Pine Mountain, Then and Now

After the cats of Pine Mountain had their moment in the spotlight, it was only fair to give the dogs their turn. In this episode, I introduce some of the four-legged locals who help give downtown Pine Mountain its charm — from Teddy Bear, the Tiny Town Ambassador, to Bike Shop Bear at Chipley Cycle, Lacey the Cheese Dog, and Angus Ferguson, the bacon-loving Honorary Furry Rotarian. Together, their routines, favorite stops, and big personalities reveal just how much these dogs are part of the daily rhythm of town.

All Aboard Man O’ War is a ride back into mid-century Georgia, when Pine Mountain was still Chipley and the Central of Georgia Railway’s streamlined Man O’ War carried passengers between Columbus and Atlanta in air-conditioned comfort.

We’ll talk opening day in 1947, what made the train feel “fancy,” and the best detail of all: the Man O’ War’s birthday celebrations—complete with cake and photo-worthy pageantry.

Photos mentioned in the episode will be posted on the Pine Mountain, Then and Now Facebook page.

Step back in time with me at Sunnyside.

In this episode of Pine Mountain, Then and Now, we’re exploring the story of how Sunnyside began as a school and, over the years, grew into the Sunnyside Community Center — and why it still matters to Pine Mountain today. I sat down with Lou Brackett, and she helped bring the history to life with the kind of details you don’t find in a textbook. If you’ve ever wondered what Sunnyside really is, this episode will make you appreciate it even more.

In this episode of Pine Mountain, Then and Now, we’re celebrating one of my favorite kinds of small-town stories: the cats in the stores. Meet Arnold, the delightfully plush “Boss Cat” at The Cat’s Meow, and Bob, the black-and-white hardware store pro with his own red T‑shirt, a loyal fan club, and very firm opinions about dogs. It’s funny, sweet, and 100% Pine Mountain—proof that sometimes the best local characters have four legs and run the place.

Come with me back to 1949, when Pine Mountain Valley got a rare and unforgettable visitor — the circus, in town for one night only. In today’s episode of Pine Mountain, Then and Now, Charlotte Smith Winsness is joining me to read a chapter from her book, titled “The Circus Comes to Town.” The story is set in a place many of us can picture — near the crossroads of Highway 116 and 354, close to where the school once stood near today’s baseball field, and near the old gas station and post office folks still remember as being about the size of a closet. So get comfortable, and let Charlotte take you back to a night the Valley won’t forget.

There’s more to the Trains Mural than meets the eye. It’s filled with clever easter eggs and personal touches hidden in plain sight. In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at its secrets, the artists behind it, the recent buzz it’s been getting, and the effort underway to restore it for future generations.

In this episode of Pine Mountain, Then and Now, I talk with Cindy Bowden and Whitney Ligon about an exciting new initiative—the Georgia Black History Trail.

Their goal is to unite all 159 counties in Georgia through a statewide trail that connects significant Black history landmarks and stories, creating a valuable resource for citizens to explore and better understand our shared history.

It’s a meaningful conversation about preserving the past, strengthening communities, and honoring the people and places that shaped Georgia.

This week, I’m sharing a heartfelt story called “Santa Lives at Western Auto,” written by longtime Pine Mountain Valley resident Charlotte Smith Winsness. Back in the 1940s and 50s, Christmas magic didn’t come from online orders—it came straight through Western Auto, where Sears Roebuck packages arrived like little miracles.

It’s a sweet, nostalgic reminder of small-town Christmases, familiar faces, and the kind of wonder only a place like Pine Mountain can stir up.

Episode 30 is here, and this one’s a little different. I’m sharing a bit about myself and a whole lot about why I love Pine Mountain—the people, the stories, and the sense of home you can’t quite put into words. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen and celebrate this special milestone with me.

This episode is full of heart! I talked with Mary Ruth Mullins about the DARlings, the singing group from our local DAR chapter, and what their music means to our community. And yes — you’ll get to hear them sing. I recorded their rehearsal of “It Is Well With My Soul,” and it’s included in the episode. Settle in for something beautiful.