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 norms."

According to the late Mike Karvelas, she was keeping her house at the age of 83 while working as an associate editor of the Sumter News. She had an acute memory of Sumter's past, which is the topic of this Reflections. Data and photos used to prepare this piece were acquired from The Item archives; the writings of Nicholes were also consulted.

According to Nicholes, "During the first 25 years of the 20th century, Sumter experienced much activity along many lines. As the new century began, it tended to focus on the businesses and industries which lined downtown Sumter. Ms. Nicholes reported that when the new century began, city streets remained unpaved. Bricks were used as the first improvement material in paving Main Street beginning at Canal Street and ending at Bartlette Street. As stated in Nicholes' research, this project was concluded in 1910 during the mayoralty of W.B. Boyle.

Some of the merchants conducting retail businesses were V.H. Phelps, grocer; Levy and Moses, health food distributors; the Palace Shaving Parlor and the Cash Dry Goods Company.

"The J.C. Craig Furniture Store opened four years later on the corner of Canal and N. Main St. Mr. Hurst later opened a funeral home in the rear of this establishment. Mr. W.S. Reynolds opened a Sporting Goods store on North Main followed by J. H. Winborn's photography shop on South Main Street. In 1906 Durant Hardware opened in that year along with E.L. Bogel who set up a bicycle shop and accessories store hoping to do business on Main Street. Two popular men's shops, D.J. Chandlers and Cuttino, soon opened and were well received in the community. A music store opened downtown in 1903 under the direction of Prof. Schumacher. The store sold music rolls, violins, mandolins, guitars, banjos, harps, Columbia zithers, and 'talking machines.' Heron's Pharmacy opened for business in 1907 remaining one of the most popular drug stores on Main Street for many years."

Numerous additional businesses opened during that time including "Sumter Marble and Granite Works, Commander Coal, The New York Bakery, and the Star Restaurant. Also, Stubbs Brothers Men's Store, the O'Donnell Co., Bee and Dee Cleaners, Kirkland Cleaners, A.J. Hatfield Auto Parts, Tom Evans Garage, and in 1921 R.H. Tucker's Nu-Idea School Supply Company."

According to Nicholes, Sumter's businesses were indeed experiencing extensive growth and development during this period of commercial expansion.