Thanks to Tricia Self for the identification. She wrote, in part, that the house was moved in the early 1900s from another site about 500 yards away. It was done with the chimneys still attached and rolled on log rollers guided by a man driving mules. Nothing was packed up, and the plan was to replace anything they needed to, but they say not a thing was broken! Stuart Bragg also relayed the same story, so it must be a well-known local legend.
These beautifully restored storefronts are part of Sylvania’s historic Town Square area. Georgia Wilderness Outfitters occupies the building on the left and is part of a vibrant downtown, a rarity these days.
Positioned across from the location of the old courthouse, this imposing structure can be seen from most anywhere in downtown Sylvania.
This is one of a pair of Civil War-era Napoleon cannons occupying a position of honor in Sylvania’s Old Courthouse Park. They were given to the city in 1913 and are in better shape than most I’ve seen.
The taller building on the left may have first been known as the Dixie Theatre but by 1952 was operating as the Sylvia Theatre.
Built to protect valuable records from fire, the courthouse for which this building served as an annex and clerk’s office is sadly gone. The iconic courthouse, similar in style to Crawford County’s, stood in the center of Sylvania from 1897 until 1963, when it was ordered demolished by the county and replaced with a boring modern courthouse on the edge of town. It was a significant loss.
Today, the annex is home to the Screven County Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce. Stop by if you’re in town.
The congregation dates to 1847. The present structure, dating to 1918, was renovated in 1972 by Augusta civil engineer Harry Peihl Vankerhoff. It’s one of the most noticeable landmarks in Sylvania.