Tag Archives: Georgia Vernacular Architecture

Philadelphia Wesleyan Church, 1904, Hortense

2 Replies

From the congregational history: In the year 1900 a church was organized at the old Sawgrass School outside of Hortense GA. The “Sawgrass” Church was started as a response to a revival held in the area by Rev. J J Williams.  

In 1904 property across the street from the school was donated to the church. The first building, and still current worship area, is pictured to   the left. Although the nickname “Sawgrass” is how many still know the church, from 1904 on the official name of the church was Philadelphia Wesleyan Methodist Church. 

For a period of time Philadelphia was part of a “circuit”, a group of four churches that were pastored by one person. In this case, Philadelphia was on a circuit with Browntown Wesleyan Methodist, Hortense Wesleyan Methodist, and Oak Grove Wesleyan Methodist. 

In 1968 the Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness denominations merged. As a result, the name of the church became Philadelphia Wesleyan Church. 

The following pastors have led Philadelphia Wesleyan through the years: F L Thornton, W B Lee, M M Strickland, J D Patterson, A G Cornelison, J C Clubb, W B Clubb, F H Harris, H R Gumby, W T Brinson, G H Doty, C M Payne, W L Snellgrove, E L Elford, Rev. Alexander, W G Wagnon, W V Hartley, R C Mathis, Henry Sapp, Thomas Lentz, David Horne, and Ron Stayman. In 2016 the Lord brought our current Pastor, Tim and Karen Johnson, to Philadelphia. 

Meadows & Porter Peach Farm, Bleckley County

4 Replies

The extensive Meadows & Porter Farm [Joe Walker Meadows and Marion Porter] is one of the most intact historic peach farms in Georgia. It is anchored by the Meadows’s Queen Anne farmhouse (above). Most of the dependencies are still standing and in good condition. For its connection to one of Georgia’s most iconic crops, the farm should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The commissary is located between the main house and the peach packing shed and is in exceptional condition.

Two tenant houses survive, reflecting different eras in the development of the farm.

This board-and-batten example is likely the earlier of the two.

This is a label from my collection, of Meadows & Porter’s “Rooster Brand” peaches.

The peach packing shed is an amazing example of the form, and peaches are still raised on the farm.

I hope these important structures survive well into the future.

Berryhill Store, Cochran

1 Reply

This historic neighborhood store is an example of a neighborhood grocery, typical of small towns in the early 20th century. Thanks to Lisa Walker for the identification.

General Store, Cary

Leave a reply

The sign on the building says “Turner’s Parking Only”. However, it’s covering text on an older sign, so it may not be the only name associated with the store.

Shotgun House, Dodge County

1 Reply

I first thought this was a general/grocery store with an attached residence but now believe it was just a house. It’s located near Chester.

Jessie James Hair House, Plainfield

3 Replies

This was originally identified as the Lee House but Travis Lee Niblett writes: This was the home of Jessie James Hair- who also owned a store on the opposite side of the road from Grover Lee’s store.