Category Archives: Wrens GA

Historic House Being Dismantled in Wrens

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Through photos shared in social media, I’ve learned that this house, known as the Marcus McNair House, is presently being dismantled. I believe the lumber and other elements are being salvaged. This is an important vernacular house and it’s my understanding that it has remained in the same family since it was built in 1884. I’m glad I was able to document it and am glad the family did their best to save the house as long as they could. It’s very expensive to maintain these large old houses and in some cases, the liabilities outweigh the benefits. Preservation should always be the first option, but it’s not for me, or anyone else, to judge what someone does with their own property. I’m sure it was a difficult decision to go forward with this process.

Folk Victorian House, Wrens

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I made this photograph on my first photo trip to Wrens with my friend Cindy Griffin, in 2009. I haven’t been able to identify the house but hope to soon.

Eclectic Cottage, Wrens

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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.

Marcus McNair House, 1884, Wrens

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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 Memorial, Wrens

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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.

Pope Hill, Circa 1830, Wrens

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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.

Howard Manor, 1884, Wrens

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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 Railey 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 (DAR), 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 DAR will do their best to make sure this landmark is around for a long time.

Central Hallway Cottage, Wrens

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