Eatonton in the 1950’s
by Jene Welch
I have spent most of my life right here in Eatonton, Georgia. Eatonton was a lot like Mayberry, but we did have some exciting moments. In the 1950s our police department was very small. Our police “booth,” as it was called, was a small brick building about the size of four telephone booths. Superman never flew out of it, but we had dedicated police officers who came out in a flash if anyone needed help. The booth was located on the Court House Square at the corner of Marion Street and Jefferson Avenue. Our only police car was usually parked on the street next to the police booth, alerting us that an officer was on duty.
Nothing exciting went on in Eatonton at night, and most times the officer on duty could get in a little nap. One summer night an officer was tilted back in his chair enjoying the evening breeze when a cherry bomb was sent flying straight as an arrow into the booth from the hand-made slingshot of Jimmy Nat Holder! By the time the officer recovered enough to get up off the floor, Jimmy Nat and his buddies were long gone. Jimmy Nat’s accuracy and expertise with his slingshot is legendary.
The great “attempted” train robbery also created plenty of excitement. Two young boys were playing cops and robbers in the front yard of a home facing the railroad track when they spotted the train approaching. With their masks on and their BB guns held high, they yelled out, “Stop or we’ll shoot!” The train didn’t stop, and the young robbers were true to their word and peppered the train with BB’s. Shortly after, the police arrived, parents were called, and it was all downhill from there.
My favorite police memory is the night the only police car was in the shop for repairs, and Officer J.R. Davis decided to use the time grilling a steak for his supper. He set up the grill between the booth and the sidewalk and donned a white-bibbed apron to protect his neat blue uniform. During his culinary extravaganza, a couple in an out-of-town car drove up to ask directions. J.R. struck an authoritative pose in his white apron as he gave directions using his long grilling fork to point out the way they should go. They talked for a few minutes, and then the travelers went on. I have often wondered what the conversation was like in the car as the couple drove out of town!
Officer Davis enjoyed his steak that night with salad and French fries, compliments of Uncle Remus Restaurant. No one knows which downtown grocery store provided his steak.
Jene Welch has been a dedicated docent at the Old School History Museum for eleven years and a board member for the past seven years. Her knowledge and stories of local history make her a very popular tour guide for both students and adults. An experienced genealogist, Jene enjoys digging into the past!
