Most of what we visited was on Osborne Street, the main drag of historic St. Mary's. We toured Orange Hall, a massive (9,500 square feet) three story Greek Revival mansion with Doric columns. See sign below. There are four rooms on the main floor (a front parlor for the ladies, a second front parlor for the gents, a study and a dining room). The second/top floor was originally four bedrooms with the family gathering in the wide hall at the far end of the stairs. The basement was comprised of the servants quarters, a wine cellar and the kitchen. Knowledgeable docents tell tales of the place which is furnished with period antiques. The entrance fee is $3 per person. No photos were allowed to be taken inside or I'd have some here to show.
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| sign in front of Orange Hall |
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| Orange Hall |
When we travel, we try to find an old church to attend. Built in 1808, this treasure was non-denominational and named St. Marys Church. Horace S. Pratt, a Presbyterian minister arrived into 1821. With 29 people, he formed a congregation and in 1828, the Georgia Legislature officially pronounced it the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys. The ground floor was a public school. We heard a story that pirates managed to somehow get a horse up into the bell tower. The animal was none too happy with his reins tied to the bell, so his every movement rang that bell. The town folk came running to the church to see why the bell was ringing while the pirates robbed their homes and shops and ships! By the way, the family of Horace's first wife built Orange Hall, which is right across the street from the church!
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| Presbyterian Church circa 1808 |
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| inside Presbyterian Church |
We took a Doodle Bug (long golf cart) tour, $5 a person, around town. We saw this arched tree below. Pretty cool.
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| fallen tree rooted on both ends in front of house, making natural arch |
The Cottage Shop is a pretty place on Osbourne Street, an easy walk from the Goodbread House in which we stayed. Filled with charming antiques and gifts, including my Goodbye Lie series novels (shameless plug). You'll be graciously welcomed by Felicia MacDonald.
Felicia MacDonald
The Cottage Shop
2015 Osborne Road # A
Saint Marys, GA31558-9164
912 882-9171
