Drive along any main street in
Georgia and there is a guarantee that stately homes of a time when cotton fueled
the economy can be admired. These master pieces are as beautiful as a Southern
Belle in her finest crinoline and layers of ruffles. But for each of these
preserved dwellings, there are those that stand abandoned and often destined to
be destroyed through deterioration or demolition.
The demand for antique architecture
is making these homes a needed resource.
“I started working on restoring old homes and couldn’t find period
pieces. That is when I began taking down
old houses and stock piling them.” Jimmy Poss has been salvaging old houses for
thirty-years. He has helped restore and
relocate several houses, including log cabins.
He and
his wife, Peggy Sue, own Neat Pieces in Carlton, Georgia. The two met when Peggy Sue came to Neat Pieces looking for heart of pine lumber for a restoration project. That first meeting was thirteen years ago. Together,
they continue their pursuit in preserving the architectural history of older
homes and structures. “We have a church built in the 1850’s in a trailer. In
another trailer we have a complete house.”
Most of our finds come from word of mouth. Peggy Sue continued to share
how they have collected the majority of their inventory. “Someone will contact
us after a death. The family doesn’t know what to do with the estate. We will go, look at it, and make an offer for
the entire estate. A lot of times, we only have a few days to go in and get
everything.”
Neat Pieces occupies a row of turn of the
century brick buildings that was the location for two banks, hardware store, a
grocery store and a druggist. A covered
walkway that once allowed locals to window shop is a glimpse to what is inside
each section. “Just blur your
eyes.” Peggy Sue will advise with her
South Georgia accent. “It can be overwhelming.”
While each section is filled with treasures waiting to be discovered,
there is a sense of organization. The
space that was once the drugstore is where booklovers can peruse old
titles. Another section is dedicated to
vintage clothing.
Venture to the side yard where a
wooden railroad car built in the 1870’s is located. “We found it in Washington, Georgia. It used to be part of the line that ran
between Washington, Elberton and Lincolnton.
We’ve salvaged a third of the car that once consisted of a passenger and
mail/baggage section. The interior is
mahogany and the exterior is cypress. I have the original green stained glass
that goes in the upper section.” Jimmy has
received a lot of interest in the train car, including a possible use of
turning it into a tiny house on wheels.
“I’m not sure where the antique bug
came from. But, I love antiques.” Jimmy confessed. If it is a need for heart of pine lumber,
period hardware for a dresser, door knob, or a stroll down memory lane, Jimmy
and Peggy Sure will probably have it. “A
man visiting from France once told us buy no more, you need to sell.” Peggy Sue paused and smiled. “How can we say no to salvaging history one
piece at a time.”
Jimmy and Peggy Sue Poss. The met over some Heart of Pine and have been sharing their passion for architectural salvage and antiques for the past fourteen years.
1850 Cypress and Mahogany Railroad Car that was found in Washington, Georgia.
The walkway provides a preview to the treasures located inside. Each section has its own theme ranging from architectural, hardware, vintage clothing, books, and antiques.
Neat Pieces is located at 5769 Highway 72 E, Carlton, Georgia 30627
Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10 to 5 pm
About The Author
Tori Bailey is a regular contributor to Georgia Home and Life and a contributing writer for the Georgia Connector magazine. She has published two novels, Coming Home – A Second Chance at Goodbye and Ethel’sSong. Her third book, Love Made from Scratch, is set for release in May, 2016. She lives in the Athens area with her two rescue cats. Follow Tori’s Facebook page Tori Bailey Ink or visit her website. Learn more about the author on her Amazon Author Page.
Meet Tori this Saturday, October 3rd, at the Braselton Gallery October Local Writer's Showcase from 1 - 3 pm.
