Category Archives: Toomsboro GA

Board-and-Batten Cottage, Toomsboro

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It’s not a stretch to call houses of this type landmarks today. Utilitarian dwellings were common throughout rural Georgia from its founding well into the middle of the 20th century. Many began life as tenant housing and were later rental properties. This evolution often led to expansions and modifications, as a matter of practicality.

This example is to me a good illustration of the difficulty I often face in identifying specific types, without benefit of a floor plan. This appears to have started as a single-pen cottage. At some point a shed room was added to the back and a wing was added to the left side. However, if it was originally two rooms deep, it could be called a Georgian cottage. That doesn’t seem likely, but since these structures were ultimately an expression of their builder’s skill and preferences, one cannot be sure without further investigation. They are all worthy of documentation.

Saddlebag House, Circa 1914, Toomsboro

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This type saddlebag house, with the chimney in the front slope of the roof as opposed to being located along the top seam, is more commonly found in the Piedmont region than elsewhere in the state. Surviving examples are increasingly rare.

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An original workshop barn and well house remain on the property, as well.

Central Hallway Cottage, Toomsboro

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This double-pen, or two-room cottage is a bit more “architectural” than most houses of this type, thanks to the addition of the dormer.

General Store, Circa 1900, Toomsboro

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This is one of several historic stores in Toomsboro. The town has been “for sale” for many years and I’m not sure what the status is at this time. I plan on visiting again in the next day or so.

Toomsboro, Georgia

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Kaolin or “chalk” truck passing through Toomsboro

Toomsboro was settled around 1851 (the year it first had a post office, known then as Toomsborough). It was named for Robert Toombs, a prominent politician of the antebellum and war eras, but I have no idea why Toombs is misspelled in the town name.  A mile away was Emmitt, which had a post office from 1842 – 1857, but lost most of its rail business to Toomsboro.  While the history may be a bit unclear, one thing for certain is that Toomsboro today is a beautiful village, a step back in time. Nestled among gently rolling hills carved by the nearby Oconee River, the town is as well-preserved of any of its era in Georgia. Kaolin is king in this area, so if you’re photographing in Toomsboro, watch out for the trucks, which come through quite regularly.

See Athens photographer Dagmar Nelson’s wonderful black-and-white shots of the town here.

 

 

Town for Sale, Toomsboro

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Farmers Cotton Warehouse, Circa 1900, Toomsboro

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In the early 1900s, this place would have been quite busy during the cotton harvest and was as important as the local bank in the economic life of this community. As the sign notes, it was owned by B. H. Jackson.

Folk Victorian Cottage, Circa 1900, Toomsboro

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Murray Hall General Store, Circa 1858, Toomsboro

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This antebellum structure began life as a whiskey store, but for most of its history was  known as the Murray Hall General Store. It’s one of the oldest standing wooden general stores in Georgia, and though it’s been closed for years, it is well-maintained.

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Swampland Opera House, 1916, Toomsboro

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Originally a dry goods store, and bank, this structure has been known for years as the Swampland Opera House. In 1975, the late Joe Boone, Jr., started the business as a weekend venue for musicians and each Saturday until 2000, a country, gospel & bluegrass music hoedown was held here.

Please read all the wonderful comments from people who have great memories of this place.