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I know a little about the DeMario Jewelry "Factory" in Fort Gaines. Robert was a friend of Larry Brown (who was a native of Fort Gaines) They met in New York. Robert, I think had a company or the idea of a company, and was from N.Y. I know that he did send most of the finished products of the 'handmade' jewelry back to N.Y. He decided to come to Fort Gaines, as I'm sure he felt he could find 'cheap', I won't call it labor, but guess that's what it was. Since most of the ladies had known and loved Larry, it was easy for Robert to make contacts. Think he had some type of classes for the ladies to learn to make the jewlry... earrings, pins, etc. There was a building, I think that was across the street from the old Post Office where the so called factory was. The ladies could either work there, or after they had learned the 'trade' of making the jewlry, they could take the supplies to their homes and work there. A lot of them loved just going to the 'shop' where they could sit, work and visit. Some would also take 'work' home and after they had finished the pieces, they would take it back to the 'factory' to get paid. My mother did some of this work in the summer while school was out and it certainly gave the ladies some extra spending money. I think I still have a couple of pieces, maybe earrings, that my mother made. Robert, I think, designed the pieces and for the most part, they were very pretty and different from anything anyone in that area had ever seen. I don't know how long Robert lived there in Fort Gaines. He bought this real old home, that at that time, had to be at least a hundred years old, and a wonderful view from one of the hills there. During the winter when the leaves are off the trees, you can see over into Alabama. This home is still standing. Everyone would want to take a tour of the DeMario home. I'm trying to remember the name of the family that owned the home before Robert bought it, but it excapes me now. Mc (something) I think. It has been bought and sold a couple of times now and the people that have it, have done more remodeling and added other buildings on the property. I don't know when Robert and I guess, Larry left Fort Gaines...expect in the late 50's or early 60's. Have no idea where either of them are now. I think most of the people that were involved with him are very probably no longer with us. I could try to ask some of my friends who grew up down there,as I did, if they might have more information than I do. If I can be of anymore help, please let me know. Lou (Mary Louise) Hobbs Engelhart
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