Toccoa in Stephens County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ralls Dormitory & Broom Factory

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 17, 2013

1. Ralls Dormitory & Broom Factory Marker

Inscription.
A building to be used as a print shop was constructed by the Kiwanis Club and the citizens of Toccoa on the site later occupied by Ralls Dormitory. The plan for a print shop never developed, so the building was turned into a broom factory. But the broom factory proved unsuccessful. In 1923, the building was made into a men's dormitory. fire destroyed the building in 1931.

In a sense, the depression affected Toccoa Falls Institute for good. Because of it, a C.C.C. (Civilian Conservation Corps) Camp was started in north Georgia in 1933; it was located on property leased from the school across from the Toccoa Falls Elementary School. The C.C.C. boys assisted in reforestation and built roads, paths, and firebreaks throughout the nearby woods. They laid a walk of native stone from Gate Cottage to Falls Park. In this way, they improved the appearance of the campus. The school also benefited insofar as food was concerned, for when too much was prepared for the C.C.C. boys, the cooks sent the balance to the Falls kitchen.

When this camp was disbanded, the Government turned over to the Institute lumber representing more

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than $4,000 in value, including their barracks. In 1934, this building was moved on campus to the location of the former broom factory and renovated into a boy's dorm. New flooring was added, the building was divided into rooms with permanent partitions erected, and the outside was weather-boarded. This structure was named Ralls Dormitory, in memory of Bill Ralls, who often traveled with Dr. Forrest as a vocal soloist. He also was Susie Ralls Mathes's brother - one of the first students enrolled at TFI. Ralls dormitory was destroyed during the floor in 1977.

This historical marker is placed in honor of the Centennial Celebration 1907-2007. Donated by the Toccoa Falls Academy Classes of 1972-1974.

Erected 2007 by Toccoa Falls Academy Classes of 1972-1974.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 34° 35.583′ N, 83° 21.35′ W. Marker is in Toccoa, Georgia, in Stephens County. It is on Forrest Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 17, 2013

2. Ralls Dormitory & Broom Factory Marker

office area: Toccoa GA 30577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Toccoa Falls College World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); LeTourneau Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woerner World Missions Center (about 500 feet away); The Tents (about 500 feet away); Administration Building (about 500 feet away); Earl Hall (about 500 feet away); The Bell (about 500 feet away); Dining Hall & Chapel (about 600 feet away); Stewart Hall (about 600 feet away); Ring Music Hall (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 17, 2013

3. Ralls Dormitory & Broom Factory Marker

of all markers in Toccoa.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2013, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2013, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.