In 1977, a Historic Preservation Survey of Towns County was completed, listing 73 historic properties that could be eligible for listing on the National Historic Registry.   Of that list, as of 2023, 39 are still standing (with 10 in peril), but 34 have been lost to time.   In the fall of 2023, I photographed several of those that are still standing.   Some are indeed in peril. 1 - Kimsey-Denton house off Hwy 76, Friendship community

Built ca. 1875-1880, originally owned by Rev. R. A. Kimsey Original: two over two, w/ center hall and stair; stacked chimney. New additions at front & rear; lightning rods on roof.

2 - Haynes-Green house Jacksonville community

Three over three, double gallery; exterior porch stairs. Started in late 1870s, as two rooms, for Dr. William Haynes.

A third room was added by Evans Green in 1880s, then 3 upstairs rooms. There were (are?) no connecting doors between the 3 upstairs rooms.

3 - Hunt-Barnard house Gumlog Rd., Young Harris

Built before 1900; original owner Bill Hunt; Barnards moved here in 1914. Exterior bath-wash house, privy, barn and crib. Transom and side-lights at front door.

Chimney at rear ell for cooking Rock end-chimneys stuccoed over.

Two over two, with center hall and stair, two-room ell. Maple mantels; six over six windows; turned spindles on stairs.

4 - Alexander-Campbell Mill Crooked Creek Rd, old Welch community

Built ca. 1900; original owners Will Alexander, Ernest Norton, Ernest Wright Was a grist-mill, flour-mill, and hammer mill; later operated by turbine wheel. Mill dam washed away many years ago.

5 - Frank Kelly house Streak Hill Rd. on Hiwassee River

Built ca. 1880; front section said to be log.

Rear of home

6 - John Lyon house Swallow Creek Rd.

Built 1880s, by John H. Lyon 1 1/2 story ell; two over two, with center hall and stairs.

Original stone & brick chimney has inscription: J. E. Deaver, 1889   (chimney builder)

Original transom and side-lights at front door

7 - Henson-Walls house Swallow Creek Rd.

Built before 1900; two rooms with center hall; one room ell Rock end chimney.  Walls family moved here in 1909. (Photo from Jerry Taylor, since I photographed the wrong old building!)

8 - Gibson house River St., Hiawassee

Built before 1900 - Ell, 2 over 2 w/ center hall; 3 room rear ell Interior all original grooved wood, covered by sheetrock.   Boxed in staircase.

9 - Two Boarding Student cabins River St., Hiawassee

Built ca. 1900 by J.M. & Maggie Berrong as student "cabins" for boarding students attending Hiawassee Academy.

Each small building was a duplex, with center chimney serving both halves for heating and cooking.

All Text & Images: Copyright 2023-2024.