The History of the Jarman Building

The historic Jarman Building, irreparably damaged by Hurricane Helene last September, finally met its end some 120 years since it was built shortly after the beginning of the 20th century.
During its existence, it was the home of many businesses — Jarman and Winn, R.E. Jarman, R.E. Jarman and Sons, Jarman and Hammock, and most recently Varnedore Auto Parts.
The following information was provided to the Ledger by Fonda Ussery:
Rufus E. Jarman Sr. from Lascassas, Tenn., came to Baxley in 1901 selling mules. Later he established a hardware business called R.E. Jarman and Sons. They later obtained the Ford agency in Baxley, Hazlehurst, and Alma. Martin Jarman was the manager of the Hazlehurst business. The hardware business in Hazlehurst was originally called Jarman and Winn but later was changed to R.E. Jarman and Sons, Inc.
The store sold hardware items, farm implements, wagons, buggies, wire fencing, furniture, dishes, cookware, lumber, building supplies, vehicles and, for many years, undertaking business.
The car dealership was known as Jarman & Brooks. Brooks was Martin’s brother-in-law.
In 1936, Martin died and Mrs. Jarman bought out the other Jarman’s interest, and then sold half to Joe Hammock. Later Mr. Hammock bought Mrs. Jarman’s interest and sold it to Charles Shirley.
The bricks this store was built came from the John Hall brick factory at Orica, GA. Orica had a school, post office and the brick factory. Orica is located near Hallspur.
[Joe Hammock was married to Bernice Jarman, the granddaughter of R.E. Jarman. John Hall was the grandfather of Tommy Don Moss who still resides here. The ruins of John Hall’s brick factory can still be seen along the Altamaha River near the trestle across the Altamaha]