Ellijay's Odd Connection to Egypt

Everyone who has driven to the town square has driven by the old Sam Penland Store (currently the Ellijay Florist) on River Street. Sam Penland hails from the same family which started Penland's Orchards. Sam Penland began operating out of the River Street location in 1914 as a merchandise store.

Sam Penland and his son in front of the store.

The faded mural on the wall shows an advertisement for Ballard's Obelisk Flour.

Ballard's Obelisk Flour was produced in Memphis, Tennessee. The building is an example of the Egyptian Revival architectural style and has an inscribed image of Nekhbet, the Egyptian Goddess of the vulture above the main entrance door. The building also is flanked by two obelisks that extend to the top of the building.

The inscribed design of Nekhbet, the Vulture Goddess of Egypt. This design is similar to the image above the entrance of the temple of Ramesses III.

The symbol of Nekhbet at the Temple of Ramesses III at Luxor

The Ballard and Ballard Co. Obelisk Flour Building in Memphis Tennessee was constructed in 1922, right after the discovery of King Tutenkhamun's Tomb.

Eventually, Ballard's was acquired by Nabisco (National Biscuit Company) in 1951.

Of course, Memphis itself takes its name from Memphis, Egypt.