While overnighting in Americus, GA recently, I spotted what I believe to be the former SAL freight depot. It's located south of the downtown area on Jackson St. about a block north from the tracks. It is now in use as a coin laundry called "The Wash House".

It's a wooden building similar to SAL's Apex NC freight depot and sports at least two large freight doors- on the end and backside facing a residence next door. Also of interest, a concrete and brick depot foundation remains at the rail crossing on Jackson St. Neither the nearby Chamber Of Commerce or Americus Welcome Center were able to offer any info. Can anyone confirm this as a hit or a miss? Thanks and Happy Independence Day.

-- Bob Venditti (bobvend@bellsouth.net), July 03, 2002

Answers

I can confirm every thing you say is true. My grandfather was swith engineer (Gordon C. Parker) in Americus from before 1939 until he retired in 1956?. His earliest steam engine that I remember was No. 1050 I believe. He alson had the first deisel engine in Americus. He used to give me short rides in the cab of the engine when it was switching at McCleskey Cotton Oil and Peanut Mill. The new Habitat for Humanity Village is being built on the site of this mill. I attended Furlow Grammer School which is one block north of the railroad crossing Jackson Ave.

The depot was on the west side of Jackson Ave. and north side of the tracks. I can remember boarding a two car passenger train that ran from Montgomery, Ala. to Savannah, Ga. I travelled many times from Americus to Cordele with my mother or one of my aunts.

I was born in Americus in 1935 and lived my entire life there until I graduated from high school in 1953. I am now retired and living in Cordele (about 30 miles east of Americus) with my wife of 47and1/2 years.

I am surprised that no one had any information for you.

-- John L. Crow, Jr. (johnlcrowjr@yahoo.com), November 19, 2002.