The Royal Workers Lodge F & AM PHA No. 144, Widows Son Chapter OES No. 408 is located in an historic African-American community, just across the St. Marys River from Florida. Maps refer to the area as Greenville, but residents of the area say that name is never used and they all call it Browntown.
Filed under -CAMDEN COUNTY
Fraternal lodges were important gathering place for the historic African-American communities of the Georgia coast. The Keystone Lodge No. 98 Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, is an important part of the Harrington community. This lodge, which I understand is still active, is also home to the Progressive Chapter 139, Order of the Eastern Star.
Filed under -GLYNN COUNTY, St. Simons Island GA
A farmers’ alliance was first chartered on Sapelo Island in 1892 to serve the needs of black farmers. It was also used for social gatherings and community meetings. Original members were: Cuffy Wilson, President; Sipio Sams, Vice-president; Rachel Dunham, Treasurer; Reverend Joseph Jones, Chaplain; Ceasar Sams, Conductor; Sam Dixon, Secretary; other members included Glasco Campbell, Peter Sams, Ben Brown, Cato Hillery, Katie Brown, Charles Hall, and Liberty Handy. Through the efforts of Cornelia Walker Bailey and the Sapelo Island Cultural & Revitalization Society restored this important symbol of Hog Hammock in 2008 and it is the site for the Cultural Day Festival, held every third Saturday in October. It’s one of the older remaining buildings in Hog Hammock.
Hog Hammock Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under -MCINTOSH COUNTY, Hog Hammock GA, Sapelo Island GA
Located in a section of the old Fort Screven complex, the Tybee “Lite” Shrine Club pays homage to the famous lighthouse just across the street.
Filed under -CHATHAM COUNTY, Tybee Island GA
Though I’ve been unable to find an exact date for this lodge, I believe it dates to the 1890s, which would make it one of the oldest structures in Woodbine. It’s very well-maintained.
Filed under -CAMDEN COUNTY, Woodbine GA
Similar in style to African-American schoolhouses still extant in the region, this small lodge hall was the home of a fraternal organization. Preservation or stabilization is needed immediately.
Filed under -MCINTOSH COUNTY, Eulonia GA
