Category Archives: –MUSCOGEE COUNTY GA–

Eagle & Phenix Mills, 1869-1885, Columbus

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Now re-purposed as condominiums, Eagle & Phenix Mills is among the most historic industries in Columbus. Per their website: Cotton milling operations began on this site when William H. Young established the Eagle Mills. In 1860 when Mr. Young absorbed the nearby Howard Factory, Eagle Mills became the second largest mill in Georgia. The Eagle Mills produced material for Confederate uniforms and other critical goods during the Civil War at the site of our present Mill #1. Because of slow communication a land battle was still being fought in our area after the peace treaty had been signed by Lee and Grant to end the war. Federal forces over-whelmed the defenders of Columbus, crossed the river and burned the Eagle Mills buildings. Mill # 1 was rebuilt in 1869.

The present Mill #1 was rebuilt in 1869 and renamed the Eagle & Phenix Mills to symbolize rising from the ashes. Mill #2 followed in 1872 and portions of Mill #1 in 1885. The other historic buildings remaining on the site are the Boiler House (circa 1878), the Administration Building (circa 1878) and the Machine Shop (circa 1886).

During this period of expansion, the Eagle & Phenix quadrupled its size becoming the largest mill in the south by 1878. The mill was distinctive because it produced over 100 varieties of cotton and woolen goods. Eagle & Phenix was known for its technological sophistication and the services it provided its workers. One of these services was the Eagle & Phenix Bank. Unfortunately, this period of rapid expansion was followed by economic hard times brought about by changes in the market. The mill went into receivership and was purchased by G. Gunby Jordan in 1896. One of Mr. Jordan’s investors was W. C. Bradley. G. Gunby Jordan owned the mill from 1896 to 1915 while W. C. Bradley served on the board. From various correspondences, it seems that Mr. Jordan suggested that Mr. Bradley accept the presidency of the mill. W. C. Bradley did accept the presidency and ultimately owned the Eagle & Phenix Mill from 1915 until 1947.

After ownership passed through various hands in the ensuing years, it was reacquired by the Bradley Company in 2003 and has once again become a symbol of Columbus.

Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District, National Historic Landmark

Vintage Arby’s Sign, Columbus

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I’m not sure if this vintage sign on the Cussetta Highway is still standing.

Sputnik Bar, Columbus

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Dive bars are an endangered species and this is one of the coolest around, at least in appearance. The signage alone deserves a bit of reverence. It’s obviously related to the Space Race of the 1950s-1960s. Places like this were once ubiquitous in towns of any size, but now, for a host of reasons, seem nearly impossible to find. I’m unsure if the Sputnik is still open.

Ma Rainey Home, Columbus

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Born in either in Alabama in 1882 or in Columbus in 1886, Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett was interested in music from an early age and played in a talent show at the nearby Springer Opera House at the age of 14. In 1902 she began touring with minstrel shows and by 1904 had met and married William “Pa” Rainey, hence her professional name, “Ma” Rainey. They first operated the Alabama Fun Makers Company but by 1906 were touring with the Rabbit’s Foot Company. In 1914, the pair were known as the “Assasinators of the Blues”.  The marriage didn’t last long after this time, but her musical innovations, introducing blues and jazz into her acts, led to her billing as “Mother of the Blues”.  She was said to be a major influence on Bessie Smith, with whom she toured for a time. She was a pioneer female recording artist and made 94 records for Paramount. At least 47 were her own compositions. She is a member of several halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was featured on a 1994 commemorative U. S. postage stamp. She built this house for her mother at the height of her success (likely the mid-1920s) and upon returning to Columbus to manage three theatres in 1935, she moved in. She died in 1939.

By 1991, the house was nearly demolished due to its derelict state, but thanks to the efforts of Fred C. Fussell and Friends of Ma Rainey chairwoman Florene Dawkins, it was saved. Find out more from Columbus Parks and Recreation, who now administer this important historic site.

National Register of Historic Places

 

St. John A.M.E. Church, 1870, Columbus

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The second oldest A. M. E. congregation in Georgia (after Savannah’s St. Phillip’s), St. John A. M. E. has weathered numerous challenges throughout its history.

The church notes: On September 18, 1870, a third Sunday, African Americans’ fellowship became Saint John Chapel, now known as Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The people were. a part of Saint James AME church members but decided to begin a new fellowship by God’s guidance.  According to the Columbus Enquirer in an article on March 29, 1970,  a local newspaper, a “New Church Enterprise,” purchased the lot opposite the Claflin Institute and erected a church building.  The location was Fifth Avenue in downtown Columbus Georgia.  In a short time, a spacious church building for the Saint John people and denomination happened.  Among the founding members of Saint John were Edmund Baily and Alexander Howard of Columbus, Georgia.  Alexander Howard was the grandfather of Bishop Richard R. Wright Jr. and former college president of Wilberforce.  By the record of the cornerstone, the first pastor of Saint John was Reverend Dr. John G. Mitchell. Also, Reverend Dr. John G. Mitchell was one of the founders of the first free-standing HBCUs in America, Wilberforce University, in 1894.  

The original structure was a two-story building with a wooden framed top and bricked bottom.  As the story goes, Saint John had “brick rallies” and “carpenter rallies” to beautify their building. Many white people of Columbus and other African Americans gave liberally to support the church’s building.  Later, the entire building was veneered with brick from the ground to the roof.  In 1890, Reverend T.M. Mitchell built the basement.  Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church was considered one of the very best church buildings architecturally because of the simplicity of its Victorian Gothic style.  To the north, its round tower and the conical roof were one of a kind.  On the opposite front side of the building was a square tower that housed the melodious church bell.  It reminded the members of Sunday school and church.  It tolled sadly when a member died.  The doorway was also beautifully designed.

It was damaged by fire in 1951, lost its roof to a tornado in 1991, and survived an arson attempt in 1998. The congregation moved to a different location after the last fire. Presently, it is home to a Church of God, who has worked diligently to secure its place as one of Columbus’ most important African-American landmarks.

National Register of Historic Places

Springer Opera House, 1871, Columbus

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Built by Francis Joseph Springer, who immigrated from Alsace to Columbus before the Civil War and became prosperous in the grocery business, it was a fulfillment of his dream to have a European-style theatre in his adopted home. Soon after it opened, the Springer Opera House gained a reputation as the finest theatre between New York and New Orleans. Among the luminaries to grace its stage were Edwin Booth, Lillie Langtry, John Philip Sousa, Will Rogers, Ethel Barrymore, Ma Rainey and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Springer fell on hard times during the Great Depression, due largely to the rise of motion pictures, and by 1964 was slated for demolition. A group of concerned citizens led by Emily Woodruff acted quickly and saved it. Today, Georgia’s oldest professional theatre is just one of seven in the nation with National Historic Landmark status. It’s no wonder it was designated the official State Theatre of Georgia.

National Historic Landmark

David Rothschild House, 1886, Columbus

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Though known today as the Rothschild-Pound House, and operating as a very nice bed and breakfast inn under that name, a brief review of the National Register of Historic Places nomination form suggests both a different date of construction and a more varied provenance. [I’m not disputing others, just using the data I have access to, which I’ll gladly update as I learn more]. The house was built by N. P. Banks, vice-president of the Columbus Investment Company. Wholesale grocer J. B. Tarver bought the house in 1904. In 1910, textile manufacturer David Rothschild purchased the home, which remained in his family until 1958.

National Register of Historic Places

Ledger-Enquirer Building, 1931, Columbus

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The Columbus architectural firm of Smith & Biggers designed this Mediterranean-style landmark for the R. W. Page Company, which controlled the city’s two leading dailies, The Columbus Enquirer and The Columbus Ledger. The building is presently being expanded and will be the future home of Columbus State University’s College of Education and Health Professions.

National Register of Historic Places

Central YMCA, 1903, Columbus

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The Columbus Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was organized in 1856. Their history is interwoven with the growth of Columbus. For nearly half a century, the YMCA utilized various locales throughout the city. In 1901, George Foster Peabody offered to build them a permanent home. The original marble YMCA was dedicated in 1903 and completed in 1907. It was said to be the only marble YMCA in the United States. I’m unsure as to the preservation status of the Central YMCA

National Register of Historic Places

Iron Bank, 1860s, Columbus

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Begun around 1860 by William H. Young, this Italian Renaissance-style structure is the largest cast iron building in Georgia. The cast iron structures of the middle and late 19th century are often seen as the forerunners to today’s modern skyscrapers. The National Register of Historic Places nomination form notes that the Bank of Columbus occupied the space between 1860-1866, but recent scholarship suggests that construction was halted due to the Civil War and completed sometime thereafter. The Georgia Home Insurance Company was a long-time tenant, as was the First National Bank of Columbus. It’s generally known as the “Iron Bank” or the “White Bank” to locals.

National Register of Historic Places