2009 City of Tifton, "Lankford Manor"

The Lankford Manor

The John Pope home was built in 1892 on the northeast corner of Love Avenue and 4th Street. The Pope family rented rooms to new teachers hired to teach in the Tifton school system.

Olive Bennett, born March 25, 1886, was a home economics teacher at Tifton High School and rented a room in the Pope home. Robert Lankford, a banker, was born October 25, 1896. Olive and Robert met and were married in 1919 across the street in the Bowen home on the corner of 4th Street and Love Avenue.

After the Lankford's were married, they bought the Pope home and renamed it "The Lankford Manor". Mrs. Lankford began serving meals and renting rooms to teachers. She was known for her delicious fried chicken and key lime pie.

Mrs. Lankford had turned closets and large rooms into 20 bedrooms and 20 baths for rental to the traveling public and locals. The Manor was a convenient overnight stop when travelers were going to Florida or traveling North. The Lankford Manor was endorsed by Duncan Hines and the AAA Motor Club.

After Olive and Robert's death their only child, William C. "Billy" and his wife, Norma, took over the business. Billy was born January 8, 1922 in the Lankford home.

The Manor was officially closed in 1997 and was condemned following the fire.

The Lankford Manor was purchased in 2007 by Sondra and Jerry Davis. The Davis' have turned the Manor into a showcase, changing the name to "The Three Graces at Lankford Manor". It is again filled with antiques and delicious food. In April of 2008 The Three Graces at Lankford Manor became the Second Annual Designer Show House sponsored by the Tifton Council of Garden Clubs.