Saving History One Piece At A Time by Tori Bailey

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

 

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lexington, Georgia, A Place Frozen In Time by Tori Bailey

The steady flow of traffic hums through the heart of this historic town that seems frozen in time.  The Romanesque Revival style courthouse is the focal point of the town’s square. I have traveled through Lexington more times than I would care to admit for my age.  Growing up in Washington, we often traveled to Athens for shopping, entertainment and to visit family.  It has been in my adult years that I have truly discovered this town that once was a mark along a journey.

Lexington is a great place to explore.  The row of shops that form a line along the highway are filled with antiques, collectibles, and artwork.  Two of my favorite shops are Local Color and The Civil Hen.

Local Color immediately invites you in to explore with the collection of sculptured yard art displayed along the sidewalk.  The wide store front windows display a glimpse of the many treasures waiting to be discovered on the inside.  Among the displays of antiques, home décor and collectibles, are original works of art by local artist.  A bookcase is host books written by Georgia Authors.  (View a small YouTube video at the bottom of this post on local book authors). 

The owner of Local Color is just as interesting to discover as the many treasures within her store.  Linda Parrish is interior designer and has found herself working of projects that have taken her all over the world.  “My first love is working in historic renovations.” 

The Civil Hen Antiques is located in the old bank on Main Street.  Davina Barnes was looking for a place that would give her space to paint and refurbish furniture when she discovered Lexington.  “I fell in love with the charm of this quaint town.”  Davina, a stage/decorator, found herself purchasing the vacant bank and starting The Civil Hen.  “I couldn’t have found a better location and love being able to find and create my own pieces.” 

Lexington was founded in 1800 and became the county seat of Oglethorpe the same year.  This small Southern town has been home to historical figures and places.  One place is the Columbia Theological Seminary.  The seminary was founded in 1830.  Several of the original buildings continue to stand today. 

Each October history comes to life with the Legends of Oglethorpe.  This event is a weekend filled with living history where today’s citizens can meet those of Lexington’s yesterday.  This year will mark the third annual event and a new cast of characters.  Those attending will be able to listen to each character tell their story and become transported to a time when Lexington was home to many notable people that were influential to the forming of our nation. (This year’s event will be hosted October 24 -25)

 

 

 

 

Mark your calendar, too, for the Oglethorpe Fresh Concert and Music Series that kicks off September 25th in Lexington.

 

 

 

A place that was once a view outside a passing car’s window has become a treasure to explore.  A trip home to Washington now factors a stop in Lexington to shop and explore the quaint town that seems frozen in time.

Author Tori Bailey's webpage. 

 

Backyard Interviews with PEN A Place For Authors To Share Their Books on YouTube

 

 

 

Home Page for Backyard Interviews.

Click here to go to the website to see all the features.

Contact PEN if you'd like to be considered for an interview!

The Backyard Interview tab at the top of this blog will have an ongoing list of links to all interviews.

 

 

 

 

 

Author PEN (Nero's Fiddle) is interviewing authors on YouTube.  Want to share your book? It's free for now and fun. Don't miss the opportunity to participate! Currently most interviews are being done in a lovely backyard in Decatur.

 

Below is an excerpt from PEN's Backyard Interviews website.

 

 

Backyard Interviews is the brainchile of writer, Pen. As a self-published author, Pen knows how difficult it is to promote and market her work. And getting an interview . . . almost impossible! By interviewing other writers and artists, she's helping them promote their work and themselves and making a name for herself. Without access to an actual studio or expensive equipment, she decided to give these interviews a more "homey" touch. What's better than being interviewed in the backyard? Relaxed, fresh air, a glass of iced tea (the House Wine of the South) and two creative people discussing creative endeavors. Perfect!

 

We are not professional videographers here at Backyard Interviews; I'm sure that much is evident (I'm using the "royal we" as in me, myself and I). And heaven knows, my face isn't meant to be on camera (I kind of resemble a turkey, don't I?) But I have a vision and a dream: to help other self-published and independent authors get the word out about their works.

 

Ergo, I will gladly put myself out there for that purpose. And hope those viewing enjoy the effort.

Tomorrow meet KT Ashely, author of The Pool, and watch his interview here!