Category Archives: Comer GA

Gambrel-Roof Barn, Comer

I photographed this in 2015 and can’t recall where in Comer it was located. Gambrel-roof barns are not very common in Georgia, and the number of doors is a bit unusual. I’ll update when I learn more.

Madison County Fair Ground, Comer

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The Comer Lions Club has been organizing an old-fashioned county fair for 68 years. The Ferris wheel caught my eye when I was driving past; though no longer operational, it remains a symbol of the fair and a landmark in its own right. Originally a water wheel at another location in North Georgia, it was acquired in 1949 by Pinky Martin, owner of Comer Motor Company. With the help of mechanic Jeff Turner, it was converted by hand into a working Ferris wheel and was used until the early 1970s.

Nearly every county in Georgia once had a place like this but they’re quite rare today.

The property and structures are well-maintained.

Traditional exhibits like crafts and livestock remain highlights of the fair.

Popular musical acts also play here each year.

If you’re in the area in September, check them out. The Lions Club is a great non-political organization who not only do charitable work but also give back to their communities in tangible ways. Madison is a traditionally rural county and the fair is still the biggest event of the year.

North Avenue Storefronts, Comer

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I talked with a business owner here who remembered when Comer was a much busier place. He was also very concerned about a bypass that will soon carry traffic away from the dwindling downtown area.

He noted that with the coming of the bypass, few people besides locals would have any reason to come here and do business. I hope, however, that the well-preserved storefronts on North Avenue might serve as a catalyst to attract visitors. The two storefronts most recently known as Fields Auto Parts were built circa 1917.