Sunday afternoon, December 15, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., people from all over the Pine Belt region will have an opportunity to visit four homes located in the historic district of Laurel. The Laurel-Jones County Council of Garden Clubs is once again hosting the tour of homes event entitled “The Renaissance Holiday Tour of Homes.” The four homes on tour include the home of Russ and Ann Griffin, located 746 4th Avenue; Randy Jackson’s home, located at 723 N. 6th Avenue; Judy Holifield’s home at 624 W. 7th Street, and the Grandiflora/Lindsey-Stancil House at 705 N. 5th Avenue. Refreshments will be served in the lobby of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Patina’s and the LRMA.
In this article we will introduce you to the Giles-Jackson Home, which is owned by Randy Jackson, the owner of Flowertyme Florist, located at 723 N. 6th Avenue. Jackson purchased the home in 2005 after the death of its previous owner Mamye Ruth Giles, lovingly known as “Miss Ruth.”
According to information provided by Jackson, the Craftsman style house was built in the early 1900s by Miss Ruth’s parents Cora and Henry Giles, who migrated to Laurel from Simpson County in 1903. In 1910, Miss Ruth was born in the house. After graduating from the Laurel City Schools, Miss Ruth attended Belhaven College. She graduating from Belhaven she studied at the Julliard School of Music in New York City and then received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University. Miss Ruth returned home to Laurel and began her teaching career, which lasted 43 years. She was active in numerous clubs and organizations and played a significant role in promoting the arts of Laurel. Miss Ruth died in 2004, and with no heirs, the house was sold.
Jackson purchased the home and immediately began major renovations paying attention to maintaining the period style of the home while updating the house. Jackson said his love and appreciation of elegant furnishings, art, and a warm, homey atmosphere can be seen throughout the home. The Giles-Jackson House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jackson said his favorite part of the house is the sun porch and he loves the way the downstairs flows. He added that the home will be decorated in traditional Christmas décor for the tour.
Our next home to feature will be the home of Judi Holifield.
