This structure replaced the community’s first jail, a wooden structure built in 1859. The first sheriff of Quitman County, created in December 1858 from Randolph and Stewart Counties, was Sam Guerry. Commissioners who oversaw the building of this jail were J. E. Harris, Dr. F. M. Bledsoe, J. P. Kimble, and W. A. Cumbie. James H. Guerry was Judge of the Superior Court; M. L. Albritton was Ordinary; and G. A. Whitaker was Clerk of Court.
National Register of Historic Places
This jail was constructed to replace an earlier wooden jail. It was used by the county until 1975. Like many other Georgia jails of the era, it was built by Pauly Jail Manufacturing Company, but unlike most jails it didn’t include a warden’s living quarters or a kitchen area.
National Register of Historic Places
Built by the Manly Jail Works of Dalton, this was a typical “cage” style facility, common in smaller towns in the early 20th century.
The old Berrien County Jail was designed by the Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company of St. Louis and built by J. J. Carr & Company of Atlanta. It served the county until 1955, when a new facility was constructed. As a Bicentennial Project in 1976, members of the Berrien County Future Farmers of America renovated the old jail, which had fallen into disrepair. For many years after this restoration, however, the jail was rarely used; it has most recently served as the headquarters for the local chamber of commerce.
National Register of Historic Places
Built to replace a wooden structure of 1872, this stately jail was designed by prominent architect T. F. Lockwood. The Manly Jail Works of Dalton built the “jail” part. It served until 1927 when yet another jail was built. The Homerville Woman’s Club saved it from demolition and it has served many purposes over the years. I believe it’s still associated with the Woman’s Club.
National Register of Historic Places
Jane Tanner Harris writes: The 2 story white building was Harris Grocery for many years. My husband, Joe B. Harris owned & operated it for years until 1987 and his father, Roy B. Harris did before him. There was a house upstairs for the owners family. In 1987/88 a portion of the building burned. It was an add on and not part of the original structure. There are interior stairs starting in the back room and at one time there were exterior stairs (I am not sure if they are still there). The store had general merchandise, food stuffs, a small meat dept. and a grill that served sandwiches, burgers, and sides. Frank Morris adds: White building…used to be a grocery, purveyor of crickets, Nehi, Moon Pies and all things important to kids.
Lucille Lynn Coleman: The small brick building ,by the white building ,was the old jail It was moved and now is a bathroom for a small park.
Lumpkin Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Though typical in design for many South Georgia jails of its day, the old Turner County jail is anything but these days. The City of Ashburn repurposed the building as a tourist attraction, and it now houses The Crime and Punishment Museum. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in town.
National Register of Historic Places