The Circus Comes to Town

All Aboard the Man O’ War

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.

God Bless Sunnyside

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.

Two Cat Town

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.

The Circus Comes to Town

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.

Look Closer: Secrets of the Trains Mural

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.