The Oglethorpe Lounge has been open since 1954. In an era when most dive bars are closing, the Oglethorpe is alive and well. Their Carling Black Label sign is a landmark in its own right.
Oglethorpe Lounge, 1954, Albany
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Tag Archives: Georgia Juke Joints & Bars
Fannie Grant’s, Jones
Fannie Grant’s was a juke joint and gathering place for the small community of Jones. It’s an amazing survivor.
Poor Boys Lounge, Camilla
According to one of our readers, this was recently torn down (2016).
Mr. C, Glennville
Sputnik Bar, Columbus
Dive bars are an endangered species and this is one of the coolest around, at least in appearance. The signage alone deserves a bit of reverence. It’s obviously related to the Space Race of the 1950s-1960s. Places like this were once ubiquitous in towns of any size, but now, for a host of reasons, seem nearly impossible to find. I’m unsure if the Sputnik is still open.
D. J.’s Towing & Cold Beer, Glennville
This is one of the most interesting businesses I’ve come across in my travels, a combination bar and wrecker service. Tim Whitesides wrote that D. J.’s was his late Uncle Danny John’s business. He said “It was a quiet place, like Cheers. The same people came every day. Very relaxing place . My uncle did not drink; he only ran the bar and tow service.”
Brown’s Package Shop, 1944, Twin City
This package store is located next door to Louise Brown’s filling station and may have been owned by her, as well.
Thomas Social Club, 1969, Lee County
Operated by Mr. Dennis Thomas, Thomas Social Club [better known as Heavy’s] has been a gathering place for African-Americans in Lee County since 1969. A sign outside advertises Hot Barbeque and Cold Beer, and free food and music on Wednesdays. Places like this are increasingly rare.
Lamplighter Pub, Tifton
This Tifton landmark, originally anchored by an early motel, has been a popular watering hole for nearly half a century. Before the pub, it featured a restaurant. Today, the motel is gone, but the pub remains popular with locals. Everyone recommends the Stallion pizza.