Profiles of Prominent Citizens
E.
CLYDE GOWEN
Electrical and Plumbing Contractor
Written May 19, 1950
Born in Fendig, Ga. in 1909, where his parents were temporarily residing at the time, E. Clyde Gowen is a member of one of Charlton County's earliest and most prominent pioneer families. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. J.V. Gowen, Sr. who at the present time own and occupy one of the county's most attractive country homes in the Traders Hill district on the St. George highway about six miles southwest of Folkston.
Clyde, as he is known among his friends, has been a resident of Charlton County since early childhood, his father being a native of the county. After returning from Fendig where he had been engaged in the naval stores industry, J.V. Gowen, Sr. settled at Traders Hill where he as active head of Georgia-Florida Investment Co. he developed one of the largest timber and turpentine holdings in this territory, much of which has been acquired by Union Bag and Paper Co. under long-term lease.
In addition to being a successful business man, and now virtually retired and a large landowner, J.V. Gowen, Sr. has been a member of the Charlton County Board of Education for many years and is widely regarded as one of the county's leading citizens. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
Having spent the greater part of his childhood at Traders Hill where he grew up, Clyde attended the public schools in Folkston, completing his education at Gordon Military College, Barnesville, where he finished in 1928.
First entering business in 1933 he took over the Folkston Grain and Grocery Store which he operated for about five years. Retiring from this business he sold to his brothers J.V. Jr. and Donald, after which he went to Chicago to attend the Coyne Electrical School in preparation for entering this line of business.
After completing the electrical course in 1937, he returned to Folkston and established an electrical business of his own which he successfully operated until 1943 when he entered the nation's armed forces during World War Two.
Entering the US Marine Corps, Mr. Gowen remained in the service for about two and a half years. He was attached to the 5th Battalion and was stationed at the US Naval Base, San Diego, California for the greater part of the time. Being a trained electrician he was assigned to the base electrical shop where he acquired much valuable additional training in his chosen line of work.
Upon his return to Folkston following his discharge, Mr. Gowen opened up a general electrical and plumbing business with sales and show room in the Gowen Building next to the Citizens Bank. In addition to his line of electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures he carries on a general plumbing and electrical contracting business operating one of the city's busiest and most successful enterprises.
Widely regarded as being one of Folkston's progressive public-spirited and forward looking young business men, Mr. Gowen has been an active and willing worker in all undertakings for community welfare and progress. He has served one term as Folkston's mayor and several terms on the city council proving a capable and conscientious public official.
More than fifteen years ago Mr. Gowen was united in marriage to Miss Ann Smith of Portal, Ga. and they have a two year old son, Gregory. They occupy an attractive new home on Gowen Drive in the western section of the city. Clyde is a Mason and both are members of the Methodist Church.
May 19, 1950