Bowdon Historic Preservation Commission Projects

Past Projects:

• With the guidance of Lynn Miller, Chatt-Flint representative, the Commission gathered and submitted information in early 2006 related to the placement of the city on the National Historic Registry. Historic preservation enthusiasts Mignon Wessinger and Judy Rowell graciously edited the document before submission to the state.  At the present time, the Commission is waiting for the recognition for the city to be finalized by the National Historic Preservation department.  Assurance of the Georgia Historic Registry has been given.
• The Bowdon Historic Tour Guide is available from the Bowdon City Hall, the Bowdon Area Historical Society, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Welcome center.  This publication was made possible by a grant received from the Historic Preservation Division. The publication became available in July, 2005

On-going Project

• This project involves placing a list of chosen sites outside of Bowdon proper that are dated before 1920 and that are historically significant to the area.  In this section of the website, you can view these sites and discover their importance.

Newest Project:

• A tour of historic sites within Bowdon proper is being planned. The tour will most likely take place during the Christmas holiday season.  Details will be announced at a later date

The Judge Bob Brown Home

Built in 1903 by James Thomas Johnson, the house that became known as Judge Bob Brown’s house has had several owners.  Gertrude and Luther (L.L.) Robinson purchased the house from the Johnson’s early in the 1900s and sold it to Gus and Lela Brown in 1933.  The Browns paid $200 for the house and 45 acres of land, land which was used for “Trade Day.”  Their son Robert (Bob) Jones Brown and last Brown occupant of the home was born September 13, 1912.  He served as Corporal during World War II.  After the war, he became a lawyer and began his practice in 1948.  He later acted as one of the areas most renowned State Court judges for 26 years.  Judge Brown resided for many years in the house purchased by his parents at 1952 Burwell Road   His unmarried sisters lived with him until each of their deaths.  After Judge Brown’s death March 8, 1995, an article “Memories of gruff judge reveal soft spot” in the March 11, 1995 Times-Georgia  portrays the judge his friends knew. 

“’His bark was worse than his bite,’ Deputy Clerk of Court Doris Wilkins says. … (E)ven though most people saw Brown’s gruff exterior, there was more to the man than that.  ‘He had a lot of compassion for children.’ Wilkins said when referring to his tenure as Juvenile Court Judge.

Former Solicitor Henry Head (said) ‘Old Bob was a big-hearted man, especially when it came to kids.’ (He made them clean up) and he ‘talk(ed) like he was going to eat a fellow alive, and then slap them on the wrist.’ Head also said Brown had a “sixth sense” for appropriate judging.

Judge Lamar Knight remembers working with Brown on a double murder case, where neither getting paid except for a “hill of (sweet) potatoes” (but the two lawyers presented a good defense)

.Attorney Bill Wiggins recalls the unusual circumstances surrounding Brown’s first “election to the judgeship. Three people were contenders for a State Court Judge vacancy that year.  Governor Ernest Vandiver said he would appoint whoever Carroll County lawyers wanted. Brown won and never had any competition again.

Brown is remembered by many for his somewhat unorthodox courtroom procedures.  Wilkins recalls one particularly noisy courtroom being silenced by Brown’s directive from the bench to ‘shut up or I’m going to get a two-by-four and hit you in the head with it.’

Perhaps Head stated it best: ‘You either loved old Bob or you hated him … I happen to be one of the ones that loved him.’”

Thus, the notoriety of the early occupant of the “Judge Brown House” reveals his importance to the history of his community and Carroll County. The judge is buried in the Antioch Church Cemetery east of Bowdon.  The J. Crews bought and restored the home in 2001 and reside there now.

Bunt/Reaves House

O. D. Bunt built the Bunt/Reaves house, located three miles south of Bowdon on Reavesville Road circa 1889. The house and adjoining 365-acre farm were presented to Herman J. and Nancy Reaves as a wedding gift from her grandparents, W. D. and Sarah Lovvorn in 1894. After attending public schools in Tallapoosa, Georgia, he had completed his education at Bowdon College. In the early 1900s, Herman Reaves built a post office that was named Reavesville, a name that still identifies the community today. Mr. Reaves prospered in his farming, stock raising, and mercantile operations and at one time operated a 1600-acre farm. In addition to maintaining a large farm, Mr. Reaves was an active and valuable resident of the Bowdon area where he became involved in many endeavors. In the Methodist Church he was a trustee, steward, and Sunday School Superintendent. In 1909 he spearheaded the drive and served as chairman for the construction of the new Methodist Church in Bowdon. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Bowdon College. Mr. Reaves was an influential member of the Georgia General Assembly from Carroll County, serving as a state representative in 1905-06. In addition, he was President of the Merchant and Planters Bank in Bowdon. Reaves’ grandchildren, Bradley, Jr., Nan Gibbs, and Nell Bradbury, with their spouses still own and operate the farm today. In 1995, they were presented a Georgia Centennial Family Farm award. The Georgia Department of Agriculture gives this award to working farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 years. Bradley, Jr. and Nita renovated and reside in the home of his grandfather. They maintain their portion of the original farm as a Certified Tree Farm by the American Forest Foundation.

HOMES IN THE VICTORY COMMUNITY

Charles Addison McDaniel, who became founder of Bowdon College, was married to Victoria Hines born in 1836. When Colonel McDaniel was killed in the Civil War, she moved to the small village on the Little Tallapoosa River east of Bowdon that Charles’ brother George McDaniel had developed. When a post office was located there, the community was called "Victory" in her honor. This village was a booming community in the late 1800’s. In addition to the post office, there was a grist mill, sawmill, blacksmith shop to name a few sites. Today this community remains the site of several historic homes lovingly cared for.

The Woods/McDaniel/Allen House

George McDaniel began construction on this house circa 1896, completing it in 1989-99. The house was originally built for Dr. C. B. Woods who was to soon wed and become the new doctor in the community. The men and women of Victory community furnished the house, made draperies, and prepared the home for the young newlyweds. A small room on the left front of the house was equipped for Dr. Woods’ medical practice. A separate entrance door was made for the patients to enter. There was also a hitching post by this door for their buggies. Unfortunately Dr. Woods died of scarlet fever before the young couple could move into the house. As a result Ella McDaniel who had married John T. Hearn moved into the house and resided there for many years.

The Tisinger House

This home in the Victory/Farmer’s High Community was built circa 1916-20 on a part of the 6,000 acre estate of George A. McDaniel, Bowdon pioneer and builder and brother of Charles McDaniel founder of Bowdon College, by George Tissinger who had married McDaniel’s daughter Ida. Timbers for the house were from trees felled on the property. When the house was constructed, it was wired for electricity though electricity did not become a reality until 1937. The Tisinger farm installed one of the first windmills in Carroll County. Nine children were raised in the home, and the youngest, Robert David Tisinger inherited the property when Ida died. R. D. Tisinger, prominent judge in the area, was responsible for bringing electricity to rural areas and served as president of the National Rural Electrification Assoc. Earlier he had installed a windmill for electricity in the home. Judge Tisinger was also active and received awards for conservation of the land with the Soil Conservation Service. (Rowell) Tisinger descendants continue to maintain the home today.

Victory United Methodist Church

Antioch Methodist Protestant Church before unification, the church can claim the name "Victory" for many reasons. In 1897 plans were drawn by architect Hume of Atlanta, and the structure was built by J. Henry McDaniel with help from the people in the community. The name Victory was chosen to honor the wife of Charles McDaniel, Bowdon College founder and fallen Civil War leader. Tragedy struck in 1999 when lightning struck, destroying the famous 102 year old building but not the spirit of the members. They immediately began plans to rebuild their beloved church, duplicating its original construction. As in the first building, the pine wood used for rebuilding came from farms of McDaniel descendants in the Victory community, Alvin Chambers and David Tisinger. Special thanks were extended to the Joyner family for its construction. Its large bell was salvaged and now hangs outside the church although it was cracked by the heat and its fall during the fire. An exact replica of Victory United Methodist was completed thanks to the generosity of the community and people from throughout the country. The congregation today sings "Victory" with much heart and thankfulness and welcomes you to join them. (Chesnut)

McDaniel/Striplin House

In 1864 Mr. George McDaniel, brother of Charles McDaniel, built this house for his family. At that time he owned and operated a store in the Five Points area of Atlanta. Upon the completion of the house, George and his wife Martha moved to their new home and community later named Victory. There he opened several businesses. When his wife died, she was buried in the woods north of the house since there was no church and no cemetery at that time. McDaniel later donated land for a church, and in 1897 a building was erected and became what is today Victory United Methodist Church. The tallest marker in the church’s cemetery is a memorial to Mr. & Mrs. McDaniel. Mary Tisinger King moved back to Victory in the 1950s and lived in this house that her grandfather had built. It was here that she painted many lovely views of Victory Church. The Jerry Striplins bought the old house in 1965 and renovated the structure and landscaped the yards.

John Bryson Word House ("Goat Farm")

High on a knoll off Barnes Mill Rd. east of Bowdon, Georgia, stands one of the oldest houses in Carroll County.  The exact date of its construction is unknown at this time, but records indicate that John Bryson Word built a two story frame house for his family which included his wife and eleven children.  He and his family occupied the house from the early 1800s until sometime in the 19th century.  According to Georgia land records, “in January 1836 he purchased land lot number 194 in the eleventh district of Carroll County [over 400 hundred acres].”  (M. F. Word, Carroll Co. History Book) In his diary Mr. Word wrote that he “landed in Carroll County 18 February 1836.”    The house has been renovated several times but always in keeping with its historic past.  In the foyer and an upstairs bedroom, the original wide wall boards are visible.  Also, in this area of the house pictures and memorabilia of John Bryson Word are displayed.  Today this handsome white frame structure still commands an awesome view of the surrounding area including the Little Tallapoosa River. Mr. Word was an active member in area churches, serving as clerk for many years. First appointed in 1837, he served the Carroll County Inferior Court for many years. (CC History)  

According to great-great grandson Reuben Word of Carrollton, Georgia,

He [John B. Word] was well educated for his time, keeping a journal of weather conditions, crops and general events. [Family lore] tells of one of the sons who lived in Texas during the Civil War.  When his wife died, he traveled by horse and wagon to bring his children home to his mother so he could go to war.  As they came to the creek near the home place, he told the “kids [to] get out and wash your faces. You’re going to see your grandmother.” 

The family ties were strong and respect for parent and grandparents was expected.

Today people ask, “Why the name ‘Goat Farm.’”  According to an article written by Bill Fordham, “Old Word Farm – Word Property Here of Historical Interest,” in the Sunday, July 6, 1969 Times-Georgian, area residents gave this name to the farm.  The “name originated in the early 1900’s when a large number of goats were brought to the farm to clean out some of the heavy underbrush. The goats were later sold and stolen during the depression in the early 1930’s.  The farm is actually known as ‘The Word Place.’”  Great-great granddaughter, Joyce Word Grizzard, remembers playing on the farm and wading in the nearby river.  In the mid-1900s the house fell into a state of disrepair. When that happened, she said, “Dad often threatened us with the Goat Farm if we wouldn’t behave because it was spooky to children.”  However, restoration of the structure in the late 1900s returned the John Bryson Word house to its original status to again stand sentinel over the area at its command.

The graves of the original owners are preserved near the house. The tombstones’ inscriptions remain legible:

Ayers/McGuire/Chupp House

James William Ayers, Sr., (1861-1953) was raised an orphan and lived his younger years with his grandparents in the Word house west of Bowdon.  In 1887 he married Ella Skinner (1872 – 1955) and purchased 100+ acres of land southwest of Bowdon.  He first built a two room frame house facing Cumbie Rd., a road that was closed in the 1940’s and the land added to the Ayers’ property. During the 1890’s the house was enlarged to a four room “shot gun” house with two “Ell” porches. Other additions were completed in 1954, 1984, and 2005, but always the historic significance of the house was maintained.

Mr. Ayers initially became well respected as a builder and mason.  During that era, brick was scarce because it was difficult both to make and to transport.  Therefore, this early entrepreneur began a brick manufacturing business, the site being on his property across from Big Indian Creek.  [Note the photograph of the brickyard below.]  Others in the area joined him and his brother in this venture, among them the Wessinger, Johnson, and Burt families.  Many brick structures in Bowdon and Carrollton in Carroll County, Georgia and Ranburn in adjoining Cleburne County, Alabama display his handiwork. These buildings included churches, Bowdon College, and most of the commercial buildings.

Today the address for the house is 1272 Brickyard Road, a vivid reminder that the Bowdon area can be proud of its enterprising residents who were quick to seek solutions when a need arose, namely building materials.  Ironically, the Ayers home was constructed of Heart Pine, and his hobby was building stone retaining walls.  “Bricks” were his business.

This historic home that has been lovingly cared for is still occupied today by the descendants of James William Ayers, Sr.  Other descendants have continued as brick masons into the 21st Century.

Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church / Primitive Baptist Church of Christ at Bethlehem

2060 S. Hwy. 100
Bowdon, GA 30108

Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church was founded April 20, 1844 with twelve members.

In 1845 the church called Brother M. D. Robertson (sometimes spelled Roberson or Robison) to be the first preacher

PRESBYTERY

Henry Haynes – Moderator

Peterson Black – Clerk

The church was open to both white and black membership.  Circa 1853 the roster listed nine black members.

Circa 1860 J. L. Fletcher was hired to construct a permanent building for the church. The church remained active until its last service in 1990.  Area residents remember attending church services in the 1900s, experiencing the worship of their Primitive Baptist ancestors.  Church records can be found at the Neva Lomason Regional Library in Carrollton, Georgia, Carroll County.  Copies of the records and a Bible belonging to the church are now the property of the Carroll County Historical Society.  Church artifacts and memorabilia can also be found in the Shelnutt House Museum adjacent to and sponsored by the Bowdon Area Historical Society.  Mr. Alton Robinson of Bowdon is the last surviving member.

In the church cemetery located nearby are graves of both slaves and free men/women. In one section the headstones are simple stone markers, some the blue stones of the stream.  Although the first recorded death was August 4, 1850, the earliest legible date is July 10, 1887, the grave of James R. Copeland, one of three Civil War Veterans. Descendants of church members state that there are family histories documenting the inclusion of many slaves’ graves.

Flint Ridge Baptist Church

In 1927 Flint Ridge Baptist Church was located north of Bowdon near Lovvorn Mill on what is now known as Mill Street. At that time Rev. J. D. Dunson was pastor of the church of 250 members. During that year members decided to move the church south of town to a better location on Wedowee Street, now Highway 100. Because of the cooperation of a sister church, New Hope United Methodist Church, church services were not interrupted while the move was taking place and a new building was being constructed.

In the fall of 1929, a plain white frame building was erected. Between 1930 and 1939, with the help of members, a choir stand, ushers’ room, and pastor’s study were added and brick siding was placed on the outside of the building. Improvements continued in the following years:

• 1940's - white shingles added
• 1950's - bathrooms added and choir stand widened
• 1960's - gas added and carpet installed
• 1970's - building bricked and additional parking space purchased
• 1980's - addition of a new kitchen and dining area, the beginning of Bible Study, the installation of a new P.A. system, a heated Baptismal Pool, central heat and air installed, carpet placed on pulpit and choir stand
• 1990's - typewriter and copier bought for secretary's office, new piano purchased, ceilings refurbished and chandeliers and new light fixtures installed
• 21st Century - built foyer on front to protect from weather

In the eighty years at its present location, five pastors have shepherded the church: Rev. J. D. Dunson 1929 – 1967; Rev. C. B. Johnson 1969 -1970 - 1979; Rev. Harvelle Smith 1980 – 1984; Rev. Titus Roberson 1985; Rev. R. L. Miller 1986 – 1999; Rev. E. L. Stewart 2000 - 2001; Rev. Pierre St. Price – 2002 to present.

The church boasts several auxiliaries which foster its ongoing ministry: Deacon Board, Deaconess Board, Usher’s Board, Choir, Trustees, Male Chorus, Sunday School, Youth Matrons Auxiliary, and Youth Department.

In the 21st Century, Flint Ridge Baptist Church continues to be a thriving church made up of members who work for the growth of their church home as well as for the betterment of the entire area. They have shown the true spirit of “community.” Their “Church History” concludes with the following statement: “We pray that God will Continue to guide us as we go forward. We’ve come too far to turn around.”

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