Category Archives: –SCREVEN COUNTY GA–

Stonewall J. Williams Plantation, 1880s, Screven County

This massive Folk Victorian house sits at the end of a row of majestic cedars, which appear to be well over a century old.

Cedar lanes were once a popular landscaping choice but most of the old ones are long gone, lost to disease or storms over the years. These have somehow miraculously survived.

The house appears to date to the late 19th century.

An historic commissary stands at the front of the property, confirming that this was once a very busy plantation. It is still part of a large working farm. I walked up the lane to try to find someone to tell me about the place, to no avail. I imagine they were out in the fields busy with the cotton harvest.

This is one of the most pristine historic plantation properties I’ve ever seen and the owners have done a wonderful service in their efforts to preserve it. Thanks to Dale Reddick, and other members of the Screven County history group on Facebook, for the identification.

W. S. Miller Merchandise, Millerville

This is one of the most important vernacular landmarks in Screven County, no doubt maintained for generations by the builder’s descendants and those with a keen interest in local history. Amazingly there are similar resources nearby. It represents a time when small farm communities were dependent on nearby stores for basic items. It likely dates to the 1920s or 1930s, when many families still didn’t own automobiles and did not have the luxury of time to travel to larger towns. Such resources, in original condition like this one, are increasingly rare today.

Wes Krulic notes that his grandfather, Richardson Sealy Parker, operated the store before the Miller family purchased it circa 1925. It may have been owned by Augustus Milton Arnold, prior to 1925, per Cail Collins.

Hall and Parlor Cottage, Screven County

Central Hallway Cottage, Screven County

I made this photo in 2012. I’m not sure if the house is still standing.

Cross Gable House, Screven County

This may be an antebellum house, perhaps part of the old Wade Plantation. Obviously, the front dormer has been modified at some point but the overall condition of the structure is very good.

Winged Gable House, Oliver

The overall appearance of this house is Victorian, though the porch may be a later addition..

Central Hallway House, Newington

This house features a dormer above the doorway, obscured by vegetation in this view.

Garage, Sylvania

This is located next door to the old jail and may have been a public business or a city barn.

Frog Leg Dinner, Sylvania

No, I don’t eat frog legs. And I don’t care whether they taste like chicken or not. But they’re quite popular with some folks and they were the dinner special at S & S Seafood Market in Sylvania the day I made this photograph in 2014. Most frog legs sold in restaurants are commercially raised. Their popularity in the South probably comes from early French immigrants, and they’re still considered a delicacy in France.