I made this photo in 2013 and thought the barn might be gone, but Eddie Roberson and wrote to say that it is still standing. And Beverly R. Armstrong noted, “It’s my Grandma Mrs Emma Lee Wright’s homestead property.” Also, I identified it as being in Tattnall County but instead it is northern Long County.
Recent divisions within the United Methodist Church have made it difficult to locate the histories for many congregations, including the Collins church, but Judy and Jimmy Duke shared the following history: “From History of the South Georgia Conference, 1866-1984, p.303:: Collins Methodist Church, Organized by 8 people in 1902 in Baptist Church which was used until new church built. Rev. Thomas Williams of the Quince (Cobbtown) Circuit preached. First Building frame, gift from ‘Uncle Luda” Walling, Collins lumber man. Extensive repairs, 1950. 1956-7, 2 story educational building constructed. Sanctuary remodeled, 1964-65.”
The name of a recent occupant of this building suggests that it is best remembered as a mercantile or general store. The Mercantile Inn was located here during the 2010s, if my notes are correct. As was often the case with buildings like this, the owners may have lived upstairs, or it could have been a general commercial block with a fraternal lodge upstairs. It is the most architecturally significant commercial structure remaining in Collins, in my opinion.
Frank Morris writes: “No idea of who built it or exactly when, but it was owned/operated in the late 1800’s to 1900’s (?) as a General Store by my Grandfather W.L. Morris who lived at 302 Morris St NW in Collins until his death. He and his wife Lila are buried in the Baptist Church cemetery in Collins. I still have some of the ledgers from transactions made at the store.“
When I photographed this circa 1890-1900 winged-gable Queen Anne house in 2013 it was an antique and salvage store, if the assortment of items on the porch is any indication. I never stopped, but I believe it served this purpose for several years. As far as I know, it’s still standing.
I was complaining about the heat the other day and my father reminded me of how hot it was working in the tobacco barns on the farm. He recalled that before the tobacco was flue-cured, someone had to be in the barn at night to tend the fire. And this was in the days before most people had air-conditioning to retreat to in their homes. The average rate of pay in the 1950s, for tobacco workers wouldn’t even get people out of the house today. Those who worked in the barns made $4/day, while field workers (croppers) made $5/day.
This photo dates to 2013.
Union Baptist Church is a historic congregation in northeastern Ben Hill County, near the Ocmulgee River. I believe it to be a Freedmen’s church, after documenting its nearby cemetery and considering the birth dates of some of its earliest burials. Also, the association with the Dorminy’s Mill Love of Honor Lodge, which is connected to other nearby Freedmen’s congregations, is an indication of its age.
Note: This replaces a post first published in 2008.
I first published the above photo, of a monument at Union Cemetery, on 11 November 2008. This new post replaces and expands that. Even before I became fascinated by historic Black cemeteries, Union Cemetery was a favorite location in my home county. The cemetery is associated with the nearby Union Baptist Church, a Freedmen’s congregation. These images are presented in no particular order, but are rather meant to illustrate the variety of memorials.
This memorial was the work of the prolific Eldren Bailey, whose headstones can be found throughout the state. It was purchased through the Murdaugh Funeral Home.
Bessie was the daughter of Harry Durham and Mollie Durham. They are buried elsewhere.
Robert was the son of Robert McDuffie, Sr. (1835-unknown) and Annie Dixon McDuffie Walker (1874-1952).
This statue has been in bad condition for many years, and lost its head at some point. Still, it’s a poignant memorial.
Mrs. Walker was the wife of George Walker, and was 24 at the time of her death. A barely readable lodge association is also noted on the memorial: Love of Honor Court No. 484, O. O. C., Dorminy’s Mill, Georgia.
Unfortunately, this nice vernacular headstone has been damaged. There are at least two, perhaps three, men named George Walker buried at Union Cemetery.
Mrs. Mitchell was the wife of Neazer N. Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell was the son of Neazer N. and Ella F. Mitchell. He was a Mason.
Mrs. Hunter was the wife of H. E. Hunter.
Mr. Hammons was the son of Susan Campbell.
Mr. Walker was a Private in Co. K., 810th Pioneer Infantry in World War I.
Mr. Shavers was a Technician 5th Grade (TEC 5) in the Army during World War II.
Rev. Simmons was a pastor of Union Baptist Church, I believe.
I believe James T. Thomas was the pastor at Union Baptist Church for many years. If so, I remember him fondly from his job at Wal-Mart, where he was well-loved by all. He worked well into his eighties, if my recollection is correct.
As with most rural cemeteries, Union gets overgrown from time to time, but is generally well maintained.
I’ve always been intrigued by homemade signs, especially church signs. I photographed this one in 2010.
I’ve photographed this barn, near the Henry Walcott House, many times over the years. I’m not sure if it’s still standing.
This photograph from my archives dates to 2014.