Check out this fascinating property in Georgia, tucked away in a lush forest and surrounded by greenery. It’s got a really intriguing history. Back in the early 1900s, this place changed hands quite a few times until Mr. John McCown bought it in 1967. He’s a guy with a mixed reputation – some folks admired him, others not so much. But he made a big impact on the area’s history and turned this house into a symbol of that time. If you step inside, you’ll uncover all the juicy details about its tumultuous past.
Nature’s Takeover
Over the years, this property has been neglected and it really shows. The front of the house is falling apart – the once-impressive central tower is crumbling, and some windows are even missing. The whole place has been taken over by plants, with vines creeping through the lower level and holding onto the porch roof.
Faded Elegance
Inside the house, things aren’t much better. The roof is falling apart, and the walls are covered in thick black mold. But despite all that, you can still sense the grandeur it once had. The fancy paneling on the walls is surprisingly well-preserved, and the intricate parquet ceiling shows off the luxurious past of the place.
A Mysterious Background
The guy who owned this house, John McCown, was a bit of a controversial figure. Born in South Carolina and raised in Harlem, he was quite involved in the civil rights movement. He picked up this property in 1967 and went on to do some pretty impactful stuff in the region. Inside these walls, you’ll get to know more about his story.
Time-Traveling Decor
As you explore the house, you’ll come across some pretty interesting decor choices. Imagine the 1970s with blue and red paisley wallpaper – might seem bold now, but it was all the rage back then. The fireplace is sealed up, but the mantel is polished and decorated with cool sculptures and a fancy glass mirror.
Moving to Hancock County
The wallpaper might be peeling away to reveal wooden planks, but the coffered ceiling is holding strong. McCown settled into this house when he was just 33, all to help with voter registration for Black folks in Hancock County. This place was in dire straits back then, with nearly half of the Black population living in poverty.
Making Strides
Upstairs, you’ll see signs of wear and tear – debris on the stairs and damp walls. Quite a departure from its former glory. But in the early 1970s, McCown started something called the Eastern Central Committee for Opportunity (ECCO), aimed at improving life for Black people in Hancock County. They managed to score a ton of funding, and thanks to McCown’s efforts, the county even elected its first Black-majority board of commissioners.
Elegant Touches
This abandoned mansion still oozes wealth and elegance, with its lavish details. McCown reportedly acquired more houses and land over the years. Check out this white staircase – it’s stood the test of time, adorned with intricate carvings on the balusters and newels.
Mixing Old with New
There are plenty of rooms branching off from the upper landing. Sunlight streams in through half-closed curtains, casting eerie shadows on the dusty floors. One side of the room has a delicate floral design with a navy-blue border, while the other boasts a modern wallpaper with pastel stripes.
Neglected Bedrooms
Not much is left to tell us which room belonged to McCown. There’s a chest of drawers by a window, a metal chair with worn leather, and a bouquet of red flowers. The floor is littered with broken dishes, and a big piece of wallpaper lies crumpled in a corner.
Spaces Left Behind
In another room, the mess has been cleared, leaving a simple space with just a chair. The walls are covered in wood-patterned paper, a trendy choice in the 1970s. Sunlight filters through white curtains, casting a warm glow. You can almost imagine how the room looked decades ago on a bright morning.
Tensions Rising
The late 1960s and early 1970s were intense times in Hancock County, with racial tensions escalating. There’s a story about the mayor getting submachine guns, and McCown allegedly pushed for African Americans to arm themselves. Things got so heated that even Georgia’s future governor, Jimmy Carter, had to step in to mediate.
Whispers of History
These walls must’ve witnessed some intense discussions during that period. If only they could talk, right?
Overgrown Porch
Stepping outside, you’ll see that the balcony is almost hidden by a thick layer of foliage. The creeping vines are starting to pull back, revealing more of the beautiful wraparound porch. These porches were a common feature in the early 1900s, meant for shade in the summer and outdoor dining. If you look closely, you can still see the intricate carvings on the pillars, balusters, and brackets.
Trouble Brewing
Money ended up being McCown’s downfall. Articles were published in 1974 questioning his leadership of ECCO, suggesting he misused funds. This marked the beginning of the end for him.
Facing the Music
The IRS audited ECCO’s finances and found some questionable charges. A grand jury investigation followed, looking into the misuse of funds. The organization’s credibility was severely damaged, and it eventually folded.
A Lasting Mark
Today, the mansion stands as a tribute to McCown’s work in Hancock County. Love him or hate him, this “political boss” had a hand in the civil rights movement’s success. His legacy lives on, even as the house itself deteriorates.
