This simple Georgian cottage is enhanced by a Craftsman-inspired front porch. Property records date it to circa 1940, but I believe it was built earlier.
Georgian Cottage, Collins
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Category Archives: Collins GA
Elder Abraham Jackson, Veteran of the United States Colored Troops
Elder Abraham Jackson was the patriarch of Jackson Town, a historically Black neighborhood near Collins, Georgia, and he and his family were among the earliest burials in what would become the Jackson Cemetery, still dominated by his descendants and cousins today. The cemetery is very well-maintained.
Born enslaved in Barnwell, South Carolina, Elder Jackson later served (1865-1866) in Co. C, 1st Regiment South Carolina Volunteer Infantry (Colored), which was redesignated Co. C, 33rd Regiment, United States Colored Troops. He married Rilla, whose last name remains unknown, in the 1850s.
This memorial for Anna Collins, the very wife of Henry Collins, is the earliest grave I found in Jackson Cemetery. She may have been Elder Jackson’s sister-in-law.
Nellie was the wife of George Jackson. Her vernacular memorial, which has been repaired, is very similar to that of Anna Collins. It reads: Dear husbad (sic) and children. as you is now, once was I, and as I am now you must be. Remember death and follow me.
Central Hallway Cottage, Collins
This little cottage is located near the railroad tracks in Collins. With board-and-batten siding and an ornamental gable, it’s a bit “fancier” than most such houses.
Collins Study Group, Tattnall County
This structure was home to the Collins Study Group, which was associated with the Nation of Islam. I believe study groups are nascent congregations within that faith.
Dr. Collins House, Circa 1900, Collins
This unusual vernacular house in Collins is a bit difficult to classify architecturally. A marker identifies it as the Dr. Collins House, built circa 1900. I’m not sure if it was just a home or also the doctor’s office.
Collins United Methodist Church, Circa 1902, Tattnall County
Recent divisions within the United Methodist Church have made it difficult to locate the histories for many congregations, including the Collins church, but Judy and Jimmy Duke shared the following history: “From History of the South Georgia Conference, 1866-1984, p.303:: Collins Methodist Church, Organized by 8 people in 1902 in Baptist Church which was used until new church built. Rev. Thomas Williams of the Quince (Cobbtown) Circuit preached. First Building frame, gift from ‘Uncle Luda” Walling, Collins lumber man. Extensive repairs, 1950. 1956-7, 2 story educational building constructed. Sanctuary remodeled, 1964-65.”
W. L. Morris General Store, Circa 1896, Collins
The name of a recent occupant of this building suggests that it is best remembered as a mercantile or general store. The Mercantile Inn was located here during the 2010s, if my notes are correct. As was often the case with buildings like this, the owners may have lived upstairs, or it could have been a general commercial block with a fraternal lodge upstairs. It is the most architecturally significant commercial structure remaining in Collins, in my opinion.
Frank Morris writes: “No idea of who built it or exactly when, but it was owned/operated in the late 1800’s to 1900’s (?) as a General Store by my Grandfather W.L. Morris who lived at 302 Morris St NW in Collins until his death. He and his wife Lila are buried in the Baptist Church cemetery in Collins. I still have some of the ledgers from transactions made at the store.“
Queen Anne Cottage, Collins
When I photographed this circa 1890-1900 winged-gable Queen Anne house in 2013 it was an antique and salvage store, if the assortment of items on the porch is any indication. I never stopped, but I believe it served this purpose for several years. As far as I know, it’s still standing.
Pyramidal Cottage, Collins
This is one of two such tenant houses standing side by side. Both are on the verge of collapse. If they’re still standing in the winter, I’ll rephotograph them.
Gable Front Cottages, Collins
Approaching Collins from the east on Georgia Highway 292 [Manassas Street] there are several vernacular gable front houses in varying states of disrepair.
This was a very common style from the early to mid-20th century, found in both rural and urban settings.
