Day 9 - Savannah and beyond - A Two Lane Adventure

Monday 18 March 2019

Let me give you the history of Red Gate Farms. If the majestic 200 year old oak trees on Red Gate Farms could talk, perhaps they would tell us about the Indians and Colonists who have walked this land or the wild animals who once roamed here. The trees cannot tell is their tales, but through research we know that the land was used as an encampment for Confederate soldiers, and later occupied by General Sherman after his March to the Sea. In addition, many Civil War artifacts have been found on the land.

In 1931, Mr Harry E Martin Jr purchased the wooded 440 acres, which he and his wife named Red Gate Farms. Red Gate was named in memory of Mrs Martin’s cousin, Cyrus Steadwell, who was killed in France during World War I. He had always said he wanted to own such a wonderful farm and call it Red Gate. In 1933, the Martin’s began a dairy farm and cultivated 300 acres for silage corn, grain crops and pasture land for their 140 Jersey cows.

Their dairy, hog and chicken farm became widely known and was used as a model for other farmers throughout Georgia. Harry Martin led the State of Georgia in Jersey herd development and became a “folk hero” when he led a major fight to lower milk prices. His continued feud with the State Milk Control Board resulted in fair milk prices for everyone.

The family is well known for their gracious entertaining, Red Gate Farms and the Mackey House have been the center of events providing wedding, reception, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate and other events. Mr & Mrs Martin loved Red Gate and instilled in their children and grand children a great love and pride for the land. The family has owned and operated several businesses from Red Gate over the years, the most notable are the Mackey House event venue, the Barn at Red Gate Farms event venue and of course, Red Gate Campground and RV Park.

Along with the high class of the Mackey house, we have Mr John’s John … it might look like a shack …

 

But it has all the modern conveniences of home! Plus grass growing under the roof, holes in the floor and a metal hook and eye to lock the door!

This is the morning we have our final gathering and say “see you again on the road” to our old and new friends.

It is always a bitter-sweet time. You hate for the adventure to end, but are grateful for the time together and you are looking forward to your next Yankee Adventure and who you will meet!

We departed Red Gate Campground as a small caravan of 4 rigs. We took 80 West past the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum into Pooler Georgia.

Pooler is a beautiful community west of Savannah. It is most famous for the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. But it is also the site of Lock #3 of the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal System that dates to pre-Civil War times. The historic Savannah–Ogeechee Canal is one of the prime relics in the history of southern canals. Beginning with the tidal lock at the Savannah River, the waterway continues through four lift locks as it traverses over 16 miles, before reaching another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River at Fort Stewart.

Outside of Statesboro Georgia, patriotism comes in all shapes and sizes. Here is a patriotically painted wooden spool. The owner of this art, even has a solar light set up on it, so his handiwork can be seen at night!

For 38 years running, Portal Georgia hosts an Annual Turpentine Festival. Portal bills itself “The Turpentine City”. The recently named Bobby Ronald Newton Turpentine Museum is the focal point of the festival. The mural in downtown boasts of the town’s turpentine history too.

I love the majestic trees that line the roads on our Two Lane Adventures!

I might be stirring the infamous “pot” …. But this was the billboard that was proudly visible in Twin City Georgia. It says a lot about the people that live in this area.

Swainsboro is one of Georgia's most charming cities. Nestled between Augusta, Macon and Savannah, Swainsboro is home to the 74^th Annual Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo.

In 1822, the Georgia state legislature established "Swainsborough" as the seat of Emanuel County. The town was named in recognition of Stephen Swain, the state senator who introduced the bill for the county's creation in 1812. The town's name was changed to "Paris" at its incorporation on February 18, 1854, but three years later reverted to its current name, Swainsboro

The Courthouse in Dublin Georgia, reminds me very much of Monticello Florida, without the southern charm. In both towns, the main street circles around the court house.

Jeffersonville Georgia, we have been through this town before. Although, the route is not highlighted on the atlas we have traveled with for the last few years, I know we have been here. I searched our blog and I found that we traveled on Route 96 through Jeffersonville in September of 2016 as we departed the Georgia Good Sam Rally in Perry. See, my blog is more than just useless information, it helps with my memory too!

We arrived in Macon-Bibb, the self-proclaimed Cherry Blossom Capital. We hope to see some of these Cherry Blossoms while we are here!

We arrived at Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area. We are staying Claystone Park Campground for the next two nights. This is the view from our site …. Ahhhh, life is good!