This tenant house was originally a hall and parlor type with a wing added at a later date. It’s actually unusual to find a vernacular tenant house that hasn’t been modified by additions. A resource surveyor noted of the house in 2004, “Building is vacant but replacement roof evident. Facade beginning to deteriorate.” There was also a stock barn on the property when the survey was done.
This tenant house in the Red Hills region has survived amazingly intact for such an isolated setting.
There was a nearly identical church building, known as Piscola Church and built circa 1944, that was located near this church. I didn’t see it when I drove through the area, so it may have been demolished.
There’s also an historic wooden schoolhouse nearby, but it was not accessible.
This is another of countless rural churches for which I can find no historical information, even though I believe it to be an old congregation. Its address is listed as Dixie, but it’s actually much closer to the ghost town of Pidcock. James N. Pidcock, for whom the settlement was named, was a wealthy New Jersey entrepreneur with wide-ranging South Georgia timber interests, and a home in Moultrie. It’s possible he was a benefactor of the church, as he would have employed many African-Americans in his timber business.
This was one of the most common house types in working class neighborhoods at the turn of the last century.
One of the oldest churches in Boston, Trinity Missionary Baptist is a Freedmen’s congregation established in 1867. The present structure, likely dating to the early 1900s, is a typical uneven-steeple style common among Black churches at the time. It was originally a frame structure before the addition of the brick veneer.
Boston Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Boston Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
There’s little information to be found on the history of St. James C. M. E. Church, but the Boston town website notes that the congregation was established in 1896. I believe the present structure was built in the early 1900s.
A 1909 broadside in the Hargrett Library in Athens advertises a gospel meeting for the week of October 12-17, and illustrates the progressive nature of the congregation. Rev. G. A. Thomas was pastor at the time. The broadside reads: “Behold a royal feast of mind and soul. This promises to be one of the best occasions of its kind. Together with the religious services there will be a literary feature attached. It is ours to seek the general welfare and uplift of our people irrespective of denominations. In all things let God have the uppermost place in our hearts.” Tuesday night, Professor L. S. Wingfield gave the introductory sermon, and Mrs. Lilla Robinson gave a speech entitled “Our Young Men”. Wednesday night’s sermon by Rev. A. R. Starling addressed “The Safety of the Young Men” and Mrs. L. S. Wingfield spoke of “Our Young Ladies”. Rev. Brookins of the A. M. E. Church gave the Thursday night sermon, while Mrs. Dr. Taylor talked about “The Moral and Intellectual Progress of the Negro”. On Friday, Professor Wingfield spoke of “The Demand for an Education, Ministry and the Idea of the Young Men becoming Christians”. Dr. Taylor addressed “Hygiene and the Laws of Health”. After music there was further discussion, this time by several speakers, suggesting that the Middle Class were more ardent supporters of the Church than the more wealthy. Saturday night attendees heard Mrs. M. M. Davis discuss “The Business Turn of the Negro”. Sunday was “High Day”, with preaching all day. Music was provided by: Adie Richardson, Maggie and Nellie Massey, Bessie Walton, Rosa L. Slater, Lessie L. Robinson, Bessie Slater, and Bertha Slater, Mrs. Wright Brooks, Mrs. James Zanders, Adeline Richards, Carrie Thomas, Mary Jane Richardson, and others. They were directed by Mrs. L. S. Wingfield.
Boston Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I’m not sure what the original use of this corner entrance structure was, but I remember there being a sign near the back section for Boston Feed & Seed at one time. I think it was probably an office for the warehouses located along the street behind it. Like many of the buildings in downtown Boston, it likely dates to the early 20th century.
Boston Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I believe this may be the earliest surviving structure of the Douglass School. The original school, with five classrooms, stood at this same intersection, but I’m not sure at which corner. Jack Hadley notes that this fine building served as “Douglass High School’s extended classroom.” It probably dates to circa 1910, or even a bit earlier.
When W. J. Varner served as principal at Douglass, he also served as secretary of the YMCA, and this structure became home to the first “Colored YMCA” in Thomasville. It appears to be in wonderful condition, and is now home to the True Vine Church of Deliverance.
Stevens Street Historic District, National Register of Historic Places