Note: The following is one of a series of articles looking at events in the history of Bulloch County.

In the Bulloch Times issue of May 25, 1905, an article, entitled "Georgia Scenes: Prosperous Towns on the B. & P. Railroad,” was published. It concerned the three towns of Metter, Pulaski and Parrish.

It told of the educational needs and figures, and yet told of the "lamentable conditions" and yet discussed what the author saw as the "evidence of prosperity all along the line."

It revealed that "late last week a representative of The Times visited Metter and other important points along the line of the B. & P. (Brewton/Bruton and Pineora) Railroad."

This railroad "traverses one of the finest agricultural sections of Bulloch County. All along the railroad evidences of thrift and enterprise are everywhere abundantly apparent."

However, it revealed "in some localities there is a scarcity of farm labor and the grass is doing its best to help Col. Harvie Jordan reduce the cotton yield."

The author described "Metter (as) a pretty town with five or so hundred busy, enterprising and courteous inhabitants, who are probably all civilized, since they have (a) two or three nice churches."

In addition, they have "a woman’s missionary society, and only one policeman.  W. J. Willie, the red-headed and genial mayor of the town, is the energetic, nervous, electrical force."

From him, "radiates the enterprising Metter spirit that seeks to make a new county with Metter for its capital. Mr. Willie, however, is not giving away the strength of his game."

And, "he refused to discuss the new county movement with The Times, saying that he would have plenty to say at the proper time. At Pulaski we found another live and growing town, full of kindly and hospitable people."

In addition, "Dr. Benjamin Jordan, physician and surgeon, has just opened a new drug store, and Mr. C. H. Green is having a neat, new brick storehouse erected on the main street near the railroad depot."

Soon, "Mr. Green will move his stock of goods into the new store and add clothing and dry goods to his grocery line. At Parrish we attended a box party given by the young ladies of the village."

They were "raising funds to build a school house adequate (as) Parrish has no public school-house, and the thirty-five children (of) Prof. Stafford are taught by him in an old store house near the railroad tracks."

It is "too small and badly ventilated, having doors and windows only at the front and rear of the building. It is a sad and discouraging commentary (of) the public school system of Georgia that such a condition should exist."

However, "it is not the fault of the patrons of the school, nor is it the fault of the county school board. The shame of it is chargeable to (that) miserable, selfish and grafting body of politicians that dominate the State Legislature."

Therefore, "the ladies of Parrish have organized to help build a proper school house, and gave an entertainment a few weeks ago at which they realized $32.40, and the box supper last Friday night netted them $31.60."

"A large crowd attended, filling the building and overflowing into the back and front yards. Dr. McCracken, of Register, acted as auctioneer, and proved himself a very amusing and successful persuader."

And, "Prof. Stafford and Mr. J. M. Mixon managed the affair for the ladies, and were earnest and active factors in contributing to its agreeable and successful termination."

Roger Allen is a local lover of history who provides a brief look each week at the area's past. Email him at rwasr1953@gmail.com.