This unusual commercial structure has been identified in real estate records as the Inn Palace. Records also note that it sold beer and liquor. This could mean it was just a retailer or that it was a night spot or juke joint. The name leads me to believe the latter, and if that’s the case, it would likely have been a stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit.
The upstairs section is a bit of a mystery and could have been the owner’s living quarters or served another purpose, such as lodging.
I’ve passed this spot west of Dawson countless times over the past twenty years and have never noticed this structure. It certainly got my attention on my recent trip and I was determined to get a photograph. This classic single-pen dwelling also features a shed room across the back side, as is typical of the form. It likely dates to 1890-1920.
This is located next door to the cottage in the previous post. As can be seen along the front wall, one of the two front doors has been enclosed. This was done to increase the practical living space.
“Shed rooms” or porches are often added to saddlebag houses to increase their living space. This was a common improvement often necessary considering the small size of the houses.
I was unable to locate historical background for Beulahland Missionary Baptist Church, but I imagine the congregation dates to the late 1800s or early 1900s. The cinderblock frame suggests a mid-20th-century construction, though the steeple is a tribute to churches more typical of the turn of the last century.
I always make an effort to “eat local” when traveling, and while in Dawson at lunchtime on a recent trip, searched my phone for restaurants. Glowing reviews of Paul’s sent me in their direction and I wasn’t disappointed, to say the least. The building itself was rather plain and with cars and trucks lining both sides of the street outside I wondered how in the world everyone could fit inside such a relatively small place. It was packed but not so crowded as to be uncomfortable.
In the best way possible, Paul’s is just an unassuming soul food joint. But what’s better than the food that feeds your soul? Meat-and-two, meat-and-three…Southerners know the drill. Entrees here change from day to day but there is almost always fried chicken prepared by people who really know fried chicken. The greens were perfect, not too salty and not overcooked, at least to my Southern palate. And the fried cornbread and tea were top notch. They don’t put sugar in the cornbread, thank God, and the sweet tea isn’t so sweet it will cross your eyes. And you get your own pitcher.
Raymon Huston Paul (1928-1993) and Laverne “Nanny Paul (1935-2024) were married in 1955. In 1969 they bought a supermarket and named it Paul’s Little Supermarket. In 1989, they transformed the business into Paul’s Restaurant. After Mr. Paul’s death in 1993, Mrs. Paul developed the restaurant into the local landmark it is today. She didn’t just build a successful business, but rather a family. The community thought of her as a grandmother to all, including her employees and her customers. That’s about the highest praise one can hope for, in my opinion, a true legacy based on love and kindness.
When you go into a local restaurant that isn’t local to you, you often feel like an invader from Mars. Those of us from small towns know you can spot an outsider a mile away. But you don’t feel that at Paul’s. It’s a truly welcoming space. Further evidence of Mrs. Paul’s ethics and continuing legacy.
Mrs. Paul’s granddaughter, Stacy Paul George, is one of the main reasons her grandmother’s legacy remains intact. She is continuing the business just as it was intended, and her energy is infectious. Stacy doesn’t meet a stranger and personally welcomed me and my friend to Paul’s. She genuinely cares about her customers and has a great sense of camaraderie with her employees. A recipe for success, no doubt.
As most of you who follow Vanishing Georgia know, I rarely “endorse” businesses, but Paul’s Restaurant has my seal of approval. If you ever find yourself near Dawson around lunchtime (I think they serve breakfast, too), eat here. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Thanks are due to Stacy and all the wonderful staff at Paul’s for the food and the hospitality.
Aziz Daher Maloof (1892-1973) migrated from Lebanon to Georgia circa 1911 and moved to Dawson in 1914, where he established a thriving dry goods and department store. Maloof’s would remain Dawson’s most prominent retail store throughout much of the 20th century. His son Alfred Maloof (1915-1995) eventually took over the business. He moved operations to this location on Stonewall Street in the 1960s, where it remained until closing in 1989. A grocery store was located on the left side of the building.
This storefront is located on Main Street. Scott was a chain of 5 and 10 (five and dime) department stores located from coast to coast, though I haven’t been able to find much information about the company online, other than a few specific locations that were open from the 1930s until the early 1980s. Many used Art Deco design in their architecture. Hopefully, the entry and transom signs will be preserved.
Many empty buildings in downtown Dawson are being slowly renovated. There has been a serious effort by the Downtown Development Authority to bring the area back to life. Commercial blocks typical of the early 20th century make up the core of Dawson. It’s always a challenge to attract people to small towns, and an even bigger challenge to attract businesses, but Dawson is off to a good start.
Dawson Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
According to the National Register of Historic Places, the period from 1900-1920 was “the absolute height of prosperity in Dawson” and many of the commercial buildings that still define the town were built during this time. This three-story brick storefront is most associated with the Dawson Furniture Company, but may have had an earlier use. It’s located on East Lee Street across from the Terrell County Courthouse.
Dawson Historic District, National Register of Historic Places