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2.Sandersville Scene
contents VOLUME III ISSUE II
8
8
Inside the gates
A walk through Sandersville’s Old City Cemetery fills the senses with history and mystique
14 A fall tradition The little idea that could, the annual Kaolin Festival, draws thousands each year to celebrate Washington County’s biggest industry
22 Taking to the skies Forward-thinking, big aspirations for new airport terminal move community into 21st century and possibly a new realm for economic development
14
24
‘A charitable, benevolent church’
Celebrating its storied past, Deepstep United Methodist Church looks to a long future of reaching out and saving souls
28
Home cookin’
Chester Dean’s aims to please, serving just what locals are looking for at Chester Dean’s Steak & Seafood and CD’s Lounge
28
32
Historic treasure
Washington County Courthouse has undergone a number of transformations, but its history remains intact
In Every issue 6 Editor’s Note 27 Worship Guide 38 Arts & Entertainment 40 Photo Galleries 46 A Picture Worth 1,000 Words
32 4.Sandersville Scene
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sandersville scene
Established 2008 Volume 3 No. 2 Publisher Keith Barlow E d i to r N A T A L I E D AV I S Writer Stephanie Miller A dv e r t i s i n g D i r e c t o r Erin Simmons A dv e r t i s i n g S a l e s Libby rainey Chai Giles C i rc u l at i o n D i r e c t o r M i c h a e l E va n s C r e at i v e M a n ag e r B ro o ks H i n to n Graphic Designers Hamp jones
“Who we are is a sum of all the choices that have been made — some positive, some negative.”
W
With so much to do and so little time, there’s a lot to keep up with this time of year and before we even realize it, it will almost be time to plan and prepare to do it all again next year. We certainly hope that in the midst of the Christmas parties and New Year’s events, that you take a few moments to celebrate Washington County by leafing through the pages of this edition of Sandersville Scene. Inside, you’ll learn more about the history of the Washington County Courthouse and discover how one local group, the Sandersville Old City Cemetery Committee, is working to restore and preserve a local treasure. You’ll also find out how the new Washington County Airport terminal could potentially boost local economic development, a credit to the forethought that went into this plan and those who’ve been working diligently to see it to fruition. Speaking of economic development, we’ll also share a bit of the history surrounding Sandersville’s annual fall celebration, the Kaolin Festival, and what it means to the local community. We’ll also take you inside Deepstep United Methodist Church and dish some insight on a local downtown mainstay, Chester Dean’s. As this year comes to a close, let’s all take a few moments to relish in some of the little things that we often take for granted. We hope we’ve conveyed some of those elements in this issue. Here’s looking to the New Year, we look forward to seeing you there. Keep sending us your ideas for stories and share your thoughts with us on this edition of Sandersville Scene. E-mail me at ndavis@unionrecorder.com. Have a wonderful holiday season, and see you in 2011.
Theresa Willis
COVER PHOTO C o n t r i bu t e d B y:
Luanne Brooker Sandersville Scene magazine is published by The Union-Recorder biannually at 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville, GA 31061 For more information on submitting stories or to advertise in Sandersville Scene, call (478)453-1436
MANAGING EDITOR
john-robert ward II photography www.jrwardphotography.com • ward9070@gmail.com • 706 340 6517
6.Sandersville Scene
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8.Sandersville Scene
INSIDE
the gates By STEPHANIE MILLER
A walk through Sandersville’s Old City Cemetery fills the senses with history and mystique
C
emeteries are no longer just a place to bury the dead. They are filled with a certain history, art, mystique and beauty that can often call visitors from around the world. Each cemetery offers its own unique gift for those who seek the exploration of a peaceful, museumlike park where treasures are carved in stone and precious metal and free for the filling of hungry eyes. The Old City Cemetery in Sandersville, once buried beneath decades of neglect and overgrowth, has emerged to take its place among Georgia’s most beautiful and unique resting places. A recent afternoon visit to 100 Virginia Avenue yielded several surprising finds. Newly enclosed with a brick and iron fence, the cemetery is being restored and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The location is also marked by
a Georgia seal as part of the statewide tourism effort, the March To The Sea Heritage Trail, which next year will coincide with the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Shawn Veal, chair of the Sandersville Old City Cemetery Committee, which is part of the Washington County Historical Society, said the cemetery is significant, not only for what may be found of interest inside its gates, but also for its location. “The original road to Sandersville from Milledgeville came right by here,” said Veal, as he pointed to the old road bed and the site of the first church in Washington County. Veal said in the northwestern corner of the cemetery is the site of the oldest graves and where the Methodist church is believed to have been built before 1840. A cross made of white Georgia marble marks the spot. The church was shared by many denominations, and after a new Methodist church was built a short dis-
tance away the old building was used as a school for African-Americans. Although the cemetery is dated by its oldest marked grave to 1831, it is believed to be much older and does contain a number of unmarked or previously destroyed gravesite markers. The burial site of Reuben B. Barney, who died at the age of 27, is the oldest known grave in the cemetery. Over the years the cemetery has been expanded from its original “church yard” size to include five and a half acres. Easily spotted by any visitor is the cemetery’s lone marker made from pink Georgia marble. It is the grave of Mark Newman who was buried in 1906. A simple inscription reads, “A noble specimen of manhood sleeps.” Veal did not have any specific information on Newman, but Susan Lewis, also a member of the committee, did know one thing about the monument.
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10.Sandersville Scene
To make a donation to the restoration of The Old City Cemetery contact Veal at msveal@mylink.net or mail checks to Old City Cemetery Committee c/o Washington County Historical Society, P.O. Box 71, Sandersville, GA. 31082
Some of its grave and marker highlights include: • 81 Civil War gravesites • World renowned surgeon • Father of prohibition in Georgia • One of the first female missionaries to China • President, Central of Georgia Railroad, 1951-1954 • Governor of Georgia, 1921-1923 • Site of a Civil War skirmish • Confederate monument • Victorian era-designed markers • Greek Revival mausoleum
Sandersville Scene.
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“It’s probably our most expensive monument,” said Lewis. The Old City Cemetery has one other monument that catches the eye because it is obviously different from the others. A knock on its structure reveals it is some kind of metal. “It’s zinc,” said Veal. “It’s very rare. If your cemetery has a monument made of zinc it’s something special.” The blue-gray metal monument stands near the front entrance of the cemetery and features the likeness of a man holding a sword with his fist over his heart. A walk through the cemetery offers history lessons on many things that took place throughout the last two centuries as each marker tells its own story. There’s the Evans family, which lost three children every four years and all under the age of 8. There’s a muchloved Methodist minister, the Rev. J.D. Anthony, who has a bronze marker placed near his grave. According to the marker he became affectionately known as the “Bishop of the Wiregrass” and is believed to have led thousands to salvation during his 50 years as minister. He died in 1899. Then there is a grave that is covered with a few dozen conch shells that were placed on top of the slab. No one has any idea why the shells were placed on the grave, but they were discovered when the bushes that covered it were removed. “Someone went to a lot of trouble to put them there,” said Lewis, as she marveled at how well the shells have withstood the elements. Veal said several fundraisers and grants were obtained to build the fence around the cemetery and work on restoration of the graves. While much has been accomplished, he said much more still has to be done. Two “oven” graves, so named because they are made of bricks and resemble old brick ovens, have been completely restored
in the oldest section of the cemetery, but there are dozens of monuments throughout the cemetery that have broken, fallen apart and need cleaning. Hopes are to continue to raise funds for that work. “We still need to finish paying for the fence and the other improvement and restoration projects,” said Veal, adding donations are always accepted and appreciated. The quiet of the evening was broken by a small group of Boy Scouts who came meandering through the cemetery carrying plastic gallon storage bags. One child stopped to say they were “collecting leaves.” Veal said such visits are exactly what the Old City Cemetery Committee wants. “We model this after a Victorian Cemetery,” said Veal, adding that during the Victorian era cemeteries were not considered a place of gloom, but a place where life was celebrated and families would go to picnic and visit with their loved ones who had passed. “We want it to be a public park,” he said. Lewis said even the flowers planted in the cemetery are historically correct in replicating a Victorian cemetery. “White and light pink,” she said, as she
pointed out some of the irises growing in the cemetery. While all the history is interesting and exciting, many who love cemeteries come for an entirely different reason — to enjoy the world of art and symbolism that can only be found in an ancient cemetery. The Old City Cemetery will not disappoint. Lewis is quick to point out a monument that had the carver’s mark on it near the southwest corner. And, Veal said he was fascinated to discover the symbolism used on many of the monuments so he had purchased a book to learn even more. “The broken column indicates a young life cut short,” he said, pointing to a column that appeared to have been broken on top. On one grave in the cemetery are two turtle doves, or love doves. “We have several single doves, but that’s the only one with two doves,” said Lewis, looking around the cemetery. Veal said the dove traditionally is a symbol of purity and peace going back to Bible times when Noah sent the dove out to look for land. The dove brought back an olive branch, and many doves on monuments carry the olive branch.
“It is also a powerful symbol of the Holy Ghost,” said Veal. He said the drapery often seen covering a monument is often used to indicate “Father” or “Mother.” Several monuments have various kinds of draperies carved on them. The intricate features of the monuments often have so much detail that it takes a second look to see everything in the design. Lewis pointed out her favorite monument, which was a tiny chair with a little girl’s boots, coat, hat and gloves draped over it. She said the monument indicates the child is gone. Next to it is a similar stone with a little girl clinging to the side. It appears one family lost two little girls within a short time. Just as Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah has the “Bird Girl” and “Gracie” among many other monuments that draw thousands of visitors each year, Veal said the Old City Cemetery has its own potential to draw visitors. “I’d like to take the symbols and do a booklet and have a scavenger hunt for kids,” said Veal, explaining the hunt could direct participants to find items hidden at certain monuments. But, even without the scavenger hunt there’s reason enough to visit the cemetery.
Sandersville Scene.
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By STEPHANIE MILLER Photos by J.R. Ward
WashingtonCounty’s
Kaolin Festival, which draws about 10,000 people for its annual week-long schedule of events, is proof that big things can come from a little idea. “It was started as a project in the (1956) journalism class at Sandersville High School,” said Ree Garrett, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “They wanted to do something more than just a homecoming (at the football game), so that class came up with the idea of honoring the kaolin industry for that natural resource we have.” Garrett said one event the journalism class started was a parade. It was a hit at first, but after a few years those who were making the detailed floats, who happened to be mainly stay-at-home housewives, became worn out. And, soon all the events were cancelled, other than the homecoming night festivities.
16.Sandersville Scene
“People kind of got tired of it,” she said. “People used to spend weekends getting their floats built. This was back when you stuffed crepe paper in chicken wire to do them. It was just incredible the amount of work and detail they did. But, it got too expensive and too time consuming. Everybody got a car and everybody got a job and people didn't have the time to do those floats.” So, the festival stopped for a few years, but then locals realized it was a tourism draw that brought thousands into Sandersville to spend their money, eat and stay. “Then it picked back up and somebody realized we just couldn't see losing it,” she said. The “white gold” celebration has continued since, growing in number of events each year for the “Kaolin Capital of the World.” “I think probably we had a 100 people for the Century Bike Ride,” said Garrett, explaining a new event added this year was a bike ride of 100 miles throughout the picturesque kaolin country, which drew riders from far and near. There are also beauty pageants for all ages, a cemetery ramble at the old Woodlawn Cemetery, a senior walk, an art show, an agricultural fair, a health fair and several other events throughout the week before the culminating weekend blast of events. Garrett said the square in Sandersville comes alive with the arts and crafts festival, street dance, barbecue cook-off, car show and various singing performers.
She said the events are enjoyed by everyone from the local children to even visiting hunters who take time come out of the woods for some of the festivities. Garrett said everyone understands the value of the festival “as an economic development stimulus package for the community and to honor this business that is so important.” And, everyone tries to get involved in the festivities to keep the festival interesting and filled with entertainment. “Local churches and non-profits — it’s a real good money maker for a lot of them,” said Garrett, explaining local civic organizations such as the Pilot Club, historical society, farm bureau and many others sponsor the events. While those organizations may benefit, so do businesses. “Even the stores and hotels certainly see an increase,” she said, adding that deer season can create a real influx of people to the area and many of those enjoy the events as well. The fun doesn’t stop with the Kaolin Festival. The following week Tennille, separated from Sandersville by a city limit sign, has a Barbecue Blast with its own set of events, which keeps pulling visitors into the area. The Kaolin Festival has also become the weekend for local class reunions, bringing in even more people. “One the big things this year was the 50th anniversary of the class of 1960, the first graduating class of Washington County High
18.Sandersville Scene
School,” said Garrett. “One of the most prominent members of that class was Nathan Deal [governor-elect of Georgia] — that was a big deal for them.” Even with all the exciting events of the Kaolin Festival, perhaps the most popular is the parade. Thousands come to see the parade and attend the festivities following it. The Kaolin Festival Committee makes it a point to find outstanding local residents to serve as grand marshal of the parade as a way to honor those who support the community. This year they chose Katie Smith Poole, a local business owner. “I think that every year we try to find someone that is an outstanding citizen and that has an impact on the community, whether an economic, philanthropic or a civic good-citizen,” said Garrett, explaining the choice of Poole. “Mrs. Katie probably fits all of those. She is an outstanding businesswoman. She has long been
associated with the Elderite Association, which has done a lot of work in Washington County. She has made a real impact on a lot of people in this community with her work in the community and her funeral home and she continues to make an impact. She has not slowed down a bit. Right now she is working, trying to help establish, a Boys and Girls Club here. She has been really working on that. Personally, I think, for her as a black woman, it was so outstanding to have her honored as a role model for young ladies, both black and white. And, she's just a nice person.” Poole said she was surprised to have been chosen to be the grand marshal, but eager to help out. “It was a great honor and I appreciated being chosen,” she said, adding she still is not sure what made the committee pick her. “They
asked if I minded doing it, so I did.” Poole offered a “thank you to the committee for considering me” and to the community for thinking she was worthy of the title. Garrett said Poole is not the only local “celebrity” to have been asked over the years. “Last year the Tarbutton Brothers, Hugh M. and Ben J. Tarbutton Jr., owners of the Sandersville Railroad, were our grand marshals,” said Garrett. “We had other such as Mrs. Mary Alice Jordan, she was founder of the historical society and one of the outstanding historians in the community.” Garrett said the local band Deepstep and even a well-known actress has been grand marshal for the Kaolin Festival parade. Dianne Lane, who has starred in such movies as “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Nights in Rodanthe,” is also one Sandersville calls a native daughter. “Her mother lives here,” said Garrett. “Her grandmother was a Church of God Minister here.” Garrett said Lane was not born in Sandersville, but attended high school here before taking off in search of her future. The festival is held in October each year. For more information contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce at (478) 552-3288 or by email at jfarrin@washingtonga.com.
Sandersville Scene.
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Sandersville Scene.
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taking to the
S
mall towns are no longer isolated if they have an airport suitable for jets to land as business people from across the world often take to the airways to reach destinations more quickly. “What we have found over the last decade since OneGeorgia began operations in 2000 is the world has become a very small place in terms of transportation,” said Nancy Cobb, OneGeorgia Authority director. The OneGeorgia Authority was organized to help bring economic vitality to rural parts of the state by providing funds for land acquisition, infrastructure development, airport enhancements and broadband creation, machinery purchases, business relocation assistance and entrepreneur support, while working alongside county and city governments. Washington County recently benefited from a OneGeorgia grant of $500,000 for the purpose of building a new airport terminal. Larry Mathis, chair of the Washington County Airport Authority, said the county and the city of Sandersville are each giving $125,000 toward the terminal construction. The airport authority also received a USDA grant of $67,000 for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the new terminal. And, while the City of Tennille is not committed for specific funding for the terminal construction, Tennille does contribute toward the airport operation each month. “We get a check from them each month that is a big help,” he said. Mathis said the new terminal is replacing the old cinderblock building, built in 1961 and only 850-square feet. “It really just did not do the sort of job that needs to be done today
22.Sandersville Scene
with our competing communities,” said Mathis. Theo McDonald, chair of the Development Authority of Washington County, said the new terminal will be massive compared to the old terminal. “It will be in excess of 4,000-square-feet which is a good sized house,” said McDonald. “We have the opportunity for a separate pilots’ lounge, a conference room, a passenger and guest waiting area and bathrooms,” he said, adding the new terminal will make a good impression for those who use the airport, and, hopefully, help increase economic development. “Probably half or more of the prospects that come in here, come by way of the state department of economic development and tourism, and the state … very often, rather than drive, will fly,” said McDonald, explaining when prospects visit the state they usually travel in relatively large aircrafts that can carry a number of people and visit a number of sites across the state in a day’s time. “Decision-makers must be able to land on the ground, get a bird’s eye view of the community and the potential of the community,” said Cobb. “We know that without the capacity for rural communities to land jets, they lose prospects. The worst thing in the world is having to land 30 miles away and drive the prospect over to the community.” She said the new terminal will enhance considerably the all-important first impression visitors get when visiting Washington County. “They really needed a facelift. They needed to move into the 21st century. It will be more comfortable for prospects and pilots. There will
skies
Forward-thinking, big aspirations for new airport terminal move community into 21st century and possibly a new realm for economic development By STEPHANIE MILLER
be meeting space. It will make them much more competitive,” said Cobb, adding she has nothing but good things to say about the leadership in Washington County. Cobb explained that Washington County leaders were aggressive in flying around to visit other airports in communities similar in size as well as larger ones to learn what they had to offer. Once the Washington County leadership discovered what would make the county more desirable to prospects they also impressed Cobb by their to work together to come up with a plan and budget that would meet their needs not just for the immediate future but for many years to come. “This is a great investment for this community,” she said of the new terminal. “It is so incredibly important that rural Georgia be competitive, not only with the rest of the state, but the world. I was proud to recommend this project to the board.” Mathis said in addition to the new terminal engineering plans have been completed for a new 5,000-foot parallel taxiway. “Bidding for this project will take place early next year, and it will be under construction next year,” said Mathis. “With the new taxiway and terminal we're hoping to attract larger aircraft. We want to get aircraft that are now going to adjoining community airports. We want those aircrafts to be able to come here.” Mathis said the plans for improving the airport and its earning potential for the community do not stop with the new terminal and taxiway. “We hope in the future, as part of our long range plans, to be in the hangar-leasing business,” he said. The ability to lease hangars will benefit
the airport with income from the leases as well as fuel sales. And, with the hangar leases, fuel sales, and larger planes being able to land at the airport, comes another issue that has already been handled by the forward-thinking airport authority leadership. “During the past year we have doubled the size of our maintenance hangar to accommodate larger aircraft maintenance,” said Mathis. The construction of the new airport terminal, parallel taxiway, proper lighting and maintenance hangar means more planes can land in Washington County. “Insurance plays a big part in where airplanes go and don't go,” said Mathis. “With the new taxiway, we'll have all the requirements for general aviation (small commercial airplanes) to come here.” Both Mathis and McDonald said the whole idea is that Washington County is after increasing its airport traffic and services, both for economic development reasons and to increase funds for the airport. “We want not just to open up more traffic, but we want to treat the people that come in professionally,” said McDonald. “We’d like them to have a nice place to go to the restroom, sit down and relax a few minutes and do some flight planning. It will present a good first impression for the community. McDonald said the larger terminal and taxiway will only increase airport traffic, as already there are a significant number of planes that stop for fuel, and for pilots to rest or make changes in flight plans. “It will give us the opportunity to show ourselves as a progressive community that's seeking new business.”
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24.Sandersville Scene
‘ ’ a
CHARITABLE,
benevolent church By STEPHANIE MILLER Photos by Stephanie Miller & Chai Giles
W
hen the Rev. Larry Giles was appointed by the Methodist Bishop Board to return to his childhood church, Deepstep United Methodist, he had no idea why God placed him there, but before he could even take the new post he would find out. “At the time that they appointed me here, there was a couple here, who were … friends, very close friends, and they were killed in an accident,” said Giles. It soon became clear to him that perhaps no other pastor, except one who grew up in the community and was related to practically everybody, would have understood just how hurt the entire church was at losing two great members of its congregation and family. “They were tremendous workers in this church, everybody loved them,” he said. “We’re still not over it. Everybody here went through a grieving process, and I believe the Lord led me here and I helped with that (grieving process) because I'm a home boy and maybe that was what they needed. It was a terrible loss to this congregation.” The couple, Robert and Julia Veal, was killed in an accident in 2007. Since that time, the church has been working to carry on without them and to complete some of the projects the Veals had started. Beth Giles, Larry’s wife, said the church had just held a dedication service to name shelves in a downstairs library after Robert Veal. Veal had started the project by actually cutting the tree for the wood on his family’s property, having the wood planed into shelving
Celebrating its storied past, Deepstep United Methodist Church looks to a long future of reaching out and saving souls boards that he had intended to put up before his untimely passing. Other church members stepped forward and completed the shelving. Giles said there are other difficulties facing the church now. “We're going through, like a lot of churches, a lot of people have lost their jobs and homes,” said Giles, indicating that as jobs and homes are lost churches suffer as well. “A lot of churches are facing financial situations.” Yet, the members of Deepstep United Methodist will not let the economy stop their church from helping those who need help. “Like I've said earlier, if a desperate need is before the people they come through to help,” Giles said of the congregation. “We're still seeking to grow. That's the whole thing — and to be here to help people through their crisis. I'm a very conservative Biblebelieving preacher, and only through the word of God can people be converted, but also we've got to work on keeping the saved, saved. We’ve got to feed the milk of the Word. I'm a Bible preacher, that's all I can say.” Beth said members of the community are so close that they have developed their own
slang for different terms. For instance, cousins are “cuddins” and most in the community really are cousins, except for a few newcomers. She said the newcomers have been adopted as family as well. “We start treating them like family,” she said. The Gileses credit the kaolin industry for creating such a tight-knit community since so many of the residents of Deepstep depend on the industry for income and job security. Generation upon generation has chosen to stay in Deepstep even if it is necessary to drive to another community to work. But, they say the First United Methodist Church family transcends the walls of the actual church building in Deepstep. It also encompasses the Smyrna Baptist Church and the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church as well. “We work closely with them, because they’re cousins too,” said Beth of the Smyrna Baptist Church, which holds joint celebrations throughout the year with Deepstep United Methodist including the Thanksgiving and Christmas services. Deepstep United Methodist sits between Smyrna Baptist and Mt. Sinai Baptist – which are on opposite ends of the town. Mt. Sinai is the oldest African-American Church
Sandersville Scene.
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in the area, and Giles said it had tragedy hit a while back when the church building was destroyed in an arson fire. Deepstep United Methodist set out to sell steak dinner plates to raise funds to help rebuild the church, and Giles had the pleasure of handing over a $3,000 check to put toward the new Mt. Sinai building. He was also invited to speak at the new building dedication — as the only non-AfricanAmerican pastor there for the occasion. “I had the privilege of helping dedicate that building. I felt it was a special blessing to be able to do that,” he said, adding it is a beautiful new brick building sitting up on a hillside. Over to the side of the new Mt. Sinai building sits three wooden crosses that seem to keep watch over all of kaolin country and can stir the heart when seen seemingly popping up from nowhere to those traveling down the highway through Deepstep. Although 207 members are on the rolls of Deepstep United Methodist Church, Giles said about 80 or 90 attend services regularly. For a church that began in 1825 at a little hand-hewn log structure called the Hicklin Meeting House — so named because of the Hicklin Property it sat on — the church has come a long way. Now it boasts a two-story wood-frame and brick building picturesquely placed on a hillside with beautiful hardwoods and pines surrounding it. The old church cemetery sits across the road. Beth’s mother, Gwen Kendall Hall, completed a detailed history of the church in 1997. The 974-page book covers the history of not only Deepstep United Methodist, but offers some history of Methodism in America with the historic arrival of John and Charles Wesley who were lovingly taught about God by their mother, Susanna. Hall brings history to life among the pages of the book with descriptions of the
old Hicklin Meeting House, “nestled in piney woods with pine needles think as carpet” and names of families going back to 1825. A preface in the book credits Giles, who was not yet her son-in-law, with the idea of the history book when he gave her a copy of the Georgia Archives document he had received about the Hicklin Meeting House. “We knew from the names on the roll that it had to be the beginning of the Deepstep Methodist Church,” she writes. The hardcover books are still available from Hall for $45 each. Beth Giles said her mother has about 65 of the books left from the 1997 printing. Excerpts from church bulletins, newspapers and church minutes are included in the book with hundreds of names from the community mentioned. One page in the book mentions the Rev. Jack Key, a wellknown regional columnist, Methodist minister and Adrian native, for having started the church bulletin. It also takes the church history through the loss of its first building, which burned, and through the days of depending on a circuit-rider preacher to full-time services and a full-time pastor. The Gileses say that while the church has a long and fascinating history, it’s the future they are looking forward to. Giles wants to continue to see the church grow and souls being won for the Lord. He believes that treating people lovingly has kept the church strong all these years and will continue to do so. “It's always been a charitable, benevolent church,” he said, adding he grew up in the church and after pasturing churches all over the south and serving as a missionary to Thailand, he’s learned there’s no place like home. “I'm glad I came back.” Beth agrees. She said although most of the church is related one way or the other, the newcomers are family too. “We love each other.”
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(478) 552-2501 26.Sandersville Scene
Sandersville, GA 31082 www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com
eds”
WHERE WE WORSHIP Harrison Springs Baptist Church 127 Mills St. Harrison, GA 31035 (478) 552-8967 Bay Springs Baptist Church 319 Bay Springs Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3545 Bold Spring Baptist Church 3177 Poole Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0464 Camp Spring Baptist Church 9919 Old Savannah Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8511 Church Of Christ 101 E 2nd Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0356 Church Of The Nazarene 619 S Harris St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5300 Deepstep United Methodist Church 9744 Deepstep Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-6825 Deliverance Center Of Jesus Christ 401 Hall St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1030 Faith Temple Holiness Church 334 Railroad Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8965 First Baptist Church 316 Mathis Lane Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-2371 First Christian Church of Sandersville 166 E Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3495
First Presbyterian Church Of Sandersville 521 N Harris St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1842 First Southern Methodist Church 5998 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5442 Gardner Church of God & Christ 450 Grand St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-0331 Gideons International 118 S Smith St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5075 Gordy Grove Church of God In Christ 10466 Ga. Highway 272 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 240-0092 Grace Episcopal Church 114 E 2nd Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5295 Green Grove Baptist Church 5030 Highway 242 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0260 Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall of Sandersville 1567 Ridge Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-6789 Kendall Heights Church Of God 829 Jordan Mill Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5483 Mount Zion A.M.E. Church 379 Suburban Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 348-6514
New Baptist Church 941 Yank Brown Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-0515 Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church 45 Oak Grove Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0330 Pine Hill Baptist Church P.O. Box 6014 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 348-5223 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 14139 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-7450
Second Washington Baptist Association 402 Evans St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1313 Sisters Baptist Church 1807 E McCarty St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-2473 Springfield Baptist Church 415 W Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5317 Saint Galilee Baptist Church 316 Augusta Ally Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-9220 Saint Williams Catholic Church Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3352
Poplar Springs Christian Church 13580 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-4747
Bethany Baptist Church 1132 Hartsford Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7563
Ridgeland Heights Baptist Church 305 Ridgeland Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3171
Bethesda Christian Church 2740 Buckeye Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-4166
Robin Springs Baptist Church 3178 Deepstep Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5612
Bethesda Christian Church 720 Hurst Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-0063
Saint Galilee Holy Felowship Church 613 Temple Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8280 Sandersville United Methodist Church 202 W Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3374 Second Community Baptist Church 511 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-7738
Georgia Grove Baptist Church 4574 Old Savannah Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1605 Good Shepherd Church of the Nazarene 316 E South Central Ave Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-2424 Hubbard Chapel Church 22 Old Watermelon Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 864-2015 Mount Gilead Primitive Baptist Church 154 Mount Gilead Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1013 Mount Moriah Baptist Church 1183 Mount Moriah Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1942 Piney Mount United Methodist Church 3065 Old Savannah Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5394 Samuel Grove Baptist Church 11651 Ga. Highway 68 South Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9955
Burnett Grove A.M.E. Church 157 Hurst Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-0510
Smith Grove Baptist Church 3659 Tennille Harrison Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-1990
Faith Apostolic 140 Knight Lane Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-8911
Saint James Christian Fellowship Church 210 Chaloux Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-3451
Genesis New Life Apostolic Faith Church 4573 Grady Mertz Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9555
Saint John Church of God And Christ 320 E. 3rd Ave. Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 240-9713
Swint Spring Baptist Church 6623 Tennille Oconee Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9811 Tennille Baptist Church SBC 203 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7350 Tennille Christian Church 402 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5557 Tennille Grove Baptist Church Greta St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-0083 Tennille United Methodist Church 297 W Adams St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7883 Union Hill Baptist Church 2389 Deepcut Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-9578 Victory Central Church 320 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-0891 Zion Hope Baptist Church 4507 Watermelon Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5838
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By STEPHANIE MILLER
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I
n early fall 2002, when three friends sat around talking about how they’d like to open a restaurant in Sandersville that served great steaks and seafood with a family atmosphere, they had no idea how quickly their conversation would lead to a dining landmark in the community. Chester Dean’s Steak & Seafood and CD’s Lounge opened later that fall when Chester Dean Helton, his wife, Debra, and their friend, Kay Johnson, decided to build on the ladies’ experience of part-time catering and bartending to open a full-service family restaurant.
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“We met with longtime friend Chuck Carter from Cisco Food products,” said Helton, adding that Carter wanted no part of owning a restaurant, but he was willing to teach Helton all he knew about the restaurant business and cooking certain kinds of food. Helton wanted to use his family’s barbecuing heritage and recipes in the restaurant, and although he had his mother’s 50-year-old Brunswick stew and barbecue sauce recipes, he needed to learn more about the grilling technique. “We had a lot of help from Chuck Carter and Randy Rowe,” said Johnson. “They spent hours out there teaching Dean how to cook on the grill.” It wasn’t long before all the hard work and training paid off. By 2003, with only one year in business, the restaurant won several readers’ choice awards voted on by the readers of the Sandersville Progress newspaper. “Our first year in business we got best steak, best seafood and one of our servers got best server,” said Helton. The awards continued to come in with Chester Dean’s taking several best food categories in 2004 including “Best Overall Restaurant.” The wall on the entranceway of the restaurant is filled with awards earned
every year since. Helton is especially proud that for five years in a row Chester Dean’s has won the “Best Barbecue” category. “Well, that's verification,” Helton said, indicating he takes the voting to mean Chester Dean’s offers its customers what they’re looking for. “We feel like we are serving the community as a full-service restaurant and from a sandwich shop right on to a catering facility.” All the awards didn’t happen without a lot of effort going into the service and the food at Chester Dean’s. “We're all homegrown here,” said Debra. “So we put our whole hearts into everything we do because we are local. Even when we do weddings we make sure they're just as happy as if one of our children were getting married.” Debra and Johnson cater for special events and the restaurant offers “pick-up” plates for those who want to do for others, for instance, a sick or shut-in person, but do not have time to prepare food themselves. She said items such as sandwich plates, soups and anything else on the menu can be prepared for pickup. Helton said he even delivers orders within a certain distance of the restaurant if the order reaches a specific minimum amount. He suggested those who need food delivered call the restaurant for more details. “We deliver at lunch with a group of 10 or more,” said Helton. Johnson said entire meals have been prepared for special occasions for some customers. “You don't want to cook, you call us and say, ‘I want squash a casserole,’” said Debra, adding “customers have brought us their own recipes.” While there is a lounge where alcohol is served inside the back of the restaurant, the Helton’s and Johnson said it should not stop families with small children from coming to eat at any time.
“It's a family-oriented restaurant, very low-keyed, that's what it's built around — family,” said Debra. “If we have some drinkers, they're going to stay at the bar and you’ll never know they're back there.” “We try to accommodate the smaller children to make sure they're comfortable,” said Johnson. “We've got crayons. We put brown paper on the table for them to color on. We want families in here.” To show just how much they want families to enjoy eating at Chester Dean’s they have even created several dishes that sell for under $10 because they understand the economy has made budgets tight for many. In addition to the steaks, seafood and barbecue, Chester Dean’s has a thriving lunch business throughout the week and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. that features home-style cooking. On a recent weekend a crowd had gathered for lunch at the restaurant. “We come here quite often, and it’s consistently good,” said Carol Andrews, enjoying lunch with her husband, Gerald on a recent afternoon. Dean Trussell said he has one reason for eating at the restaurant. “I just like the food,” he said as he sat at a table surrounded by several friends. The Heltons and Johnson said they are always ready to listen to a customer about what is liked or not liked at the restaurant, and they use the information to do a better job of preparing meals the customers will want to return for again and again. “We ask for their input,” said Debra. “We definitely care about what they want.” Both women laughed when asked if there is a single dish that is frequently requested because not surprisingly, everybody loves the desserts. “Our famous dessert is Chocolate Cookie Delight,” said Johnson, adding it is a recipe of Debra’s that made a big hit. “That is our known dessert.” Debra said that recipe was truly tried and tested on her own family for years before making its debut at the restaurant, and although simple to make it does get requested again and again at Chester Dean’s. Chester Dean’s Steak & Seafood and CD’s Lounge is located at 111 East Haynes St., just down from the courthouse square in Sandersville. It is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a buffet for lunch. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant is open 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with menu orders. Steak and seafood prepared to order is available with a full bar is open in the back. Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a home-style buffet.
A Washington County COURTHOUSE 32.Sandersville Scene
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historic treasure Washington County Courthouse has undergone a number of transformations, but its history remains intact
By STEPHANIE MILLER Photos by Luanne Brooker and Stephanie Miller While the Washington County Courthouse is a treasure the county can be proud of, little might have ever been known about its history except for the tireless work of Mary Alice Jordan. Jordan, a local historian, has compiled a history of the courthouses through her years of research that covers the long list of buildings that served the county over the past 200 years, and still, even she knows there’s more to the story. “There’s just so much I could not tell you all,” she said, during a recent meeting at the Brown House Museum, where the Washington County Historical Society records and artifacts are kept. Jordan pulled a file at the Brown House labeled “Courthouse” filled with newspaper clippings and memorabilia about the building, offering the brief history she wrote based on all her research, and the research of others. “There is so much here,” she said, like any true historian, who understands that with every unfolding bit of information there are volumes more still to be known. The renovated courthouse stands stately on the downtown square of Sandersville claiming its superior existence among area courthous-
es like a stallion among a field of mules. Its beauty and size are beyond compare. But, Jordan’s history shows the courthouse had humble beginnings. “The first county courthouse was built in Sandersville near the site of the present courthouse,” the history shows. “It was built of wood, probably about 1800.” Jordan’s history shows no pictures were ever made, or known to be in existence of the old wooden structure. It apparently stood until about 1831 when the grand jury convened and determined the building was too small and unsafe for large assemblies; also the foundation was giving away. “On May 10, 1832, the Justices of the Inferior Court invited bids for the construction of the new courthouse and jail,” Jordan wrote. Stories of the day indicate someone may have purchased the old courthouse and was going to move it intact, but got it as far as the Old City Cemetery and had to tear it apart. “The first brick courthouse was built in 1836,” wrote Jordan, who based that information on research found in the Southern Recorder Newspaper from Milledgeville, dated June 16, 1835, advertising for
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those who wanted to bid on the construction of the two-story courthouse. Interesting facts about the bid indicate the building was to be 50 feet by 60 feet with 18-inch thick walls. The first floor was to have 14-feet high ceilings and the second floor ceilings were to be 12 feet high with 12-inch thick walls. The building was to be completed by December 1936. Two fires attacked the brick building, one in 1854 that destroyed part of the roof and another in March 1855 that completely destroyed the building as well as most of the town. By September 1855, a temporary courthouse was built using the timbers in the old stables that stood on county property. Then a fourth structure was planned using taxes levied by the state legislature. It was to be a brick two-story building with the bricks made locally from native clay and the “lime used in the construction was from the lime sinks,� Jordan wrote. A noted German architect, A.P. Wetter, from Savannah, was chosen for the project. He had also designed the Masonic Hall that stands on the courthouse square. William Smith won the building bid at
$14,750.00. This courthouse, too, would meet an ill fate. “The courthouse was destroyed by Sherman’s command to Capt. O.M. Poe on November 27, 1864,” wrote Jordan. An assortment of local buildings then served as courthouse until a new building was commissioned on the foundation of the courthouse Sherman burned. It was completed in 1969. The contracting firms of Green Brantley and J.W. Renfroe handled construction of the new project at a cost of $22,000. “The body of this courthouse remains in use today, although it is unrecognizable because of many changes,” wrote Jordan. Perhaps the first change came in 1899 when a need for more space caused extensive renovations to take place using plans drawn by L.F. Goodrich, an Augusta architect. A charming façade included outside circular steps leading to the second floor court room with construction led by J.H. McKenzie and Sons for $20,000. “The change was almost unbelievable,” she wrote, detailing the makeover into a Victorian-style façade with a large clock tower and a smaller tower that completely changed the rooflines. “At this time a Seth Thomas clock was installed that worked by weights, costing $1,000.” The original brass bell located on the floor beneath the clock tolled the hours and sounded local fire alarms. The wheel on the side was drawn by a rope with dropped several stories below. About 1928, a siren was attached to the courthouse to sound fire alarms and the noon hour. While an impressive building, in 1938 an annex was added to the west side of the building. During that project the tower on the back side of the courthouse was lowered with a new roofline and a decorative obelisk placed on top.
Jordan wrote that in 1957 gas heaters were places inside the courthouse, but until that time fireplaces had been used for heating with coal and coal stoves. The old coal bin was located under the Clerk of Court’s office, opening onto Malone Street. “In 1957, Van Dollar and Sambo Roberts removed the slate shingles, which had deteriorated, and put on composition shingles,” she wrote. In 1975, the courthouse was reroofed again. In 1970 the trim on the building was sandblasted and repainted. The Malone Street entrance was closed and two restrooms were placed on the first and second floors. That job was completed by contractors Gay and Cooper of Dublin. In 1987, central heat and air were placed in the courthouse, some ceilings were lowered and each office was remodeled. The sheriff ’s office was moved from the ground floor. Jordan credits Annie Laurie Johnson, Elizabeth Newsom, the Osgood Bateman family, James Jordan, Peggy Wallace and several others for contributing toward the history of the courthouse that she compiled. The renovations of the structure and the well-maintained grounds make the majestic building a thing of real beauty and pride for Washington Countians. Ree Garrett, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber office used to be located in the little white gazebo that sits on the courthouse lawn. Changes are in store for the little building as the chamber has a new, bigger office across the street. “When I was a child they closed that in,” she said of the bandstand. “They’re working to take the gazebo back to an open band stand.”
the well-maintained grounds make the majestic building a thing of real beauty and pride for Washington
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• Bulk Fuel Delivery
Everyone at Puebla’s Wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
• Bulk Oil • Package Products • Hydraulic Hoses • Descicant Filters • The Clothing Store
Come in for the Best Mexican Food in town since 1997 Providing dependable quality services from our company to yours Eatonton Rossee Oil Co., Inc 305 E. Sumter St. Eatonton, GA 31024
Sandersville Rainey Oil Co., LLC P.O. Box 864 Sandersville, GA 31082
Moultrie Farmer’s Fuel LLC 924 4th Avenue NE Moultrie, GA 31768
706-485-4771
478-552-3095
229-985-6075
West Drug
Established 1920. The oldest business in Washington County under the same name at the same location in its third generation in the same family.
West Drug Store 102 N. Harris Street Sandersville, Georgia 31082 202 Central Ave • Tennille, GA
478-552-7286 36.Sandersville Scene
(478) 552-2521
NOW HEAL THIS The first wound treatment center of its kind near you. A wound that hasn’t healed in 30 days threatens your health and lifestyle. At Oconee Regional Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center, our proven treatment heals most chronic wounds. You’ll get the latest in equipment and technology, supervised by a panel of local, skilled physicians. Our specialized care is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Talk to your doctor or call the Wound Healing Center. There’s new hope for healing your wound.
Call for an evaluation. 478-457-2323
679 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive • Milledgeville
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Arts & Entertainment CALENDAR
Arts & Entertainment DECEMBER December 16 Santa Claus at Geo D. Warthen Bank main office, North Harris Street. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All children welcome. December 17 Santa Claus at Citizens Bank of Washington County, main office. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 19 Children’s Christmas Event and Puppet Show. Pine Hill United Methodist Church. Warthen. 6 p.m. December 24 Christmas Eve Worship. Pleasant Grove Church. 6:30 p.m. JANUARY January 4 General Assembly Preview. Washington EMC Civic Room, 258 N. Harris Street. Chamber Members $15, non-members, $20. RSVP at (478) 552-3288.
MARCH March 5 Washington County Historical Society Antiques & Collectables Appraisal Fair. Saturday, March 5. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Washington EMC, 258 N. Harris Street. $15 for first appraisal item, $5 for each additional item with pre-registration. $20 for each appraisal item, $5 for each additional item at the door. 478.251.8957
Old City Cemetery First documented burial in 1831. Located on the corner of West Church Street and Virginia Avenue in Sandersville, the site is on the National Register of Historic Places for its significant Civil War history. Features federal era, Greek Revival and Victorian grave markings. Historical figures buried at the site include former Ga. Lt. Gov. Thomas W. Hardwick, worldrenowned surgeon William APRIL Rawlings, Central of Georgia April 21 Railroad president Benjamin Annual Education Meeting. James Tarbutton, the Rev. J.D. Washington County Chamber of Anthony and Coleman R. Commerce. Call (478) 552Pringle, known as the Father of 3288 for more information. Prohibition in Georgia. For more information, visit Attractions www.sandersville.net or call (478) 552-6965. Charles E. Choate Exhibit A look at the life and work of the architect and builder and the official Georgia Historical Plates Display. Washington County Chamber of Commerce, 131 W. Haynes St.,Sandersville. For more information call (478) 552-3288. Oldest Jail Visit Georgia’s Oldest Jail on state Route 15 North in Warthen. For more information, call (478) 552-3288.
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Arts & Entertainment CALENDAR
Hamburg State Park With modern-day facilities amidst reminders of days gone by, Hamburg State Park offers a mix of history and outdoor recreation. Anglers can enjoy lake fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bream, as well as boat ramps and a fishing pier. Campers will find shaded campsites along the edge of quiet Hamburg Lake fed by the Little Ogeechee River. A restored 1921 water-powered grist mill is still operational. The 741-acre park also features a country store and museum. Brown House Museum A private residence during the Civil War where Gen. Sherman spent the night of Nov. 26, 1864, 268 N. Harris Street in Sandersville. For more information, call (478) 552-3288. Revolutionary War Park Visit the Revolutionary War Park on state Route 15 South of Tennille. For more information, call (478) 552-3288. Genealogy Research Center Visit the Genealogy Research Center, 129 Jones Street, Sandersville. For more information, call (478) 552-6965.
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Community events you would like published in the calendar may be emailed to ndavis@unionrecorder.com Sandersville Scene.
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Sightings
COFFIN RACE Veal Farms of Tennille was the winner of the 2010 Rest in Peace Coffin Race held on the Sandersville Square in October. Proceeds from the race go to benefit the restoration project at the Sandersville Old City Cemetery.
GEO •CHRISTMAS GIFT HEADQUARTERS •MAINSTREET COLLECTION •Collegiate & High School
•BRIDAL REGISTRY •Custom Onsite Invitations, Stationary & Greeting Cards
129 W. Haynes St. • Sandersville • 478.553.9400 • Shop online www.gqgifts.com
40.Sandersville Scene
Teams comprised of seven people each took part in the event, which was sponsored by the Sandersville Old City Cemetery Committee. The winning team, Veal Farms, was awarded $250.
BH Transfer P.O. BOX 151 • SANDERSVILLE, GA 31082 • 478-552-5119 Sandersville Scene.
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Sightings
42.Sandersville Scene
KAOLIN FESTIVAL PARADE
Thousands turned out for Sandersville’s annual Kaolin Festival parade, held in October, which featured area marching bands, floats and vendors.
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Sightings
The Washington County High School marching band takes part in the annual Kaolin Festival parade, held in October. At right, Ree Garrett, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, draws names for prizes at the Kaolin Festival events. 44.Sandersville Scene
Advertiser Index BH Transfer ....................................................................................................41 Citizens Bank of Washington County ...............................................................2 City of Sandersville ...........................................................................................5 Country Buffet................................................................................................21 Diesel Depot ...................................................................................................21 Georgia Military College.................................................................................48 Geo’s Quarters................................................................................................ 40 Geo D.Warthen Bank .....................................................................................47 Herb’s Fish Place ...............................................................................................7 Imerys .............................................................................................................42 May & Smith Funeral Home ..........................................................................26 Moye’s Insurance .............................................................................................21 North Pointe Pharmacy & Gifts........................................................................5 Oconee Regional Medical Center....................................................................37 Puebla’s Mexican Restaurant............................................................................36 Queensborough National Bank .........................................................................7 Rainey Oil.......................................................................................................36 Sandersville Technical College ...........................................................................3 Sleepy’s Package Store......................................................................................36 Studio Designs Printing ..................................................................................47 The Hair Palace.................................................................................................7 Twin City Realty .............................................................................................21 Warthen Lane Interiors ...................................................................................47 Washington County Chamber of Commerce ..................................................20 West Drug Store..............................................................................................36
Please be sure to thank the advertisers for supporting this publication! Sandersville Scene. 45
A
picture worth a 1,000 words WINTER SNOW
Taken during the winter 2010 snow storm that hit Washington County and the Central Georgia region. Photo By Luanne Brooker
We want your pictures
We accept e-mail submissions of digital photographs for this feature. Photos need to be at least 300 DPI. We also accept digital submissions on cd. Please include your name with a brief description of your photographic background, daytime phone number, the type of camera used and the location and or subject of the photo(s). E-mail photos and information to bhinton@unionrecorder.com. Mail photos to Milledgeville Scene, 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville GA 31061
46.Sandersville Scene
Warthen Interiors
Studio Designs
111 W. Church St. • Sandersville • 478-552-7722
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