Category Archives: –TOOMBS COUNTY GA–

Corporal C. S. Meadows House, Normantown

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Adam Underhill writes: I believe this was the residence of my great-great-grandfather, Cannie Swain Meadows, a Confederate veteran. I believe he is correct in his assertion. According to the listing on Find A Grave, where this circa 1910 postcard was originally shared by Olivia Williamson Braddy, Meadows (8 March 1843-15 August 1923) was a Corporal with Company H, 49th Georgia Infantry. He owned a dry goods store and hotel, as well as Tiger Springs, a recreational attraction on Tiger Creek. Cannie, as he was known, had 13 children, all but one of whom lived to adulthood; several lived well into their nineties.

Public Domain Image, shared by Olivia Williamson Braddy via Find A Grave

Normantown Grocery, Toombs County

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Normantown is a very isolated community and the store is an essential part of the community. They sell everything from fish bait to health and beauty supplies.

Pyramidal Farmhouse, Toombs County

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I believe this was originally a tenant house.

Painted Storefronts, Lyons

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I think this block of buildings has been abandoned for a long time.

I think the art was added to represent businesses which were once located here.

South Georgia Tobacco Culture, 1955

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This rare postcard from my collection is postmarked 1955 from Lyons. I don’t know that the photograph was local to that area; it may have been a stock image sold in different parts of the South, but it’s one of my favorites.

I love what our friend Jesse Bookhardt wrote: Thanks for posting this postcard of tobacco culture. I have a card in my small collection of South Georgia farmers planting tobacco by hand in 1948 at Santa Claus, Georgia. I remember the planting events well. The whole family participated and it usually lasted all day depending upon the amount of acreage to be planted. Prior to planting in April, farmers grew their own plants in long rectangular beds that they sewed in late February or March. A hand planter that could also plant peppers or tomatoes was used. Its operation required a planter, a plant dropper, and someone to keep water available when needed. That way of life has long passed but not the memories of this old South Georgia boy.

Hall-Mann Farmhouse, 1902, Toombs County

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Located near English Eddy, this old farmhouse looks perfectly at home in this grove of ancient oaks. June Dixon writes: In the 1930s this was the Columbia Mann (Mrs. Soloman Mann) home place. She was known as Miss Cumbie. This was a farm; the woodlands across the road were once open fields. There’s a small dip in the east bound lane of Highway 147 in front of the house. Many times it’s been filled in, but it always comes back. My dad said there was a well there. It was filled in and paved over.

A detached kitchen remains, and was joined to the house at some point. Other structures on the property indicate this was likely used as a hunting lodge at some time.

Fire Truck, Marvin

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There’s a volunteer fire department next door to this old building, which appears to have been a store at one time. The truck looks to be military surplus. As to Marvin, it’s not even on the map, but there are signs marking the community, which I presume was named for Marvin Yancey, since that’s the name of the VFD.

Dixon’s Store, Marvin

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Helen Jessup writes: The name is Dixon’s Store. It’s been closed for many years.

Coral Bean, Toombs County

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Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is one of South Georgia’s most colorful native plants, though it’s rarely found in great numbers. It’s widely cultivated by home gardeners for its showy red flowers as a treat for hummingbirds. I grow it in my own yard and think everyone who loves native plants should give it a try.

Cedar Crossing Methodist Church, Toombs County

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Karen Carrow Dees writes: Cedar Crossing Methodist Church and cemetery sits on land donated to the Methodist church by my husband’s family years ago. (Dees Family) It was used as a Methodist Church for many years and most recently was used by the Hispanic Methodist community. It is unused now and will return to the family.  (Karen notes that as of 2016, the Hispanic congregation has purchased the church and will be using it for their services).

John W. Easterling recalls: Attended church here in the 50’s with Uncle Dent Brantley and Aunt Liza Brantley when I stayed with them in the summer. Had wonderful dinner on the ground. Many hand held fans moved the air around in the church. Dalt and Ola Geiger were my grand parents on my mother’s side and they attended church once in awhile. I have fond memories of that area.

While they seem unusual to some, these decorations are a time-honored tradition in some Southern cemeteries and represent a deep love for the departed and a celebration of life. Whether simple or elaborate, they’re always nice to photograph. I’m so honored that relatives shared the stories behind these tributes.

Marsha Ann writes: The grave with the deer belongs to Brent Dees (18). He and my brother, Marty Galbreath (19), were killed in an automobile accident on August 2nd 1994.

Tony Smith writes: This is my Dad’s gravesite. My brothers and I felt it would be as Dad would want it with his sons getting together to build this. He was a cement finisher/frame carpenter and all around house builder. We built this in honor of Dad by hand. He had 15 children and many Grandchildren. Lola Smith Leigh adds: Anyone who knew my Father, Hugh Smith, knew his work was truly his expression of art. He was a master craftsman and took great pride in his labors. The gravestone my brothers created for him is a beautiful tribute to our Daddy and it is so comforting to see the tools that were as much an extension of him as were the hands that wielded them.