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Reflections
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bland's Pond on Shot Pouch
Reflections revisits Bland Pond, which became part of the Iris Gardens through the efforts of H. C. Bland, the former owner of the Hudson-Essex, Oldsmobile, Saxon, Kissel Car, Roamer, Milburn Electric car and the Ford dealership in Sumter. The land … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Manchester's day has ended
Reflections revisits one of Sumter County's mysteries, the vanished community of Manchester! This anomaly has baffled historians and inspired numerous conjectures on the demise of this once … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Hub: Sumter's busiest bargain store
Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping establishments. This business would undergo several changes; however, it remained an integral part of Sumter's shopping community. The data and photos used were … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter courthouse space doubles in 1964
Reflections recalls the expansion of Sumter's courthouse in 1964. Construction of courthouses appears to come in cycles. A quick review will show that most of the courthouses being built or replaced in South Carolina were constructed about the same … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity
Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, "The earliest form of bowling known to exist has been traced back to ancient Egypt around 5,000 BC. The ancient Egyptians … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Kermit Ward becomes manager of Sumter Theater
Reflections revisits Kermit Ward, who was responsible for providing Sumter with quality movie entertainment. Ward helped upgrade Sumter's motion-picture industry by assisting in improving the viewing facilities, renovating the buildings and turning … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Dave (Mac) McInnis: Diving All-American
Reflections revisits Sumter Electric Appliance Company, also known as SEACO. The data and photos used to produce this paper were acquired from The Item archives. The paper will be presented in two parts due to its length. In August of 1945, the … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Blue Sky used talent to help beautify our community
Reflections revisits Warren Edward Johnson, known today as Blue Sky, born Sept. 18, 1938, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received national attention for his artistic ability by winning a poster competition while a student at Dreher High School. The … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter Electric Appliance Company: SEACO
Reflections revisits Sumter Electric Appliance Company, also known as SEACO. The data and photos used to produce this paper were acquired from The Item archives. The paper will be presented in two parts due to its length. In August of 1945, the … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Stateburg cotton mill was one of first; Graniteville plant was more famous, according to 1947 article
Reflections revisits Stateburg in 1788 when John McNair made the effort to build a cotton gin prior to others who were given credit for earlier efforts in this new industry. A dispute in New England over the birthplace of America's first major … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: New Wateree bridge provided convenient highway route
Reflections revisits the construction of a highway and bridge which provided a solution to a major travel issue between Sumter and Columbia. "The construction of this new bridge across the Wateree swamp came about through a mutual agreement between … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Highway 261: 'The King's Highway'
Reflections revisits Highway 261, located in the Stateburg community. This area of Sumter County is home to many of our historical treasures and landmarks. The journey undertaken on this road leads from Charleston to Camden and Charlotte, finally … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter baseball team was called Sumter Chicks
Reflections revisits Sumter's entry into the Tri-State Baseball League in 1948. The newly arrived baseball organization led to the formation of the Sumter Baseball and Exhibition Company Inc., which would operate the team. The following were elected … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: 'A Look at Sumter 1900-1925' - Remembrances of Cassie Nicholes
Reflections revisits the author of Historical Sketches of Sumter County, Cassie Nicholes. She was considered to be one of Sumter's foremost historians. "Born in Sumter County before the turn of the century, she has defied the accepted … more
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Julia Lester Dillon helped beautify Sumter
Reflections revisits the life of Julia Lester Dillon, who in 1920 was called upon by Sumter to build a Memorial Park. The residents of Sumter wanted to honor those men from the county who had lost their lives in World War I. Her commission was to … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Celebrating Independence Day
Reflections recalls one of the most significant moments in our country's history, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, a federal holiday which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, with the aim … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Singletons played role in history of Sumter
Reflections remembers the Singleton family who played an important role in the history of the Sumter area. Once this prominent family was described as "upcountry South Carolinians of Virginia Stock." Their beautiful plantations were on the old road … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Opening the Sumter Theater in 1935, part II
"The motion picture industry is proud of the new Sumter Theatre. Best wishes for a big opening and a long and successful career." - Gary Cooper, Paramount Studios Reflections revisits the building of the Opera House and Sumter Theatre. Data … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Opera House and Sumter Theatre, Part I
"The motion picture industry is proud of the new Sumter Theatre. Best wishes for a big opening and a long and successful career." - Gary Cooper, Paramount Studios Reflections revisits the building of the Opera House and Sumter Theatre. Data and … more
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Orlando Wheeler of Sumter: A victim of Goliad Massacre in Texas War of Independence, Part II
Reflections remembers the Goliad Massacre which occurred during the Mexican conflict and the role played by Orlando Wheeler, a native of Sumter. Data and photos used to prepare this paper were obtained from The Item archives, Wikipedia Encyclopedia, … more
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