Upson Historical Society

Visit the “Thomaston Goes to War…on the Home Front” Exhibition at the Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum and the Thomaston-Upson Archives and discover how one small town made big contributions to gain a World War II Allied victory. This multisite display is a collaborative project between the Upson Historical Society and the Thomaston-Upson Archives to tell the story of the endurance and mettle of the Greatest Generation and show how World War II brought the country together in such a meaningful way. Both sites illustrate how the people of Thomaston and communities across Georgia banded together as a collective whole to fight the axis. No job was too small, from the Armed Forces to American Red Cross volunteers, down to the children participating in scrap metal drives, winning the war was a joint effort by all.

Step back in time when you visit the Upson Historical Society’s Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum, c. 1833, where the inside of the home has been transformed into a typical residence during World War II and visitors can immerse themselves in 1940s home life. Move from room to room to discover 1940s interior design trends which included vibrant colors and patterns to bring cheer during unsettling times. Experience changes in technology such as the introduction of electricity, how it affected home life, and the importance of radios inside the home. Unearth how a local novelist influenced the passing of the National Leprosy Act based on her experiences as a war bride and understand how community members contributed to the war effort each in their own way. In one area of the home dedicated to changing exhibitions 4 times per year, visitors will have the opportunity to absorb new featured topics that further express Thomaston’s World War II heritage and the critical role of Georgia towns like Thomaston.

Enter the Thomaston-Upson Archives to be captivated by the extraordinary efforts put forth by the local industries in producing critical wartime materials, especially textiles. Upson County played a vital role in the war by supplying 3 out of 5 of the most needed wartime products – tire cord, duck cloth, and mica. Realize the vast amount of textile production in Thomaston and understand textile processes and what it took to turn raw materials into essential wartime products. Find out how the war opened new opportunities for women including working outside the home and participating in the military effort by joining branches such as the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) and the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Explore military life by viewing authentic uniforms with arm patches that each have a story to tell, examine correspondence such as v-mail, and listen to oral history recordings of gripping war stories and experiences told by local veterans. Link to Thomaston-Upson Archives Exhibit: http://upsoncountyga.org/441/World-War-II-Exhibition

Both locations are now open for individual and group tours. For groups of 5 or more please call the Upson Historical Society at (706) 601-3610 to schedule a tour. Admission for individuals to the Pettigrew-White-Stamps House is free. Admission is $5.00 per person for groups of 5 or more. Admission to the Thomaston-Upson Archives is free.

About the Home:

The Pettigrew-White-Stamps House is a typical early 1800s dwelling found throughout this area. The house was built in 1833 by John E. Pettigrew. In 1840, Benjamin B. White purchased the house and added an additional bedroom, dining room, kitchen, and a large verandah across the back of the residence. During the 1880s, the house came into the possession of the Stamps family, who lived there until 1968. This house was moved in 1968 to its present location by the Upson Historical Society to save it from demolition. The restored cottage has a real claim to the term "historic," as it is the second-oldest residence in Thomaston.