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Category: History and Genealogy

In Search of the Road Builder

Posted on January 29, 2023January 30, 2023 By Tom No 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 Phoenix Riots and Dr. Benjamin Mays – An MLK Day Ramble

Posted on January 19, 2023January 19, 2023 By Tom No Comments on The Phoenix Riots and Dr. Benjamin Mays – An MLK Day Ramble
History and Genealogy, Rambling

Every year Alan Russell and I do some sort of ramble or exploration on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. This tradition started when both of us were in education and had a rare winter Monday that we didn’t have to work. This year we invited my brother, Houston, and Dwight Moffitt to come along … Read More “The Phoenix Riots and Dr. Benjamin Mays – An MLK Day Ramble” »

An Obsession with Steak Knives

Posted on January 8, 2023January 8, 2023 By Tom No Comments on An Obsession with Steak Knives
History and Genealogy, Miscellaneous

This morning I was emptying the dishwasher, putting away the cutlery, when a bunch of memories came flooding back. That sent me digging through our silverware drawers, looking for a cheap old steak knife with a plastic brown handle, now slightly melted due to an encounter with a hot stove. Sadly, I think we tossed … Read More “An Obsession with Steak Knives” »

An Epiphany on Patriotism

Posted on January 7, 2023January 7, 2023 By Tom No Comments on An Epiphany on Patriotism
History and Genealogy, Miscellaneous, Rants

Yesterday, January 6, is celebrated as Epiphany on the Christian calendar.  It’s also Houston’s birthday.  I gave him a call and briefly thought about driving down to have lunch with him.  That was going to be a stretch to fit in with the rest of the day’s activities, so we just chatted for awhile. Sadly, … Read More “An Epiphany on Patriotism” »

The Case of the Blazing Hearse

Posted on October 27, 2022October 27, 2022 By Tom 1 Comment on The Case of the Blazing Hearse
History and Genealogy, Miscellaneous, Music

At the flea market this morning I was told a rather fascinating tale. Ivan had written a new song about a preacher who made moonshine on the side. When he died his coffin burst into flame, incinerating the hearse. Turns out that it was based, in part, on a true story. Ivan made up the … Read More “The Case of the Blazing Hearse” »

The Haunting of Farr’s Bridge

Posted on October 17, 2022 By Tom 4 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” »

Wilkinsville and a Mystery Church

Posted on May 19, 2022May 20, 2022 By Tom 4 Comments on Wilkinsville and a Mystery Church
History and Genealogy, Rambling

This blog post has been an amazing journey and has taken several weeks to complete. It has involved lots of people and diving down lots of research rabbit holes. I was able to piece together some answers, but I still have lots of questions. Since this is going to be a multi-page post I thought … Read More “Wilkinsville and a Mystery Church” »

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” »

W. L. England’s Wholesale Groceries

Posted on January 31, 2022January 31, 2022 By Tom No Comments on W. L. England’s Wholesale Groceries
History and Genealogy, Rambling

I felt like I had been cooped up for far too long. Two weekends in a row I never left the house and I was starting to get cabin fever. I posted the following on Facebook: I think today I’m going to toss a banjo, camera, and metal detector in the car and just see … Read More “W. L. England’s Wholesale Groceries” »

Exploring the Charleston Harbor by Kayak

Posted on September 20, 2021September 20, 2021 By Tom 1 Comment on Exploring the Charleston Harbor by Kayak
History and Genealogy, Paddling

This month the Lowcountry Unfiltered group decided to explore the Charleston Harbor. It was a great day, but not without its challenges. We battled wind, rain, tides, tricky currents, and crazy boaters, but still got to see some interesting history from the water. Our plan was to meet at Remley Boat Ramp, paddle under the … Read More “Exploring the Charleston Harbor by Kayak” »

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  • In Search of the Road Builder
  • The Phoenix Riots and Dr. Benjamin Mays – An MLK Day Ramble
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