Tag Archives: Georgia Tar Paper/False Brick Structures

Gable Front Cottage, Clyo

This gable front cottage was built in either 1934 or 1946; as is usually the case, there are different dates at different sources. It’s a common and widespread style that I document quite often. These houses remained popular until after World War II and many examples, like this one, are often seen with a veneer of tar paper, or false brick siding as it’s properly known. If you look closely, you will see why it’s called false brick. It’s essentially the same sort of material used in shingles and provided extra insulation, and an inexpensive cosmetic enhancement, to otherwise plain homes.

Red Shed, Patterson

This is located on an otherwise empty lot across Hyers Street from the old educational complex. I don’t know anything about it, but I’m sharing it because I like barns and shed, and especially when they’re sided in red “tar paper” or more properly, false brick siding. William Christenberry‘s photograph “Red Building in Forest, Hale County, Alabama” is one of the images that inspired me to begin this project 15 years ago.

Winged Gable Farmhouse, Goldsboro

The winged gable house is another important vernacular type and can be interchangeable with the central hallway type. In many cases, the “wing” is simply a small kitchen which has been enclosed but it can imply any added room/rooms. These are some of the workhorses of Georgia architecture.

As I’m finishing my Bleckley County re-edits, I’m replacing a few older files using better originals. This is one of those, originally published in February 2014. I believe the house was still standing when I was last in the area about six months ago.

Gable Front House, Laurens County

Here’s another find from my archives. This was located near the Montgomery County line in Laurens County.

Shotgun House, Calhoun County

Garage Barn, Orianna

This historic barn is located next to the community hall in Orianna.

Saddlebag Tenant House, Treutlen County

This was may have been part of the Soperton Naval Stores operations.

Double-Pen Cottage, Tarrytown

This small house is a nice example of the utilitarian double-pen form. Pen is another word for room. The added space at the back is a common amendment to the form.

Hall and Parlor Cottage, Screven County

Saddlebag House, Sharon

It’s always my reflex to identify a structure with a central chimney as a saddlebag, but even such a simple form can be deceptive. This is a bit unusual, as most saddlebags have two doors.