1 00:00:01,933 --> 00:00:06,933 ♪ 2 00:00:08,933 --> 00:00:13,933 ♪ 3 00:00:15,933 --> 00:00:20,933 ♪ 4 00:00:22,933 --> 00:00:25,233 (male speaker) Welcome to Watermelon Country. 5 00:00:25,233 --> 00:00:28,600 The counties of Allendale and Barnwell in South Carolina 6 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:30,600 are almost synonymous 7 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:32,900 with the juicy, mouth-watering fruit, 8 00:00:32,900 --> 00:00:35,966 which, though often a luxury in the North, 9 00:00:35,966 --> 00:00:38,966 is a summertime treat in the South. 10 00:00:38,966 --> 00:00:41,566 Watermelon is not the only thing 11 00:00:41,566 --> 00:00:44,566 for which Allendale and Barnwell are noted. 12 00:00:44,566 --> 00:00:48,233 For example, Allendale County, officially created in 1919, 13 00:00:48,233 --> 00:00:51,233 has the largest farms and ranches per acre 14 00:00:51,233 --> 00:00:53,200 in the state. 15 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:56,200 The town of Allendale, the county seat, 16 00:00:56,200 --> 00:01:00,166 goes back much further in that it originated in 1850, 17 00:01:00,166 --> 00:01:02,066 as one historian remarked, 18 00:01:02,066 --> 00:01:05,400 "...in the heart of the old plantation area, 19 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:08,433 approximately 50 miles from the sea." 20 00:01:08,433 --> 00:01:10,433 Allendale County was allegedly named 21 00:01:10,433 --> 00:01:12,400 for the Allen family, 22 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:15,900 who were among the first settlers of the territory. 23 00:01:15,900 --> 00:01:18,500 Who could tell you more and better 24 00:01:18,500 --> 00:01:21,900 about the background of a town and a county 25 00:01:21,900 --> 00:01:25,266 than a resident who is proud of his home? 26 00:01:25,266 --> 00:01:27,566 A man who is vitally interested 27 00:01:27,566 --> 00:01:30,000 in Allendale and its historical past 28 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,400 is Allendale attorney Tom Lawton. 29 00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:36,433 Today, while visiting the first schoolhouse 30 00:01:36,433 --> 00:01:38,733 in the town of Allendale, 31 00:01:38,733 --> 00:01:41,666 I found several very interesting books, 32 00:01:41,666 --> 00:01:45,233 one of which is Judge Williams James 33 00:01:45,233 --> 00:01:49,466 "Life of Francis Marion," an extremely rare volume. 34 00:01:49,466 --> 00:01:53,200 This small building was constructed in 1876 35 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:55,200 by Miss Augusta Arnold, 36 00:01:55,200 --> 00:01:57,200 who was the first schoolmistress 37 00:01:57,200 --> 00:02:00,566 for the young gentry of the town of Allendale. 38 00:02:00,566 --> 00:02:04,300 Many of the citizens who were later to become prominent 39 00:02:04,300 --> 00:02:06,566 in the founding of Allendale County 40 00:02:06,566 --> 00:02:08,900 attended school at Miss Arnold's feet. 41 00:02:08,900 --> 00:02:10,900 Fortunately, this small building 42 00:02:10,900 --> 00:02:13,900 was saved for posterity when, several years ago, 43 00:02:13,900 --> 00:02:16,166 ladies of the town reclaimed it 44 00:02:16,166 --> 00:02:18,833 and had it moved to this spot 45 00:02:18,833 --> 00:02:20,966 in the schoolyard 46 00:02:20,966 --> 00:02:22,933 of the present elementary school 47 00:02:22,933 --> 00:02:24,900 of the town of Allendale. 48 00:02:28,933 --> 00:02:31,200 The first settlement of the area 49 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:36,200 that is now Allendale County goes back over 200 years ago. 50 00:02:37,233 --> 00:02:38,866 In fact, the first settlements here 51 00:02:38,866 --> 00:02:42,666 were just slightly less than 100 years after the founding 52 00:02:42,666 --> 00:02:45,266 of the first permanent settlement at Charleston. 53 00:02:47,866 --> 00:02:49,833 The county geographically 54 00:02:49,833 --> 00:02:51,866 straddles the line 55 00:02:51,866 --> 00:02:54,666 that was historically the division 56 00:02:54,666 --> 00:02:58,433 between the colonial Lowcountry and the Upcountry backwoods. 57 00:02:58,433 --> 00:03:01,766 To the south of this line in Allendale County, 58 00:03:01,766 --> 00:03:05,800 we find the area that was, in the early days, 59 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:09,166 was in St. Peters Parish and Prince William's Parish 60 00:03:09,166 --> 00:03:11,266 of Beaufort District. 61 00:03:11,266 --> 00:03:15,133 Just to the north of this area was Winton County, 62 00:03:15,133 --> 00:03:18,666 the forerunner of the present Barnwell District. 63 00:03:18,666 --> 00:03:21,666 Besides this uniqueness geographically, 64 00:03:21,666 --> 00:03:23,700 the county also is unique 65 00:03:23,700 --> 00:03:26,300 in that the shape of the county 66 00:03:26,300 --> 00:03:29,700 resembles the shape of the state of South Carolina. 67 00:03:29,700 --> 00:03:33,066 Our 35 square miles are covered with many areas 68 00:03:33,066 --> 00:03:35,300 of rich forest and rich farmlands. 69 00:03:35,300 --> 00:03:37,333 The earliest settlers here 70 00:03:37,333 --> 00:03:39,966 came in search of the lush canebreaks 71 00:03:39,966 --> 00:03:42,666 that were so ideal for their cattle. 72 00:03:42,666 --> 00:03:47,633 Today, the farms and ranches in Allendale County, 73 00:03:47,633 --> 00:03:52,300 which are the largest of any county in the state, 74 00:03:52,300 --> 00:03:54,500 are among our biggest assets. 75 00:03:54,500 --> 00:03:58,266 The county itself was formed in 1920 76 00:03:58,266 --> 00:04:02,133 from portions of Hampton County and of Barnwell County. 77 00:04:02,133 --> 00:04:06,133 I believe that the legislative act setting up the county 78 00:04:06,133 --> 00:04:10,433 was actually passed in 1919, and construction 79 00:04:10,433 --> 00:04:13,466 of our handsome courthouse was begun in 1920. 80 00:04:13,466 --> 00:04:16,500 (Grosboll) A remnant of Allendale's past 81 00:04:16,500 --> 00:04:19,500 is the Gravel Hill home built about 1857. 82 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:22,133 The man who would be most familiar 83 00:04:22,133 --> 00:04:25,533 with the inner and financial workings of a town 84 00:04:25,533 --> 00:04:27,566 would be its leading citizen. 85 00:04:27,566 --> 00:04:30,233 This is Allendale's mayor, Dr. Richard Boyles. 86 00:04:30,233 --> 00:04:34,700 We're just as proud of this town of Allendale 87 00:04:34,700 --> 00:04:36,700 as we can be. 88 00:04:36,700 --> 00:04:38,966 I believe the old saying goes 89 00:04:38,966 --> 00:04:42,733 that a town is just as good as the citizens 90 00:04:42,733 --> 00:04:45,000 that live within its city limits. 91 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:48,333 And we are proud to say that we have 92 00:04:48,333 --> 00:04:51,333 some of the finest white and Negro citizens 93 00:04:51,333 --> 00:04:55,133 that could live any place, not only this great state, 94 00:04:55,133 --> 00:04:57,133 but this great country. 95 00:04:57,133 --> 00:04:59,766 We are indeed proud of the fact 96 00:04:59,766 --> 00:05:03,166 that our present governor, Bob McNair, 97 00:05:03,166 --> 00:05:06,333 was once a citizen of Allendale. 98 00:05:06,333 --> 00:05:09,066 This town hall in the background 99 00:05:09,066 --> 00:05:14,066 was once used by an old Allendale theatrical group. 100 00:05:15,033 --> 00:05:18,300 Our main source of income here 101 00:05:18,300 --> 00:05:20,333 is the tourist industry, 102 00:05:20,333 --> 00:05:25,333 but this has really changed in the last two decades. 103 00:05:26,766 --> 00:05:30,333 As a practicing optometrist, I remember, 17 years ago, 104 00:05:31,566 --> 00:05:34,433 that our main source of business or income 105 00:05:34,433 --> 00:05:36,833 was during the fall months, 106 00:05:36,833 --> 00:05:39,866 the time the farmer was gathering his crops. 107 00:05:39,866 --> 00:05:43,066 Now we have here in Allendale, I believe, 108 00:05:43,066 --> 00:05:46,900 about $10 million worth of motels 109 00:05:46,900 --> 00:05:48,900 and modern restaurants. 110 00:05:48,900 --> 00:05:52,966 We also have about 20 modern service stations. 111 00:05:52,966 --> 00:05:56,300 We feel that we have a very good town. 112 00:05:56,300 --> 00:05:58,966 We work in harmony with each other. 113 00:05:58,966 --> 00:06:01,933 I wish the outsiders could come visit us 114 00:06:01,933 --> 00:06:03,933 and see the homes, 115 00:06:03,933 --> 00:06:08,233 not only in the white area but also in the Negro. 116 00:06:08,233 --> 00:06:10,800 We're very proud of the prosperity 117 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:14,500 that we've all accomplished here. 118 00:06:14,500 --> 00:06:19,500 Our future regarding Allendale we think is very good. 119 00:06:20,700 --> 00:06:23,333 We have two of the most important railway lines 120 00:06:23,333 --> 00:06:25,333 running through the city. 121 00:06:25,333 --> 00:06:29,166 As far as the city government make-up, 122 00:06:29,166 --> 00:06:33,133 we have six councilmen, we have four policemen, 123 00:06:33,133 --> 00:06:36,166 we have modern police patrol cars-- 124 00:06:36,166 --> 00:06:38,400 we just purchased a new one-- 125 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:40,966 and this nice, beautiful fire truck 126 00:06:40,966 --> 00:06:43,633 in back of us isn't too old. 127 00:06:43,633 --> 00:06:45,633 We also have another one. 128 00:06:45,633 --> 00:06:49,766 We have a fire chief who lives over the city hall. 129 00:06:49,766 --> 00:06:53,200 At present we have a very enthused 130 00:06:53,200 --> 00:06:56,233 beautification program started. 131 00:06:56,233 --> 00:06:58,233 We have county directors 132 00:06:58,233 --> 00:07:02,266 as well as working through the federal programs, 133 00:07:02,266 --> 00:07:04,466 and it's amazing how citizens, 134 00:07:04,466 --> 00:07:06,533 you mention the word beautifications, 135 00:07:06,533 --> 00:07:08,833 how citizens take hold of this. 136 00:07:08,833 --> 00:07:11,433 Even the business districts paint the stores 137 00:07:11,433 --> 00:07:14,366 and clean the sidewalks. 138 00:07:14,366 --> 00:07:17,600 We have neighbors all over. 139 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:20,566 It's really an inspiration to see how people 140 00:07:20,566 --> 00:07:22,833 are interested in beautifying the town. 141 00:07:22,833 --> 00:07:26,666 We have parks in the process of being dug up, 142 00:07:26,666 --> 00:07:30,633 and new shrubbery and grass is being planted. 143 00:07:30,633 --> 00:07:32,900 (Grosboll) Allendale's population is about 3,200, 144 00:07:32,900 --> 00:07:35,866 so it could certainly fall into the category 145 00:07:35,866 --> 00:07:38,466 of a small town. 146 00:07:38,466 --> 00:07:40,500 Perhaps, though, instead of small, 147 00:07:40,500 --> 00:07:43,566 in this case the adjective should be comfortable. 148 00:07:43,566 --> 00:07:46,966 Mr. Lawton, why did you choose to return here 149 00:07:46,966 --> 00:07:49,300 to set up your law practice? 150 00:07:49,300 --> 00:07:54,300 When I came back from service, I was not sure what to do. 151 00:07:55,533 --> 00:07:58,300 That was one of the reasons I went to Duke 152 00:07:58,300 --> 00:08:00,333 rather than to South Carolina. 153 00:08:00,333 --> 00:08:02,933 I felt that that would prepare me 154 00:08:02,933 --> 00:08:06,300 to go out of state if I wanted to. 155 00:08:06,300 --> 00:08:08,266 But after graduating there, 156 00:08:08,266 --> 00:08:11,733 the call of South Carolina was very strong. 157 00:08:11,733 --> 00:08:14,700 And at first I went to Georgetown, 158 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:17,833 where I briefly practiced law, 159 00:08:17,833 --> 00:08:21,700 but about the time that the bomb plant was announced 160 00:08:21,700 --> 00:08:24,600 in early-- 161 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:29,600 it was announced, I think, in the fall of 1950, 162 00:08:31,100 --> 00:08:34,666 but really, construction work began in the winter of '51-- 163 00:08:35,833 --> 00:08:37,433 I realized that Allendale, especially, 164 00:08:37,433 --> 00:08:40,800 had a great deal to offer for the future. 165 00:08:40,800 --> 00:08:44,566 For that reason I was happy to come back home, 166 00:08:44,566 --> 00:08:48,700 and I have always been happy that I did come back. 167 00:08:48,700 --> 00:08:51,700 (Grosboll) Allendale and the neighboring town of Fairfax 168 00:08:51,700 --> 00:08:55,166 share a high school, halfway between the two towns. 169 00:08:55,166 --> 00:08:57,100 They also combine their facilities 170 00:08:57,100 --> 00:08:59,766 in the Allendale-Fairfax Hospital and Nursing Home. 171 00:08:59,766 --> 00:09:02,400 Ladies come from all over South Carolina 172 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:04,400 to purchase millinery 173 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:07,466 at the Winnette Hat Shoppe in Fairfax. 174 00:09:07,466 --> 00:09:10,466 Farming, however, represents the main source of income 175 00:09:10,466 --> 00:09:12,466 to Allendale County residents. 176 00:09:12,466 --> 00:09:15,500 We talked with the owner of Roselawn Plantation, 177 00:09:15,500 --> 00:09:17,500 farmer Don Sharpe. 178 00:09:17,500 --> 00:09:20,166 Allendale County is probably the county 179 00:09:20,166 --> 00:09:23,133 that has the largest farms of any county 180 00:09:23,133 --> 00:09:25,166 in South Carolina. 181 00:09:25,166 --> 00:09:29,333 You will find a number of large farms in this county. 182 00:09:29,333 --> 00:09:34,333 We farm a lot of small grain, rye. 183 00:09:35,833 --> 00:09:38,966 We farm soybeans, cotton. 184 00:09:38,966 --> 00:09:41,933 We have a herd of beef cattle. 185 00:09:41,933 --> 00:09:46,833 And we do specialize in that we grow a lot of certified seed. 186 00:09:46,833 --> 00:09:51,833 And this county has a number of good watermelon farmers, 187 00:09:53,033 --> 00:09:56,466 and I expect that we are considered a county 188 00:09:56,466 --> 00:09:59,033 that grows high-quality melons. 189 00:09:59,033 --> 00:10:01,933 A thousand-acre farm in Allendale County 190 00:10:01,933 --> 00:10:05,933 is maybe considered not too large a farm. 191 00:10:05,933 --> 00:10:09,133 They have numbers of farms in Allendale County 192 00:10:09,133 --> 00:10:11,366 over 1,000 acres. 193 00:10:11,366 --> 00:10:15,500 Some 15 to, years... some 15 years ago, 194 00:10:15,500 --> 00:10:18,866 we might say, um...well, in my particular instance, 195 00:10:18,866 --> 00:10:23,866 cotton would be bringing 80% of your income 196 00:10:25,700 --> 00:10:27,733 where some 15 years later, 197 00:10:27,733 --> 00:10:32,433 I'd say that cotton was less than 10% of my income. 198 00:10:32,433 --> 00:10:35,333 So, uh, we've gone to other things. 199 00:10:35,333 --> 00:10:38,300 Soybeans has been the tremendous boost 200 00:10:38,300 --> 00:10:40,833 to the economics of agriculture 201 00:10:40,833 --> 00:10:43,466 in our county and in our state. 202 00:10:43,466 --> 00:10:46,933 A lot of people are on a "cow-calf" basis; 203 00:10:46,933 --> 00:10:49,600 that is, they grow the calves out 204 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:51,633 until they get feeder size 205 00:10:51,633 --> 00:10:54,633 and then sell them in the feeder market. 206 00:10:54,633 --> 00:10:59,600 However, this--we have a number of farmers in the county now 207 00:11:00,966 --> 00:11:03,333 that are beginning to "feed out" their feeders 208 00:11:03,333 --> 00:11:07,033 and in this way, realize more income. 209 00:11:07,033 --> 00:11:10,333 (Grosboll) Barnwell County was formed in 1785 210 00:11:10,333 --> 00:11:13,166 and was named for General John Barnwell 211 00:11:13,166 --> 00:11:15,166 of the Revolutionary War. 212 00:11:15,166 --> 00:11:18,166 The town of Barnwell, also the county seat, 213 00:11:18,166 --> 00:11:22,166 was in the line of General Sherman's march 214 00:11:22,166 --> 00:11:24,400 to Columbia during the Civil War 215 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:26,433 and was burned in 1865. 216 00:11:26,433 --> 00:11:29,433 However, some things remain of the antebellum period. 217 00:11:29,433 --> 00:11:32,066 This sundial was given to the town 218 00:11:32,066 --> 00:11:34,633 by Captain Joseph Allen in 1858. 219 00:11:34,633 --> 00:11:36,533 Both Allendale and Barnwell counties 220 00:11:36,533 --> 00:11:38,133 are readying themselves 221 00:11:38,133 --> 00:11:40,666 for South Carolina's upcoming tricentennial. 222 00:11:40,666 --> 00:11:43,533 One project of the Barnwell Historical Commission 223 00:11:43,533 --> 00:11:46,166 is the rebuilding of the Presbyterian Church, 224 00:11:46,166 --> 00:11:48,966 which was erected in 1832. 225 00:11:48,966 --> 00:11:52,866 Joe Wilder, owner and manager of radio station WBAW, 226 00:11:52,866 --> 00:11:55,300 speaks of industry in Barnwell County. 227 00:11:55,300 --> 00:11:59,300 Imagine, if you will, in 1951, a community of 2,000-- 228 00:11:59,300 --> 00:12:01,300 a rather sleepy community, 229 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:04,666 like most Lowcountry communities in South Carolina-- 230 00:12:04,666 --> 00:12:07,666 and an influx of 10,000 to 12,000 people 231 00:12:07,666 --> 00:12:09,666 practically overnight 232 00:12:09,666 --> 00:12:13,033 as the result of the Savannah River Plant construction. 233 00:12:13,033 --> 00:12:15,700 This lasted 18 months to two years; 234 00:12:15,700 --> 00:12:18,700 they said it would last three or four. 235 00:12:18,700 --> 00:12:21,666 Then, all of a sudden, these people leave. 236 00:12:21,666 --> 00:12:23,700 These big cities-- 237 00:12:23,700 --> 00:12:25,933 we called 'em cities, trailer cities-- 238 00:12:25,933 --> 00:12:27,966 gone practically overnight. 239 00:12:27,966 --> 00:12:31,300 A traumatic experience for a community of this size, 240 00:12:31,300 --> 00:12:35,833 and also losing a third of the agricultural part of the county. 241 00:12:35,833 --> 00:12:37,833 I arrived on the scene 242 00:12:37,833 --> 00:12:40,466 just at the height of the construction 243 00:12:40,466 --> 00:12:43,100 and experienced this great drop-off of population 244 00:12:43,100 --> 00:12:46,833 from 13,000 back to about 5,000. 245 00:12:46,833 --> 00:12:49,900 The people in the community were stunned somewhat. 246 00:12:49,900 --> 00:12:53,666 We were all stunned... what to do in the future? 247 00:12:53,666 --> 00:12:55,933 We couldn't stay an agricultural county. 248 00:12:55,933 --> 00:12:58,200 We were too small for that. 249 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:01,500 The future definitely lay in the growth of industry, 250 00:13:01,500 --> 00:13:03,766 and that's the direction we took. 251 00:13:03,766 --> 00:13:05,800 The new people-- 252 00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:09,933 we did have a great influx of new people that remained-- 253 00:13:09,933 --> 00:13:12,300 as well as the older citizens 254 00:13:12,300 --> 00:13:14,566 worked together to land new industry. 255 00:13:14,566 --> 00:13:16,833 It took two or three years 256 00:13:16,833 --> 00:13:20,200 after the Savannah River Plant construction phase died out 257 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:24,033 before the coming of the Amerotron plant. 258 00:13:24,033 --> 00:13:26,066 This was a Textron plant. 259 00:13:26,066 --> 00:13:29,433 Textron was a huge industrial empire in this country, 260 00:13:29,433 --> 00:13:32,433 and landing that type of industry for Barnwell 261 00:13:32,433 --> 00:13:34,800 was quite a feat. 262 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:36,433 Then five years later, 263 00:13:36,433 --> 00:13:38,400 the coming of Shuron Continental-- 264 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:42,166 it was known as Shuron then--also a Textron industry. 265 00:13:42,166 --> 00:13:44,200 That means a great deal 266 00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:46,833 when a company as large as Textron 267 00:13:46,833 --> 00:13:51,066 builds two plants in five or six years. 268 00:13:51,066 --> 00:13:53,366 We did have National Fastener, 269 00:13:53,366 --> 00:13:56,433 the mainstay of Barnwell industry all these years. 270 00:13:56,433 --> 00:13:59,433 It was here before the Savannah River Plant. 271 00:13:59,433 --> 00:14:02,000 Then, the coming of Chill-Chest to Williston 272 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:04,333 and two or three other plants 273 00:14:04,333 --> 00:14:07,933 has made Barnwell County more of an industrial county, 274 00:14:07,933 --> 00:14:12,000 as far as the size of the county is concerned, 275 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:14,266 than many in our state. 276 00:14:14,266 --> 00:14:16,533 We've seen the new air-conditioned hospital, 277 00:14:16,533 --> 00:14:18,500 a new nursing home-- 278 00:14:18,500 --> 00:14:21,200 an ultramodern nursing home built-- 279 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:23,666 municipal facilities, schools, and new churches, 280 00:14:23,666 --> 00:14:26,700 and so many things that are important 281 00:14:26,700 --> 00:14:30,500 to the growth and livability of a community this size. 282 00:14:30,500 --> 00:14:33,333 I think Barnwell has a great future. 283 00:14:33,333 --> 00:14:35,366 We're particularly proud 284 00:14:35,366 --> 00:14:38,233 of the new educational television station. 285 00:14:38,233 --> 00:14:40,700 We're proud of our recreation facilities. 286 00:14:40,700 --> 00:14:44,466 We have a large lake in the middle of town 287 00:14:44,466 --> 00:14:46,500 being built for recreational purposes. 288 00:14:46,500 --> 00:14:50,500 Here in Barnwell County we have three country clubs. 289 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:53,900 That's unusual for, uh, a county of this size. 290 00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:55,900 We are 18,000 people. 291 00:14:55,900 --> 00:14:58,800 We have eight fields that are lighted 292 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:01,033 for day and night recreational activities. 293 00:15:01,033 --> 00:15:03,100 That again, I think, 294 00:15:03,100 --> 00:15:05,333 indicates that here in Barnwell County, 295 00:15:05,333 --> 00:15:07,200 we've grown, 296 00:15:07,200 --> 00:15:09,866 and I expect we'll continue to grow. 297 00:15:09,866 --> 00:15:12,066 Our industrial development will not stop 298 00:15:12,066 --> 00:15:14,333 because we're headed in that direction. 299 00:15:14,333 --> 00:15:16,433 We have to be. 300 00:15:16,433 --> 00:15:19,800 I'd like to point to the Barnwell County Airport. 301 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:24,266 The Barnwell County Airport is situated on a 1,000-acre area 302 00:15:24,266 --> 00:15:26,700 on the outskirts of the community, 303 00:15:26,700 --> 00:15:31,233 actually a mile and a half from the center of town. 304 00:15:31,233 --> 00:15:34,666 We have three 5,000-foot paved runways, 305 00:15:34,666 --> 00:15:36,833 and other facilities. 306 00:15:36,833 --> 00:15:39,866 It's beautifully located, and right now, for example, 307 00:15:39,866 --> 00:15:43,200 we have some 15 airplanes that are based here. 308 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:47,700 For a community this size, that's good aviation activity. 309 00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:49,666 The airport, the water situation-- 310 00:15:49,666 --> 00:15:52,333 that fact that we have two streams 311 00:15:52,333 --> 00:15:54,933 practically running through our community-- 312 00:15:54,933 --> 00:15:58,400 the housing situation is improving all the time. 313 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:00,600 New homes are going up. 314 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:04,466 We have industrial sites on rail facilities, 315 00:16:04,466 --> 00:16:06,466 near rail facilities, 316 00:16:06,466 --> 00:16:09,533 so Barnwell has a combination of factors 317 00:16:09,533 --> 00:16:12,533 that makes it possible for it to grow. 318 00:16:12,533 --> 00:16:15,533 We don't have problems that some communities have. 319 00:16:15,533 --> 00:16:17,533 I think the potential there-- 320 00:16:17,533 --> 00:16:19,566 and it may come slow 321 00:16:19,566 --> 00:16:23,300 because we give industries four years at least to grow 322 00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:27,766 and get on a paying basis and to assimilate the labor 323 00:16:27,766 --> 00:16:30,400 and get through with their training program 324 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:32,666 before we actively seek new industry. 325 00:16:32,666 --> 00:16:35,566 We're not seeking new industry every day. 326 00:16:35,566 --> 00:16:39,833 (Grosboll) It takes all kinds to make a town. 327 00:16:39,833 --> 00:16:42,066 Barnwell boasts two of South Carolina's 328 00:16:42,066 --> 00:16:44,133 most prominent political figures: 329 00:16:44,133 --> 00:16:47,100 Solomon Blatt, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 330 00:16:47,100 --> 00:16:49,100 and Senator Edgar Brown, 331 00:16:49,100 --> 00:16:51,700 who became the leader for educational television 332 00:16:51,700 --> 00:16:53,733 in the General Assembly. 333 00:16:53,733 --> 00:16:57,933 Rodman Lemon is a long-time resident of Barnwell. 334 00:16:57,933 --> 00:16:59,866 He sometimes enjoys reminiscing. 335 00:16:59,866 --> 00:17:04,333 For the first 50 years of this century, 336 00:17:04,333 --> 00:17:06,566 Barnwell was a small country town, 337 00:17:06,566 --> 00:17:11,100 not unlike other country towns of this community. 338 00:17:11,100 --> 00:17:14,900 It was noted for and proud of its churches 339 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:17,300 and particularly noted for its politicians. 340 00:17:17,300 --> 00:17:22,300 In that first 50 years, the population averaged 1,800. 341 00:17:23,500 --> 00:17:27,466 We thought approximately 900 white and 900 Negro. 342 00:17:27,466 --> 00:17:30,733 Now, our town is built on a circle. 343 00:17:30,733 --> 00:17:34,666 Many country towns of the South are on a square, 344 00:17:34,666 --> 00:17:37,033 but our courthouse and famous sundial 345 00:17:37,033 --> 00:17:40,800 faces the circle or park in the center of town. 346 00:17:40,800 --> 00:17:43,133 In the late '20s, that park-- 347 00:17:43,133 --> 00:17:47,266 well, around the park was the only paved area in town, 348 00:17:47,266 --> 00:17:50,666 and a portion of it in the summer afternoons 349 00:17:50,666 --> 00:17:53,700 would be roped off for children for skating. 350 00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:56,266 Often at the time of a celebration, 351 00:17:56,266 --> 00:17:59,266 they would use that roped-off area at night 352 00:17:59,266 --> 00:18:01,533 for what we call street dances, 353 00:18:01,533 --> 00:18:05,333 with an orchestra on a porch of a neighboring building. 354 00:18:05,333 --> 00:18:08,700 Later on in the '30s, Mr. C.G. Fuller was-- 355 00:18:08,700 --> 00:18:10,700 he now is retired 356 00:18:10,700 --> 00:18:14,033 and spends part-time here and part in Miami Beach. 357 00:18:14,033 --> 00:18:16,300 He was mayor of the town, 358 00:18:16,300 --> 00:18:18,333 and with WPA funds 359 00:18:18,333 --> 00:18:21,233 and the local county delegation, 360 00:18:21,233 --> 00:18:26,233 he constructed a recreation park on the edge of town, 361 00:18:27,333 --> 00:18:28,933 part of which is still being used. 362 00:18:28,933 --> 00:18:30,900 But those Depression years, 363 00:18:30,900 --> 00:18:34,233 it was pretty good for members of the town 364 00:18:34,233 --> 00:18:36,266 to be able to use 365 00:18:36,266 --> 00:18:38,866 tennis courts and a baseball-football diamond. 366 00:18:38,866 --> 00:18:40,900 We had good baseball teams. 367 00:18:40,900 --> 00:18:44,266 We had a little league team at one time; 368 00:18:44,266 --> 00:18:46,533 actually, nearly a big league team. 369 00:18:46,533 --> 00:18:50,333 A swimming pool was built there and a recreational hall. 370 00:18:50,333 --> 00:18:53,300 Part of that park is still in use. 371 00:18:53,300 --> 00:18:55,333 Later on in the '40s, 372 00:18:55,333 --> 00:18:59,966 World War II took the news spotlight, 373 00:18:59,966 --> 00:19:04,966 and I, being out of the town for much of the time myself, 374 00:19:06,033 --> 00:19:09,033 saw not too much change when I got back. 375 00:19:09,033 --> 00:19:12,733 However, in the late '40s, after World War II, 376 00:19:12,733 --> 00:19:14,966 the changes began to come about. 377 00:19:14,966 --> 00:19:18,833 But the men of this town are primarily interested 378 00:19:18,833 --> 00:19:21,100 in politics, hunting, and fishing. 379 00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:24,433 We have been, we think, famous for politicians 380 00:19:24,433 --> 00:19:29,000 from the time of the Hagoods and the Allens and the Aldriches 381 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,200 down to our present politicians. 382 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:34,700 Along about the early '30s, I believe it was, 383 00:19:34,700 --> 00:19:37,300 at one time this little country town 384 00:19:37,300 --> 00:19:40,066 had Speaker of the House Solomon Blatt, 385 00:19:40,066 --> 00:19:42,066 who is still Speaker; 386 00:19:42,066 --> 00:19:44,300 President Pro Tem of the Senate, 387 00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:46,600 who is still President Pro Tem; 388 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:49,200 and the late Emile Harley as governor. 389 00:19:49,200 --> 00:19:51,833 Those three, all from this little town, 390 00:19:51,833 --> 00:19:53,833 so we're noted for politicians. 391 00:19:53,833 --> 00:19:56,500 (Grosboll) And how does Allendale's Mayor Boyles 392 00:19:56,500 --> 00:19:59,233 feel about people in a small town? 393 00:19:59,233 --> 00:20:03,166 I believe, sir, that you should love people. 394 00:20:03,166 --> 00:20:07,466 And loving people, as the old saying goes, 395 00:20:07,466 --> 00:20:09,866 is to know them. 396 00:20:09,866 --> 00:20:14,866 And in small towns we certainly get to know each other. 397 00:20:16,233 --> 00:20:20,233 I'm just three minutes at the most from my office. 398 00:20:20,233 --> 00:20:22,866 I usually stop at the post office, 399 00:20:22,866 --> 00:20:25,233 and I can walk in, 400 00:20:25,233 --> 00:20:28,966 and I know 97% of the people in there. 401 00:20:28,966 --> 00:20:31,266 When you're that close to people, 402 00:20:31,266 --> 00:20:33,266 you get to know them, 403 00:20:33,266 --> 00:20:37,066 and you usually can work together with them real well. 404 00:20:37,066 --> 00:20:39,100 So my idea is, 405 00:20:39,100 --> 00:20:42,133 when we love people, we usually know them, 406 00:20:42,133 --> 00:20:44,933 and we can all cooperate real well 407 00:20:44,933 --> 00:20:48,433 when this situation does exist. 408 00:20:48,433 --> 00:20:50,700 (Grosboll) In Williston in Barnwell County 409 00:20:50,700 --> 00:20:52,666 is the Edisto Experiment Station, 410 00:20:52,666 --> 00:20:54,700 established in 1937. 411 00:20:54,700 --> 00:20:56,833 Here, men worked to improve 412 00:20:56,833 --> 00:21:00,133 the growth and development of farm produce. 413 00:21:00,133 --> 00:21:03,033 In nearby Blackville, produce auctions are held. 414 00:21:03,033 --> 00:21:05,033 Farmers bring their cucumbers, watermelons, 415 00:21:05,033 --> 00:21:07,033 cantaloupes to these auctions, 416 00:21:07,033 --> 00:21:10,433 and they are sold very much the same way 417 00:21:10,433 --> 00:21:13,433 as our famed auctioneers conduct tobacco leaf sales. 418 00:21:13,433 --> 00:21:16,033 How does a small town go about 419 00:21:16,033 --> 00:21:19,066 developing its potential and looking to the future? 420 00:21:19,066 --> 00:21:21,666 The chairman of the Allendale Development Commission, 421 00:21:21,666 --> 00:21:23,266 F.E. Gibson Jr., explains. 422 00:21:23,266 --> 00:21:27,600 Since the Civil War, we've been a farming community. 423 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:29,600 We're still a farming community 424 00:21:29,600 --> 00:21:34,000 and probably will always be primarily farming. 425 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:37,933 However, since the World War Number Two, 426 00:21:37,933 --> 00:21:41,633 the farmers have gone to mechanization. 427 00:21:41,633 --> 00:21:43,800 By their going to mechanization, 428 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:48,100 it's turned the tide with our labor. 429 00:21:48,100 --> 00:21:52,533 We have lost population from 1940 until 1950, 430 00:21:52,533 --> 00:21:57,500 and we lost population from 1950 until 1960. 431 00:21:58,566 --> 00:21:59,733 The people of Allendale County 432 00:21:59,733 --> 00:22:02,266 realized that something had to be done, 433 00:22:02,266 --> 00:22:04,966 that we couldn't afford to lose population 434 00:22:04,966 --> 00:22:09,966 when we only had a little over 13,000 in 1940. 435 00:22:11,300 --> 00:22:15,200 In 1960, our population dropped to a little over 11,000. 436 00:22:16,700 --> 00:22:19,200 Therefore, a group of people in Allendale banded together, 437 00:22:19,200 --> 00:22:21,600 formed a development board, 438 00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:25,733 and we started working on industry. 439 00:22:25,733 --> 00:22:30,100 About 1950, we were fortunate to get a needle plant. 440 00:22:30,100 --> 00:22:32,766 This was the first break we had 441 00:22:32,766 --> 00:22:36,466 in getting industry to put these people to work 442 00:22:36,466 --> 00:22:39,633 that had lost their jobs on the farms. 443 00:22:39,633 --> 00:22:41,933 I might say, at this time, 444 00:22:41,933 --> 00:22:44,900 our farms are the largest per acre average 445 00:22:44,900 --> 00:22:47,133 in South Carolina. 446 00:22:47,133 --> 00:22:50,100 Therefore, I think you can realize 447 00:22:50,100 --> 00:22:54,300 that the mechanization was necessary and is necessary 448 00:22:54,300 --> 00:22:57,100 and will continue to be necessary 449 00:22:57,100 --> 00:23:00,133 in order for our farmers to succeed. 450 00:23:00,133 --> 00:23:02,266 Therefore, it made it doubly necessary 451 00:23:02,266 --> 00:23:05,666 for us to go out and look for industry. 452 00:23:05,666 --> 00:23:08,000 After this board was formed, 453 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:10,500 we appointed an executive committee, 454 00:23:10,500 --> 00:23:14,133 and I happened to be chairman of this committee. 455 00:23:14,133 --> 00:23:16,133 It took us 10 years, 456 00:23:16,133 --> 00:23:18,766 after getting the first plant in Allendale, 457 00:23:18,766 --> 00:23:20,833 to get our second plant. 458 00:23:20,833 --> 00:23:24,733 We were fortunate to get a plant from Philadelphia, 459 00:23:24,733 --> 00:23:28,733 a woolen plant, which was a scouring operation. 460 00:23:28,733 --> 00:23:32,100 It took us four years to get another plant, 461 00:23:32,100 --> 00:23:34,100 and you can see 462 00:23:34,100 --> 00:23:36,733 this plant in the background, Kenlon Mills, 463 00:23:36,733 --> 00:23:39,966 which is a division of Collins Aikman. 464 00:23:39,966 --> 00:23:43,733 We were fortunate to get our Thomas & Howard company 465 00:23:43,733 --> 00:23:48,233 to move into the, into our industrial area. 466 00:23:48,233 --> 00:23:50,466 They employ about 100 people, 467 00:23:50,466 --> 00:23:54,400 and Kenlon, they employ about 250 people. 468 00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:57,700 (Grosboll) How do incoming industries 469 00:23:57,700 --> 00:24:00,100 feel about coming into small towns? 470 00:24:00,100 --> 00:24:03,000 These are the words of the vice president 471 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:05,533 of Barnwell Woolen Mills, Marion Beacham. 472 00:24:05,533 --> 00:24:08,166 I have been associated with this plant 473 00:24:08,166 --> 00:24:10,166 virtually since its start 474 00:24:10,166 --> 00:24:13,133 and would say that in all respects, 475 00:24:13,133 --> 00:24:16,433 we have found the Barnwell area 476 00:24:16,433 --> 00:24:20,900 a very delightful place to do business. 477 00:24:22,900 --> 00:24:26,666 If you should ask the things that we find attractive, 478 00:24:26,666 --> 00:24:29,966 I would first have to say the hospitality 479 00:24:29,966 --> 00:24:33,966 and the ready welcome that was on hand for us 480 00:24:33,966 --> 00:24:37,333 when we first came here and continued. 481 00:24:37,333 --> 00:24:41,300 Secondly, I think we found a ready, willing, 482 00:24:41,300 --> 00:24:44,333 and quite able labor force, 483 00:24:44,333 --> 00:24:48,333 and this has proven true until this day. 484 00:24:48,333 --> 00:24:50,333 While we were the first, 485 00:24:50,333 --> 00:24:53,733 in the 10 or 11 years we've been here, 486 00:24:53,733 --> 00:24:58,166 we have seen many good neighbors move into the area with us. 487 00:24:58,166 --> 00:25:00,266 From conversations with them, 488 00:25:00,266 --> 00:25:03,566 I think we find that they find this area 489 00:25:03,566 --> 00:25:08,400 ideally suited for an industrial plant. 490 00:25:08,400 --> 00:25:11,433 (Grosboll) All told, it seems small towns 491 00:25:11,433 --> 00:25:13,433 can offer an enterprising person 492 00:25:13,433 --> 00:25:16,433 almost anything he could find in the city; 493 00:25:16,433 --> 00:25:18,733 in some instances, perhaps more. 494 00:25:18,733 --> 00:25:21,400 Perhaps it can all be summed up 495 00:25:21,400 --> 00:25:24,000 in a conversation with a Barnwell resident 496 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:27,766 whose forebears have lived in this part of South Carolina 497 00:25:27,766 --> 00:25:31,833 since antebellum days, Mr. Samuel H. Gantt. 498 00:25:31,833 --> 00:25:34,533 Well, we... 499 00:25:34,533 --> 00:25:39,533 a right good little bit of... social life of a sort. 500 00:25:40,866 --> 00:25:43,500 Didn't have televisions and radios and things then, 501 00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:46,233 but you'd have other kinds of gatherings 502 00:25:46,233 --> 00:25:49,200 and some... 503 00:25:49,200 --> 00:25:53,200 music in somebody's home on pianos and so forth 504 00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:56,700 and have social gatherings in that way. 505 00:25:56,700 --> 00:25:59,700 We didn't have a church building always, 506 00:25:59,700 --> 00:26:02,000 from when I can first remember, 507 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:06,800 and they had the services in private homes some. 508 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:09,100 This present church building 509 00:26:09,100 --> 00:26:12,666 is about 68 years-- about 69 years old. 510 00:26:12,666 --> 00:26:15,500 And for some years, there wasn't any. 511 00:26:15,500 --> 00:26:18,100 There was an old church up there, 512 00:26:18,100 --> 00:26:22,600 an antebellum church that was destroyed 513 00:26:22,600 --> 00:26:25,566 and stood on the same spot 514 00:26:25,566 --> 00:26:28,600 apart from that present building. 515 00:26:28,600 --> 00:26:30,900 But for some years after it, 516 00:26:30,900 --> 00:26:33,766 there wasn't any church building. 517 00:26:33,766 --> 00:26:37,633 They had services in private homes. 518 00:26:37,633 --> 00:26:42,200 Then they built this about 69 years ago. 519 00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:45,700 I suppose you might regard me as a descendant 520 00:26:45,700 --> 00:26:48,866 of some of the fairly early ones. 521 00:26:48,866 --> 00:26:52,666 My great-grandfather on one side made a settlement here 522 00:26:52,666 --> 00:26:56,033 a good while before the War Between the States. 523 00:26:56,033 --> 00:27:00,300 Of course, that was not the first occupation of this place. 524 00:27:00,300 --> 00:27:04,600 There were previous occupations... 525 00:27:04,600 --> 00:27:07,266 about the Revolution or maybe before that, 526 00:27:07,266 --> 00:27:10,500 but that was a fairly early settlement here. 527 00:27:10,500 --> 00:27:13,966 (Grosboll) Does it take a special person 528 00:27:13,966 --> 00:27:16,633 to enjoy living in a small town? 529 00:27:16,633 --> 00:27:20,400 I think that many people are happy anywhere they go, 530 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:24,166 but in a town like Allendale, there are many advantages. 531 00:27:24,166 --> 00:27:26,133 At the same time, 532 00:27:26,133 --> 00:27:29,166 we are near enough to larger metropolitan areas 533 00:27:29,166 --> 00:27:34,166 that if we need to go out of this city, 534 00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:39,433 we can find things that you find in cities very close. 535 00:27:40,766 --> 00:27:43,700 I suppose some people may think that would be true. 536 00:27:43,700 --> 00:27:46,300 I don't find it true in Barnwell 537 00:27:46,300 --> 00:27:48,600 because of the Savannah River Plant 538 00:27:48,600 --> 00:27:50,600 and the Deering Milliken plant 539 00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:52,600 and Shuron Continental and Chill-Chest. 540 00:27:52,600 --> 00:27:56,366 We have people here from all over the United States 541 00:27:56,366 --> 00:27:58,633 who have lived in large cities. 542 00:27:58,633 --> 00:28:00,500 They find that Barnwell, 543 00:28:00,500 --> 00:28:04,700 and I'm sure this goes for other communities our size, 5,000, 6,000, 544 00:28:04,700 --> 00:28:07,700 they find that livability in the small town 545 00:28:07,700 --> 00:28:11,233 far exceeds that of some of our larger cities 546 00:28:11,233 --> 00:28:14,733 here in South Carolina, for example. 547 00:28:14,733 --> 00:28:18,400 (Grosboll) And Mr. Gantt, why do you stay? 548 00:28:18,400 --> 00:28:21,033 Why do I? 549 00:28:21,033 --> 00:28:26,033 Well... a little bit from sentiment, I suppose. 550 00:28:27,133 --> 00:28:30,500 I kind of hate to leave the old place. 551 00:28:30,500 --> 00:28:35,500 ♪ Captioned by: CompuScripts Captioning www.compuscripts.com 552 00:28:36,466 --> 00:28:41,466 ♪ 553 00:28:44,933 --> 00:28:49,933 ♪ 554 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:58,400 ♪ 555 00:29:01,900 --> 00:29:06,900 ♪