Dodge County GaArchives History .....Recreation 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 December 28, 2004, 12:04 pm

DODGE COUNTY'S RECREATION GROUNDS, PAST AND PRESENT.

  AMONG THE MOST popular of Dodge County's recreation grounds of the past were
what was known as Bishop's Grove and Home's Mill.

  The first named was located within the corporate limits of Eastman, and was a
beautiful pine grove where the Sunday Schools of Eastman gathered once a year
for their annual picnic. This popular place was also used by the boys and girls
of Eastman whenever they wanted to spend a pleasant day close to nature and were
bent on a picnic excursion. It was convenient on account of its accessability,
being located just in the rear of where Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Harrell now reside.
The stately pines have within the past few years been removed, and it is now
only a cherished thought in the memory of those who spent many pleasant hours on
this beautiful spot.

  Home's Mill, located six miles east of Eastman, is another popular resort that
has long since passed away. Here, too, the Sunday Schools of Eastman held some
of their picnics. This spot was reached in two ways by the picnic crowds,
namely: by private conveyance, and through the courtesy of the Amoskeag Lumber
Company, which was located where Amoskeag now stands. This company, through the
kindness of their manager, Mr. J. T. Colcord, would place at the disposal of the
Sunday Schools the log trains of the company, and transport free of charge
nearly the entire population of Eastman to this ideal picnic ground for a day of
pleasure and recreation. Home's Mill, through the breaking of its dam, has
passed into history, only to be remembered most pleasantly by those who were
fortunate enough to have the privilege of visiting this spot.

  Another popular recreation ground was Aucheehatchie, located two and a half
miles east of Eastman on the banks of Gum Swamp. This was a very popular picnic
ground for Eastmanites. It was close to town and easily reached by private
conveyance, and quite a number of citizens of Eastman have passed many pleasant
hours at this popular resort attending Sunday School, private and moonlight
picnics. It, too, is numbered among the recreation grounds of the past, due to
the fact that a sawmill was located on it and destroyed all of its beauty.

  One of the oldest and most popular resorts within the boundaries of Dodge
County is Daniel's Mill. This is one of the most beautiful picnic grounds in the
State of Georgia, located on a large pond whose water is as clear as crystal,
and making it possible for the "picnickers" to enjoy boating, and while thus
engaged watch the finny tribes sporting through its waters, or leisurely
drifting only a few inches from the bottom of the pond. It is only a mile from
the Ocmulgee River, and the usual custom of the "picnickers" is to stroll down
to the river bank after dinner and engage in target shooting or boating on the
beautiful stream.

Jay Bird Springs.

  Jay Bird Springs is at the present time about the most popular resort in the
county. This place is destined to become not only a popular resort to Dodge
County citizens, but to citizens of the United States, due to the health-giving
waters at this place and the wonderful cures that have already been made. The
owner of this popular resort, Mrs. T. A. McMillan, has bent every energy to make
it rank with any in the State. A large swimming pool has been built, the water
for which is furnished by an artesian well, dug especially for this purpose. A
handsome hotel was-erected a few years ago, and a number of cottages which are
rented the entire summer to those seeking health and pleasure there.

  The waters of Jay Bird Springs have already made a reputation for the number
of cures that have been made. People who are unfortunate enough to be afflicted
with eczema, and other skin diseases and cancerous sores go there perfect wrecks
and after bathing in these waters and drinking freely of it, leave there
entirely cured, only to "sing the praises" of this wonderful place.

  It is not an uncommon sight to go there and find people from the Carolinas,
Florida, Alabama and other States, some bringing with them camping outfits,
stretching their tents and spending weeks there, their purpose being in search
of health, and their efforts are always rewarded for they not only have their
health restored, but find a spot where the hours and days can be whiled away
most pleasantly.


Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY
OF
DODGE COUNTY

COPYRIGHT    1932
By MRS. WILTON PHILIP COBB

Printed by
FOOTE & DAVIES CO., ATLANTA.




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