Jacobs Academy: A Dirt Road Education - Jacobs Hollow: The Geography

Dec. 6, 2005
Jacobs Hollow: The Geography

Aside from being in rural Georgia, there are various “landmarks” and spots here and there that are unique only to Jacobs Hollow. Listed below are some of those special settings and locations that you will encounter in our upcoming series of stories:

Goldens Creek – this is the creek that borders the farm of Jacobs Hollow and the setting for many a day of play and adventure for the boys.
Praying Rock – a large granite outcropping at the creek and special thinking place and high point for observing wildlife at the creek.
Treehouse Island – generations ago, this sandbar emerged in the middle of the creek; eventually trees took root and grew establishing a large and forested foundation that was discovered by the family later leading to their building the boys’ treehouse there.
The Swimming Hole – the best place to be on hot southern summer days, especially with a backpack full of snacks and long daylight hours to spend on Treehouse Island.
The Bridge – an old, old wooden bridge that crosses Goldens Creek at the edge of Jacobs Hollow.
The Beaver Tree – a major point of direction deep in the woods of Jacobs Hollow. The origin of its name comes from the distinctive characteristics left by beavers who had been chewing down this tree and for whatever reason, were disturbed leaving this distinguishing landmark behind.
The Great Tree – a huge and very old tree that yields a grand view to surrounding farms; a great climbing and thinking spot; a great snack bar when the pecans are ready for gathering.
The Sacred Chimney – all that remains of a former sharecropper’s house but is now used as a family picnic area. The boys often meet their friends and a few others here.
The Haunted Overseer’s House – an old abandoned farm house that governs the entrance to the dirt road leading to Jacobs Hollow.
The Big Lake – a large, large lake on a neighboring farm that the boys often ride their bikes through pastures to get to for many an afternoon of fishing.
Sylvester’s Pond – a small pond on a neighboring farm where Sylvester, the 30+ year old, 20 foot alligator, lives.
The Cemetery – an old family cemetery that is in the middle of a pasture: the very pasture the boys have to cut through to get to The Big Lake.