There’s a nice variety of commercial architecture in downtown Thomaston. I’m really surprised the downtown historic district isn’t on the National Register. I’m not sure when this was built, or what its original use was, but for many years it was the City Drug Company.
Originally known as the Zorn’s Mill or Hootenville Bridge, this historic 96-foot covered bridge was built in 1892 by the firm of Herring & Alford at a cost of $1,199. Dr. Herring was both a prominent physician and well-known bridge builder in central Georgia until his death in 1911.
The bridge was destroyed by floods in 1994 and rebuilt in 1997.
National Register of Historic Places
From Anne McDaniel, here’s a history of this curious landmark: “Mr. A. D. Williams was a peach farmer. We think he was the first peach farmer to ship peaches out of Georgia. He had no children and the people who worked for him were treated like family. He built a dance pavilion in the middle of the lake across from his home and once or twice a month would have picnics for the workers and they would dance until the wee hours. He enjoyed bowling and he had a two Lane bowling alley in his basement.
In the back of his home were formal gardens which was his life’s passion. There was an open fireplace there. There is a glass peach mounted on it. The city of Yatesville recently tried to buy the peach but the family would not sell it to them. On the side of his house he built a small pond where the lighthouse was built. It was on the side of a huge playground and a three hole golf course. The lighthouse was built as a novelty for people to enjoy. He provided entertainment for not only his guests but their children. When he died, the house and all the property was left to a nephew and they moved from Florida to Yatesville. His daughter, Lisa Williams, won the Georgia Junior Miss title. They sold the house to a family and the property and the house is in complete disrepair. Such a shame that this once grand place is in such a mess.”
This local landmark has been closed for many years.
In front of this converted old store are white wooden crosses, left outside and given freely to those who want to display them as symbols of their faith.
I believe this was built around the turn of the last century and was once used as a hotel or boarding house.
Established as Friendship Methodist Church in 1853, the first home to this congregation was a simple frame structure. A more formal structure was constructed in 1885. It was razed and the present structure built in 1919.
This congregation dates to 20 September 1896, though I’m unsure when the present building was constructed.
There is some debate as to when this Queen Anne depot was built and the date is important as the Southern Railway acquired the Atlanta & Florida line in 1895. If it was built by or before 1895, it’s the A&F Depot. If it was built after, it’s the Southern Depot. Hopefully, more research will reveal the story.
