Category Archives: –JENKINS COUNTY GA–

Lost Landmark: Frawley’s Store Inspired Photographers and Served Generations of Fishermen

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Ruins of a historic store in Scarboro, Georgia.

Dee Dailey, whose family has deep connections to the history of Scarboro, recently contacted me with the sad news that the iconic Frawley’s Store building had collapsed. She noted that the area experienced a thunderstorm with strong winds the week before.

Ruins of Frawley's Store in Scarboro, Georgia.

From any angle, it’s obvious that the store is beyond repair. It’s an unfortunate, but not completely surprising fate, considering how long it has been abandoned. It is believed that the store was built by G. E. Burns in the early 1900s, though it is most associated with Mr. Hazel Frawley, a beloved local legend. Frawley’s was a favorite bait and snack stop for fishermen putting in at Scarboro Landing for generations, and according to Betty Jean Kirkland, hosted musicians and dances in later years.

A view of Scarboro Landing Bait and Tackle, after collapsing.

I feel lucky to have documented the landmark on many visits to Scarboro over the years.

Dirt Road, Jenkins County

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I rarely meet an old dirt road I don’t like, and this one, punctuated by a dairy silo, is no exception. Even on an otherwise gloomy day, there’s nothing that says Georgia any better to me. John B. Gay writes: This is my family’s farm! I’m the 4th generation to farm here. It was a dairy farm from the 50’s till 2018. Now I raise row crops, beef cows and hogs.

Johnson Chapel Baptist Church, Jenkins County

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Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is an historic Black congregation in southwestern Jenkins County, established in 1909. This chapel was replaced by a newer structure across the road in 1999 but still stands beside the cemetery.

Elam Baptist Church, Four Points

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Established in 1842, the congregation of Elam Baptist Church was a major factor in the settlement of the surrounding area. The original church is no longer standing but congregants moved into the old school, saving it in the process.

Turner’s Store, Four Points

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This general/grocery store once also had gasoline pumps out front and would have been an essential stop for farmers and others in this section of southern Jenkins County.

Dottie Leatherwood, who has been a friend of Vanishing Georgia for a long time, writes: My grandfather, R.L. “Boss” Turner, owned that little country store from the 20s until, I think the 60s. I have his ledger books from the 20s and 30s. So interesting. I think the original building burned and they rebuilt. My grandparents lived across from the Elam Baptist church… I have so many fond memories of Four Points and wandering all over the fields and woods as a child. – Betty Bennett ran the store during the 80s-90s. I’m not sure who ran it during the 70s but it was open because I remember going there as a child.

Precinct House, Four Points

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My identification of this structure is tentative. It is very similar to many precinct houses I’ve photographed throughout the state.

The Four Points community is a crossroads in Jenkins County, dominated by Elam Baptist Church and its large historic cemetery. There was never a post office here and it’s hard to find on a map, but ask a local where Four Points is located and they’ll gladly point you in the right direction. Undoubtedly, there are other places in the state which are known as Four Points. It’s a common geographical identifier.

Folk Victorian House, Thrift

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This house is essentially a Georgian cottage with Victorian decorative elements.

Millen & Southwestern Railroad Depot, 1890s, Thrift

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The long forgotten village of Thrift experienced its greatest growth at the turn of the 19th century with the presence of the Millen & Southwestern Railroad, though growth is a relative term. The population in 1900 was just 61.

I believe this structure to be a depot of the Millen & Southwestern and, luckily, it has been preserved by the property owners. The loading platform is missing, but otherwise the depot looks to be in good shape.

Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church & Lodge, Butts

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This congregation was established in the Butts community in 1900 and built their first church around that time. Reverend I. W. Way was the pastor. During the tenure of Reverend S. L. Archer, the church was rebuilt in 1952. It was replaced by the present structure in 1991, when Reverend Lee Hunter was pastor.

I believe the lodge is associated with the Prince Hall Masons.

Morrison Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Jenkins County

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This historic congregation was established in 1872.