The House by the Road: A Southern Haven for Travelers
(4 minute read)
Nestled at the northern edge of Ashburn, Georgia, “The House by the Side of the Road” stood as a beacon of hospitality for weary travelers along the bustling U.S. Highway 41. Built in 1919 by J.S. Shingler for his son Robert Royal Shingler, the Dennis & Dennis home became a wedding gift when Robert married his distant cousin, Lillian Hughes. In 1926, Lillian transformed the home into a hospitality suite with lodgings and a restaurant for travelers who frequented what would eventually become a new National Highway three years later in 1929. What began as a private residence soon evolved into a renowned tourist home, first opening its doors to paying guests in the fall of 1926.
A Home Away from Home
During the height of highway travel in the early 20th century, “The House by the Road” became a sanctuary for travelers seeking comfort, warmth, and Southern charm. The bungalow-style home featured eight bedrooms, each equipped with twin beds and private baths—a rare luxury at the time. Steam heating ensured a cozy stay during the winter months, and guests could enjoy the warmth of a grand fireplace in the lounge, where oak logs crackled each night. As a guest house, the building could accommodate up to 24 guests, while the dining room could comfortably seat twenty-five.
Unparalleled Hospitality
From valet parking to locked garages, the Shinglers ensured that their guests’ needs were met with the utmost care. The dining room offered delicious home-cooked meals, earning recognition from AAA and Duncan Hines as a premier stop for food, comfort, and courtesy. Most notably, Duncan Hines himself gave the establishment a very good rating. Atlanta mayor William Berry Hartsfield, for whom ATL airport is named, dined there while on a trip to Florida. He enjoyed the food so much that he stopped again on his return journey with twice the entourage. The estate’s reputation extended nationwide, drawing travelers from across the country who sought both rest and a taste of Southern hospitality.
A Taste of the South
The Shinglers didn’t just offer lodging—they also crafted unique culinary delights that further distinguished their home. Guests could purchase homemade pecan pralines, pumpkin chip preserves, and paper shell Schley pecans, adding a sweet and savory touch to their travel experience.
Many other recipes from the House by the Road can be found in our digital archive.
A Legacy of Southern Comfort
Situated 85 miles south of Macon and conveniently located between Cordele and Tifton, “The House by the Road” was more than a stopover—it was a destination. Advertised as a “modern tourist home” with “all conveniences,” it embodied the warmth and charm of a true Southern home. Travelers were encouraged to rest for a few days, recharge, and experience the best of Georgia’s hospitality.
However, the establishment closed around 1970 following the death of Mr. Shingler in 1966 and the opening of Interstate 75, which diverted much of the traffic that once traveled by the house via Highway 41 and passed through downtown Ashburn.
Though time has passed, the legacy of Robert and Lillian Shingler’s hospitality endures. “The House by the Side of the Road” remains a cherished part of Ashburn’s history, a testament to an era when travel was about more than just reaching a destination—it was about the experience along the way.
Sources:
“Wishbone, Backbone, & Funnybone…” by Charles Perry, The Wiregrass Farmer, August 1, 2012.
Hines, D. (1940). Lodging for a Night (3rd ed.). Adventures in Good Eating, Inc. https://dn720509.ca.archive.org/0/items/lodgingfornight00hinerich/lodgingfornight00hinerich.pdf
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