Welcome to Sparta, Mississippi! If you are a fan of the TV series “In the Heat of the Night” like I am, you should visit Covington, Ga.
First, Go to the Visitors Center and get a map. As I rode around Covington, I found a few filming locations there that were in the pictures that weren’t on the map! Other TV series and Movies were filmed there too…Dukes of Hazzard for one! You can visit the place where the famous General Lee car jumped over the railroad tracks!
Here is something that I just found out! I went to college with an actress in the Heat of the Night! To the right you will see some yearbook pictures. Beside the “O” is me! I didn’t graduate…got into radio, go figure!? The second picture is a few pages down of Elizabeth Williams who DID graduate and got a few parts in the tv Heat! Her picture from the same yearbook is above! If you take a close look at her, she played Mrs. Earl in the episode “Gunshot” when she told the Chief where to find Albert’s gun with the broke firing pin! This was the episode where Tibb’s shot Albert’s sister! In real life now she is married to Afemo Omilami, my man Jimmy Dawes!! (CLICK HERE) For her bio, and other parts she has played!
trivia:
Did you know that the crazy judge Cully, Lana Farren’s court apperence in “lake winahatchie,” also played “the Penguin” in the old Batman series?
…..new..Drew Ward, the guy that shot the hooker in “maybelle returns” is also the principal of the school Forrest Gump’s Mom sold her body to in order to get him enrolled!
Did you know that Harriot DeLong played a part in the film “Let’s do it Again, and Piece of the Action?” She was married for a time to singer Bill Withers (Lean on Me)!
Did you know that you can check out a lot of “Heat” actors playing other parts in the movie “my cousin vinny?” As you watch it, you will say that’s Mac, Epp, Eula, Tyrell, and a few others! The movie was even filmed in Covington and surrounding towns!
Did you know that Luann Corbin, Crystal Foxx, played the maid Katie in “Driving Miss Daisy?” **********Be sure and watch Luann, starring in “The Haves and the Have Nots” on Oprah’s Channel, my favorite soap opera!
In “Citizen Trundel pt1, about 17 minutes into the episode, Sweet and Lonnie are in front of Harriet’s house. Sweet says “That woman is seriously mad!” Natalie’s boyfriend drives by, parks and he looks out the window of his car. If you hit pause on the very brief shot of her house, everything is backwards! Look at the street sign….mistake?
Did you know that Luann’s brother Tyler, “brothers keeper,” played Shel Baylor in the series “Dave’s World?” Tyler (Meshach Taylor) passed away June 27th, 2014, he was 67! In the same episode, Mitch Nellin, after being killed in “a problem too personal,” came back to life working at Star Sports…..maybe he has a twin brother?? Maybe the gold chain around his neck made him look different enough to fool us??
Did you know that Althea Tibbs played a part in the comedy “What’s Happening Now” (Raj’s wife). Also a brief nude scene in the film “Robot Jox!” Raj plays the other Parker in “brotherly love II!”
If you want to see a younger and shapelier Joanne, dressed only in a slip, watch the episode “the midnight sun” on the Twilight Zone!
Did you know that Lynchburg’s own Deleesa Carr played a Philadelphia cop in the episode “brotherly love pt II?” You see her when Tibbs is making the speech about the dirty cops! I was told by her that the episode was filmed in California! PICTURE OF DELEESA CARR COURTESY OF TROY JONES, PICTURES WITH ***** TAKEN BY TONI GOINS NIOUS, DIX’S GAS TAKEN BY RAY WITT.
Did you know that Country singer Ed Aimes played the sheriff Ed Thompson in the episode “prisoners?” Another famous singer, Ketty Lester, played Hannah Carter in the episode “gunshot!” She played Jimmy Dawes’ grandmother, the old lady who sat on the porch in a wheelchair. She sang the hit “Loveletters” in 1962!
(click here) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b00bRYZSRew
Did you know that Dr. Harris Pendleton (mouthwash guy) in the episode “tear down these walls” is the same actor who sold Arnie Cunningham the car in the movie “Christine?” He was the guy who sold the Plymouth, George LeBay!
Did you know that Lana Farren (chief’s daughter, christine elise) played kowalski’s pregnant wife in the second Vanishing Point?
Did you know that in the episode “Maybelle returns,” it isn’t the same Maybelle? Dianne Ladd played the first one, and Elizabeth Ashley played the second one! ….They tried to fool us….
Did you know that Virgil’s neice Nicole in “country mouse, city mouse”, is Rianne Murtaugh from the “Lethal Weapon” series?
Did you know that D.A. Darnelle was a motel mgr. before he became the district attorney in “aka kelly kay?” In that episode he has a large beard….but it’s him!
Did you know that Dean Wormer in the motion picture “Animal House” is the Dr. in the episode “private sessions?”
If you want to see the Chief Gillespie play the part of a gangster, check out the episode “bird in the hand” on the old “Untouchables” tv series!
Did you know that Carl Tibbets, the bookstore owner in “final arrangement” was Martin Lane on the “Patty Duke Show?” He also played Nilz Baris on the “Startrek” episode “the trouble with tribbles!” In “a problem too personal,” Eugene and Harriett got into an argument in front of the book store location!
In the episode “a correct setting,” the Bishop Prinn is driving a red Chevrolet! A few minutes later in a tag check the Bishops car comes back to a Oldsmobile Cutlass? Close-ups of the bumping collision of his car off the road show the make!
In the episode “poor relations,” Roy pulls his truck and trailor in Parkers driveway and turns off the engine. There is a backfire, a loud boom that scares Ms. Yohay and she starts running. When she runs, look closely and you will see Roy pulling into the driveway…..again?
If you want to see O.J. killed…..watch the episode “walkout” He plays Councleman Lawson Stiles who dies in the picture!
….new.. The motion picture “Prisoners,” where the two little kids are kidnapped has a few filming locations in Covington, Ga. I can’t wait to watch it and see what other locations we recognize!
Did you know Willie Baylor in the episode “country mouse, city mouse”, plays church organist Scooter in the film “The Fighting Temptations!”
The actress Deborah Duke played Odessa Robbins in the episode “odessa.” Without a lot of make-up she is the maid Mathilda in the episode “the more things change!” Question? I think that she also played the old lady, Ms. Lula Parkman, living at the house who told Bubba about the other property in the episode “vengeange?” However in the IMDb there is no credit for her?
Did you know in the episode “hammer and the glove”, Matthew played officer Bobby Hill in “Hill St. blues?”
It looks like in “family reunion” the building used as a salon, Curl up and Dye (cute name) is Mason’s Dixieline Bar in disquise!
Did you know that Althea Tibbs had TWO fathers?? One Calvin Peterson played by J. A. Preston in the episode “intruders.” Another, played by Mel Stewart in “lessons learned!” Mel was also Henry Jefferson in “All in the Family!” They tried to fool us….again!
Did you know that pimp Jude Thibodeaux from the episode “a.k.a. kelly kay”, is the “Control Voice” (the narrator) for the new “Outer Limits!”
Did you know hooker “Topaz” in the episode “stranger in town”, is Lexie Carter from “Days of our Lives!”
Did you know that Albert Tolliver in the episode “gunshot” (Tibbs shot his sister) also played Argyle the limo driver in “Die-Hard”, and the guitar thief that Ray Charles “saw” in the “Blues Brothers!”
WANT TO TAKE A TOUR OF “SPARTA” RIGHT ON YOUR COMPUTER? PRINT OUT OR WRITE DOWN THE ADDRESSES BELOW. GO TO (www.maps.google.com) TYPE IN THE ADDRESS WITH THE DASH IN FRONT OF IT, IN THE SEARCH SECTION, AND HIT “SEARCH MAPS.” THIS WILL TAKE YOU TO A MAP SECTION IN COVINGTON, GA. IN THE ADDRESS BLOG, CLICK ON “STREETVIEW.” THIS WILL TAKE YOU TO A PICTURE OF “SPARTA.” YOU MIGHT HAVE TO USE YOUR MOUSE/ARROW KEY TO TURN THE PICTURE AROUND FOR A BETTER VIEW OF WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR! (THE ADDRESS I GIVE YOU WILL TAKE YOU AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE!) YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GO UP OR DOWN THE STREET A LITTLE TO FIND THE LOCATION! DON’T LEAVE OUT THE (ex. SW) WHEN INDICATED. PUT IN THE ADDRESS EXACTLY. BE SURE AND CHECK BACK TO THIS SITE BECAUSE I WILL BE ADDING MORE ADDRESSES AS I FIND THEM….ENJOY!
Sparta courthouse & clocktower-1102 Clark St. Covington, Ga.
Magnolia Cafe-1159 Monticello St. Covington, Ga.
Tibbs home (house was gray!)-1108 Conyers. St. SW. Covington, Ga.
African Zion A.M.E. Church-3146 Stone Mountain St. Covington, Ga. (“bottoms” area next door, including “King” the boxers house, has been torn down!)
…..new..The temple in “the rabbi”-837 Wesley St. Oxford, Ga.
Legion Park-3121 Legion Dr. SE. Covington, Ga.
Mrs. Yohay’s house in “poor relations” minus the pink pig! Next door is Parker’s house, the tree in the middle of his yard has really grown-82 Oakview Dr. Covington, Ga.
Sparta High School-2942 Newton Dr. NE, Covington, Ga.
…..new.. Luann had two houses, and I believe they were right next to each other? In “a baby call rocket,” her house is-131 Pine St. Mansfield, Ga. The shed next door and the watertower gives it away! In “brothers keeper”-141 Pine St. Mansfield, Ga. The house has been torn down, and is a pile of rubble! This might not stay there long on “streetview!” The white wall around it was painted red!
….new.. The railroad crossing where Luann arrested Tyler-Ed Needham Dr. & Railroad Ave. Mansfield, Ga. The railroad tracks have been abandoned, you can see what remains in the grass! The yellow building, Beaver Manufacturing on the left, gives it away. Look right on W. 1st. Avenue, and see the building that was used for Star-sports! It has a white car parked in front of it! Up the street a little, at the corner of N. Main St. & E. 1st. Ave. (google can’t find it?) you will see the corner where $500.00 was offered for the mother of the baby in “a baby called rocket!” The red and white railroad looking building gives it away!
…..new..Swifts Cafe is used in “ruda’s awakening!” -E. Sycamore St. & N. Cherokee Rd. Social Circle, Ga. Look for it to the left of the State Farm Building. The top ornaments on the building, and the street lights, give it away! However, in “a time to trust,” Swift’s Cafe moves across the street to the corner of the “Knox” building!
Lisa’s house in “my name is hank” also Francine Miller’s house in “the littlest victim”-3160 Thompson Ave. Covington, Ga. (house was yellow!)
….new.. In “brothers keeper” the intersection where Tyler’s car broke down at the beginning of the episode.- 1164 Hendrick St. SW Covington, Ga.
DA. Darnell’s house in “an eye for an eye.” I think that Darnell and Helen Caldwell must live together, because I believe the same house was used in “intruders!” This is the home where the stolen locket was discussed-2152 Church St. Covington, Ga.
…..new.. The place where Robert and Lonnie had the fight in “the littlest victum!” The house in the background has new siding, and the fence is gone! However the stop sign, mounted in the middle of the street sign with Baxter St. on it, is still there-6103 Blair St. NE Covington, Ga.
The motorcycle chase with Bubba and Nick Crews in “the littlest victim” ended at this intersection.-6155 Hopkins St. NE, Covington, Ga.
…..new. Ed Ruger’s Club in “singing the blues” -919 Railroad St. Conyers, Ga. You might have to go down the street a little, the building I believe is the club has 921 in the glass. The building now has a white canopy, and is red and white.
…new..In “a problem too personal” The clinic where Jake was brought after being shot by Sweet. Sheriff McCombs headquarters-813 N. Main St. NW Conyers, Ga. In the same episode, the street where Mitch Nellin was shot (pizza hanging from his mouth)-919 railroad St. Conyers, Ga.
Nathan Bedford’s house across from Legion Park in “sweet sweet blues”-3115 Conyers St. SE, Covington, Ga.
….new..Meecham Moving and Storage, in “sparta gold,”-5131 Washington St. SW Covington, Ga. Looks like the building is now brown, with an canopy added.
….new..The rape victim, Audrey Moore, in “accused” lived here! If you turn the “streetview” down the hill you will see what is left of the foot-bridge used in a lot of episodes.-3126 Corley St. NW Covington, Ga.
While you are there, next door was Joe Neffin’s parents house, the house where Jamerson reached in the window and got a picture out in “ruda’s awakening!”-3118 Corley St. NW Covington, Ga. The house has been torn down!
….new..Clyde Thompson got pulled over for a DUI in the Jeep, from the episode “last rights.” The intersection is here.-2156 Conyers St. SE Covington, Ga.
The Mill “private sessions” & “gunshots”- porterdale mill lofts, porterdale, Ga. The mill is also used in the motion picture “prisoners!”
Sparta Methodist Church-1111 Conyers St. SW. Covington, Ga. (across from Tibb’s home!)
Eugene and Harriett DeLong’s home-3160 Floyd St. Covington, Ga.
….new..Sheriff Will McComb’s office in “sparta gold” where Virgil was asked if he had a reading problem, and to move his car-937 Court St. NE. Conyers, Ga. The white shutters on the building has been removed!
….new..In the episode “private sessions,” Rebecca Lewis’s home. The house has been remodeled, but the graveyard across the street gives it away!-Wheat St. & Mill St. NE, Covington, Ga.
……new..In the episode “the landlord,” the white mansion where Keen Philbrick and Chrissy Rice were found murdered in the back seat of the Lincoln. -1176 Reynolds St. SW. Covington, Ga.
….new.. In the episode “the landlord,” Newborn’s Gas and grocery where Ed works.-Hwy 229 & N. Johnson St. Newborn, Ga. The filling station has been torn down, and a top porch added to the building across the street.
….new..The house where Henry shot Ron DuBois in “leftover man” (house has a small red & white for sale sign in the front yard.)- West St. & Eberhardt St. NW, Covington, Ga.
….new..The Gentry mansion in “leftover man”-2204 Monticello St. SW, Covington, Ga.
….new..The crack house that was used in the episodes “a small war.”-2133 Conyers St. SW Covington, Ga.
….new..Sparta Federal Savings Bank used in “a trip upstate,” and “family reunion” to name a few.-1120 Clark St. SW Covington, Ga. The bank is next door to the Courthouse and clocktower (BB&T).
…..new.. The episode “first girl” the place where Parker picked up Chris at the bus stop. The bench he was leaning on is now missing.–1130 Floyd St. NE Covington, Ga.
…..new..The episode “fifteen forever” The house where Bubba accidently put the car in drive and knocked down the garage door to see was the car he was looking for was there.-4107 Elizabeth St. NE Covington, Ga.
Pace Cars garage in “a correct setting”-2125 Clark St. SW. Covington, Ga.
In the episode “vengeance” The mini mart (Chevron) where Bubbas girlfriend worked (Nally’s Never Close).-2136 Washington St. SW Covington, Ga.
Harriett DeLong’s sister Natalie’s house “citizen trundell”-2194 Brown St. Covington, Ga.
….new..In the episode “crackdown,” the house that was raided and Sgt. Sweet was taken hostage-3227 Conyers St. SE Covington, Ga.
Pinkney’s Auto Sales, “falsely accused”(now Car Barn Auto Sales)-2122 Pace St. Covington, Ga.
Newton General Hospital-4181 Tate St. Covington, Ga.
In “a final arrangement” Tibbet’s bookstore-Railroad St. & Center St. Conyers, Ga. (building by the do not enter sign. It is an antique store).
Chief Gillespie’s new house-2129 Monticello St. SW. Covington, Ga.
Church where Keen Philbrick was stabbed in the episode, “the landlord”-3102 Washington St. SW. Covington, Ga.
Lawyer Epp’s office-1108 Church St. Covington, Ga. (Remax)
…..new.. “first girl” The railroad crossing where the Chief & John found the guy in the caboose. You will see the yellow railroad station on the right, however the caboose is now missing.- Green St. SW & Center St. Conyers, Ga.
Harriett DeLong’s Art Studio Apt.-1176 Washington St. Covington, Ga.
….new.10217 Alcovy Rd. Covington, Ga.-Might be the Super 8 motel where the Chief’s daughter Lana got beat up?? They all kinda look alike…. “random’s child”
“the Kid” was picked up by the police and put in the car along with his delivery bike, “deadly affection”-5184 Wheat St. NE Covington, Ga.
“hello in there” The bank where Daryl Tyler worked.-2136 Washington St. SW Covington, Ga.
Mason’s Dixieline Bar -5115 Floyd St. NE. Covington, Ga.
……new..Charlene Ross’s house in “lessons learned” is located across the street from the building used for Mason’s Dixieline Bar!-5110 Floyd St. NE. Covington, Ga. In the episode you can see the building, without make-up, when Parker discovers the cut screen door!
Sparta Herald (where the editor got beat up.) “child’s play”-1158 Monticello St. SW. Covington, Ga.
Gallery on the Square (Coldwell Banker) is used in the episode “your own kind.” This building was also used as Earl Colmer’s Jr’s. store in the episode “odessa.”-1018 Washington St. SW. Covington, Ga.
Newton county Sheriffs office-1126 Stallings St. NW Covington, Ga. (where is deputy Surillo? She can arrest me anytime!!)
The school used in the episode “give me your life,” The Church of the Celestial Influence!-6128 Collins St. NE. Covington, Ga. Wait a minute…didn’t the church explode in the episode?? Computer graphics is a wonderful thing! By the way, while you are here…turn the camera around and you will see the water tower with “SPARTA” still painted on it “hatton’s turn!” This is the tower Hatton was supposed to have climbed?
IF YOU HAVE FOUND ANY MORE LOCATIONS NOT LISTED LET ME KNOW, FOR ALL TO ENJOY!
Favorite episodes: These are the ones that I watch over and over again:
6-intruders
7-small war
6-…..and then you die
7-baby for sale
6-the fairest of them all
7-sparta gold
The Old McGuffey house, included in a lot of episodes, including “falsely accused”, where Bob Pinkney made a scene with Bill and Harriet! The Old McGuffy House is located in nearby Conyers, Ga. I also got a shot of Bob’s car lot, where he sold the couple the “lemon!” Also, “dangerous engagement” Where Bill is mistaken for McComb, and Parker bets the farm on identifying the sniper! The restaurant is closed and for sale now, wanna buy it! I also took a shot of Bill’s new house. Harriet was picking out wallpaper and Bill wants her to move in with him! I got a shot of the bridge where Parker and Julie Lofton went in Legion Park to discover the water samples in “laid to waste!” In “sweet sweet blues”, I found Nathan Bedford’s house across the street from Legion Park. Mason’s Dixieline bar is featured in a lot of episodes including “mosleys lot!” The irony of it all, The Church of the Celestial Influence in the episode “Give me your life” is now really a church! By the way, it didn’t burn down! Right behind it is the water tower with “Sparta” still written on it! In “little girl lost” I got a shot of the store where she bought her “tonic!” In “citizen trundel” I found Natalie DeLong’s house, where she was killed! At the very beginning of the episode “citizen trundel pt1, I have included a shot of the church that was in the picture before the red Thunderbird with the killers inside, came around the corner!! In the episode “correct setting”, Sam Quirt ran Bishop Prinn off the road. I got a shot of the shop where he returned the banged up car, and the church where Eugene was to meet the Bishop! The church is right across the street from the Tibbs’ home! In the episode “and justice for some”, there is supposed to be the home where the boy lived that got hit by the truck! Virgil and Althea’s church, The African Zion Church, is featured in a lot of episodes including “odessa” and “kings ransom.” Next to the church a lot of the “bottoms” section has been torn down! I hope that I have more time next time I visit there! In the mean time all my “Heat” fans….enjoy these!
QUOTEABLE QUOTES!!
Here is a section that all of my heat fans can relate to! Unforgetable sayings from your favorite episodes!
If you want to guess which episode, cover up the right side of the screen now! Look closely for the answer to the right of the quote!
The main one…. “Yea, What” I find myself answering the phone like the Chief does every now and then!
1-“Put another round in that big fat butt!” “bounty hunter”
2-“Get your high beams on!” “a small war”
3-“It’s a lie friends, for only I friends, witnessed the action!” “sweet sweet blues”
4-“I’d bet the farm on it!” “dangerous engagement”
5-“Is this slow enough?” “bounty hunter”
6-“In the game of love there’s got to be two winners, or none at all!” “last round”
7-“She’s my real sister you know, I mean really real!” “first girl”
8-“And made a big old pin-cushion out of old Bubba…huh?” “vengeance”
9-“Possum….scraped it off the road there…huh?” “indiscretions”
10-“If you were 20 years younger the only thing you would be is a younger corpse!” “intruders”
11-“Guess I’m just gonna hang!” “conspiracy of one”
12-“Penny went in there and she couldn’t even find the sit down!” “poor relations”
13-“You must favor your mama son, you don’t look a thing like your daddy!” “dangerous engagement”
14-“Hi Bubba, remember me, I was in your Bible study class last summer!” “accused”
15-“The man contemplating murder hardly advises us of his intentions!” “first girl”
16-“We are looking for the man who is the father of this child….of yours?” “bubba’s baby”
17-“Turn out the lights, the partys over, all good things must end!” “shine on sparta moon”
18-“Crime justified by need would be the main occupation of the masses!” “sparta gold”
19-“That represents total misunderstanding of the role of police in society!” “brothers keeper”
20-“Thanks for coming yau’ll, nice to see yau’ll, God bless yau’ll!” “leftover man”
21-“Freedom is of secondary importance, but tell him I need the space!” “heart of gold”
22-“Romance is like a game of chess. One false move and you’ve had it!” “dangerous engagement”
23-“Fault goes to the man who had no right to the gun!” “rudas awakening”
By the way, if you have a great “heat” quote, or a comment about this page, let me know!
robert@djmadlad.com. I’d love to hear from all my “Heat” fans! I am a nut….how about you!
Madlad!
This section is a comparison page I thought of doing! I took locations taken from still scenes from the tv show, and put them next to the google location “streetview!” The tv scene is on the left, and the google location is on the right! We all know the main locations like the Police station, the clocktower, and so forth, so I did mostly secondary locations used only a few times! I tried to get as close as possible to the tv location so you can see the changes in 20-25 years! Some trees have grown, houses have been torn down, train tracks abandoned, and houses painted a different color! If you ever visit Covington, Ga, you can use the directions found on page one “sparta miss” on this site, to find different addresses! You can also use google maps to go to the location yourself on your pc! Enjoy…this took a while to put together! There will be more pages to come too!
Here are more comparisons!
I took locations taken from still scenes from the tv show, and put them next to the google location “streetview!” The tv scene is on the left, and the google location is on the right! We all know the main locations like the Police station, the clocktower, and so forth, so I did mostly secondary locations used only a few times! I tried to get as close as possible to the tv location so you can see the changes in 20-25 years! Some trees have grown, houses have been torn down, train tracks abandoned, and houses painted a different color! If you ever visit Covington, Ga, you can use the directions found on page one “sparta miss” on this site, to find different addresses! You can also use google maps to go to the location yourself on your pc! Enjoy…this took a while to put together! There will be more pages to come too!
I hope that you are enjoying my comparison section…..here’s more!
THERE IS NO MORE “IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT,” BUT THERE IS TALK OF A REMAKE…I HOPE! WHERE ARE THE ARTIST’S WHO PLAYED GREAT ROLES IN THE SERIES? WE KNOW BILL IS GONE, SO IS VIRGIL, KAY, DR. ROBB, AND A LOT MORE ACTORS. BELOW ARE PICTURES OF ACTORS PLAYING ROLES IN OTHER SERIES!
*****new I RECENTLY SPOTTED HENRY COWEN (CLIFTON POWELL), FROM THE EPISODE “LEFTOVER MAN” PLAYING A PART IN THE MOTION PICTURE “SINNERS WANTED (2018)” HIS CHARACTER WAS “ONE EYE!”
