June 1999

A New Beginning

Well, it's official!  The Pierce County Historical and Genealogical Society planted its foundation on Thursday evening, April 29, 1999, during the second meeting held at the railroad depot in Blackshear.  The first meeting was held at the Courthouse Annex on April 15, 1999 to determine whether or not the community was interested in establishing such an organization.  That has been proven by the overwhelming number of memberships we have received.  The third meeting was conducted at the railroad depot on May 27, 1999.  The fourth meeting was also held at the depot on June 24, 1999.

An excellent group of citizens of Pierce County have shown their support by attending the meetings.  We hope to compile, organize, and provide the citizens and general public with the most thorough and detailed historical interpretation of Pierce County, Georgia.  This will be a long-term project and we will need everyone's support in this exciting and challenging endeavor.  Join us as we venture back in time to a rich and fascinating history in the life of Pierce County.

Communication is Our Link

We are establishing a quarterly newsletter to generate and maintain a solid link of communication among our members and associates.   At the same time, we will provide our readership with historical events, people, and places which have had a significant impact on Pierce County.  Anyone interested in submitting an article which they feel would be an excellent history lesson for our readers please fell free to submit your article.  We do ask that all history-related articles be thoroughly researched.  We also invite you to submit any photographs related to Pierce County.  We will return every photograph.

The newsletter shall be published quarterly until we have fully established the historical society.  At that time we may decide to publish it more frequently.

Please submit all articles and / or photographs to:

Pierce County Historical & Genealogical Society
Attn.: Newsletter Editor: John Guss
P. O. Box 443
Blackshear, Georgia 31513

Looking Ahead

Imagine for a moment Pierce County having a museum where citizens and visitors can stroll through reflecting back on the days of yesteryear, seeing grandpa in his sharp new uniform, grandma standing on the front porch of what is now a historic home, or a young athlete who got the fans rising to their feet scoring a winning touchdown, and maybe a young woman who became a scholar.  Perhaps there was an event during the War between The States, WWI, or WWII which was significant to the history of the County or even something as tragic as a train accident.  These are the types of things we want to bring forward so we are all more aware of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.

It doesn't stop here.  We would also like to compile all of the reference materials available which will enable citizens and visitors to research and discover their ancestry, events, and old architecture.  A private library would be wonderful!  It would also be grand to tour some of the old homes of the community or old commercial buildings in which one's grandfather might have done business.  These are just a few of the goals the historical society has set towards accomplishing, but we can't do it alone.

We Need Your Support!

Get Involved!

We are all quite aware of how busy we are in our every day lives.  We have our jobs, our families, our churches, our child's ball game or recital, and then very little time left for ourselves.  So how in the world does one have time to get involved in preserving history?  Everyone can make a contribution, large or small.  Even if it is simply by joining or getting a friend or family member to join.  Your dollars will help build a museum, a library, put up a historic marker, or restore a building of historic significance.  What better way for children to learn than to visit a museum, study in a genealogical library, or take a tour of historic buildings in Pierce County.  

We have several interesting committees.  Some are more involved than others are.   Please look at an area(s), which might interest you.  We encourage each and every one of you to get involved.

Museum Committee
This committee will be involved with the planning and organizing of a future museum in Pierce County.  The Chamber of Commerce has formed a museum committee, which has begun a Heritage museum inside the railroad depot in Blackshear.  The project has been moving slowly so we hope to assist them in speeding up the process.
Chairman: John Guss
Committee Members: Mary Bizzell, Deborah Bowen, Charles Bryant, Betty Carter, Paul Davis, Roy Lovett, Shirley Powers, Lynda Sweat

Fundraising Committee
Fundraising is not a dirty word!  Raising money for good cause can be extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.  Fund-raisers unite a community to a common cause such as a museum, a library, or beautifying the community and everyone will benefit.  Such projects as festivals, garage sales, car washes are ways money can be raised.
Chairperson:
Committee Members: Jackie Ticher, Ann Stephenson, Lonnie Sweat

Research Committee:
This committee will interest everyone since it is quite easy to become involved.  The goal of this committee is to bring every piece of historical information to the forefront so that it may be organized and catalogued for others to view and research in further studies. 
Chairperson:
Committee Members: Gene Baker, Larry Batten, John Guss, Rosa Bell Hodges, Roy Lovett, Catherine memory, Mittie Vaughn, Mary Lott Walker

Membership Committee:
This may be the easiest committee for any of us to join.  It doesn't necessarily take a great deal of time.  Simply spreading the word and encouraging friends and family to join our worthy cause can have a tremendous impact on helping us accomplish seeing our dreams come true.  Spread the word about the history of Pierce County.
Chairperson:
Committee Members: John Guss, Roy Lovett, Mary Lott Walker

Anyone interested in joining one of these committees or chairing one, please contact:
PCHGS
Attn.: John Guss
P. O. Box 443
Blackshear, Georgia 31513

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Why Do We Have A Historical Society?

History is a part of each and every one of us whether it's good or bad.   But there is nothing more fascinating than studying people and events, which they participated.  Whether we fight in a war, win a championship, receive a promotion, commit a crime, or attend an anniversary event it becomes part of our memory, our history, and us.  It is important we share our history with each other and our future generations so we might learn from the past.

Many people are either aware or own a copy of book A History of Pierce County by Dean Broome published in 1973.  It is an excellent overview of the history of the county, but there is a tremendous amount of information, which he was unable to acquire or make room for in the book.  He even admits his book only "scratched the surface."  Even since its publishing we have experienced 26 years of history.  That's a lot.

Reading about history is a wonderful gift, but there is none greater than to walk through a building where those events took place or touch a piece of clothing which someone wore 10 years ago.  There is a great deal more to learn about this county.

Moving Ahead By Looking Back

A Piece of History

On May 16, 1922 the Blackshear Historical Society was formed.  Like most historical organizations their main objective was to preserve history through the study of events and persons, gathering material, and marking historic sites.  The society was limited to just eighteen women of the community.  Through their efforts they were able to obtain a granite (Georgia granite) marker which recognizes the road which General David Blackshear built through what has become the city of Blackshear.  There was an unveiling ceremony on May 8, 1925, which attracted many of the citizens of the county.   This marker isolated at the corner of Main Street and Plant Avenue.  The front of the marker recognizes the road and David Blackshear.  On the back, the stone lists the names of the Society members who include: President: Mrs. Alonzo Strickland, Vice-President: Mrs. R. G. Mitchell Jr., Secretary: Mrs. A. P. Davis, Treasurer: Mrs. E. L. Davis, Mrs. W. S. Bruce, Mrs. E. L. Darling, Mrs. J. E. Davis, Mrs. O. S. Dean, Mrs. G. T. Hendry, Mrs. Warren Lott, Mrs. H. V. McMillan, Mrs. L. H. Oden, Mrs. T. E. Oden, Mrs. E. L. Porter, Mrs. J. A. Strickland, Mrs. Belle Sprague, Mrs. W. P. Williams, Mrs. W. P. Strickland, and Mrs. J. B. Truett.

According to the book, The History of Pierce County, the society existed for 16 years.  

This granite monument was given in honor of General David Blackshear by the ladies of the Blackshear Historical Society.  It stands on the corner of Main Street and Highway Avenue in downtown Blackshear.  The names of the ladies are engraved on the backside of the monument.

Did You Know...

• Pierce County, Georgia was created in 1857.  It was named after the 14th President of the United States Franklin Pierce.  Pierce County was organized from portions of Ware and Appling Counties.  The county seat is Blackshear.  The first U. S. Census for this county was begun on June 1, 1860 and finished on June 27, 1860.  This census registered a population of 1,973.  Blackshear itself had 319 inhabitants. In 1870, Pierce County had a population of 2,778, of which 490 were living in Blackshear.  
  
• During the bloodiest conflict of American history, the Civil War (War Between The States), twenty-seven American soldiers.  In November of 1864 some five thousand Union prisoners of war were transported on the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad from Savannah to Blackshear for holding while General Sherman advanced through Georgia. 
  
  In a letter from the National Archives in Washington, DC to Dr. Katherine Hendry (resident of Blackshear), who was instrumental in getting the historic marker placed on the site of the prison, it stated that twenty-seven soldiers were buried in Blackshear. Where, they did not specify.  However it is possible in the vicinity of the prison camp. 
  
  After the war, their bodies were reentered to the Beaufort National Cemetery, in Beaufort, SC. There may very have been more soldiers who died at the Blackshear Prison Camp since records were so poorly maintained during that time in history.  However, we may never know.  The families of these men never knew what happened to their sons, their husbands, and their friends, but they are buried among fellow countrymen and heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend this nation. 

They are known only to God

Genealogical Library Now Open In Pierce County, Georgia

At last we have our own

Preserving What You Have

You don't have to be a professional museum curator or have a master's degree to know and understand some of the principle basics in preserving family photographs, albums, artifacts, or other priceless heirlooms. 

Photographs:
1)  Keep all photographs in low-lit areas of your home or office.
2)  Keep all photographs, albums, and framed pictures in a temperature controlled environment.
3)  Keep all of your photographs in an acid-free and archival safe folder or plastic sleeve if they are not hanging in a picture frame.  These items can be purchased at most any office supply store or Walmart. 
4)  Do not laminate photographs
5)  Do not write on photographs with ink pens or markers to identify.  Always use pencil.
6)  Keep photographs in frames if you have the space to hang them or store them.

Clothing:
1)  Keep all clothing in low-lit areas of your home or office.  
2)  Keep all clothing items in a temperature controlled environment.
3)  Clothing items should be stored in archival safe boxes which can be purchased from various archival products companies.
     Gaylord: 1-800-448-6160
4)  Frequently check clothing items as silverfish, roaches, and other insects love to eat on paper and clothing materials.  If you find intrusion, simply clean out the area and restore.

Buildings:
1)  Do not pressure wash old structures with high powered pressure washers.  This deteriorates the brick and mortar causing the building to decay at a much more rapid pace than normal weather elements.
2)  Do not leave exterior woodwork exposed to elements.  Put a primer coat of paint on all woodwork and then a quality coat of paint.
3)  Always keep a close monitor on woodwork within the structure such as floors, doors, and window frames for signs of termite intrusion.

Historic Map of Pierce County

The Pierce County Historical and Genealogical Society has agreed at the third meeting, May 27, 1999, to work together with Town Graphics, Inc. of Alpharetta (Atlanta), Georgia, a company which specializes in community maps.  These will not be just ordinary maps.  They are a caricature style commemorative map which will highlight historic homes, churches, stores, schools, the Civil war prison camp, the courthouses, and any other points of interest throughout Pierce County.  The project will be funded through local businesses purchasing advertising on the map.  They too will have the opportunity to have their business placed on the map.  We will be in charge of compiling all the structures we would like to see on the map along with the historical information behind that structure.  Anyone having a building they would like placed on the map should contact the Society as soon as possible.

These maps will be a great fundraising project, but moreover, provide direction for tourists coming to Pierce County to visit our historic sites.

If you have an historic structure you would like to see placed on this map, please write to the society.  Please include the building's history.

Roy and Joyce Lovett recently invited the members to a Saturday breakfast social at the Lovett's Rusty Nail Farm.  Roy and Joyce were gracious hosts cooking a delicious Southern style breakfast for everyone.   Their farm is something to see.  It is a museum in itself.

A Civil War Trail In Georgia

The Civil War Commission recently held its quarterly meeting in Augusta, Georgia in which John Guss attended.  The major topic of discussion was the endangerment of the Resaca Battlefield, which was the first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign.  Eleven hundred acres of hallowed ground was up for sale, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with The Civil War Commission were all set to purchase the property for $2.8 million when a carpet manufacturer bought the property for the sum of $2.6 million.  There is indeed some strange activity going on with this deal.  Unfortunately, the manufacturer is not at all interested in having a Civil war Battlefield park on or adjacent to his property.   So, the State of Georgia is trying to rapidly regroup and figure out its next move.   Time is of the essence stated by the commission at the meeting.  They have encouraged everyone who cares about saving this precious battlefield to write Governor Roy Barnes IMMEDIATELY!

Honorable Governor Roy Barnes
State Capital
Room 111
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

The most exciting part of the meeting was the discussion of a Civil War Trail which will cover the entire state of Georgia.  This trail will be designed to provide tourists a route which they can follow to various sites where Civil War events took place.  Blackshear will be included on the trail.  John Guss provided an exhibit of the prison camp so the commission and members of  the Georgia Civil War Battlefield Association could see the importance of recognizing this site.  The exhibit consists of a summary about the prison, four diary accounts of union soldier's experiences while at Blackshear and other prisons in the South, photographs of the prison as it appears today, and a correspondence from Colonel Forno, commander of the camp, to General Winder, overall commander of the prison system in Georgia.  The Blackshear Prison Exhibit is currently located in the genealogical library along with other Civil War artifacts.  The commission pointed out they hope to complete the project within two years.

A Little Help from The Experts

We recently decided it would be in our best interest to join the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Civil War Battlefields Association.  The Georgia Historical Society is an historical organization which has been around for many years concentrating on the preservation of Georgia history.  They have an affiliate program which we are now a part.  Over 100 other county historical historical organizations are members as well.  This is an excellent circle to be associated with as we have already received several books and pamphlets from the Georgia Historical Society which pertain to historic preservation in various aspects.  These reference materials are available in our new library.  Another benefit of being an affiliate member is the discount on the on a wide assortment of genealogy and history books which could be useful to our library.   Members receive a 20% discount.  There are many other benefits as you will see in the future.

If you are ever in the Savannah area, please stop in and visit their beautiful two-story library.  It has a large collection of of reference books, old manuscripts, paintings, maps, and rotating exhibits on various historical topics.  The Georgia Historical Society is located on Whitaker Street across from Forsyth park in the historic district.

The Georgia Civil War Battlefields Association is also an excellent organization to be affiliated.  Although it is just over 5 years old, they have made great strides to preserve and promote Civil War sites in the State of Georgia.  The most recent project was the purchase of of much of the Griswoldville Battlefield located just north of Macon.  This was the site of the only major battle between Union and Confederate forces after the Atlanta Campaign before Sherman reached Savannah.

They are currently working with the Civil War Commission to try and purchase and preserve the Resaca Battlefield.  In time they may very well be able to help us in the purchase of the Blackshear Prison site should the land become available.

We received the book, Crossroads of Conflict, which is a tour book of most of the Civil War Sites in Georgia.  Unfortunately, Blackshear was left out, but next year's issue will have our site among the other landmarks.

Wanted

We are always looking for donations of artifacts, books, manuscripts, and other historical materials which will enhance the quality of the library and museum.  However, anyone wishing to loan or donate an item MUST complete the designation form at the library before it can be turned over to the custody of the library and museum. 

Note: Unfortunately, we do not have space for every artifact or book donated to us.  It shall be at the descretion of the board of directors to decide what can be accepted and maintained.

Thank You

Noted Individuals

• Robert Burton established the first newspaper in Blackshear in 1869.  He titled the publication "The Southeast Georgian."  Keightly Strickland set type on that paper.  Unfortunately, the newspaper was unsuccessful, and the community went two years without a publication.

• Eleazer Z. Byrd was one of the most prominent and influential men in Pierce County during the period from about 1878 to after 1900.  It was during this time he served as publisher of the local newspaper and as sheriff.  He came to Blackshear from Florida some time after 1870 and began publishing "The Little Gem" in Blackshear in March of 1878.  The name of the newspaper was changed several times, until it finally became The "Blackshear Times."

This beautiful old water tower and public water works building dating back to 1913, is still in use by the city of Blackshear.  Deborah Bowen has been researching and working toward historic recognition of this site.  Anyone having any information on this structure please contact her so we might have the tower and building placed on the registrar of historic sites.

More About The Water Tower

This marvel of engineering was designed and constructed by R. T. Aderhold, a well-established contractor throughout the southeast.  The concrete tower stands 105 feet tall and has the capacity of storing 100,000 gallons of water.  Originally, there was only one well for the tower, but in 1935 an additional well was was dug to support the increased demand for water.  The structure has a fortress dentile style architecture at its top and base.  Unfortunately, little mechanical systems remain in the tower.  A 1981 newspaper article stated that the reason why the tower was built of concrete as opposed to iron is that concrete was more cost effective in upkeep, more resistant to the elements, and a better aging material.  Deborah added her expert knowledge on the architecture by stating that the tower was an excellent example of Utilitarian Victorian architecture which was still evident in Southeast Georgia as late as 1913.

The tower itself is not currently in use.  A new tower was built for the city and took over the duties in 1972.  However, the workshop at the base of the tower is still being used by the Blackshear Public Works Department.  The tower is located on Memory Lane in Blackshear in the industrial park.

We would certainly like to know more about this tower and public works buildings if anyone has additional information.  It will be one of the structures placed on our historic map.

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