Orange Hall

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Orange Hall

The origin of Orange Hall has not been proven. Tradition stated that John Wood, Pratt’s father-in-law built it for his daughter. If this be true, construction would have begun at least by 1829, the year both Wood and his daughter, Jane Wood Pratt died.

However, a lien on house and premises of Horace Pratt in Block 43, is recorded in Deed Book N/81 and dated 27 November 1838 suggests a later date of contruction [sic]. Master carpenter Isaac Slayton does not state whether the lien is for labor or materials nor is the value of the lien stated.

Tradition also stated that Orange Hall was given this name for the hedges of sour orange trees enclosing the lot and lining a circular drive behind the house, as described by James Silva.

In 1846, James Mongin Smith bought the property for $2,000, yet by 1853, the property was assessed at a value of $5500 for taxes. This valuation indicates that a vast improvement was made. Further, the architectural style of Orange Hall suggests a 1840's date at the earliest. However, examinations of the structure and foundation of the building do not show any evidence of alterations or extentions[sic].

Smith sold the property to Francis Adams in 1856 for $4000. Adams was principal of the Camden County Academy, and he also served as St. Marys Mayor as as the County's delegate to the Succession Convention in Milledgeville. During the Civil War, Orange Hall became headquarters for one squad of Federal Forces that was occupying the town. In 1866, Adams sold Orange Hall to Mrs. Elizabeth Ryals, the wife of St. Marys lawyer Joseph Ryals. Ryals sold the preoperty [sic] to Silas Fordham of New York in 1869 as a winter home. Fordham's widow held the property until 1911 when it was sold to J. L. Sweat, of Ware County.

In 1919, the J. H. Beckers bought the Orange Hall property. Extensive redecoration took place during their ownership. Crystal chandeliers were installed. An Alamo electric plant and furnace were added. A dumb waiter was built between the basement kitchen and dining area above.

Once again, the grounds were landscaped and tended. Even a seven-foot roadway was paved with shell through the lot from the rear of the building to Wheeler Street. (SE Georgian, October 3, 1919).

Beckers sold the property to George Fryhofer of Palm Beach, Florida in 1925. Fryhofer held the property for eight years, but he never came to live in St. Marys. In 1931, Mrs. S. C. Townsend bought Orange Hall and then ownership was transferred to her daughter, Mrs. Faye Kelly. During their ownership, Orange Hall was converted into apartments to house the many newcomers to St. Marys Kraft bought the property and continued to use it to house its employees. Finally, Orange Hall was deeded to the City in 1960 for use as a library and civic center.

[All historical information is from the “1985 Historical Buildings Survey of Saint Marys, Georgia” by Eloise Bailey and Bruce Powell, July 1985]

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