Living in an area for a long time can sometimes cloud your eyes and mind to the history and beauty it holds. In Georgia, the Georgia Historical Society each year offers a chance for residents and visitors to learn something or visit somewhere they never have before for free. Since Super Museum Sunday fell on my 33rd birthday, it seemed to be just the right time to learn more about Effingham County, where I have lived for three years but know very little.
The plan was to visit the Old Jail and Living History Site in Springfield, then pop over to Ebeneezer and check out the Salzburger Museum. Since I would be exploring, I had to bring the camera along as you just never know what you might find along country roads.
It wasn’t a real surprise that when we arrived to the Old Jail that we were the only guests, which worked great for my tot to explore without horrifying unsuspecting (or child-phobic) visitors. The inside space was full to the brim, so much so that office equipment spills over into the hallway under historical displays. After about an hour, we asked how to get into the Living History Site (I had been anxious to get photos of the old buildings). Sadly, we were informed that the site is only open twice a year for festivals as it takes 50 people to staff. Disgruntled, and murmuring something about how it wouldn’t be that hard to put info on paper and have it up on the building for people to read to themselves, much like Fort Pulaski, I grabbed the tot and headed outside. I took a few shots of the old jail, though there was so much stuff in front of it that distracted from the building. Instead, I ended up taking about 10 or so shots of Ian playing with a neighborhood cat, providing him the most hands-on interaction all day.
Ebeneezer isn’t a place you would find just driving around; you really have to be on a mission to drive that far out. I have been a number of times and had always wanted to visit the museum there, but it is most always closed (though a sign says you can call for an appointment). Being that it was on the list of openings for the Super Museum Sunday, I was excited to make the trek (and blow some gas mileage) to see what new discoveries we might make. But the discoveries would have to wait to for another day as once again, the museum was closed. Not wanting to have wasted the gas for nothing, we decided to guide ourselves around the outer property and make up our own historical guesses as we went along. (The river view did at least make it scenic for exploring and photographing.)
Wanting to see a bit more than just the straight roads to and from home, we tried to get lost. In doing so, we stumbled upon this old post office in Stillwell. I have no idea how long it has been closed, but I couldn’t miss a chance for some black and white opportunities.
We returned home for a quick nap then decided to end the day at a local park (I believe it is called RB Baker Park, but I’ve never seen a sign). Afterall, when it’s in the mid-70s in February and sunny, you don’t want to waste a moment of the day. The great things about parks is there is something for everyone: scenery for me to photograph, a pond for dad to fish, and plenty for a toddler to terrorize.
Even though the day didn’t go completely as planned, nothing about it was a waste. Sometimes, it’s the moments you didn’t plan that have the most lasting impression.
(Yes, I know I am a month late posting these photos. It took me that long to get free time to edit them and then reflect upon the day. Part of the glory that is living my crazy life.)
