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75 to u r sto p: Fo rsyth M o n r o e Co u nty | day o n e | Fr i day even i n g This once substantial farming and railroad community picked up soulful steam during the Chitlin' Circuit era. Drive through downtown Forsyth and head toward 83 Freeman Ave. A newly constructed housing development Pine Haven welcomed its rst residents November 2023, but nearly 60 years ago, juke joint Tall Pine stood in its place. Owned and operated by the late Johnnie Lee Scandrett, the green concrete block building became a music magnet. Acts like The Temptations, Millie Jackson, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Little Richard and, of course, James Brown performed at the club. "I can see those psychedelic lights in the background of my Daddy's advertisements to promote Tall Pine," said Jane Pennington, 65, daughter of Scandrett and current owner of the Pine Haven complex. "The greats of that time came through Forsyth." D O For archival images, local records, and rst-person accounts about Forsyth's and Monroe County's role in the circuit, swing by Telling Our Story: Black History Museum. Established in 2008, the treasure chest of history is housed at 500 Culloden Road in The William Hubbard Complex. The museum features more than 300 Black artifacts that span business, education, sports, military, medicine, and entertainment. Curator Rosemary A. Walker is a wealth of way-back-when knowledge. D i n e Taste a Southern synthesis of Georgia's comfort foods and Louisiana's Creole, Spanish, French, and Cajun avors. Located at 94 E. Adams St., Her Majesty Pop Up Kitchen + Catering commemorates the Chitlin' Circuit through the recreation of authentic dining and dancing experiences. Chef Chelsia Ogletree transformed a historic textile mill into a New Orleans jazz scene. Try the bread pudding rst. A young Little Richard. Photo courtesy of The Little Richard House Resource Center. Jane Pennington posing with a throwback photo of her father, the late Johnnie Lee Scandrett, who owned and operated juke joint Tall Pines in Forsyth, Georgia. Chef Chelsia Ogletree, owner of Her Majesty Kitchen in Forsyth, Georgia. 58 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2024 FORSYTH