Over many years I’ve often found abandoned tobacco barns surrounded by trees and other vegetation. I nearly missed this one, it was so well-camouflaged.
Tobacco Barn, Tattnall County
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Pearson House, Circa 1850, Tattnall County
This historic home is located in the Altamaha community. According to Kent Pearson, “Laurence Pearson (1831-1911), a carpenter and joiner, did indeed build the house which was owned and occupied by four generations of the Pearson family. Laurence was the son of John Pearson (1777-1857) of Pennsylvania, who established the family in Tattnall County in the early 1800’s. John built the first sawmill in the area on Slaughter Creek when he purchased a 1000 acre parcel of virgin timber land in 1832 for the princely sum of $1,200, where the family homestead and farm were located. Laurence’s brother, John (Jr), was also a carpenter. Between them, they built a number of houses in the area. And according to John P. Rabun, Jr., John Pearson and George Merriman built a Greek Revival courthouse in Reidsville in 1857.“
The house is presently part of Red Earth Farm. Another notable Pearson House is located just down the road.
Laundromat Chairs, Glennville
I made this photograph in 2010 and these chairs, which sat outside the Laundry Room in Glennville, were a bit of a landmark in my travels. Though they’re gone now, they would have been the height of modernity when originally placed here. Modular chairs such as these have become icons of Mid-Century Modern design and similar versions are still sold today. While it may seem strange that businesses as unassuming as laundromats embraced this innovation, their durability and practicality made them quiet sensible for places that received a lot of random traffic.
Eclectic House, Tattnall County
This is located in the Five Points community. Though it looks more commercial than domestic, I believe it to be a residence. Perhaps it started out as something different. There are crenellated parapets on the front and graduated parapets along the sides of the structure. It is definitely an eclectic form.
Single-Pen Log House, Tattnall County
The places I seek out and photograph are often obscured by vegetation, ranging from weeds to trees. Pine saplings had grown up around this historic log house when I photographed it in 2016. The tin roof is a later addition, an attempt to save the house from the elements, and almost all of the examples of single-pen houses I’ve found with newer roofs have a significant overhang or protrusion.
Gable Front Cottage, Glennville
I’ve admired this simple house for years, always concerned that its days were numbered. I made this photograph a few years ago, and probably have a better shot somewhere in my archive, but I think this one will do for now. I was surprised I’d never published it here before, but I couldn’t find it on the website. It’s not an exaggeration to say that houses of this style (technically, form) provided shelter to the masses before modern techniques and materials were widely available. In a way, they were the “cookie-cutter” types of their day, but I’m guessing this house is at least 80 or 90 years old and can’t imagine today’s prefab versions lasting nearly as long.
Gabled-Ell Cottage, Tattnall County
This board-and-batten gabled-ell cottage was a landmark in my travels to Red Earth Farm for many years. It’s now a heap of boards, finished off by Hurricane Helene.
It was likely a tenant home, perhaps connected to the nearby John Pearson House and related to the naval stores industry.
It was a humble house but must have been loved in its time. I know I will miss seeing it.
Dr. Collins House, Circa 1900, Collins
This unusual vernacular house in Collins is a bit difficult to classify architecturally. A marker identifies it as the Dr. Collins House, built circa 1900. I’m not sure if it was just a home or also the doctor’s office.
Folk Victorian House, Tattnall County
This substantial farmhouse is set among pecan trees and looks as it probably did fifty years ago. I believe it’s in the southern part of the county. I made this photograph in 2018 but as far as I know it is still standing.
Folk Victorian Cottage, Tattnall County
This is a perfect example of the Folk Victorian style. It is out in the country and beautifully maintained.