Besides Ellis Grocery, the old Georgia Southern & Florida Railroad freight depot is the last public landmark in Grovania. The graffiti on the passing train car seems to sum up how often you might encounter a scene like this today.
It’s hard to believe that Grovania once serviced two railroads, but until about 1920, the Ocilla Southern also ran through the community. I’ve not been able to locate a date for this depot, but I believe it’s probably from the first two decades of the 20th century.
This landmark has been a favorite of photographers for at least a decade. I’ve never learned much about its background. Most of the old signage, which was already falling when I first photographed this place in 2009, is now gone.
Memories of Grovania and Ellis Grocery
Mike Paulk: I lived in Grovania in the early 50’s, bought candy at the grocery. I remember there was no refrigeration and all the meat lay on large tables covered with salt. I live next door to some people who’s name was Horton I think. They had a son named David.
Laura Kemp: I remember my granddaddy taking me to this store and buying me candy. He and my grandmama lived next door. I loved the old stores like this. They were so cool inside in the summer. The hoop cheese and pickles on the counter. The screen doors with the Colonial Bread sign. Always people around “shooting the breeze”.