Rabinowitz Building
203--205 W. Eleventh St., Alma, GAThe Rabinowitz Building is significant in the areas of architecture, commerce, and politics/government.
The Rabinowitz Building is significant in architecture as a good example of a commercial, multi-use building built in a small town laid out with the railroad tracks as its central axis and the store on the town's main street. It is especially important for the use of glazed bricks and ornamented metal cornice to enhance its front facade and make an impression quite distinct from similar, common brick, small-town storefronts. This technique appears to have been a specialty of a local builder, Manning Sullivan.
It is significant in commerce for having been built as a multi-use commercial building by William Rabinowitz (1873 - 1935), a Jewish immigrant. The building is part of a residential/commercial complex that included a garage and his residence which were to the rear of the store (both are now gone). He used half of the first floor for his dry goods store, until he moved to Atlanta in 1924 for health and social reasons, and leased out the rest. It thus served a major commercial need for a small, growing town, not only as a dry goods store but for its large, second-story space. Later uses for all three spaces include a church, theatre, dentist office, furniture store in the 1950s, and a garment factory in the 1960s.
The building is significant in politics/government for having had its second floor used as the original county courthouse or courtroom and offices. Bacon County had been carved out of Pierce, Ware, and Appling Counties in 1914 and the Rabinowitz building was used as the courthouse from 1915 until the construction of the present courthouse in 1920. This is similar to the use of a pioneer settler's home for the first courthouse in older counties in Georgia.
Local significance of the building:
The Rabinowitz Building is significant in architecture as a good example of a commercial, multi-use building built in a small town laid out with the railroad tracks as its central axis and the store on the town's main street. It is especially important for the use of glazed bricks and ornamented metal cornice to enhance its front facade and make an impression quite distinct from similar, common brick, small-town storefronts. This technique appears to have been a specialty of a local builder, Manning Sullivan.
It is significant in commerce for having been built as a multi-use commercial building by William Rabinowitz (1873 - 1935), a Jewish immigrant. The building is part of a residential/commercial complex that included a garage and his residence which were to the rear of the store (both are now gone). He used half of the first floor for his dry goods store, until he moved to Atlanta in 1924 for health and social reasons, and leased out the rest. It thus served a major commercial need for a small, growing town, not only as a dry goods store but for its large, second-story space. Later uses for all three spaces include a church, theatre, dentist office, furniture store in the 1950s, and a garment factory in the 1960s.
The building is significant in politics/government for having had its second floor used as the original county courthouse or courtroom and offices. Bacon County had been carved out of Pierce, Ware, and Appling Counties in 1914 and the Rabinowitz building was used as the courthouse from 1915 until the construction of the present courthouse in 1920. This is similar to the use of a pioneer settler's home for the first courthouse in older counties in Georgia.
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
In the early 20th century, Georgia was known for its "convict leasing" system, which allowed companies to lease prisoners from the state for labor. The system was abolished in 1908 after investigations revealed widespread abuse and mistreatment of prisoners.
About Bacon County
Bacon County Timeline
Bacon County, Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its founding in 1914. Originally inhabited by the Muscogee Creek Native American tribe, the area was known for its fertile soil and abundant wildlife. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the region saw significant development.
In the late 1800s, Bacon County became a bustling center for the timber industry. Lumber mills were established along the Satilla River, providing a vital source of employment and economic growth. The production and transportation of timber played a crucial role in shaping the county's early economy and attracting settlers.
The county was officially created on July 27, 1914, carving out a portion of neighboring Appling County. It was named after Augustus Bacon, a prominent U.S. Senator from Georgia. The early years of Bacon County were marked by agricultural success, as farmers took advantage of the fertile land to cultivate crops such as cotton, vegetables, and tobacco.
Throughout the decades, Bacon County faced its share of challenges and triumphs. It experienced the impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s, which resulted in widespread poverty and hardship. However, the county rebounded in the post-war era, diversifying its economy with the introduction of new industries. Today, Bacon County continues to be an important agricultural and manufacturing hub in southern Georgia, contributing to the growth and development of the state.
In the late 1800s, Bacon County became a bustling center for the timber industry. Lumber mills were established along the Satilla River, providing a vital source of employment and economic growth. The production and transportation of timber played a crucial role in shaping the county's early economy and attracting settlers.
The county was officially created on July 27, 1914, carving out a portion of neighboring Appling County. It was named after Augustus Bacon, a prominent U.S. Senator from Georgia. The early years of Bacon County were marked by agricultural success, as farmers took advantage of the fertile land to cultivate crops such as cotton, vegetables, and tobacco.
Throughout the decades, Bacon County faced its share of challenges and triumphs. It experienced the impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s, which resulted in widespread poverty and hardship. However, the county rebounded in the post-war era, diversifying its economy with the introduction of new industries. Today, Bacon County continues to be an important agricultural and manufacturing hub in southern Georgia, contributing to the growth and development of the state.
Bacon County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bacon County, Georgia.
- 1914: Bacon County is established as a county in Georgia.
- Early 1900s: The County experiences significant growth due to the expanding timber industry.
- 1918: The county seat is established in Alma.
- Late 1920s: Bacon County suffers from the economic effects of the Great Depression.
- 1930s-1940s: The county's agricultural sector thrives with the production of peanuts, pecans, and timber.
- 1945: The Bacon County Courthouse is built.
- 1970s: The county experiences a decline in population due to young people leaving in search of job opportunities.
- 1989: A tornado causes significant damage to areas within Bacon County.
- 2000s: The county focuses on diversifying its economy, particularly through tourism and the development of small businesses.
- Present: Bacon County continues to be a predominantly rural and agricultural area, known for its friendly community and scenic landscapes.