Tag Archives: Georgia Jewish History

Bashinski-Claxton House, Circa 1907, Dublin

2 Replies

Isadore “Izzie” Bashinski (1875-1934), who was a college roommate of Carl Vinson, moved to Dublin in 1906 and formed the Yellow Pine Lumber Company and the Oconee Navigation Company. By the end of the year he married Helen McCall, a native of Buena Vista and cousin of future Georgia governor Eugene Talmadge. Soon thereafter, they hired architect Charles Choate to build this home, one of the most unique in Dublin. It was the scene of many important social functions, including a gala with Governor Joseph M. Brown in 1908. Bashinski served on the staff of Governor Brown. Cotton was king in the South during this time, of course, and Bashinski and his brother Sam made a fortune as cotton factors, or brokers. Their Dixie Cotton Company was the largest in the south, with 25 branches throughout Georgia. Bashinski was an early proponent of business diversity and over the years formed the Consolidated Phosphate Company, Dublin Peanut Company, Citizens Loan & Guaranty Company, and the Oconee Guano Company. He was also a partner in the 12th District Fair Association, was a member of the first board of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the school board, and the city council. He also served as mayor during World War I. The Great Depression hit Bashinski’s multitude of businesses hard and in 1932 the family lost the home. It was purchased by Dr. E. B. Claxton, whose family remained in it for many years. Scott Thompson covers much more ground at his excellent local history page, Pieces of Our Past.

Stubbs Park-Stonewall Street Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The Rabbi, 1889, Guyton

4 Replies

This intriguing landmark has been owned by the Mendes, Gnann, and Helmuth families during its history. Charles L. Helmuth writes: ...My family purchased the house from the Neil Ratchfords way back in the 60s. I understand that the rabbi I. P. Mendes had the house built. Rabbi Mendes was head of the Jewish community in Savannah. About the time we took possession, Guyton was coming into prominence for its historical relevance. “The Rabbi” was suggested by Dr. Willie Todd, and so it became known as “The Rabbi”. I understand that it once housed some school teachers and at one time an RFD mail carrier. I also head that it once caught fire, which did a litle damage to the interior.

Guyton Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Samuel Farkas House, 1889, Albany

1 Reply

This Second Empire home is one of the most interesting in downtown Albany. Samuel Farkas came to Albany from Hungary at the age of 18. He couldn’t speak a word of English and only had fifty cents in his pocket. He came to Albany to work with his uncle who had set up a successful mercantile business after the Civil War. In 1872, Farkas opened a stable which focused on the sale of mules. In twenty years, he had amassed a fortune.

National Register of Historic Places