Category Archives: –LAURENS COUNTY GA–

The Old Slaughterhouse at Haunted Montrose

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Situated in the northwestern corner of Laurens County, the sleepy old railroad village of Montrose awakens from its general slumber this time of year as a popular attraction for lovers of the macabre. For fifteen years, Haunted Montrose has transformed this place into one of Georgia’s most popular Halloween attractions and it has earned its reputation.

This isn’t your grandfather’s haunted house, but rather a professionally produced sensory experience, more akin to something you’d see in a Hollywood horror movie. A spooky cornfield, cemetery, and the old Slaughter House, are all part of this nightmare, both real and imagined, and they’re guaranteed to scare the daylights out of anyone daring enough to visit.

The existence of haunts and haunted houses may be open for debate, but if you’re on the fence, you might want to head up to Montrose and investigate this one for yourself.

A Landmark Dogtrot House in Laurens County Damaged in Recent Storm

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I just learned via social media that this landmark was recently damaged by at least one, if not two, fallen cedar trees, likely the result of recent storms. It appears, from a photograph shared by Sam Smith, that the damage is mostly to the roof. I hope this is a silver lining and the house is able to be repaired.

I’ve never been able to find out much history about the place, other than the fact that locals suggest it’s in its original location and owned by the same family for the duration of its existence. Obviously, the owners cared enough to add a newer roof and porch at some time. As a vernacular form, dogtrots are emblematic of rural Georgia in the 19th century and variations were built well into the early part of the 20th century. This is one of the nicest examples I know of in Georgia and if anyone knows more about its fate, please share.

Photo copyright James Clark, shared with permission

Central Hallway House, Minter

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This house likely dates to the late 19th century. It was still standing as of January 2022.

Gable Front House, Laurens County

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Here’s another find from my archives. This was located near the Montgomery County line in Laurens County.

Hall-and-Parlor Farmhouse, Laurens County

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This farmhouse, possibly a tenant residence, is a typical example of the hall-and-parlor form. It has a shed room at the rear and an added wing which has served a storage purpose.

Bank of Rentz, Circa 1910, Rentz

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This structure was originally part of a busy row of commercial buildings, all of which are now gone. It’s the most significant historic building remaining in Rentz. The Bank of Rentz was established in 1910 but was not successful. Its assets were absorbed by the newly formed Rentz Banking Company in 1914. It became a branch of C&S Bank in 1974 and remained open in this location until circa 1994.

Gabled-Ell Farmhouse, Laurens County

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This is another typical example of the form known as gabled-ell, or winged gable. The “ell” in gable-ell is for the L-like shape. Like many vernacular forms, these houses often started out smaller and had a wing added when a family grew. This example is located a few miles north of East Dublin.

Gabled-Ell Farmhouse, Laurens County

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This farmhouse is located on a road that runs parallel to Interstate 16. It’s an interesting juxtaposition.

T. C. Bobbit Store, Dudley

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T. C. Bobbitt was a very successful entrepreneur in Dudley, who expanded his grocery business to include dry goods and furniture.

Mr. Bobbitt, who worked in the grocery business for an amazing seventy-four years, started out circa 1914, working for T. J. Gilbert, before going into business for himself in 1927.

This store remained open until 1986.

Centennial Mural, 2002, Dudley

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Dudley, originally known as Elsie, was settled around 1891 when the Macon, Dublin, & Savannah Railroad ran a line through the area. It was named for railroad president and future United States Senator Dudley Mays Hughes and formally incorporated in 1902. This mural was commissioned to celebrate the community’s centennial.