Evening in the Appleby Garden Concert

Perpetual Care

I visited the Magnolia Cemetery today and I came across many family plots with this marker - Perpetual Care C.C.A. I can't imagine how the small amount initially paid could come close to providing this service today. There were so many graves that obviously haven't been visited by family members in last fifty years. But, those that were at least had the occasional veteran's flag or vase of flowers and fewer weeds.

I was especially drawn to the gated plots belonging to the former pillars of the community. Most, like the one below were in disrepair.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy my views of Augusta.

Immaculate Conception No More

The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception and its Academy were built and dedicated in 1913 by the African Missionary Fathers of the Catholic Church. Located on the corner of Gwinnett Street (now Laney-Walker Boulevard) and Eleventh Street, the original two buildings of red brick consisted of the church and its parochial school. Taught by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception whose convent and boarding school were a block away on Twelfth Street, the school attracted African American students of all faiths. With two additional buildings added later in the 20th century, the campus had been a cornerstone in the Laney-Walker neighborhood for nearly a century.

Although the Church was closed in the 1974, the school remained at this site until 2009, when it moved to Telfair Street and Eighth Street. Last week, the old Immaculate Conception School - attended by my grandmother, my father and his seven brothers and sisters, was demolished. Next week, I suspect that the church building, shown below, will follow suit.

I Need a Break

Thanks for following me and providing comments, but I need a break. I don't know how long I'll be away from posting, hopefully not too long. In the meantime, when I have a photo to share, I'll do so on Facebook. Follow me there - Eleanor Matthews.

Condominiums on Walton Way

It's after dusk on tranquil Walton Way, located in the Summerville section of Augusta. The tree line, light tails of passing cars and the flowing fountain are shown in the background. Soon the azaleas will be in bloom and golf-mania, otherwise known as the Masters Tournament, will be rampant in Augusta. Despite the throngs of visitors from near and far, traffic jams, packed restaurants and the general disruption of daily life most in Augusta can hardly wait! 

New Savannah Cemetery



 Except for the New Savannah Cemetery, nothing remains of the town of New Savannah, Georgia.

Stairway to Riverwalk

Augusta-Richmond County Public Library

Brick Shed and Wall

I discovered this brick structure and wall behind the old Augusta Library parking lot.

Used Book Shop

Yesterday, the Augusta Richmond County Public Library hosted the first annual Augusta Literary Festival, which included more than 50 local authors. The Augusta community was able to meet authors, hear excerpts of their work and get signed copies of their books. The Friends of the Library Book Shop had a vintage typewriter on display - it was curiosity to many.

Augusta Block Bricks

As I sought to find any information about these 'Augusta' Bricks, I discovered that a Florida blog - The St. Pete Project posted photos of Augusta and other named city bricks on January 23, 2012. The only information I could find was the following from an Augusta Chronicle article written in 1999.

GEORGIA VITRIFIED CLAY CO., Harlem, GA
From The Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Vitrified Brick and Clay Co. opened in 1902. The main part of the institution was at Campania, about two miles outside Harlem. One of the company's founding officers, Frank R. Clark, was instrumental in helping locate the first bank in Columbia County, at Harlem, in November 1905.

The company's kilns were used to produce sewer pipes, chimney liners, flues, tiles and other clay products. During its heyday, the enterprise rented small apartment homes in Belair to house many of its employees at Campania and its mines.

The company's legacies include bricks embossed with the "AUGUSTA BLOCK" trademark, manufactured and produced through the 1940s.

These bricks still can be found at some locations across the South. They are on some walkways near Riverwalk Augusta and Daniel Village, and some are embedded in highways throughout the vicinity. Old courthouse and cemetery yards in Georgia still yield the famed bricks that were processed at the ovens in Campania. Moreover, many also can be found in areas of Florida such as Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The company was sold in 1995 to an Indiana firm. Its facility at Campania has been used primarily as a distribution point.

Gardner Family Cemetery Gate

Power Grid?

This is a literal representation of today's City Daily PhotoTheme of Electricity. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants. 

Car Wash No More

Pontiac Master Auto, located at the corner of 11th and Telfair Streets apparently operated as a car wash before its new owners demolished this portion of the building. I don't yet know what its new incarnation will be, but if it's photogenic...

Cemetery Lane Sign

Iron Cemetary Fence

Magnolia Cemetary

Magnolia Cemetery is located on land that was at one time part of a plantation with the first official burial in August of 1818. The cemetery contains over 60 acres.

Winter in the Swamp

New Savannah Lock & Dam

Augusta State University Orchestra

The Augusta State University Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Martin David Jones, performed Bartok and Beethoven during Thursday night's concert at Maxwell Performing Arts Theater. Dr. Linda Banister, Music Department professor sang an emotion-filled aria from Beethoven's Ah, Perfido.

Trees in the Park

The trees in New Savannah Lock & Dam Park are still bare, except for the Spanish Moss, of course!

Destination: Phinizy Swamp Observation Deck

From the boardwalk above the floodplain of Butler Creek to the observation deck. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is located within the city limits of Augusta, just a stone's throw away from the Augusta Regional Airport. A great place to see birds of flight, such as egrets and jets.

Spaulding Bench

This bench in the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park was donated by the children and grandchildren of Jack and Anne Spaulding.

Reed Creek Falls

Reed Creek Falls flowing into the historic Augusta Canal.

Bank Columns

The Citizens and Southern National Bank

Augusta Chronicle

Civil War Heritage Trails

ASU Jazz Ensemble

The Augusta State Department of Music presented the Jazz Ensemble, student musicians and their director  Dr. Robert Foster, in concert last night. The program included selections from John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, Nat Adderley and others. The Jazz Ensemble is indeed a fine group of young jazz musicians. Looking forward to their next performance scheduled for mid April.

Charleston Street Hearts

ASU Campus