GREER: African-American History

Items

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  Joe Byrd "Doc" Broadus

  Joe Byrd "Doc" Broadus (1910-1987) was the third son of eleven children born to Gus and Measer Rookard Broadus. He was given the nickname "Doc" because of his gift to create and repair tools and mechanical items around the family farm which was located in the Holly Springs community near Inman, SC. His parents raised livestock, farmed cotton and owned a profitable peach orchard (Broadus's Orchards). At a very early age, he drove his mother around the Greer, Lyman, Welford, Inman and Spartanburg communities peddling vegetables, fruits, pecans, and dairy products that were from the family farm. In early childhood, Doc joined the family church, Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (also known as "Corner" Church) in the Holly Springs community. He loved Corner Church and served faithfully in several positions throughout his lifetime. Doc attended the Rosenwald School (also known as "Corner" School) which was located across the road from Corner Church. He was known as a quick learner who enjoyed school and learning. Upon completion of his studies at Corner School, he enrolled at Seneca Junior College in Seneca, SC. After Seneca Junior College, he entered his beloved Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. At Tuskegee, he studied Industrial Arts and Agriculture. He was also a member of the Tuskegee Tigers concert and marching bands where he played the cornet. He always spoke with fond memories of his experiences at Tuskegee and of the exciting lectures he attended that were presented by Dr. George Washington Carver. He loved learning and instilled a zest for learning in his children (Sandra, Joseph Harold, Diane, Deborah and William) and his grandchildren. He encouraged many others to get an education, pursue a trade, become entrepreneurs, etc. During World War II, he was drafted into the United States Army and while stationed at Camp McCain in Mississippi, he met and later married Sarah L. Townsend. While in the army he developed a passion for travel and would often say that, "God created this big beautiful world to see and enjoy." Traveling and reading were two of his favorite hobbies. After his tour of service, the couple settled in Greer, SC. Doc owned and operated "Broadus's Garage and Used Cars" located in the Sunnyside community of Greer, SC. He was also an employee of Duke Power Company and worked there until his retirement. After retirement, he continued operating Broadus Garage and Used Cars for several years until his family encouraged him to close the business due to his declining health. He enjoyed his retirement years traveling and singing with the Spartanburg Mass Choir, visiting his children and grandchildren, and helping family, friends, neighbors and anyone who needed an encouraging word and a helping hand. His legacy lives own through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and generations to come.
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  Mildred Ethel ThompsonTaylor

  Mildred Ethel Thompson Taylor was born in Greenville County on March 28, 1918to the late George W. Thompson and Blanche Ross Thompson. Her mother, Blanche Thompson, was owner and operator of Thompson Funeral Home on Forest Street in Greer, SC from 1933 until her death in 1953. Mildred Taylor joined Maple Creek Baptist Church in Greer, SC at an early age. She was a dedicated member and served as financial secretary for many years until her death in 1981. She graduated from Sterling High School in Greenville, SC on June 1, 1936. After graduating from Sterling, she attended South Carolina State College (currently SC State University) in Orangeburg, SC. She received her B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1940. Afterwards, she met and married her husband, Wilbur T. Taylor. They had one son, Wilbur D. Taylor, who currently lives in Greenville, SC with his wife, Bessie M. Taylor. Later, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1954. She began her teaching career in 1942. She taught at St. Mark High School in Johnsonville, SC until 1944. She taught at Seller Junior High School in Florence, SC until 1946, and later at Rock Hill Elementary School in Duncan, SC. She was a math teacher for many years at Florence Chapel High School in Wellford, SC until its doors closed in 1969. Eventually, she retired from James F. Byrnes High School in May 1980. She died a year later in May 1981 after a battle with cancer. Mildred T. Taylor was the grandmother of the first black woman to win the title of Miss Greater Greer in 1989, Stephanie Taylor Johnson. The following is Stephanie's memories of her grandmother, Taylor. "I have some very special memories of my grandmother. I went everywhere with her from church to meeting her after school at Byrnes High School where she was a math teacher. Since the elementary and middle schools were across the street, I walked over after school so we could ride home together. I normally walked the halls of the school, then head to her room to finish my homework and have a snack. She was a believer in education. There were books and magazines around the house. She encouraged me to do my "best work." It was important for me to make her proud by being an honor roll student, respect others, and stay out of trouble. My earliest memories include preparing for bridge club meetings. My grandmother enjoyed having her ladies over to play cards. She would setup the living room with extra tables and chairs. We went by the local bakery to pick up a white sheet cake. We even made all the appetizers and punch. As they would play bridge, I repeatedly go to the table for appetizers and punch. I loved whenever it was her turn to host because it was an afternoon of food, laughter, and smiles for everyone. My grandmother was a dedicated business woman. She was a landlord. The Thompson Funeral Home that had been owned by her mother, Blanche R. Thompson, was converted into apartments. She was responsible for the upkeep of the three family units. I remember going with her to collect the rent or meeting contractors to do work on the home. This was my first introduction into the business world and the importance of knowing your finances. She was direct, but fair. She made sure things were handled properly. My grandmother was the financial secretary at Maple Creek Baptist Church. She kept meticulous records for the church. She stood tall and spoke clearly when giving the financial update. She also typed and prepared the weekly programs for Sunday morning service. I always helped to copy and fold. I guess you can say that was my first non-paying job outside the home. We have all heard the saying "To Whom Much is Given Much is required." My grandmother Taylor cared about giving back to others that were less fortunate. We spent many Saturday's delivering Meals-On-Wheels to the elderly in our community. She didn't just deliver food, but would also take the time to talk for awhile. I could tell everyone that received a meal really appreciated the extra time. As I got older, it sparked my yearning to give back as well. During her last two years, she battled cancer with dignity and grace. She knew that her strength was fleeting. She retired from Byrnes High School and graciously turned over her church duties to Mrs. Margaret Hill. Despite her sickness from the chemotherapy, she still wanted her hair to be in place and outfits put together. She smiled often even though she didn't feel well. I don't think she wanted me to know how really bad things were at the time. But, I did. I was there during everything. I know it was hard for her to ask for help. But she definitely appreciated all that my mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Taylor, Aunt Lovely, and others did to make her time here full of peace and comfort. I'm so very honored and proud to be the granddaughter of such a wonderfully strong and caring person."
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  The James Brothers

  Picture from early 1940s Front Row (left to right): David, A.B. Back Row (left to right): Jimmy, Marvin, Martin
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  Day Book of A.B. James of Lyman

  A.B. James was a cotton farmer.
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  Mary L Durham

  Rev. Mary L Durham, the oldest of 6 children, was born to the late Edwin and Leila Sena Durham on December 25. Yes, a Christmas gift had arrived on the Durham's doorstep in the form of "a living doll," and naturally the appropriate name for her was Mary. Even as a toddler she was an extraordinary child, very obedient and rarely having to be corrected. The expression "Don't let me have to tell you twice," certainly didn't apply to Mary! Her early training was fostered through a God-fearing loving family, church, and great, caring teachers. Mary's education began at the Lincoln Elementary School located in the "Needmore" area of Greer. She continued her elementary schooling at Dunbar Elementary School in Greer. Even in the pre-teen and teen years Mary was always a very humble individual. She was content to let others have the limelight while she happily stayed in the shadows. She seemed to glory in the success of others, never seeming to harbor a jealous bone in her body. Mary graduated from the newly built Lincoln High School in Taylors, SC in 1961. She matriculated at Benedict College, Columbia, SC from 1961-65, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in education from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Her compassionate nature secured her a job at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind, where she taught for 30 years. She was truly devoted to her job. Mary retired from teaching and enter the Gospel ministry. Her call to the ministry was at an early age although she did not accept the call until some years later. Her siblings remember her professing God and preaching under the chinaberry tree and on the stops of their home. When asked what led her into the ministry, Mary replied, "Ever since I knew I could talk and knew what people could do, I wanted to be a blues singer, a gospel singer, a preacher, and missionary all in one; my grandfather was a preacher, and after spending a lot of time with him, he must have rubbed off on me." Mary received a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Christian International School of Theology in FL and the N.J. Brockman School of Religion in Greenville, SC. Rev. Mary L Durham grew up working in the Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Her faithfulness has led to dedicated work in the community, and she has participated in many ministries in her church. Rev. Durham serves as Associate Minister, sings with the senior choir, and is an active member of the Choral Union (singing groups from many community churches); she is the leader for new members class and visitation ministry, and also works with the missionary department. She serves as Vice President/Recording Secretary of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and is a member of the Entree River Association's Women's Ministry and chairperson for the Memorial Ministry. A birthday celebration on Dec 25, 2013 was held at Hilton Head Island honoring her as "Queen for a Day." Many fond memories and accolades were shared by her nieces and nephews and siblings about the importance of education and the input she had in ensuring that education was key for their success. Mary enjoys reading, writing, singing, talking to the elderly, working in the church, and teaching young and older students in the adult literacy program which she taught in for over 10 years. She is considered the big sister to all her nieces and nephews, and many others that she touches in life. Mary enjoys the giving of herself and is dedicated to the service of God. And coming full circle, since one of her father's and grandfather's favorite Bible verses was "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6), we see how God ordered Mary Durham's steps from birth to this very moment. How great Thou art!
• Nostalgia: a poem by Margaret Durham Hill

  Once upon a time Many years ago, Lived fourteen little children Now scattered to and fro! The dad's name was Joseph. The people call him "Joe." The mom's name was Denver. How she could cook and sew! She specialized in lemon pies, And corn cut from the cob, Okra fried in a black iron pot, And fried chicken from the yard, Black-eyed peas, turnip greens, Green beans, Irish potatoes, too, Potato pies, gingerbread, And chicken dumpling stew. You couldn't forget the coconut cakes, Or egg custards that she made. All this was served with a big, tall jar Of ice-cold lemonade! But when someone was naughty, And not so good, you see, They'd get an extra dose or two Of steaming "Hickory tea!" This family had eight strong and handsome sons. They were Wick, Joe, Dock, Cal, Jay, Paul, Charles, And the youngest one was Tal. Also in this family were six girls As pretty as the sun! They were Mack, Eunk, Evelyn, Velma, Doris, and Margaret, the prettiest one. So this "Joe", he bought some land And decided to settle down On a farm somewhere near the Tiger River, About fifty miles from town! There were fields to plow, Cotton to pick and hoe, Animals to feed and water, Seeds to plant and sow, Cows to milk, Weeds to pull, Milk to churn and strain, And buckets full of water Had to be brought up from the spring. They couldn't go to dances Or listen to blues on the radio. They couldn't go to honky-tonks, Or the local picture show. You may think this life was dull, But that's far, far from the fact. Life around this farm Was always action packed! They had their fun. They had their games, Like "Jack-in-the-beanstalk-cut-him-down," Jump rope, tom walkers, shoot-shoot, And flying June bugs all around. You see they knew they were special. Their parents made them know, That honor, truth, respect, and love Are the things that make kids grow! Now these kids are all grown up. The mom and dad are dead and gone, But the lessons they learned down on this farm Will always linger on!
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  Carroll Durham
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  The Joseph C Durham Family

  Back Row, left to right: Massalena, J.B., Ed, J.C. Denver, Carroll, Wycliff Front Row, left to right: Revelma, Paul, Charles, Talmadge, Margaret, Doris, Grace, Eunice
• Clarence Lee Drummond

  Mr. Clarence Lee Drummond, known by family and friends as "Lee", was born in Spartanburg County to Mr. Felton and Mrs. Bessie Arnold Drummond. To this union were two other children, sons, Dever and Nathaniel Drummond. Lee was a loyal, faithful, and respectful man to all who knew him. Clarence was educated in the Spartanburg County school system. He was employed by JP Stevens (Victor Plant) for over 50 years. He attended Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a trustee for over 30 years. He was a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #59 and a veteran of WWII. Clarence was married to Mrs. Eva Mary Drummond, better known as "Mae." To this union, 6 children were born, Bobby, T. Walter, Eddie, Shirley Ann, Marvin, and Loretta. After Clarence retired from the JP Steven industry, he became a taxi driver for the family; he enjoyed taking his grandchildren to school and children to work. He was also available to the community if needed for transportation. He had a giving and caring heart for mankind. Every New Year's morning, he would get up early to make his visits to the houses of his children; this was a family tradition passed down for over 50 years. the family believed that a man should be the first person to enter the house of New Year's morning. Clarence loved all kinds of sports. All of his children participated in some type of sport. He had 2 sons, Eddie and Marvin, to be induced in the Hall of Fame in Greenville County. Clarence Lee and Eva Mary Dean Drummond had 24 grandchildren. Because of the love Mae had for her family, she remained as a housewife and a caregiver for her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren enjoyed having Grandma at home when they got out of school; she was well known for having fried fish on Fridays and hotdogs on Saturday. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Mae's menu and looked forward to visiting her on those days. Clarence and Mae loved the LORD and their family and friends. Both Clarence and Mae were blessed in many ways because of their love and sacrifice to others. Clarence believed that if God says "no" to a specific request that He knew what was best for them. His favored motto: "No matter what battles we face in life, God will bring us safely through."
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  The Dodd Family of Greer, SC

  Top Left: Dorothy Dodd Cooper Top Middle: Idell McClain Dodd Top Right: Ruby Dodd Williams Bottom Left: Shirley Dodd RooKard Bottom Middle: Barbara Dodd Jones Bottom Right: Lurlene Dodd Miller
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  Teretha Pilgrim McClain

  Mrs. McClain was Idell Dodd's mother and the daughter of Parthenia Foster Pilgrim.
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  Parthenia Foster Pilgrim

  Mrs. Pilgrim was Idell Dodd's grandmother and the mother of Teretha McClain. Her husband, Perry Pilgrim, was born Sept. 9, 1852 and died March 20, 1912.
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  Idell McClain Dodd

  Idell worked for Mrs. Verne Smith, Sr. doing her clothes shopping and putting together Mrs. Smith's outfits every morning. She was the granddaughter of Parthenia Pilgrim and the daughter of Teretha McClain.
• Chester and Ruth Duckett

  Chester Duckett was born to Thomas Duckett and Nancy Anderson Duckett. He had 5 brothers and one sister. He and his siblings were raised on a farm owned by the Dillard family. As a young boy, he vowed to never raise his family on a farm to work the fields. He and his family were members of Entree Fork Baptist Church where he was active and remained a member. At an early age, he hoboed to Washington, DC. He worked there for a short time before returning back to Greer, SC. During this time, he met Ruth Brooks at a fish fry. After dating for a time, they were united in marriage. He served in the US Army during WWII. During his time in the service, his wife, Ruth, saved money for them to purchase their first and only house. During their marriage, they had 12 children. Sadly, one became ill at just a few weeks old and passed. After serving in the US Army, Chester returned home and continued his education, taking up masonry. His trade allowed him to travel and work in NC for a short time. After returning home to Greer again, he went into business with Hubert Mayfield and Benjamin Griffin, forming the Mayfield, Griffin, and Duckett Brick Masons. He later ventured out on his own. His masonry works are still standing throughout areas in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties and Chapel Hill, NC. When he decided to retire from his business, he turned it over to four of his sons. Chester loved spending quality time with his wife and children. There was no hesitation for his to take his family on a Sunday outing. They would often visit cousins and friends or just go for a ride in the country or visit nearby NC. During the holidays, family was always invited over for dinner. He often spoke words of wisdom to his children and grandchildren, often encouraging them to go to school and get a good education. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to seeing them when they returned home on any occasion. His wife Ruth was the daughter of Louvenia Brooks Butler. She attended the one room Ansel School and graduated from Dunbar High School. Afterwards, she became a domestic worker. Although she served many families over a span of 60 years, her heart was set on being a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. As a mother, she was often in the kitchen cooking, canning, and freezing fresh vegetables and fruits. She also enjoyed sewing and making quilts. She was a very supportive mother and was involved in her children's education. She was a member of Maple Creek Baptist Church where she was an active member and a member of several organizations. She, along with Ms. Edith Mack and Ms Faview Bennett, organized the Maple Creek Sunbeams, an organization for the children in their church. Chester and Ruth provided a loving and caring home for their children. Because of this upbringing, their children provided many opportunities for them to travel. Although Chester had promised never to fly again after serving in WWII, his wife took advantage of every chance. She enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, going on cruises and visiting her children in other parts of the country. At the age of 92, while visiting her family in Maryland, she traveled to Washington, DC where she met President Barak Obama, his wife, Michele, and Vice President Joe Biden during the 2009 Inauguration. She once said, "I never thought I would see this day." She was so thrilled. On November 30, 2005, at the age of 92, Chester died after a long illness. At the time of his death, he and his wife had been married for 72 beautiful years. Surrounded by her children, on the morning of March 19, 2012, Ruth passed at the age of 95 in her home.
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  Mr J.D. Cox

  J.D. Cox was born June 26, 1914 in Spartanburg County, SC. His parents were the late Rev. Clinton and Stella Cox, of Greer, SC. Mr Cox was tenth of eleven children. He and his family attended Maple Creek Baptist Church where many of his relative continue to be active members today. During his youth he sang in a gospel quartet with his nephew, Luther Martin, Jr., brother, Newport Cox, and cousin, Woodrow Cox. After growing up in Greer, he worked at a local funeral home before joining the army. During WWII, he served 5 years in the US Army. His leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills became apparent, and he was ultimately promoted to Staff Sergeant. He received several medals and ribbons including the Bronze Star. His foreign service included both Europe and Okinawa. While in Central Europe, he managed and directed crucial engineering and construction projects. During military training, J.D. Cox was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. While there, destiny was fulfilled when he met and later married the love of his life who was attending college at Fayetteville State Teachers College near the army base. When the war was over, J.D. and his wife, Classie, moved to Schenectady, NY to join his brother the Rev. L.C. Cox. After a short stay in Schenectady, they moved to Milwaukee, WI, joining another Greer native who relocated earlier, his nephew, Luther Martin, Jr. While living in Milwaukee, J.D. worked for General Electric for 35 years before his retirement. His wife, Classie Cox, taught with Milwaukee Public Schools approximately 35 years before her retirement. J.D. was a member of the Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI, where he sang with the male chorus, served on the Trustee Board, and volunteered with the Hot Meals Program. He and his wife were the parents of 3 children: James Cox, Richard Cox, and Kathy Cox-Swope Williams. He also has a daughter, Joan Hood, who was born in Greer, SC and lives in Milwaukee, WI. Mr. J.D. Cox passed away on January 26, 2001. He was 86 years old. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grand-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
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  Reverend Clinton Lafayette Cox

  Rev Cox was a Baptist minister who served at the Flint Hill Church and also traveled the south as an itinerant preacher. He was married to Stella Austin, and they had 12 children. His special talent was caning chair seats.
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  Prudence Elvira Cooper Ballinger

  Prudence Elvira Cooper Ballinger, 101, entered into eternal peace on Friday, July 12, 2013, at her home. Prudence was born February 1, 1912, the youngest daughter of the late Marcel and Nannie Todd Cooper and wife of the late George Ballinger. She graduated from Simpsonville High School on March 29, 1932 as the valedictorian. She then furthered her education and graduated from The Lincoln Institute of Practical Nursing in 1957. She began working at Greenville General Hospital as a Nurse's Aide and was transferred to the newly built Allen Bennett Hospital in Greer to train nurses and orderlies. She worked for Allen Bennett for 36 years. She retired from Allen Bennett in 1977. But she was not ready to sit at home. Ms. Ballinger then began to work for Upjohn HealthCare Services as a Home Health Aide. She worked for them for 18 years. At the same time, she sat privately with patients. Not only was Prudence a dedicated employee in caring for those that could not care for themselves, she was a dedicated woman of God. She was baptized at an early age at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC. She was very active at Cedar Grove and even assisted her father as secretary of the Reedy River Baptist Association. The Historical Society of Simpsonville came to her for information to write a book of the history of Simpsonville. Cedar Grove Church also came to her to help them write the history of their church. Upon moving to Greer, she joined Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully. Her life was predicted on servanthood. As a dedicated member of Maple Creek Church in Greer, SC, she served as a Sunday school teacher for 35 years. She also served as Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant superintendent for over 35 years. She was known to be the first to arrive on Sunday mornings to get everything in place for Sunday school. But the ministry that was most dear to her heart was the Usher Board. Ms. Ballinger was a member of the Maple Creek Usher Board for some 68 years and served as President for a majority of those years. Even after she was not able to stand at the door due to pain in her legs, she still came to church dressed in her white uniform! She even served as past Chaplain of the Entree River Ushers Auxiliary. As she increased in age, she became the mother of the church. Prudence was very independent! She had a garden she worked in with a plow until she was in late 80s. She could swing an ax at 99 better than any man! And she drove her little black car until she turned 98. The only reason she gave up driving was the DMV would not renew her license. She lived alone until one month before her death. She cooked for herself and cleaned her own house. And she dared anyone to try to assist her! Many would ask her what her secret to longevity was. She would simply say that she honored her mother and father. For she took God at His word (Exodus 20:12)! She took care of her own mother until her mother passed away at the ripe age of 103! Her lifelong wish was to be able to care for herself and not be a burden to her family. She was very reluctant to accept how old she was, until her great-granddaughter received a copy of the census record that proved she was 6 years older than what she had been telling everyone. But when she turned 100, she was thrilled! A birthday party was thrown for her at her home in 2012. At that time, she was presented with a proclamation from the City of Greer, SC by the Honorable Wayne Griffin. She was so happy to have her family including her nieces and nephews from Baltimore, MD and Atlanta, GA along with several church members. She was predeceased in death by her parents along with her sisters: Mrs. Lucille Westmoreland, Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, Mrs. Eliza Harris, Mrs. Nannie Mae Simpson, and Mrs. Hayzette Owens and her brothers: Mr. Mancel Cooper, Jr. and Mr James Cooper. She leaves behind to cherish fond memories her daughter Ms Hazel Lee Rice of Taylors, SC; her granddaughter Mrs Ettie Pearl (Jesse) Booker of Taylors, SC; two step grandsons Rev. Edward Ballinger of Greer, SC and Mr Edward Earl Rice of Brooklyn, NY; and two loving great-granddaughters Miss Shankar Samecious Benson and Miss Laratifter Denise Benson of Taylors, SC. She also has a host of additional great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. All those that had the pleasure of meeting her knew her as a very kind and gentle soul; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving and taking care of others. She epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman. She was far more precious than jewels, and her value was far above rubies or pearls. Strength and dignity were her clothing, and her position was strong and secure. When she opened her mouth, it was in skillful and godly wisdom, and on her tongue was the law of kindness. Her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews rose up and called her blessed. She was loved by all and is missed immensely!
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  Slave Birthdates 1858-1961

  This information came from a "Day-Book" owned by Henry Samuel Gibson (1816-1891), a blacksmith, shoe cobbler, and general store owner. He kept this "Day-Book" in which he noted births, the accounts of his blacksmith shop and records of groceries and general merchandise which he sold. The business was located in the area of what is now the Gibson Ball Field off of Hwy. 14, north of Greer, SC.
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  The Harmonizing Quintet of Inman, SC

  The Harmonizing Quintet was an active group in the 1940s that often performed on WSPA Radio shows, such as Farmer Gray and the Gospel Hour. Members: Henry Jones, Henry Black, "Geek" Johnson, David Murphy, Richard Smith, Stenson Murphy David Murphy lived in Greer on Hampton Road.
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  Needmore Community and Recreation Center

  In the Greer City Directory of 1915, there are 4 black neighborhoods listed: Greentown, Needmore, Maple Creek, and Slabtown, which would be later known as Sunnyside. The Needmore community is described as "a colored people settlement, lies half mile north of city on National Highway" (W. Poinsett Avenue), which was the major road for travel between Greenville and Spartanburg. One of the outstanding citizens of the community was James S Jenkins Jr., known as Jim, who was a master brick mason. Mr. Mason, who moved to Greer in 1898, worked on the original manholes along Emma Street (W. Poinsett St.) and is credited with building the brick smoke stacks of Franklin Mill in 1900. He was also a charter member of Maple Grove Baptist Church and worked to raise funds for the Bailey View Academy in Greentown so that African-American children would have a school to attend in Greer. After Bailey View burned in 1924, Dunbar was built in Sunnyside, but the Needmore community desired a school closer to their homes. In 1936, Greer School District authorized a two-teacher school for African-American children if the community would provide the land and building. In 1937, property was donated by B.D. Henson for that purpose, and the community raised funds. In the midst of the Depression which was followed by WWII, the school district failed to act, citing lack of money to proceed. It was not until the 1950s that a school was opened in the neighborhood in a war surplus Quonset hut that was moved to the site on Canteen Avenue. The neighborhood children attended this school for 4 or 5 years until Lincoln, between Greer and Taylors, was completed in the mid-1950s. After the school closed, the Quonset hut was used by an African-American men's club. Citing problems with the club, the city purchased the land in 1959, removed the old barracks, and constructed the Needmore Center as part of the Recreation Department building program the also produced the Tryon Street Park and Recreation Center. The city had asked the public to vote for a $100,000 bond to initiate the building program and had been turned down. The Joycees pushed for passage, and the community responded by passing it the second time it was on the ballot. Land was added several times to expand the Needmore Park area. Land for the tents court was bought from the Harrison family. John Henry Lyles, an African-American teacher at Lincoln and later Greer Middle School, was hired part-time to run an after-school program. One of his sources of funds for programs was the concession stand at the center. Another school teacher, Benny Brown, was also a director of the center. When the center fell into disrepair, there was talk of removing the building. The community urged the city to keep the center as a much-needed recreational and educational facility for their neighborhood, prompting Council Woman Martha King to put her neighborhood redevelopment funds into the renovation of the center. Phyllis Wheatley Center took on the programming at the center until a disagreement on funding caused this organization to leave and the city to take on the operation of the center. Today there is an active senior citizen program that is attended by both African-Americans and whites. Senior Action sends lunch meals, and programs are planned by a director. In 1997, Ms. Agnes Davis Young, Senior Program Manager, was recognized by the South Carolina General Assembly for "her outstanding dedication as the Director of Senior Citizens, City of Greer." The donation of computers to the center helped young people in the after-school program. Other programs make use of the center, such as the children's theater that often holds its auditions in the large meeting room. It is also a city polling location. Located in the middle of the Needmore Community, the center is an easy walk for most of its citizens and provides an identifying landmark for the neighborhood.
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  Ella Jane Nesbitt

  Although Ella Jane Nesbitt was born in Asheville, NC, her roots are Greer. Ella and her sister came to live with their grandparents on Stokes Street in the house which their mother's sisters had bought for their parents. One of the aunts was a schoolteacher who taught at a rural black school. As was the custom, she lived with a family through the week and then came home to Greer on weekends. When Ella was in junior high at Dunbar, an aunt in Washington, D.C. requested that Ella come live with her to assist her during a period of poor health. In Washington, Ella went to vocational school and studied cosmetology. In 1947, her daughter Norma Jean was born. But when Norma Jean was 3 months old, Ella returned to the family home on Stokes Street and began to fix hair. A SC licensed cosmetologist, she operated the Nesbitt Beauty Shop from 1947 until 2006 when she decided to retire and not renew her business license with the city of Greer. Ella says that in the early day, people had their hair done mainly for special occasions. Line Huff fixed hair in her home in the same Sunnyside neighborhood. In Needmore, Helen Thompson, also a licensed cosmetologist, had a shop in the rear of the house where her sister owned the Thompson Funeral Home on Forest Street. When Ella started, she fixed hair in the house until the family built her a room by enclosing the end of the porch for her shop. After a board inspector told her that she needed a restroom for her customers, she enlarged the shop by adding a room to the porch space. Then she had space for 2 chairs and a partner. Ella says that she was happy working solo. One day Frances Miller, who lived across the street and worked at another shop in the neighborhood, asked if she could join Ella. Not wanting to make too quick a decision, Ella had to think about it. But Ella's cousin urged her to take Frances into the shop. "She'll make a good partner." Ella admits that although things weren't always perfect, they did indeed make good partners. "We got along fine. Some people moved from my chair to hers, but some of her people moved to my chair." They were partners for 50 years. Customers came from Greer, Duncan, and Wellford. Some of her customers were Dunbar teachers. Mrs. Callahan, who lived across the street at the Callahan Funeral Home, was a first grade teacher who had Ella style her hair. Ella remembers Mrs. Vance, who also taught at Dunbar. "She lived with our family while teaching school. That was done then. Families kept the teachers. She had me do her hair." Ella says, "Most women came for a wash, press, and curl." She can't remember the cost when she started, but thought that it was about 75 cents or maybe $1.00. She still has her pressing combs for straightening hair and the different size curling irons to put back some curl. The combs were placed into the box of a small electric heater. After gas was run to the house, she used a gas jet where she laid the pressing comb on top to heat very quickly. She then pulled the comb through the customer's hair away from the scalp to avoid burns. Ella's gas jet is a small appliance made decorative by placing the heating element on the top of a silver turtle's back. When asked what she enjoyed most about her career, she says, "I enjoyed the job-- period. I enjoyed people and the work." In 1976, she was awarded the SC State Cosmetology "Woman of the Year." The plaque that hangs proudly in her shop says, "in recognition of your contribution, hard work, and unselfish endeavors." She is proud of this honor, but she is most proud of her girls: daughter Norma Jean Nesbitt Givens who earned a doctorate, a granddaughter who is also a teacher, and two great granddaughters.
• Edward Mosely

  Edward Mosely, a brick maker, arrived in early August, 1895 to begin making bricks for the new textile mill.