Tag Archives: Architecture of Lloyd B. Greer

Quitman’s Historic Walker Street School Lost to Fire

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One of Quitman’s most beloved historic buildings was lost to fire around 1AM on Friday (20 June 2025). Besides being a storehouse of memories for generations of Quitman residents, the Walker Street School was the work of Valdosta architect Lloyd B. Greer (1885-1952), who trained with the influential firm of Hentz, Reid & Adler before establishing his practice in Valdosta in the early 1910s. The Ludowici Tile roof was an added touch to this particular school, which stands out among other small schools in South Georgia for its inspired design. I am not sure as to the original name; some have suggested Quitman Elementary but I cannot confirm. A friend from Quitman, who informed me of this devastating loss, noted that restoration of the school was in the works and said architects had already drawn up plans. Arson is suspected but has not been determined. The fire is presently under investigation and the Brooks County Fire Department spent hours protecting the surrounding residential neighborhood and containing the blaze, which covered around 20,000 square feet.

The Walker Street School ablaze in the early morning hours of 20 June 2025. Screen capture. Courtesy Brooks County Fire Department. [This attribution is via a television newscast. If it is not correct, please let me know and I will change it].

Quitman Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Walker Street School, 1930, Quitman

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This historic elementary School was designed by noted Valdosta architect Lloyd Greer. It was last used as an alternative school.

Thank to Chuck Ramsey, and James Horton, for the identification and background.

Quitman Historic District, National Register of Historic Place

Mystic High School, 1928, Irwin County

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G. Morgan Copland was the first Principal. Members of the Board of Trustees were: J. B. Morgan, Chairman; John M. Willis, Secretary-Treasurer; M. G. Hogan; Warren Fletcher; and W. A. York. It has since served as the home of Irwin Academy and Grace Christian Academy. Mr. Foster Goolsby served for many years as headmaster of Irwin Academy.

The cornerstone identifies the architects as Grier & Biggers. I believe “Grier” was actually Valdosta architect Lloyd Greer, who designed many schoolhouses. Biggers was presumably Columbus architect J. J. W. Biggers.

Abial Winn House, 1917, Valdosta

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Designed by Lloyd B. Greer for Abial Winn, this beautiful example of Prairie Style architecture was restored in 1977 by Dr. & Mrs. Charles Wilson as the first effort of historic preservation in the Fairview neighborhood. Since 1980, it has been owned by Dr. & Mrs. Harry Hamm.

Fairview Historic District, National Register of Historic Places