Pelham Mill Office - Greer SC

Relocated Pelham Mill office is adjacent to the historical stonework dam built in the 19th century. Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority took an active role in preserving a historical landmark in the Upstate. On September 11, 2002, historic Pelham Mill office building was moved onto land leased by Western Carolina to the County Recreation District for only $1 a year. This one-story brick building was believed to be built around 1870 and was used as the Pelham Mill’s office until the textile plant closed in 1930. The building became a Pelham Post Office until its closing in 1996. Since the building was never placed on the historical register, it would have been demolished if Western Carolina had not stepped in to help.

A new park is planned for 2008 at the site. The land is being cleared, revealing buildings and stone work from the dam's past. The clearing of the brush at the base of the dam has revealed some incredible brickwork and ruins of structures. I will post another blog featuring these newly rediscovered structures.

All 123 pictures of the location are in this flickr set.

Fire certainly was no stranger to the Pelham Batesville community. In fact, fire had destroyed the community's central landmark, the Pelham Mill, in the year of 1943. At that time the only fire trucks available came from Greenville and Greer, and both were too far away to be of much help. Only the small Mill Office survives to this day. The building is slated for renovation during the next few years.

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( Interior of the Pelham Mill office... )

Recipe Quiz...

Ghost Pirate Stew:

seawater
chains
ashes from the stove
and soap

Does anybody know what wonderful show and which specific episode this non-Martha Stewart concoction was featured?

Rural Ruin in Laurens SC

I found a series of abandoned houses along a county road in Laurens SC. I am including all three houses and a lone chimney in this blog.

All 64 pictures of these locations are in this flickr set.

Top: Fireplace in House #3.  It appears that house barely escaped burning down. Bottom: Lone Chimney.  The stacked stones almost look like grave markers.

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( Pictures of rural decay... )