One last tour before departing Fort Gaines, Ga

March 27, 2021

Heading south today

Momma told me today was travel day so I had to gather all my toys and pack up.  She failed to mention I had ALL morning to do that.  This campground has set a departure time of no later than 3pm so.....

Momma and Dad decided to make the most of their morning while in the area. Momma had FINALLY gotten in touch with the right person to open up Sutton's Corner Museum for them for an 11 am Saturday tour.  

But before the museum tour, they took advantage of the time they had to view part of the Fort Gaines walking tour of some 1800's houses.  The Historical Society had put together a booklet with a short story about each location on the walking tour.  This particular house was built by Mr. Grimsley' widow.
   Two men were in competition  for the hand of a lady they were both courting.  Grimsley lost, but rather than try to find another woman to marry, he made up his mind to wait for the married couple's first daughter to marry.  Sounds like he was a patient man.  After the old man's death, his widow came to Fort Gaines and ordered this house from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog.  It was delivered by railroad and put together by local workers.

The house above was designed by a mail order architect in Illinois.  It was labeled the 'Suburban Chicago Home' in architect's Barber Catalog and constructed around 1900.  It has had several owners and upgrades over the years.

For the right price, you could purchase this house as it is currently for sale.

It is the perfect time to tour the area as the azealas are in full bloom.

The docent at the Sutton's Corner Museum was very knowledgeable and had some interesting stories and legends to share.

The collection of unique items in the museum came from Sutton's Corner General Store about 12 miles to the east.  Three generations of Sutton's operated the store until Warren Sutton crashed his auto into a tree and died.  His wife locked the doors and the foliage grew over the building.  

Years later, David Campbell purchased the building and contents but discovered the the current residents....rattlesnakes....had taken possession of the building.  That probably saved the building from being looted.  Campbell located a local, knowledgeable gentleman who was able to drive out the snakes, allowing Campbell to relocate the items in the current museum. 

Do you know what this item is?  

Just add coal and you have a buggy warmer.

How about the purpose of this board that has the shape of an ironing board?

It's called a cooling board.  When it appeared that someone had died, they would place the body on the board (yes, they were much smaller in statue back then) and let the body cool, verifying that the person was indeed dead before they buried them.

Notice how the bottom of the display case slants inward.  Do you know why?

It allows room for the large petticoats that the woman wore back then.  

Our docent stated that this sign is probably the item of highest value in the building.

Campbell was offered quite a sum of money for it, but he refused the sale. 

This scale is certainly interesting.  I'm sure it got the job done back in the day.

After the museum tour, Momma and Dad left their friends who headed off for lunch at The Lodge. They returned to me to hitch up so we could begin heading south.

We had a nice welcoming at our stop for the night.  

Dad said, 'No herding allowed!'   I was a good girl and just watched them.  But if they had decided to run, I might have had a hard time resisting!?!

They sure have shiny heads.

Tomorrow we will slide the rest of the way home so Dad can make his Monday appointment with his shoulder surgeon to have the lump drained from the shoulder that had the new ball and cup implanted last August (shoulder replacement).  I guess he is one of the 'lucky' ones that have fluid gather.  His doctor indicated that it sometimes happens.  We are hoping this is the end of it but they always say the third time is the charm and this is only the second occurrence.  Time will tell!  I know Dad is looking forward to relieving that fluid pressure.  

I'm Chloe