Category Archives: –JASPER COUNTY GA–

BearLax Mural, Monticello

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Murals, painted on the sides of prominent buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were once the preferred way of advertising products from Coca-Cola to laxatives, and almost anything in between. While soda brands seem to dominate the mural landscape, pitches for obscure products and services survive in some locations. The BearLax mural was restored a few years ago as an important document of small-town life. The Georgia Grassroots Art Program, a program of the Georgia Council for the Arts, was responsible for this project.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Monticello High School, 1922

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Jasper County’s first high school, Monticello Academy, was built on this location in 1890 and demolished in 1921. Architect Henry Jordan designed the present structure, which was used for high school classes until 1956. From 1956-1975, various lower grades met here, and in 1975, the building was vacated. The Jasper County Historical Foundation acquired it in 1979 and has operated it since. A 2005 inheritance from the Thomas Persons estate has allowed much-needed renovations and insured a healthy future for this much-loved local landmark, now known as Thomas Persons Hall.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

J. H. Kelly House, Circa 1900, Monticello

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This was built around the turn of the last century for J. H. Kelly, who once served as president of the Bank of Monticello. Though in a state of decline, it remains one of Monticello’s most interesting houses.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Jordan-Lanier House, 1890s, Monticello

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Built for Charles D. Jordan, this house originally featured a widow’s walk.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Queen Anne House, Monticello

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Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Jeremiah Pearson House, Circa 1816, Monticello

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Perhaps the oldest house in Monticello, this Federal Style hall and parlor house was built for Jeremiah Pearson, a pioneer settler, merchant and landowner. Built c.1816 for Jeremiah Pearson, (1777-1855), early settler, merchant, and large land owner.

The house is largely original, except for the architecturally and aesthetically intrusive sun room.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

J. D. Persons House, Monticello

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This magnificent home was built around 1900-1905. Its round portico is one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in downtown Monticello.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Reese Hall, Circa 1820, Monticello

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Monticello’s oldest documented house, Reese Hall was originally built in Savannah but was disassembled there and moved to Monticello around 1820. Its most prominent owner was Dr. David Addison Reese (3 March 1794-16 December 1871) who received his medical degree from Jefferson College in Philadelphia.  He was the son of a Revolutionary soldier and the grandson of a signer of the now-debunked Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence. After briefly working in Elberton he moved to Monticello and established a thriving practice. Besides serving for a number of years as Jasper County’s state senator, and 25 years as a Trustee of the University of Georgia, he was also appointed a Commissioner of Cherokee relations by President Andrew Jackson in 1831. Politically a Whig, he succeeded Alexander H. Stephens in Congress in 1853. He left Georgia for Russell County, Alabama, during the Civil War and died there at the age of 78.

Judy Hunsucker restored Reese Hall circa 2015.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Folk Victorian Cottage, Monticello

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Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Monticello United Methodist Church, 1895

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This beautiful church was vacated in 1960, when the congregation constructed a newer facility for their growing membership. It was sold and was later used for a funeral home, the Jasper County Library, and by another non-denominational church . The wing on the right side was a later addition to accommodate offices and a Sunday school. Scott McElheny writes that it was purchased in the early 2000s with hopes of restoration for use as an events center but due to myriad stumbling blocks this never materialized. I have no idea what the plans are for this structure, but it seems a waste to let it just stand empty. Maybe a cultural or arts center would be a good use for the city of Monticello to explore; anything would be better than its present dilemma.

The congregation is one of the oldest in Jasper County. The cemetery dates to 1805 and visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful headstones, statuary, and wrought iron Victorian fencing.

Monticello Historic District, National Register of Historic Places