Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Honest Alley
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022
1. Honest Alley Marker
Inscription.
Honest Alley. . In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gwinnett County's economy depended on cotton. Local farmers required quality mules and horses. And so Honest Alley, a row of stables and blacksmith barns behind Crogan Street, became an important trading spot. Livestock traders would travel to the West, purchase mules and horses, and ship them back to Honest Alley on the train. Mr. Jim Bob Oakes was one of the most prominent traders. To tout his success, Jim Bob constructed a large white plantation-style mansion at the opening to the alley, where it still stands today. Honest Alley was also notorious for medicine shows. Slick salesmen would tout the benefits of miracle elixirs from their covered wagons. Parents forbade their children to visit Honest Alley, warning of the shady characters that inhabited the place. This only added to the intrigue. Many long-time residents tell of sneaking down to the Alley to discover its mysteries. The original barns and stables of Honest Alley were destroyed in a fire in 1939.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gwinnett County's economy depended on cotton. Local farmers required quality mules and horses. And so Honest Alley, a row of stables and blacksmith barns behind Crogan Street, became an important trading spot. Livestock traders would travel to the West, purchase mules and horses, and ship them back to Honest Alley on the train. Mr. Jim Bob Oakes was one of the most prominent traders. To tout his success, Jim Bob constructed a large white plantation-style mansion at the opening to the alley, where it still stands today. Honest Alley was also notorious for medicine shows. Slick salesmen would tout the benefits of miracle elixirs from their covered wagons. Parents forbade their children to visit Honest Alley, warning of the shady characters that inhabited the place. This only added to the intrigue. Many long-time residents tell of sneaking down to the Alley to discover its mysteries. The original barns and stables of Honest Alley were destroyed in a fire in 1939.
Erected by City of Lawrenceville. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 33° 57.363′ N, 83° 59.211′
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W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. Marker is at the intersection of South Chestnut Street and Honest Alley Southwest, on the right when traveling south on South Chestnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lawrenceville GA 30046, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022
2. Honest Alley Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
