This was the home of Marcus McNair, a prosperous farmer in late-19th-century Jefferson County. A T-shaped gable-wing example, it once featured a wrap-around porch and Folk Victorian details. I presume they are presently being stored, as there are plans for renovation. It has remained in the same family throughout its history.
William John Wren was the founder and namesake of the town of Wrens. This memorial is located beside the post office, with the Wren House visible in the background. I’m not sure when it was placed here, but it was likely around the time of Mr. Wren’s death.
The community of Pope Hill was the area which became present-day Wrens. Pope Hill was settled around the time of the American Revolution. It’s sometimes referred to as Pope’s Crossroads.
Though I haven’t been able to locate much information about the Popes, I assume they were the first settlers of the area. I’ve also yet to establish a connection to this house, but I’ve learned that it was built sometime around 1830. Double chimneys flank both ends of the house. I’ll update as I learn more.
A curious stone marker, placed by Carrie in memory of A. J. & Nancy Williams, stands in the front yard.
This was the first house built in Wrens after the town was incorporated in 1884 and it still stands as a landmark for travelers passing through on US Highway 1. I believe it was originally owned by the Railley family. Purchased by Milo Howard in the 1920s, it became a meeting place for the the John Franklin Wren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, at the invitation of their son, Milo Howard, Jr. Upon his death in the 1990s the house was bequeathed to the chapter, which he felt shared his values of all things historic. The condition of the house isn’t as good as it appears and though many renovations have been made over the years, more are needed. I believe the ladies of the DAR will do their best to make sure this landmark is around for a long time.
From the early to mid-20th century, functional utilitarian houses were replacing more formal styles for their practicality and lower cost. They are very common in small towns throughout Georgia and most were built to last.
They often feature an amalgamation of styles. Some were built “eclectic” while others evolved from very plain styles to include other elements.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 