In an historic African-American cemetery characterized by many sunken graves and damaged markers, the headstone of Rev. J. W. Irwin stands out as a vernacular masterpiece. It’s one of the most unique handmade memorials I’ve encountered anywhere. The poured concrete stone is pierced by four holes, roughly representing the shape of a cross. Rev. Irwin’s name and date of death are handwritten on the surface. I hope to learn more about Rev. Irwin.
This has been a landmark of Tennille for well over a century, and in its present derelict state, has been a source of intrigue for many visitors and photographers over the years. The roof has been gone for a long time but the building appears to be relatively stable. I hope it isn’t left too much longer to the elements. It’s a great resource.
Other marble- or granite-front banks that I’ve photographed have generally dated to circa 1900-1920. I believe this example is granite and dates to the early 1900s; it may have only existed as a bank for a few years, as panics and mismanagement spelled doom for many Georgia financial institutions in the years before the Great Depression.
The two main streets that run through Tennille are separated by, and run parallel to, the railroad tracks. The historic storefronts on the north side, known as North Central Avenue, are pictured above. Just know if you visit Tennille, and you should, that there’s an underpass that will get you around the often-stalled trains of the busy Sandersville Railroad, aka the Kaolin Road. Tax records suggest these structures date to circa 1920, but I wonder if they could be a little older than that.
The old filling stations and garages that helped define America’s evolution into an automobile-centered culture, built from the 1920s-1950s, are getting quite scarce, though many have been repurposed in recent years. This one, with Mission Revival style details, is located right in the middle of downtown Tennille. There’s another historic station adjacent to it, but I was unable to get a photograph. I’m not sure if this was affiliated with a national franchise or just a local business.
As I continue to edit many of my older posts on Vanishing Georgia, I keep finding surprises in my archive. This was a window shot of a barber shop in Tennille, one of my favorite towns to photograph once I learned I didn’t have to wait for the train all day. This was made in 2010 so I’m not sure the barber shop is still there but I’m sure it’s a well-remembered local landmark.
Sue Burnham writes: Mr Bennie cut my boy’s hair for years. He was even known to walk up the block to our house to get them. He would say he knew those boys needed a haircut. You sure can’t find them like that nowadays. L. Vick remembers: Mr. Bennie Horton cut my hair in that shop for years. It was a one-of-a-kind place that I never left without a smile on my face.
Anne Chamlee photographed this abandoned Queen Anne house, just south of Tennille, in March 1991. I have also photographed a good bit in the area and haven’t encountered it. I’d love to get an identification if anyone remembers it. [Anne was unable to get a photograph of the front of the house, but these images give a good idea as to its size and layout.]
Update: Henry and Shirley Chapman write: The house in the photograph is the old Boatright House…Also, I thought the house might be gone, but Rachel Boatright confirmed that it is in fact still standing.
Organized on 24 March 1876, Tenille Baptist began construction on this church in 1900; it was completed in 1903. It’s significant as the only religious structure designed by Charles E. Choate and is a most impressive example of Gothic design.
National Register of Historic Places
The Tennille Woman’s Club began as a sewing circle in 1914 but suspended activities during World War I to assist with the war effort on the home front. After branching out to civic involvement the club was incorporated in 1920. They were accepted into the state and national federations in 1921 after certifying that they had no political or sectarian entanglements. Women’s clubs became very active in the last decade of the 19th century and continued well into the 20th. The club is still active today and has shared the clubhouse with various groups over the last century.
Upon its dedication, the facility was christened the Washington County Memorial Clubhouse, in honor of local men who served in World War I.
National Register of Historic Places
For someone like me who isn’t an architectural historian this house presents yet another challenge. I use “Eclectic” when I feel a house is an amalgamation of different forms. This method of construction became very popular at the turn of the last century and in many cases continues to this day. In this example, what appears to have been Italianate in origin, also features Colonial Revival and Neoclassical elements.
Thanks to Charles Elliott, Jr., for the identification. This was his great-grandparents’ home.