History of Building Located at 41 Griffin Street

Benjamin and Burton Crabbe moved from Wilkes County to Henry County in the early 1830’s.

Benjamin settled near Shingleroof Campground. For many years he was tax receiver for the county. Burton was proprietor of a hotel in McDonough. His son James, owned the only carriage and buggy repair shop in the town. This shop stood on the  site of the McDonough Buggy & Wagon Factory. James' first wife was Miss Crabbe his second wife was Miss Harrell. 

D.T. Carmichael & Son Undertakers-Furniture Company operated in the building for many years.  It was during their occupation of the building that many of the victims from the June 23, 1900 train wreck "Camp Creek Train Wreck".  This was a wet year in Henry County & heavy rain fell on the area on June 23, 1900. Rge 9:30 pm train arrived at McDonough, 20 minutes late with 38 passengers on 5 cars: 2 coaches, baggage car, sleeper, & diner. As they crossed trestle over Camp Creek & Long Branch the supports had been washed away. The pilings collapsed under the locomotive. Loco pulled all but the sleeper into the water. 7 people survived including the flagman who hurried the 2 miles back to McDonough. Investigation showed that a culvert 50 yards from RR could not handle the overflow which created a swirling lake which washed away the pilings. Suite was brought against Southern for $250,000. Damages of $27,000 were paid. A number of passengers were deadheading employees. Another report says: 9 passengers killed, 7 employees connected with train were killed, 11 off duty employees were killed. While that doesn't quite added up, 31 people were killed.  As the victims were removed from the wreckage, they were brought back to McDonough and entrusted to D. T. Carmichael  Undertakers-Furniture Company.                                                               

In Early 1900’s the building was inherited by Mrs. Carmichael who later sold it to her husband,  Mr. Walker.  B. B. Carmichael & Son Company was an old established firm, and carried a full line of general merchandise, furniture, etc. 

From 1940 until 1976 the building housed A.W. Walker & Son Furniture business.  The A.W. Walker & Son Furniture business sold furniture to Amos Rhodes of Rhodes Furniture located in downtown Atlanta.

The building served as the home of  Carmichael Dodge Dealership in addition to being a funeral home.

In 1992, the building was sold to the Yorke Family.

In 2005, the building was sold to Griffin Street Holdings and is now the home of
The Seasons Bistro.

The French Doors leading into the Summer Room once hung in a castle in England.

Copyright 2010 | The Seasons Bistro | 41 Griffin Street | McDonough, Georgia 30253 | 770-288-2544