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Category: Local

Local items of interest from Greenville and Upstate SC.

Gimme Shelter

Posted on May 1, 2025May 3, 2025 By Tom 2 Comments on Gimme Shelter
History and Genealogy, Local, Rambling

A spiritu fomicationis,Domine, hibera nos.From the lightning and the tempest,O Lord, deliver us.From the scourge of the earthquake,O Lord, deliver us.From plague, famine, and war,O Lord, deliver us. From the place of ground zero,O Lord, deliver us.From the rain of the cobalt,O Lord, deliver us.From the rain of the strontium,O Lord, deliver us.From the fall … Read More “Gimme Shelter” »

We’ll Always Have Paris

Posted on March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 By Tom 3 Comments on We’ll Always Have Paris
History and Genealogy, Local

I was browsing through the University of South Carolina’s collection of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. These maps are highly detailed maps of towns and cities from the early 20th Century and are excellent for historical research. According to Wikipedia… Sanborn maps are detailed maps of U.S. cities and towns in the 19th and 20th centuries. Originally … Read More “We’ll Always Have Paris” »

Slabtown, Equality, and the Thalian Web – MLK 2025

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 By Tom 3 Comments on Slabtown, Equality, and the Thalian Web – MLK 2025
History and Genealogy, Local, Rambling

As usual, fellow explorer Alan Russell and I planned to a ramble on MLK Day, as we do each year. We brainstormed several options, and decided to head to upper Anderson County to the community of Slabtown. I had actually visited these sites back in 2021 with the intention of writing a blog post about … Read More “Slabtown, Equality, and the Thalian Web – MLK 2025” »

A Farewell Reunion for Jack’s Pickin’ Parlor

Posted on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 By Tom 1 Comment on A Farewell Reunion for Jack’s Pickin’ Parlor
Local, Music

This past Sunday I was privileged to attend the Farewell Reunion of Jack’s Pickin’ Parlor at the Belton Depot in Belton, South Carolina. For fifteen years Jack Ellenburg provided a place for musicians to gather and share Bluegrass, Gospel, and other tunes in a free, family-friendly environment. The Pickin’ Parlor closed in 2014, but its … Read More “A Farewell Reunion for Jack’s Pickin’ Parlor” »

Christmas Carols at Conestee, McBee Chapel

Posted on December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 By Tom No Comments on Christmas Carols at Conestee, McBee Chapel
History and Genealogy, Local, Music

It started with a notice on Facebook. McBee Methodist Church would be holding a Christmas carol singing on Saturday, December 10 at 6:00. I had visited the historic chapel many times and had photographed it from the exterior, but I was dying to see the inside. This would be my chance. McBee Methodist Church, aka … Read More “Christmas Carols at Conestee, McBee Chapel” »

2023 Saluda River Rally

Posted on June 7, 2023June 7, 2023 By Tom 1 Comment on 2023 Saluda River Rally
Local, Paddling

This past Saturday I participated in the 13th Annual Saluda River Rally. This event is sponsored by Anderson County and proceeds go to support Special Olympics. This was the first time I’d taken part in the rally. Usually I’m either out in Washington or have another paddling event planning. I was glad things worked out … Read More “2023 Saluda River Rally” »

Landsford Canal Lilies and the Catawba River

Posted on May 28, 2023May 28, 2023 By Tom 1 Comment on Landsford Canal Lilies and the Catawba River
Local, Paddling, Photography

I thought I had missed the opportunity to view the rocky shoals spider lilies for this year. I had seen social media posts about them with photos, but I was afraid peak bloom had already passed. Last weekend was Lilyfest at Landsford Canal State Park, so I hope I hadn’t missed all of the action. … Read More “Landsford Canal Lilies and the Catawba River” »

In Search of the Road Builder

Posted on January 29, 2023January 30, 2023 By Tom 6 Comments on In Search of the Road Builder
History and Genealogy, Local

One of the rare non-rainy days this week I found myself wandering up to Jones Gap State Park. It was a beautiful brisk day as I walked along the trail, enjoying the rush of the Middle Saluda Waters. My mind, though, was thrown back several decades into the past, when I haunted these trails as … Read More “In Search of the Road Builder” »

The Haunting of Farr’s Bridge

Posted on October 17, 2022 By Tom 6 Comments on The Haunting of Farr’s Bridge
History and Genealogy, Local, Miscellaneous

There’s something about bridges, particularly old ones, that lend themselves to tales of ghosts and hauntings. These structures are ripe for tragedy, crossing potentially hazardous places such as waterways or chasms. Here in Upstate South Carolina alone there are many stories about haunted bridges such as Poinsett Bridge in Greenville County, Booger Jim Bridge in … Read More “The Haunting of Farr’s Bridge” »

The Remnants of the City

Posted on March 15, 2022March 15, 2022 By Tom 2 Comments on The Remnants of the City
History and Genealogy, Local

I love ghost towns.  I love seeing a place and imagining what must have been there, the lives lived, and activity of commerce that must have taken place.  But even living cities have their ghosts.  Some of these are obvious – abandoned buildings, forgotten cemeteries, old rail beds, and stairs that seemingly lead nowhere.  Some … Read More “The Remnants of the City” »

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