Spring is nearly here, and three special activities are coming to South Greenville in April.
Greenville Textile Heritage Society will meet on Saturday, April 7th, at the Piedmont Community Building. The Community Building has one of the last Mill Basketball Courts in Greenville County. Several basketball players from Piedmont will be inducted into the Textile League Hall of Fame. Also, in the Community Building is the Piedmont Historical Collection of local historian, Don Roper. The collection will be open for visitors that morning. Piedmont Historical Preservation Society and the Bonnes Amies Club have been working with Don to preserve his extensive collection dating back to the 40s. Come check out the History in Piedmont!
An historic African American School building in need of restoration will soon be getting attention from several groups. Holly Spring School is probably the oldest African American school building in the upstate which was built by ex-slaves. The school is a one-room, clapboard building circa 1880. Now leaning to the rear and with extreme termite and water damage to a front timber and siding, the aged structure deserves restoration. Reverend and Mrs. James Massey are planning a celebration of the history of the school and adjacent small Holly Springs Baptist Church. Flat Rock Baptist Church near Woodmont Middle School will host the service on Saturday, April 14th , at 5 pm. Plans are being crafted and many have already saved the date.
Please join us in supporting this effort to recognize and restore a special, historic site for Greenville County. Fork Shoals Historical Society will provide monetary support with a matching funds grant. Also, Councilman Lynn Ballard will be attending and supporting this work. Many of the supplies are being donated by Preservation South, Kyle Campbell, and First Class Construction. Funds can be donated to Fork Shoals Historical Society, a non-profit organization, and designated for Holly Spring School at PO Box 442, Pelzer, SC 29669. Or better yet, come to the celebration and learn how you can actually participate in the physical work.
Southern Traditions Luncheon provided by the Bonnes Amies Club will be Saturday, April 21st, at noon in the Community Building in downtown Piedmont. There will be wonderful food provided by Sweet Peas with entertainment by vocalist, Kay Crowe. Each table is set with lovely fine china, silverware, crystal, and floral arrangements. The Bonnes Amies Club is a service group established in the 50’s. All funds raised will be used to support needs of Piedmont, such as the Christmas Parade, Christmas decorations for the Saluda River Bridge, and the Sock Hop for collecting socks for the schools and the homeless. If interested in attending, contact Anne Peden at 864-243-3542. Cost is $15 per person and sponsorships are accepted for any amount.
April will bring spring showers unlike the cold rain we had today. Please take advantage of these warm, spring days by participating in some special activities with your friends and family. April will be here soon.
Moonville Mae♦
