Butts County Historical Society, Inc.

06/05/2026

Come and join us This SUNDAY at 9am at the Indian Springs Chapel. Everyone is Welcome. See you soon.

06/04/2026

🏭 A Turning Point in Butts County History: The Arrival of Gateway Luggage

One of the most significant economic developments in Butts County's history was announced during the Christmas season of 1967, when local leaders successfully secured a major new industry for Jackson.

After months of negotiations, officials of the Butts County Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed Butts County Development Company finalized a 25-year lease agreement with Gateway Luggage of Georgia, Inc., a company affiliated with the Kansas City-based luggage manufacturer. The agreement called for the construction of two industrial buildings on a 75-acre industrial site at Jackson's eastern city limits.

The new plant was expected to begin operations with approximately 100 employees, grow to 200 workers within its first year, and eventually employ as many as 300 people. In addition to manufacturing luggage, trunks, suitcases, toys, and related products, a portion of the facility would be subleased to Blackwood Industries, Inc., which would process plywood used in the manufacturing operation.

The project represented much more than a new factory. It marked the culmination of years of effort by local citizens determined to attract industry and create new opportunities for the community. The initial contact with Gateway Luggage came through the Butts County Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), whose members had spent years promoting the county through industrial development campaigns and marketing materials.

Recognizing the need for a coordinated economic development effort, community leaders organized the Butts County Chamber of Commerce and later the Butts County Development Company to finance and construct the facilities needed to attract industry.

Local leaders viewed the announcement as one of the best Christmas gifts the community could receive. New jobs and payrolls promised to bring fresh economic growth to Jackson and Butts County, helping shape the area's future for generations to come.

This was a defining moment in the county's industrial development—a reminder of what can be accomplished when community leaders, business owners, and citizens work together toward a common goal.

❓Questions:
- Where was the location of the Gateway Luggage Company?

- Who was the manager of the Gateway Luggage Company?

Share your answers, memories, photographs, or stories in the comments!

Please follow the Butts County Historical Society, Inc. and feel free to share!

GL

06/03/2026

Come and join us this Sunday, June 7th at 9am for a First Sunday service at the Indian Springs Chapel.

The message will be brought by Pastor Kevin Riley of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

Join us for worship and fellowship as we celebrate 16 years of Summer Services at the historic Indian Springs Chapel (ca. 1890)!

✨ First Sunday Summer Series
📍 Indian Springs Chapel
1834 Highway 42 S., Flovilla, GA 30216

🕘 Services start at 9:00 AM
🎶 Special music by Daniel Edwards
⛪ Guest pastors each month
🙌 All are welcome!

Dates:
May 3rd - Ed Hoard - Pastor at Jackson Presbyterian Church
June 7th - Kevin Riley - Pastor at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
July 5th
August 2nd - Charles Hoard - Youth Pastor at Zebulon First Baptist Church

Come experience a meaningful time of worship in a beautiful, historic setting. Bring your family, invite a friend, and be part of this special tradition!

06/02/2026

🏆 Jackson's A&P Earns Top Honors – 1957 🏆

In October 1957, the A&P Food Store in Jackson received one of the company's prestigious Honor Store Awards, recognizing it as one of the top-performing stores in its classification.

Managed by Clyde Herbert (Jim Herbert's father), the Jackson store earned outstanding ratings over a 13-week period in several key areas, including courtesy and service, housekeeping, store operations, and sales performance. The award was designed to recognize stores that provided the best shopping experience for their customers.

As a reward for their achievement, Herbert and his employees received valuable prizes along with certificates signed by A&P Southern Division President R. M. Smith and Vice President George L. Rankin. Special award signs were displayed in the store, and employees proudly wore buttons identifying the Jackson location as an Honor Store winner.

The award presentation was made by area supervisor S. C. Reed at a meeting held in Jackson on October 8, 1957.

❓ Questions

• What does A&P stand for?

• Where was the last A&P store in Jackson located?

Share your answers, memories, and stories below!

Please follow the Butts County Historical Society, Inc. and feel free to share!

GL

&pgrocery #1957

05/31/2026

Thank you to 7 of our many Preservationists. Your support via your donations and sponsorship make all of our many projects possible.

Please support these local businesses as they so graciously support us.

05/31/2026

Thank you to 3 of our many Preservationists. Your support via your donations and sponsorship make all of our many projects possible. Watch this page for others to be recognized soon.

Please support these local businesses as they so graciously support us.

05/30/2026

Thank you to 1 of our many Preservationists. Your support via your donations and sponsorship make all of our many projects possible. Watch this page for others to be recognized soon.

Please support these local businesses as they so graciously support us.

05/30/2026

Thank you to 2 of our many Preservationists. Your support via your donations and sponsorship make all of our many projects possible. Watch this page for others to be recognized soon.

Please support these local businesses as they so graciously support us.