Category Archives: Guyton GA

New Hope A. M. E. Church, 1885, Guyton

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Celebrating its sesquicentennial this year, New Hope A. M. E. Church was founded by former slaves on 4 August 1869. It’s the oldest black church in Guyton and among the oldest A. M. E. congregations in Southeast Georgia. The original members, mostly the families of carpenters, farmers, turpentiners, and millers, had been members of Methodist churches and sought to build a congregation and community. The neighborhood came to be known as Sugar Hill.

I had the good fortune  of meeting Mrs. Pearl Powell Boynes, who graciously invited me inside the church with my camera. She was a delightful lady who has a background in history and great reverence for her ancestors’ contributions to New Hope. The above photo of her great-grandparents, George (born 1828) and Eve McCall, graces the vestibule of the church.

Reverend W. H. Wells was the first pastor. The church was built with rough-hewn lumber joined with wood pegs and square nails. Originally, the exterior was covered with hand-carved shingles and the walls made of hog-hair and cement plaster. Some of the shingles remain on the exterior. The chandelier in the middle of the sanctuary has been a prominent feature since around the turn of the century. It was originally gas-powered.

The hand-carved pews have been in use since the church was completed.

National Register of Historic Places

 

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Colonel Edward Bird House, 1870, Guyton

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Colonel Edward Bird (1825-1893) was a successful timber and turpentine operator before the Civil War. He joined Company A, Squadron B, Georgia Cavalry, as Captain. It was nicknamed Captain Bird’s Mounted Company, 2nd Battalion, Georgia Cavalry. Captain Bird was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 17 May 1862 and took command of the 2nd Battalion. He transferred to the 5th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry on 20 January 1863 and was promoted to Colonel in 1864. He commanded the 5th Battalion until surrendering at Greensboro, North Carolina on 26 April 1865. After the war, Colonel Bird resumed his business and remained a prominent citizen of Guyton until his death.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Craftsman Cottage, Guyton

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guyton ga craftsman cottage photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2016

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Guyton Women’s Club & Masonic Lodge, 1915

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guyton ga womens club masonic lodge photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2016

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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guyton ga cubbedge house photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2016

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 ga cubbedge house front photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2016

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The Rabbi, 1889, Guyton

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guyton ga the rabbi house photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2016

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 Ratchford 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

 

Guyton United Methodist Church, 1840s

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Guyton Methodist Church Antebellum Landmark Conical Shake Steeple Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

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

Boston Butt Sale, Guyton

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Guyton GA Effingham County Roadside Sign Boston Butt Sale Old Rusty Ford Truck Americana Rural South Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

Relatively inexpensive, Boston Butt is actually from the upper front shoulder of the pig. It’s used to make barbeque, Brunswick stew, and everything in between. A gentleman at this location* was smoking them and a steady procession of customers were just driving through and picking them up. I regret that I didn’t get a chance to speak to him as the traffic was heavy and I had to wait and wait just to get a shot incorporating the sign and the great old Ford pickup. But if you’re in the area and see this sign, you might want to stop by and pay him a visit. As busy as the place was, it must be good.

* just outside town heading toward Springfield on Georgia Highway 119

 

Baynard Hotel, 1876, Guyton

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Historic Vernacular Architecture Screened in Porch Guyton GA Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

I wondered if this house may have been a boarding house or early hotel, and thanks to Barbara Scott, I now know that it was. She notes that it was also the residence of Joseph S. Baynard and that today it is the residence of Mack & Linda Edwards.

Guyton was originally known as Whitesville, for the community that emerged around Zachariah White’s 250-acre plantation. With no heirs and deep debt, White’s estate was seized by Effingham County. When the Central of Georgia Railway laid tracks through the community around 1837, it was simply referred to as Station Number 30.  Soon thereafter it was named in honor of a prominent local, Archibald Guyton.