USA > South Carolina > Richland County > Columbia > Historical and descriptive sketch of the leading manufacturing and mercantile enterprises, public buildings, officials, professional men, schools, churches, ets., railroads, canals, rivers, advantages and surroundings of Columbia, S.C. > Part 10
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
grasses, grains, and roots, in suffi- special subject, address our City cient quantity for the support of the Clerk or Board of Trade upon the herd of Jerseys which supply the matter, and it will have due consid- dairy. The product of the farm eration. finds ready sale in the city.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA STOCK BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION.
STABLES ON ELMWOOD FARM: Dr. B. W. Taylor. President. Edwin F. Gary, Secretary.
This association was organized in the spring of 1887, for the purpose of improving the breeds of horses in the State. For this purpose the as- sociation has purchased and placed in their stud two stallions of the most popular trotting families, "Prince Kismet," a bay colt of the Sultan family ; and "Mambrino Rex," a chestnut stallion of the "Mambrino King" family.
It is the purpose of the associa- tion to establish at this central point, most accessible to the entire State, a stud of horses representing the most desirable breeds, and thus offer to all breeders of horses the oppor- tunity of improving their stock.
Prominent stock men have re- cently discovered and put to the test the facts that this well watered, un-
CHILDS' PLANTATION.
HAY, COTTON, BEEVES, ETC.
The farms of L. D. and W. G. Childs, some five miles south of the city. on the Congaree, are deserving of special mention in this connection. These gentlemen own some 4,000 acres, and raise a large number of Herford cattle for beeves. Some 500 bales of cotton are raised by tenants on the plantation, and 15,000 bales of hay was produced from these grounds last year. The Childs Bro- thers have recently placed a herd of breeding mares on the farm, and will hereafter turn their attention large- ly to the raising of mules. These bottom lands are very productive, and well adapted to raising stock or farm products.
0
ARTISTS AND ARCHITECTS.
ART GALLERY, 118 MAIN STREET,
W. A. Reckling, Proprietor,
W. A. Reckling is a native Colum- dulatory section of country will raise bian, and learned the photographer's the most nutritious grasses with ease, art with Wearn & Hix, who were and thoroughbred cattle and horses prominent artists here for many have been introduced quite exten- years. He began business on his sively of late. The results would own account some 15 years ago, and indicate that fast trotting horses, his work has met with such general fine herds of Jerseys and other cele- satisfaction that many of the noted brated breeds of cattle can as well men of the State and elite of this be produced in this section of South city have been his patrons. He has Carolina as in the famous "Blue some 20,000 negatives, and his rooms Grass regions" of Kentucky. But are filled to profusion with specimens we are only repeating what we have of his work. Portraits are finished in explained on other pages, and we India ink, crayon, or any desirable invite every one into whose bands style of the art. Mr. R. has taken this pamphlet may fall, to carefully over 100 stereoscopic views of Co- scan its pages, and if perchance you lumbia, and these he mails at $1.50 por desire further information on any dozen. Columbia has another pho-
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COLUMBIA CITY.
tographic hall, and also a ferreotypc shall, and W. McDowal. The pres- establishment, but as Reckling's may ent membership is 22. H. J. Calvo, well be considered a representative N. G .; N. W. Trump, Sec. Meets house, we will not give furtber space every Friday night. to photography.
F. & A. M., Richland, No. 39, worked in ante bellum days. Mem- bership 40, G. T. Berg, W. M .; G. M. Walker, Sec. Meets first Wednes. day.
Acacia, No. 94, was also organized before the war. Membership 30. W. J. Cathcart, W. M .; G. W. Par- ker, Sec. Meets second Thursday.
Columbia Chapter, No. 5. Mem- bership about 25. Jas. Fraser, H. P .; W. J. Cathcart, Sec. Meets sec- ond Wednesday.
Columbia Council, No. 5. 25 mem- bers. G. W. Parker, T. I. G. M .; W. J. Cathcart, Rec'dr. Meets after the Chapter closes.
Columbia Commandery. No. 2. K. T. was organized 1875, and has 24 members. J. N. Richbourg, acting E. C .; Henry Heitsch, Rec. Meets third Tuesday.
K. of P., Myrtle, No. 3. Charter- ed January 15, 1874, and has about 125 members. Rents City Hall lodge room. Geo. H. Huggins, C. C .; L. T. Levin, Jr., K. of R. & S. Meets every Monday night.
Capital, No. 10. Chartered Feb. 2, 1887, and has about 65 members. John A. Willis, C. C .; P. B. McCoy, K. of R. & S. Meets Thursday night.
A. O. U. W., Congaree, No. 2. Chartered Nov. 15, 1887. Has 52
Columbia has the full quota of members. Dr. Geo. Howe, M. W .; secret societies, but as all the lodges A. H. Montieth, Rec. Meets first then existing lost their books, char- and third Tuesdays.
K. of H .. Columbia, 350. Has tion of '65, we cannot give the origi- about 100 members. Hawley Wood,
I. O. O. F., Palmetto, No. 5, was second and fourth Tuesdays.
Dict. L. N. Zealy. Rep. Meets
A. L. H., Columbia Council. 1108.
originally chartered May 18. 1842. by John McKenzie. Peter Knapp, G. Meets on second and fourth Wednes- W. Wright, J. English, E. W. Mar- days in each month .. Organized
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SOCIETIES, ETC.
ters, etc., in the general conflagra- nal date of organization of all.
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STATE HOUSE ARCHITECTS. NIERNSEE & WHITE.
Frank Niernsee was born about the time his father moved to this city as State House architect, and it is but fitting that he should be con- tinued as one of the artificers for the completion of that gigantic en- terprise. from which his father after more than 30 years service was re- leased by sickness and death. Frank was carly in the business under his father's instruction, and in 1869 he graduated in civil engineering and architecture from the University of Virginia, after which he spent some years in Europe perfecting himself in the art. . He returned to Colum- bia after the death of his father and engaged in architectural pursuits here. Last month Mr. Niernsee, in connection with Mr. E. J. White, of Charleston, was selected to continue the State House work and the finish- ing of that magnificent structure will be pushed as rapidly as the ap- propriated funds will permit of. G. T. Berg came to Columbia in 1856, and was for many years an assistant of John R. Niernsee in the State House work.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
1874. Membership 30. John Green, Master, the Chairman of the Canal Commander; L. C. Moore, Sec.
Board, is our present State Senator,
Columbia also has lodges of the and his labors for the city have been Golden Rule, Red Men, Railroad very active and effectual. In this, Conductors, and Engineers, and per- as in educational matters, he has haps others, of which we are not in- shown a zeal and public spirit worthy formed.
of the cause. The other members
The negroes have their various of the Canal Committee are Mayor secret lodges, charitable organiza- Jno. T. Rhett, C. J. Iredell, W. B. tions, etc.
Lowrance, and R. S. Desportes, all
The Columbia Club occupies the progressive men, and their names second and third floor of the Des- are a sufficient guarantee that the portes & Edmunds building, and the good work will be pushed to com- rooms are magnificently fitted up. pletion.
It numbers among its membership
Fire Department .- W. B. Stanley over 125 names of the aristocratic is President of the Board of Fire business men and citizens of Colum- Masters, Phillip Motz Chief, and C. bia, and other parts of South Caro- J. Beck Assistant Engineer. The lina. T. T. Moore, President; Allen J. Green, Sec. and Treas.
department is composed at present of one hook and ladder company,
The Board of Trade is a very im- two steam engine companies, and portant and effective factor in the two hand engine companies. Phœ. advancement of Columbia. It will nix Hook and Ladder Company has have a full notice in our closing a membership of forty-three, one pages.
house, one truck and equipments- A Confederate Survivors' Associa- property of the company. Indepen- tion was organized last fall, and now dent Steam Fire Engine Company numbers 124 men, including all has a membership of twenty-seven grades of the service. Col. A. C. one house (brick), two frame build- Haskell is the President, and in the ings, one steam engine, one pair Association are to be found some of horses-property of the city. Pal- the best elements of the community. metto Steam Fire Engine Company Among its honorary members are has a membership of thirty, one many of the most eminent ex-Con- house, one stable, one steam engine, federates.
one two-wheel reel, and one pair of
City Council .- Columbia numbers horses, all the property of the com- among its Aldermen, business men pany, and 900 feet of hose, the pro- of good executive ability, and who perty of the city. Enterprise Fire have the welfare of the city at heart. Engine Company has a membership An election is close at hand which of 100, one hand engine, one two- will probably change its make-up to wheel reel, and 350 feet of hose-all some extent. The present Board the property of the city. Vigilant are: Ward 1-T. T. Moore, W. MeB. Fire Engine Company has a mem- Sloan, E. W. Screven; 2-R. S. Des- bership of 100, frame house, one portes, J. S. Dunn, E. J. Brennen; hand engine, one two-wheel reel, 3-F. N. Ehrlich, T. B. Aughtry ; and 350 feet of hose-all the pro-, 4-W. J. Duffie, C. J. Beck, R. N. perty of the city. The department Richbourg. has responded to twenty-eight al-
Canal Trustees .- Col. F. W. Mc- arms during the year, causing a loss
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COLUMBIA CITY.
in buildings, stock, and furniture of given in detail in former pages, but about $22,070, which was insured these, when combined, present unex- for $19,145 ; $13.400 of this loss was ceptionable advantages, and the caused by two fires.
writer would say that from his ex- - tensive acquaintance with the prin- SUMMARY AND REVIEW. cipal cities in 20 States, he does not know of any one more advantag- The old fogies who are still in their shells, and are ever ready to prophesy regarding any new enter- prise, that Columbia is dead, Rich- land County of little' value, the mountain regions not worth having, and South Carolina getting poorer every year, should be retired into the obscurity which they so richly deserve. The men who are really putting their shoulders to the wheel to aid in development, assist manu- eously situated in all respects, and we believe that the coming decade will surprise even the most sanguine in the additions to population, man- ufacturers, and industrial wealth of South Carolina's capital city. Al- most any kind of legitimate manu- facturing may succeed here, but the field is especially inviting to the pro- duction of cotton goods, and a dozen mills of that description, with their contingent industries, would not be facturing and agricultural enter- out of place. Extensive potteries or
prises, and bring to the best advant. age the vast mineral, industrial, and farming wealth of South Carolina are worthy of special mention, and it is with pleasure that we have allotted a fair share of our space to kaolin goods houses, wood manufac- turing, additional granite works, and many other fields of industry, might be profitably engaged in as the wea- ther is equable the entire year, and but little expense required to keep their various enterprises. We do away the chilling blizzards of the not pretend to say that Columbia has a big boom, for such is not the case, but she has a decidedly healthy growth, and it is no stretch of imagi- nation to say that she is on the eve of. very important developments. The new canal work, referred to in former pages, will soon put into cir- culation considerable sums of money northwest, which lose their power for harm while climbing the Blue Ridge mountains. Our article on agriculture and thoroughbred stock will convey a slight idea of what advantages the surrounding country is possessed. The importance of those pursuits will be manifest, as thriving agricultural and stock-rais- for its construction, and this will ing districts give back-bone to com- give an impetus to building and mercial and manufacturing centres. other progressive movements, as Any man who has the stamina to well as decided advances in real go west with limited means, and estate. Manufacturers and capital- trusts to his energy and the smiles of ists cannot fail to see the immense Providence, and who succeeds there, advantages to be gained from the could take the same energy and use of cheap water power, coupled trust and have greater certainty of with our excellent facilities for success in the South. He has no transportation, etc. It is scarcely grasshoppers, nor enduring ice, nor necessary to refer again to our supe- snow, nor blasting drought, nor vio- rior educational, religious, and sani- lent winds. His wants are fewer, tary conditions, which have been his hardships less. A climate always
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
moderate, no sultry nights which "see the day star arising." The past leave him more exhausted than on 20 years here has been one of marked his retiring. Any man with the progress, and the coming decade will pluck to make of himself a western be one of much greater advancement. pioneer, can, within less than ten We find that the mercantile and pro- years, in this country, where all fessional interests are generally well things tend to man's good health represented, and the field that gives and prosperity, surround himself the greatest promise for development with lands and stock, and have a is that for the manufacturer, me- fine income, with less privation than chanic, and those who are willing to many portions of the Union. cultivate the broad acreage of this
Within a few years past, Colum- and surrounding counties. No sec- bia has become the abode of many tion of country offers greater induce- Northern families who had previ- ments to legitimate industrial pur- ously spent their winters in Florida, suits. The Columbia City Council and who find. after a winter's trial has recently passed an ordinance of Columbia, that the climate is, in exempting from taxation establish- many cases, more invigorating and ments that may be erected, in several better for them than that of Florida, important lines of manufacturing, and other Southern health resorts. during the next two years.
The vicinity of Columbia is noted for its excellent fruit and vegetables, and the old saying. that "a man could not put his foot on a spot in Caroli- na where a plant would not grow," is especially true of this section of the State. The writer has a large acquaintance throughout the North, and would say, personally, to those who desire investment that real estate is lower in Columbia to-day than it will ever touch again. Let those who are despondent and think that it is a good time to sell, hand in their bids, at reasonable figures. to the real estate agents, and they can doubtless place others in your stead who have the utmost confidence in Columbia's future prosperity.
Columbia has grand distributing advantages, and should make a great wholesale centre. Active develop- ments on the canal, which will soon be begun again and, we trust, pushed to a speedy consummation, will give additional life and prosperity to Co- lumbia, and make it no idle dream, that she is, indeed, a progressive city. In nearly every article of this Sketch, although it may have a per- sonal heading, will be found some interesting fact or conclusion to be drawn. We invite you to read the entire work, as some point of infor- mation obtained may be valuable to you at present or for future use. Excursion trains are run twice a month, bringing tourists from prin-
It is despicable for any citizen to cipal Northern points to Columbia speak against his own city, and to and return for one fare; and as this say, regarding any enterprise to city will bear the closest scrutiny, further its advancement, "Oh, it's we, in the name of the Board of no use; you never can make any- Agriculture, Board of Trade, and thing out of this place." We are City Council, invite all to come and glad to note that there are very few spend a week, investigate the merits of this class in Columbia, and those of this favored section, and we are who feel so should move out and certain that before the blizzards of give place to others who are able to another winter arrive, you will have
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COLUMBIA CITY.
concluded to take up a permanent salubrious climate, clean, broad, and abode here. A battle ground is shaded streets, the ample, . bighly found just across the river, where cultivated, and tastefully arranged Sherman's force was held at bay for grounds that surround its dwellings, 3 days by a handful of Confederate conspire to attract to and make this soldiers. The bridge across the Con- one of the most desirable and in- garee River, immediately opposite viting places of residence in the the city, and connecting the Coun- State, and the number who are al- ties of Richland and Lexington, was lured here from year to year, to destroyed by the retreating Confed- escape the rigors of, a Northern erates at that time, and communica- winter are steadily increasing. A tion at this point was for some years recent writer says: "In order to had by ferries, till a few years since, create a city, in the true meaning when the piers were utilized for the of the word, it is necessary that its reconstruction of an iron and wood inhabitants should regard it with bridge, which is an invaluable anxili- pride and affection, and also as some- ary to the extensive traffic between thing of which they are a personal the citizens of Lexington and the part. It is hardly enough for the merchants of this city. Situated in best results that there should be a the centre of the State, with five reasonable understanding of the lines of railroad competing for its benefits of good government, and freights to the cotton markets, man- the appreciation of the advantages ufacturing centres of the North, and of municipal convenience. There ports of export to all parts of the should be a warmer feeling of pride world, Columbia enjoys advantages in the beauty, the high standing, the unequalled by any interior city of intellectual and moral influence, and the South for the handling of this everything that tends to elevate and staple product. The number of rail- improve the city as a part of a com- roads concentrating bere secure a mon and yet personal possession." very low rate of freight from Colum- As a community, the superior race bia to Charleston, Norfolk, Balti- are refined and cultured, genial and more, New York, Boston, and Phila- hospitable, and give a most hearty delphia. This competition secures welcome to all who will participate that quick transit so essential in the with them in the enjoyment of the cotton trade. In addition to this, advantages with which they are our cotton is very desirable from its blessed, both by nature and art; and careful preparation, being free from the negroes are more progressive dirt and stain incident to low land, and independent than in many sec- and of excellent staple. These sub- tions of the country. stantial reasons for the demand has
The nationality or nativity of no opened up to the central and upper man is questioned. Whether he portions of our State a market comes from the North or the South, which, for many reasons, it is largely or the East or the West, he will be for the interest of producers to pat- gladly received, if he only possesses ronize.
and practises the virtues that are
Columbia's geographical situation essential to good citizenship.
FACTS AND FIGURES.
makes it one of the most accessible localities in the State; the topo- In looking over the statistics con- graphic conformation, equable and nected with the manufacturing in-
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
terests of Columbia, we find there and the true value is doubtless over are over 1,000 persons employed and $6,000,000. about $1,500,000 of capital invested, The growth of the South in a few
producing $2.225,000 worth of man- years past has been wonderful, and ufactured products. There are sev- Columbia is awakening to her im- eral smaller wholesale houses not portance as a central city. A North- noticed in detail, and the wholesale ern journal says: "The summary of trade of Columbia aggregates over industrial statistics, which has been $2,000,000, while the retail trade will made by a Southern trade journal, reach a much greater figure. The discloses a progress along the lines annual transactions of the cotton of diversified development which merchants range from 60,000 to 75,- will be a surprise even to those who 000 bales, or in value from $2,500,- have fancied that they appreciated 000 to $3,000,000. While a large the changes which are in progress share of the business men are from in that section. 22 factories for Columbia and other South Carolina making agricultural implements. 23 towns. there is a considerable num- car works, 147 cotton and woollen ber from Virginia and the old North mills, 184 foundries and machine State, with a fair sprinkling from shops, 73 blast furnaces, 504 mines Northern States and from the Brit- and quarries, 23 rolling mills. These ish Isle. The hardy Scotchman, the are a few items in a long list of in- impulsive Irishman, and the sturdy dustries begun or established during Englishman mix with our brethren
a single year in thirteen States. from the North to infuse new meth- Such an industrial development as ods and manners, and those broken this, so rapid and so varied, shows down in constitution from the frigid the necessity of recognizing the new blasts of the New England, Midale, impulses and conditions which pre- and Western States, come to receive vail in the South, and are changing the invigorating influence of this the character, traditions, and aspira- balmy clime.
The aggregate cost of the public buildings bere exceeds six millions of dollars. Columbia is noted for
tions of the people of this section."
OUR REGARDS.
The writer of this special edition the beauty of its public and private cannot close without extending to grounds and its flower gardens. Sid- the business men and citizens of Co- ney Park contains twenty acres, lumbia in general his sincere thanks furnishing attractive promenades. for their very cordial reception of The Agricultural Society of the State this enterprise and the generous as- has extensive fair grounds, with sistance which they have rendered numerous buildings, and during fair in the work. Our duties have been week, in November, as many as arduous, but were made very much twenty thousand persons assemble lighter by the kind reception with here from the different parts of the which we have been met by Rich- State. There are several handsome land County hospitality, and while cemeteries, fifteen churches, three our work is necessarily imperfect in many particulars, we hope it will not be unworthy of the wide distribu- tion which its friends have already free and ten chartered and private schools. The assessed value of real and personal property is $4,000,000, guaranteed, and that it will redound
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COLUMBIA CITY.
to the future good of this section. valuable facts and dates, and some We have made very many pleasant person will while away several hours acquaintances, and wherever our lot with pleasure and profit in perusing may be cast in the future, we shall the same. It is due to your own inter- always have a kind remembrance of est and those of your neighbors who the unselfish interest displayed to- are represented with you, as well as ward the Historical Sketch of Co- to the upbuilding of your city, that lumbia, which is a sufficient guaran- you distribute all numbers placed in tee that any legitimate enterprise will your hands during the next month have the generous encouragement or so. Mail them to your friends or of the good people of this city. Suc- customers, or place them on the cess to the Capital city of South counter for convenient handing out.
Carolina with all her enterprises, and may her natural wealth, beautiful surroundings, and generosity be fully appreciated !
have sometimes unwillingly omitted an important business. We do not claim perfection nor expect a book containing so much matter as the present issue, to appear free from errors, but we have endeavored to make a creditable sketch, one which we think will be generally accepted with satisfaction by our citizens and mailed to friends and customers throughout the country, or pre- served for future reference. From a proper estimate, we find that more than 500,000 separate and distinct pieces of metal have been used, and should our readers find a letter up- side down, or other typographical or historical errors, we trust that they will kindly make their criticisms light.
TO BUSINESS MEN.
OMISSIONS, ETC.
In our notice of the Columbia Fe- male College we omitted to state
We do not claim this pamphlet to that this institution is the property be a complete index, as from our in- of, and is conducted under the aus- ability to find the proprietors or pices of, the South Carolina Confer- other responsible persons, from ence of the Methodist Episcopal whom to secure facts and dates, we Church, South.
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