Category Archives: –IRWIN COUNTY GA–

Central Hallway Cottage, 1950s, Irwinville

I initially couldn’t determine if this structure was residential or if it was even original to this location. I was first inclined to call it a central hallway cottage or tenant house, and Clint Dowdy writes that it was indeed a residence and that his great uncle lived here. I didn’t see a chimney but Clint writes that it was at the rear of the structure. It’s a neat form.

Irwinville Farms Tobacco Barn, 1930s, Irwinville

As I’ve discussed extensively over the years, the Irwinville Farms Project was one of numerous resettlement communities overseen during the Great Depression by the Farm Security Administration and the Resettlement Administration, as a means of helping rural communities much in need of outside assistance. Even though they are highly endangered, the structures related to this project are still well represented in the Irwinville area and are an invaluable resource that deserve documentation. The barns were all originally painted white but have faded in the nearly 90 years since they were built. They cost less than $200 to build and were considered very efficient. A testament to their quality is the fact that so many are still standing.

R. B. Tucker’s Bear Safety Service, Ocilla

R. B. Tucker, Sr., graduated second in his class at the Bear Automotive School in Rock Island, Illinois, and owned and operated this franchise in Ocilla for many years. Bear was one of the first national automotive repair chains, and is still in existence, I believe.

Riding through Ocilla as a kid, those two yellow signs with the happy bears really got my attention.

Sunset, Irwin County

I thought this beautiful sunset over a finished cotton field would be a good way to end the year. Happy New Year to everyone; be safe and be joyous.

Cypress Swamp, Irwin County

One of my favorite things about riding dirt roads is encountering little swamps and wetlands. In fall and winter, they are at their most colorful.

Top Ten Posts of 2021

It’s been quite a year, and I hope it’s been good for everyone. I’m so grateful for all the love, and wish you all the best for 2022. Due to popular demand, I’m sharing our ten most viewed posts during the year, and there were some surprises.

#1- Shark Tooth Beach, Jekyll Island

#2- Crystal Lake, Irwin County

#3- The Varsity, 1963, Athens

#4- Harville House, 1894, Bulloch County

#5- Home of Georgia’s Last Confederate Veteran, Fitzgerald

#6- Abandoned Amphiteater, 1973, Jekyll Island

#7- Wasden House, Brooks County

#8- White Sulphur Springs, Meriwether County

#9- Williams Seafood Sign, Savannah

#10- Top Hat Cafe, 1945, Columbus

Abandoned Tenant Farmhouse, Irwin County

This photograph was made in 2010. The house has been gone for many years.

Robinson’s Grocery, Irwin County

I’ve been photographing this structure for nearly 20 years and after all that time now have an identification, thanks to Wilbur Adkison. He notes that it was Robinson’s Grocery and was operated by Mrs. Robinson, who was a teacher at nearby Ashton School (Ben Hill County). Like the store in the previous post, Robinson’s Grocery is an amazing survivor.

Fountain’s Grocery, Irwin County

This has been identified as Fountain’s or Fountain’s Grocery. It has been slightly relocated from its original location.