Baldwin County GaArchives History .....History of Baldwin Co. - Old Capitol 1925 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 5, 2004, 5:31 pm A Glimpse of the Old Capitol of Georgia By Mrs. Loula Kendall Rogers Notwithstanding all the rain and slush of the last month I am enjoying the scenes of the historic old town of Milledgeville, which with its lofty hills and varied landscapes presents a more striking picture than can be found anywhere else in Georgia. The architectural splendor and the granduer of the old Capitol building, magnificently enthroned upon an oak-crowned eminence, and the quaint beauty of the Executive Mansion where once resided the able Governor of Georgia, surrounded by elegant colonial homes, continually breathe the story of the old Southern regime and the beautiful, placid peace of "days that are no more." While standing within the time-honored halls of this spacious Temple of Law, Wisdom, and Justice one can almost hear the eloquent voice of some Georgia Demosthenes or the stirring declamation of Governor Jenkins down from the hills of the past as he uttered those memorable words, "If my own heart could be revealed, the name of Georgia, would be indelibly stamped in blood." My honored father, Dr. David Kendall, and two half brothers, represented here my native County (dear old Upson) and had numerous friends in all this section. It is not wonderful that so much interest should center around each hallowed spot, as my an- ----------------- p. 50 cestors are mentioned in Historical Collections of Georgia, among the earliest settlers of Baldwin county. Every old public building, and every old moss covered roof has a Revolutionary story that whispers of a time when Indians wandered over the hills and contested their right to the favorite hunting ground. I treasure as a sacred relic of General LaFayette's visit to Georgia, the invitation to my ancestors to attend one of the balls given in his honor. On it are the names of some of the most noted citizens of that day as directors. In my cabinet of olden treasures is also some of the old family silver and china used by my grand-mother on that occasion. I have always been a dear lover of history, and Lamartine beautifully says, "The history of a country is its life, which should never die, but be handed down through all generations," and Father Ryan says, "A country without ruins is a country without memories, and a country without memories is a country without history." So let us as we walk along the journey of life "gather up the sunbeams" and even the shadows that have immortalized the past of our country and frame them for instructive lessons to those who come after us. Thus have the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the Confederacy twined immortal wreaths over the shrine of their country, while the Spartan mothers of old keep alive the Vestal flames of valor and patriotism. Francis Asbury, the first Bishop of America, held his last conference in Milledgeville. Dr. George Smith in his History of Methodism says: "It was a sprightly little town only ten years old. A church had been built but not finished. Than Bishop Asbury, a nobler soul never lived, and a braver, greater, truer, gentler, more unselfish spirit, and to no man does Georgia owe a greater debt than to him." The first conference Bishop Andrew attended met in Milledgeville, while he was in charge of the Warrenton circuit. ----------------- p. 51 At the present time this town is noted for its beautiful churches, and its high-toned moral atmosphere. Dr. and Mrs. T. R. Kendall have charge of the magnificent Methodist church. It is built of buff brick with immense columns costing $800 each, and is inwardly beautified by handsome colored memorial windows, and a sweet toned pipe organ. Among the interesting societies of the place is a Bible Club organized by Mrs. T. R. Kendall. This study class is non-denominational, and is creating great enthusiasm among members of all the churches, meeting once a week with different families. Mrs. M. M. Parks invited them to have the first meeting at her home in the Mansion, where it was organized with thirty-four members. A state-wide attraction of this famous old "city of the Hills" is the progressive educational feature which like our own Barnesville is busily engaged in preparing our boys and girls for a Christian citizenship. A more efficient manager of the Georgia Normal and Industrial College could not be found than Pres. M. M. Parks, whose very heart and soul are centered on the success and welfare of this grand institution in which every Georgian justly feels a pride. The quarterly bulletin contains the following: "The institution never loses sight of the fact that nearly every woman is destined to become, to a greater or less extent, a homemaker, and this after all, is her most important calling. One of the prime aims of the College, has been to fit the young women of Georgia for proper home making by giving them a careful and thorough course of instruction in such branches as cooking, household economics, home sanitation, sewing, dress making, etc,, so that this college has been firmly installed in the confidence and affection of the people of Georgia." A visit through the different halls on the campus which covers twenty-three acres is a rare privilege, and each department gives full evidence of the teach- ----------------- p. 52 er's ability to instill noble and correct ideals in education. The old Capitol building is used for the Georgia Military College. Recently the Daughters of the American Revolution presented this college with a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence. This was accepted by a gallant speech from President Horton, after which a letter was read to the cadets describing the visit of General LaFayette in 1825. Another member of the Chapter then read reminiscences concerning the old capitol of Georgia which once resounded with the voices of Governor Chas. J. McDonald, Herschel V. Johnson, Milton Smith, and others before being removed to Atlanta. One of the first things I enjoyed after reaching this place was the celebration of Gen. Lee's birthday at the Opera house under the auspicies of the U. D. C. There was a splendid Flag drill by the College girls, which in its varied evolutions created great applause. A few days after this Mrs. Joseph E. Pottle, President U. D. C. gave an elegant entertainment at her lovely home, which was draped with the order's colors, interspread with the lovliest flowers of the season. Among the pleasant memories which will ever be associated with the charming people of this section was a delightful day spent with Mrs. S. A. Cook, daughter of Dr. Green, who was a beloved physician for years at the State Sanitarium. This beautiful home was once that of a Wesleyan schoolmate of other days. At another time there was an elegant dinner given us at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Allen, who occupy the old colonial residence of the late Dr. Talmadge, President of the Oglethorpe University, the site of which is nearby. They are accomplishing much good in administering to the suffering and afflicted, having a limited number of patients under their care. Mrs. Allen is the daughter of Mr. Sam Whitaker, who was so well known in the palmiest days of Milledgeville. ----------------- p. 53 The old brick dormitory was in sight, and I saw the room where Sidney Lanier, our brilliant Georgia poet studied in his boyhood. In that same hall my brother, Dr. David Kendall, was a student, who after his education as a physician in Philadelphia became Surgeon of the 29th Georgia Cavalry and died from overwork in 1865. The assistant Surgeon was ill, and often he sat up with the wounded night after night until his own strength failed. Samuel Spencer, afterward the great railroad magnate, sat at the same desk with him in Thalian Hall. What thrilling memories are associated with some of these historic places! The hospitable inmates of a former schoolmate's home, with frolicsome girls and Oglethorpe students have all passed away, but memory calls them back, and the sunshine of their joyful presence will linger never to depart. While riding out in that direction we passed the former home of U. S. Treasurer, McAdoo, a colonial home, set back from the street. On the Sabbath it is an inspiring sight to see several hundred girls in uniform and scholarly caps march into the church with dignified deportment, where they occupy the whole of one side, and sing an anthem prepared for the occasion. The cadets enter the opposite side and the communion service of these people is very impressive and touching. There are so many interesting features associated with both of these educational institutions that I cannot do them justice in so short a space, but feel that Georgia should rejoice in all of their efforts, and press forward until she is ahead of every state in all that goes to complete a perfect man and woman physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Methodist Parsonage. Milledgeville, Ga. Additional Comments: From: Part I HISTORY of BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA BY MRS. ANNA MARIA GREEN COOK ILLUSTRATED ANDERSON. S. C. Keys-Hearn Printing Co. -1925— File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/baldwin/history/other/gms236historyo.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 9.7 Kb