This Plantation Plain farmhouse, with Folk Victorian details, is part of Jeff Deal Farms. It was built by Lem Lanier. It was later owned by Joe Franklin and Emory Deal and family. Thanks to Kenneth Dixon for the history.
Though its appearance has been altered by the addition of shed rooms and vinyl siding, this is among the oldest houses in Jeff Davis County. The date of construction is unclear but is thought to be just prior to or just after the Civil War.
Wyley J. Byrd (1825-1908) was a pioneer settler in the section of Coffee County that is now the Snipesville community of Jeff Davis County. He was the patriarch of a huge family [he had 20 children with two wives] who were very involved in the community, donating land for construction of the nearby Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in 1878.
Thanks to Michael Ellis for sharing the location and the vintage photograph of Mr. Byrd and some of his children. The photo probably dates to the 1890s and shows Victorian porch posts, a common “improvement” to Plantation Plain houses in that era. Mr. Ellis writes: ...this was “The Home Place” in my early childhood. My maternal grandparents lived there from sometime in the late 1930s until 1956-1957. I had a ball around there as a young child, until we relocated to Opa Locka, Florida.
This home was built by Reverend Jesse Goodman. Thanks to Kenneth Dixon for the identification; Reverend Goodman was his 6th great uncle.
Following is a brief look at some Long County landmarks, with a rare blanket of snow.
Cato House, Ludowici
Johnston House, Ludowici
Mary McQueen House, Ludowici
Old Well Pavilion, Ludowici
Lloyd Chapman House, Ludowici
Single-Pen Tenant House
Hughes House
Jim Parker House, Wefanie
Parker Commissary, Wefanie
Henry Walcott Road
Henry Walcott House
This well-maintained landmark is located just north of the Wheeler County line. Cherrie Currie Smith writes: This farm and home belonged to my grandparents, Elmer and Anne Lou Currie. The home was built before the Civil War.
This house may have been built in the I-house (Plantation Plain) style then later expanded to a gabled ell, with additional rooms and porches. It’s actually quite eclectic but much likely more comfortable than the traditional style that influenced it. The flat chimneys are interesting, as well.
Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I’m trying to locate a history of this magnificent survivor. It’s located on land that’s recently been clear-cut, near Reidsville. There is no public access to the house but I was able to photograph it from a nearby road, thanks to a long lens. From what I can discern, it’s a large I-House (or Plantation Plain) with double the normal depth for that style in this area. Most likely, it was built just before or just after the Civil War.
Judge Thomas Alfred Durrence (1831-1893) was a pioneer of this section of Georgia and an early settler of what would later become Evans County. He was a state representative, served on the board of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and served on the board of Brewton’s Methodist Church. His antebellum Plantation Plain-style farmhouse, south of Claxton, is in good condition and a nice example of 19th century rural Southern architecture.
I believe this was built as a Plantation Plain and was later modified to its present appearance. It’s a beautiful old home and is the centerpiece of the Hendrix Farm, whose produce and Vidalia Onions are well-loved in the area.
In its heyday, Excelsior was the cultural center of Bulloch County (this part of old Bulloch is now located in Candler County), and Josh Everett was one of its pioneer settlers. While this house was being built, his family lived in a log cabin which was later moved for use as a servants’ dwelling. The house was originally built in the Plantation Plain style (circa 1866); the wings were added later as the family grew.
This mule & horse barn, a landmark in its own right, was built around the same time as the store across the road (1900). Mr. Everett had a nail for every mule and horse. Each one’s gear was on a different nail. There was also a sawmill beyond the barn. You know when you see it from Dutch Ford Road that it’s quite special, the sort of historic farmstead that is all too rare today.
Howard Bland and Fate DeLoach bought the property in 1940 and it remained in the DeLoach family until 1988. Thanks to the Nevil family, who recognize its historic importance, it’s still a working farm and has been given a dual purpose as Dutch Ford Farms Wedding & Event Venue. Susan Nevil gladly shared its amazing story. If you need a great location for a wedding or family reunion, get in touch with them via their Facebook page. I can’t imagine a more peaceful place for hosting an unforgettable event.