Category Archives: –EFFINGHAM COUNTY GA–

Bethel Lutheran Church, 1872, Effingham County

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Bethel Lutheran was founded as a branch of Jerusalem Lutheran Church. People regularly walked or rode the 10-15 miles from this area near Springfield to Ebenezer to attend Jerusalem. Sometime prior to 1855 congregants began gathering on this site and conducted services in a brush arbor. Soon, it was obvious that a permanent church was needed here. Reverend Ernest Bergman was the first pastor to hold regular services at what would come to be known as Bethel.  It remains an active congregation to this day.

Neoclassical Cottage, 1913, Guyton

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Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Guyton Women’s Club & Masonic Lodge, 1915

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This is a very unusual combination, in my experience. It’s a practical use, but just not one I’ve encountered elsewhere.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Cubbedge House, Guyton

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I’ve been told that this was the Cubbedge House, but haven’t been able to find out anything else. It’s an ornate home and quite difficult to photograph.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The Rabbi, 1889, Guyton

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This intriguing landmark has been owned by the Mendes, Gnann, and Helmuth families during its history. Charles L. Helmuth writes: ...My family purchased the house from the Neil Ratchfords way back in the 60s. I understand that the rabbi I. P. Mendes had the house built. Rabbi Mendes was head of the Jewish community in Savannah. About the time we took possession, Guyton was coming into prominence for its historical relevance. “The Rabbi” was suggested by Dr. Willie Todd, and so it became known as “The Rabbi”. I understand that it once housed some school teachers and at one time an RFD mail carrier. I also head that it once caught fire, which did a litle damage to the interior.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Alvin & Lena Gnann House, Circa 1889, Stillwell

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This is of the style commonly called “Plantation Plain”. This particular house has been stabilized and is a very nice example of this popular 19th-century design. It’s possibly of antebellum origin.

The History of Effingham County states: Bertie and Effie Gnann are considered the “First Family” of Stillwell, having staked their future in the town and being life long residents. The Gnann’s built the first house in town, which was a one-story frame residence with a gingerbread porch. Bertie opened a small store with his brother Alvin in 1892. The store was located along the railroad tracks next to the present Post Office building. In addition to being a grocery store, the building served as the headquarters for the freight agent and served as the location of the first post office. Bertie, along with his brothers Henry and Willie, operated the first saw mill in the town. The brothers later added a grist mill, planing mill, stave mill, and cotton gin. Bertie Gnann also served as Stillwell’s first post master, remaining in that capacity for 47 years. The original house was replaced with the present two-story house in the 1930s.

 

Henry & Carrie Gnann House, Circa 1894, Stillwell

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This house is in really nice condition and a favorite of mine in the area. The History of Effingham County notes: Henry Gnann, the oldest of the Gnann brothers in Stillwell, operated a sawmill along with his brothers Bertie and Willie. His wife Carrie died in 1907. Gnann raised his 5 children in the house

Bertie & Effie Gnann House, 1932, Stillwell

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Brick Foursquare House Aermotor Windmill White Picket Fence Stillwell GA Effingham County Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

A 1990 Georgia Historic Resources survey notes: Bertie and Effie Gnann are considered the “First Family” of Stillwell, having staked their future in the town and being life long residents. The Gnann’s built the first house in town, which was a one-story frame residence with a gingerbread porch. Bertie opened a small store with his brother Alvin in 1892. The store was located along the railroad tracks next to the present Post Office building. In addition to being a grocery store, the building served as the headquarters for the freight agent and served as the location of the first post office. Bertie, along with his brothers Henry and Willie, operated the first saw mill in the town. The brothers later added a grist mill, planing mill, stave mill, and cotton gin. Bertie Gnann also served as Stillwell’s first post master, remaining in that capacity for 47 years. The original house was replaced with the present two-story house in the 1930s.

The present house is an eclectic American Foursquare, with Mediterranean Revival elements, quite a progressive architecture for this small settlement. The sunroom is a nice feature, unusual for this form.

Georgian Cottage, Circa 1910, Clyo

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The brother of this home’s owner noted that it was slowly being restored.

Guyton United Methodist Church, 1840s

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To my knowledge, this is the only antebellum structure standing in Guyton. There was a Confederate hospital in the community and General William T. Sherman’s forces occupied the area in their approach to Savannah so I was intrigued to learn that this wonderful old church was somehow spared. I’d appreciate further information on its history. It’s known today as Guyton United Methodist Church.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places