn’t an option at the time of my visit, as the house is all boarded up now. Rumors swirl around this house as to its preservation status. I was led to believe that restoration of the property is imminent, though many have told me that this is always “in the works”. Whatever its future, it’s a tangible link to the plantation era in the Piedmont, when large numbers of laborers were required to support self-contained economies. This home was built by James A. Nolan, circa 1906. The family’s earlier residence still stands nearby.
The Nolan family worked this land [as many as 2000 acres] from about 1856 until 1970. It began as a slave-based enterprise. A commissary and several outbuildings still dot the plantation grounds.
This “duplex” features a local stone chimney [below].
I’m identifying the structure seen below as a tenant house, though it is possible it served as a kitchen.
I’m identifying the last structure as a barn, but it may have been the blacksmith’s shop. As of 2021, it is no longer standing.
Like most true plantations of its era, the Nolan property supported its own commissary, which was essentially a credit-based store for employees. The building takes on the common shotgun form of country stores at the turn of the last century; I’m not sure if the false front was added later, or if it was an original feature.
The view of the “big house” from the commissary is a reminder of the near-total dependence workers had on the plantation economy. The store likely served the general public, as well, as the remnant name-plate of a Coca-Cola sign indicates.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 