Butts County Historical Society, Inc.

06/18/2026

🐴 Punk Thurman: Jackson's "Old Reliable Hackman"

Long before taxis, ride-sharing services, and even widespread automobile ownership, visitors arriving in Jackson often depended on one man to get them where they needed to go.

That man was Punk Thurman.

For many years during the early twentieth century, Thurman operated a horse-drawn hack from the Southern Railway depot, carrying passengers, travelers, and commercial salesmen to the Buchanan Hotel and destinations throughout Jackson. To generations of residents and visitors, he became one of the most familiar sights in town.

A photograph from the era proudly identifies him as "Punk Thurman – Old Reliable Hackman – Jackson, Ga." His horse-drawn hack stood ready to meet arriving trains, a vital service during a time when the railroad was the primary gateway into Butts County.

Travelers stepping off the train would often see Punk waiting nearby, prepared to transport both passengers and luggage through the streets of Jackson. Among those he frequently served were the traveling salesmen, known as "drummers," who arrived carrying trunks filled with merchandise to present to local merchants.

One historical account described Punk Thurman as "one of the most familiar and beloved faces to ever grace the Jackson scene." For years he faithfully met trains at the depot, becoming a dependable fixture of daily life in the community. His most common route was taking passengers to the Buchanan Hotel which he was employed at for many years.

A rare photograph from around 1920 shows Thurman standing beside his horse and hack in downtown Jackson. Another image, taken the same year, captures him in the background behind Jackson Police Chief Charles T. Thornton. These photographs preserve a glimpse of an era when horses and hacks shared the streets with the first automobiles and when the railroad connected Jackson to the wider world.

Eventually, the automobile transformed transportation and brought an end to the hack business. As one newspaper remembered, Punk Thurman's hack was "put out of business by the advent of the automobile." Yet while the horse-drawn vehicles disappeared, the memory of Punk remained.

Today, Punk Thurman is remembered not because he held public office or amassed wealth, but because he faithfully served the people of Jackson during a transformative period in the town's history. He represents a bygone era when visitors arrived by train, transportation was measured in hoofbeats rather than horsepower, and familiar faces at the depot helped make Jackson feel like home.

📷 Do you have additional photographs, stories, or family memories of Punk Thurman? We'd love to learn more about one of Jackson's most recognizable figures from the railroad era.

GL

06/17/2026

The Butts County Historical Society extends its sincere gratitude to all of our preservationists for their continued support and dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting the history and historical assets of Butts County.

Because of your generosity and commitment, we are able to share our local stories, protect important historical assets, preserve historic resources, and ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate our community’s rich heritage.

We encourage everyone to support these businesses and organizations as they have so graciously supported us. Their investment in local history and preservation efforts helps make our work possible, and we are grateful for their partnership in safeguarding the places, stories, and historical assets that make Butts County unique.

Thank you for helping keep Butts County’s history alive. Your support makes a lasting difference, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to preserving our past for future generations. ❤️🏛️📜

06/17/2026

Come join us next Thursday, June 25, for a great program presented by Jim Herbert titled Butts Ablaze!

Learn about this fascinating chapter of Refreshments will be served, and we’d love to have you with us.

We’ll save you a seat—see you there!

🔥 BUTTS ABLAZE! 🔥

Do you know the stories behind some of the most significant fires in Butts County history? From devastating downtown blazes to the evolution of our local fire departments, this fascinating program will explore the people, events, and services that have helped protect our community through the years.

Join the Butts County Historical Society as we welcome Jim Herbert along with members of the Fire Department and Community Services for an engaging presentation:

📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Flovilla Schoolhouse
106 Collier Street, Flovilla, GA 30216

"BUTTS ABLAZE!"
Learn the history of Butts County’s fires and fire services through historic photographs, stories, and firsthand knowledge from those who have served our community.

🍽 Dinner will be served
👥 Bring a friend
📚 Learn a little
😂 Laugh a lot

Whether you're interested in local history, firefighting, or simply enjoy learning more about our community, this is a program you won't want to miss!

We hope to see you there! 🚒🔥🏛️

06/16/2026

Circa Early 1900s - The Passenger Train arrives at 10:05 am for passengers arriving in Jackson. Look for Punk Thurman. He's your man. On Thursday you will learn more about Punk.

06/11/2026

🏨 The Buchanan Hotel: Jackson's Grand Hotel of Another Era

For more than seventy years, the Buchanan Hotel stood as one of Jackson's most prominent landmarks and a symbol of hospitality in Butts County. Long before interstate highways and chain hotels, the Buchanan Hotel welcomed travelers arriving by train, hosted community gatherings, and served as a familiar sight in downtown Jackson.

The hotel's story began in the late 1880s when Asa Smith built the structure for his sister-in-law, Mrs. Ezra Morrison. Originally known as the Morrison House, it was later managed by Mrs. Morrison's sister, Mrs. C. R. Gresham. During those early years, large "sample rooms" were added to accommodate traveling salesmen, or "drummers," who arrived by rail carrying trunks filled with merchandise to show local merchants.

Around 1900, the hotel was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Buchanan and became known as the Buchanan Hotel. Under Buchanan's ownership, large wings were added to both sides of the building, expanding it into a 42-room hotel that occupied a square lot measuring 245 feet on each side.

For generations, the Buchanan Hotel was much more than a place to stay. It was a gathering place where visitors enjoyed home-cooked meals, businessmen met for lunch, families celebrated special occasions, and travelers found a welcoming stop in Jackson.

One of the hotel's most beloved figures was Lewis Henderson, who worked there for nearly fifty years. Each day at noon, dressed in a white coat, he rang the hotel's bell, a familiar sound that echoed through downtown and signaled lunchtime for local businessmen. Lewis also drove the hotel's horse-drawn surrey to the railroad depot to meet arriving guests and bring them back to the hotel.

Many longtime residents also remember Tom Bailey and Mamie Bailey, whose years of service became part of the hotel's rich history.

Over the years, the hotel was known by several names, including the Butts County Hotel and later the Jackson Hotel, but for many residents it would always be remembered as the Buchanan Hotel.

By the 1950s, changing travel habits and the passage of time had begun to take their toll. The Buchanan family sold the hotel in 1954, and a few years later the decision was made to demolish the aging landmark. As demolition began, James Buchanan, who had been born and raised in the hotel, reflected that he would rather see it removed than watch it slowly fall into decay.

At the time of its demolition, local businessman David Deraney announced plans for a modern shopping center on the site. The proposed development was to include several stores and nearly 100 parking spaces, reflecting the changing needs of a growing community and the automobile age that had replaced the railroad era which helped make the hotel successful.

Those plans eventually evolved, and in 1964 the property became the home of McIntosh State Bank, marking a new chapter for one of the most historic corners of downtown Jackson. While the grand hotel disappeared from the landscape, the site continued to serve the community in a different way.

Though the building is gone, the memories remain. The Buchanan Hotel witnessed generations of Jackson's history and served as the front door to our community for countless visitors. Its story remains an important part of Jackson's past and a reminder of an era when the railroad brought travelers to town and the Buchanan Hotel welcomed them at the heart of downtown.

📷 Do you have photographs, postcards, family stories, or memories of the Buchanan Hotel? We'd love to see them shared in the comments and help preserve the story of one of Jackson's most cherished landmarks.

GL

06/09/2026

Brothers of the Brush: Growing Beards for Butts County's 150th Anniversary

Did you know that one of the most memorable parts of Butts County's Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1975 involved beards, mock arrests, and a little bit of good-natured public embarrassment?

As Butts County prepared to celebrate its 150th anniversary from June 30 through July 5, 1975, community leaders organized a special group known as the "Brothers of the Brush." The idea was simple: men throughout the county were encouraged to grow beards, mustaches, sideburns, or goatees to help create the appearance of a frontier community and build excitement for the county-wide celebration.

Participants even signed official membership certificates pledging to grow facial hair and support Sesquicentennial activities. The movement became one of the most visible and talked-about promotions leading up to the celebration.

Those who refused to participate did so at their own risk—or at least risked becoming the target of some friendly public humor.

The Brothers of the Brush conducted a series of mock "arrests" of clean-shaven men around the county. One well-publicized victim was Harold "Doc" McMichael, who was ceremonially taken into custody by local law enforcement for the offense of being beardless. Another notable arrest involved Doyle Jones Jr., editor-publisher of The Jackson Progress-Argus, who was "jailed" for failing to grow facial hair in support of the Sesquicentennial festivities.

Allen Byars, chairman of the Brothers of the Brush, and Dick O'Hara, the organization's general chairman, helped lead the campaign. Newspaper features kept the community engaged, including a "People's Forum" that asked local citizens when they planned to begin growing their Sesquicentennial whiskers. Responses ranged from enthusiastic participation to humorous excuses for remaining clean-shaven.

While the arrests were all in fun, they served their purpose. The campaign generated excitement, encouraged community involvement, and gave residents a shared way to celebrate Butts County's rich history. By the time the Sesquicentennial festivities arrived in the summer of 1975, beards had become a symbol of county pride and one of the most memorable traditions associated with the anniversary celebration.

Today, the Brothers of the Brush remains a fascinating example of how local communities once rallied together to commemorate important milestones—with a healthy dose of humor and hometown spirit.

Do you remember the Brothers of the Brush, or do you have photos and stories from Butts County's 1975 Sesquicentennial celebration?

We'd love to hear your memories and possibly see your memorabilia in the comments.

GL

06/09/2026

🔥 BUTTS ABLAZE! 🔥

Do you know the stories behind some of the most significant fires in Butts County history? From devastating downtown blazes to the evolution of our local fire departments, this fascinating program will explore the people, events, and services that have helped protect our community through the years.

Join the Butts County Historical Society as we welcome Jim Herbert along with members of the Fire Department and Community Services for an engaging presentation:

📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Flovilla Schoolhouse
106 Collier Street, Flovilla, GA 30216

"BUTTS ABLAZE!"
Learn the history of Butts County’s fires and fire services through historic photographs, stories, and firsthand knowledge from those who have served our community.

🍽 Dinner will be served
👥 Bring a friend
📚 Learn a little
😂 Laugh a lot

Whether you're interested in local history, firefighting, or simply enjoy learning more about our community, this is a program you won't want to miss!

We hope to see you there! 🚒🔥🏛️

06/08/2026

What a wonderful morning at the Springs! ☀️⛪

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Kevin Riley for bringing an inspiring message from Joshua 2, titled “The Rescue of Rahab” that reminded us of God’s faithfulness, grace, and redemption.

A special thank you to Daniel Edwards for providing beautiful music that added so much to the worship service.

Thank you as well to everyone who joined us for worship and fellowship at the historic Indian Springs Chapel. Each service is a special opportunity to gather together in this beautiful place of worship.

We hope you’ll join us for our next First Sunday Summer Service on July 5th at 9:00 AM at the Indian Springs Chapel in The Village at Indian Springs.

All are welcome! 🙏🏻 ✨

06/05/2026

Come and join us This SUNDAY at 9am at the Indian Springs Chapel. Everyone is Welcome. See you soon.