Category Archives: Swainsboro GA

Early Settlers Cemetery, 1881, Swainsboro

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Over 80 of Swainsboro and Emanuel County’s earliest settlers are buried in this secluded downtown cemetery. It’s a great space for quiet reflection and if you’re a taphophile, you’ll enjoy it.

The triumphant arch marks the graves of John Calhoun Coleman (28 October 1844-1 January 1923) and wife Martha Sarah “Mattie” Moring Coleman (21 April 1858-15 September 1926). The angel memorializes their daughter, Juanita Coleman Smith (16 March 1874-18 May 1910). Mr. Coleman was one of the most prominent men in Emanuel County during his lifetime and was a Confederate veteran. He served in Company H, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, taking part in the Seven Days Battle, first and second battles of Cold Harbor, Harper’s Ferry, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysbur, and finally at Manassas Gap, where he was captured and held as a prisoner until the end of the war.

John Coleman Mitchell (25 April 1897-21 January 1901). Grandson of John Calhoun Coleman.

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Franklin’s Dairy, Swainsboro

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Coleman Dairy Ruins Swainsboro GA Emanuel County Office Silos Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

Cal Avery notes that this old dairy was long obscured by vegetation. I’m told it t operated from at least the 1940s until the late 1960s. The image above shows the front of the building, likely the office. Below is an image of the rear of the structure, where cows were kept and milked. Thanks to Cal for bringing it to my attention. Wade Peebles writes: The property had belonged to the late Mr. Jimmy Morgan, publisher of the Swainsboro Forest Blade, owner of the Ford dealership, and other business interests and owner of a good bit of land in Emanuel County, including McGarrh’s Mill Pond. He owned the land and sold it just before he died, I believe just last year at over 100 years of age. The land on Ga56, where the old dairy sits, was his first wife’s Father’s land. He was old Dr. Franklin, who owned the dairy. It was last operated in the early 1960s, by Lee Roy Smith.

Ruins of Coleman Dairy Operation Swainsboro GA Photograph Copyright Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2014

56 Drive-In Theatre, 1952, Swainsboro

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swainsboro ga 56 drive in theatre marquee photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2010

This drive-in theatre on Highway 56 just outside Swainsboro was opened in 1952 by Tommy Bellamy, Sr. It operated until the 1970s when drive-ins all over the country were closing. Mr. Bellamy’s sons revived the theatre briefly in the late 1980s, but it didn’t stay open for long. This marquee stands as a reminder to a place full of memories for many local folk.

swainsboro ga 56 drive in ticket booth photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2010

James Coleman House, 1904, Swainsboro

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swainsboro ga james coleman house shadowlawn mortuary photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2010

One of South Georgia’s grandest Queen Annes, the Swainsboro home of state legislator and prominent local businessman James Coleman is best remembered by recent generations as Shadowlawn Mortuary. And with that comes much talk of it being haunted.

Today, it’s a bed and breakfast known as The Coleman House Inn. The restaurant located here is a favorite with locals and travelers alike.

National Register of Historic Places

John C. Coleman Hotel, 1936, Swainsboro

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Built by Willis Irwin for Mrs. Luck Coleman Mitchell