Construction on the Hawkinsville Opera House began in 1907, and the 576-seat theater has been used as a makeshift church and a temporary movie cinema when those respective buildings burned. Now it is a historic theater and possibly home to a ghost, who is said to dim the lights at inopportune times.
Hawkinsville Opera House
Georgia Guidestones
The Georgia Guidestones, known as “American Stonehenge,” is a granite monument consisting of six astronomically aligned slabs inscribed in four ancient languages: Babylonian, Classical Greek, Sanskrit and Egyptian hieroglyphs. The origin of the structure is a bit of a mystery, perhaps leading to the opinion that the place may be haunted. Witnesses have felt an eerie presence here.
Ashley-Slater House
The historic Ashley-Slater House, built in 1914 by Mr. John Marshall Ashley, is now office space for the Douglas Coffee County Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce (although it is available for tours). It is said to be haunted by at least one of the six people said to have died here, including a mother who died in childbirth, a grandmother who died of an illness, a father who hanged himself in the attic, and two children who had contracted a disease. The ghost(s) are said to manifest as a cold and oppressive feeling inside the building.
Piedmont College
At Piedmont College, an orange-outlined ghost is said to roam the Getman-Babcock Dormitory, usually in the lobby. Also seen here is a ghostly little girl in a blue dress. Witnesses have reported the door handle turning on its own in the laundry room as well.
Wink Theater
Wink Theater was built in 1941 by J.C.H. Wink, who in fact may be the ghost who is believed to haunt the building. Wink was buried on the premises when he passed away during the theater’s construction. Witnesses have reported footsteps and strange banging noises.
Mount Hope Cemetery
According to a psychic, Mount Hope Cemetery and the areas nearby are a hangout for a group of Civil War veteran ghosts. In fact, in 1953 town librarian and historian Madeleine Anthony took a photograph of the cemetery which is believed to show several ghosts as well as a mysterious mist.
Back Porch Oyster Bar
The Back Porch Oyster Bar, in a building constructed in 1993, is said to be haunted. Witnesses have noticed odd occurrences such as a black umbrella that swung deliberately on a hook, all by itself; a psychic reported that the ghost is a woman who likes to play pranks, especially on those who appear to be frightened of her.
Piazza Italian Restaurant
At the Piazza Italian Restaurant, witnesses have seen plates and other items move or fall by themselves and heard a door with a bell on it open and close when no one was around. Disembodied footsteps have been heard here as well.
Picnic Cafe
The café, built in 1897 by Colonel W.P. Price, is rumored to be haunted by the Colonel himself. An apparition of a lone figure has been seen, although a psychic has determined that the ghost is a female who stands and waits for something unknown.
Hardin Bridge
The old Hardin Bridge is still there, though a new one was built around 2010-2011 crossing the Etowah River just next to it. It is said that a couple accidentally drove off the old bridge many decades ago, and their spirits still haunt the area. Voices and screams are heard, and ghostly headlights are seen, only to disappear inexplicably.
