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Lugoff, SC is the hometown area that Brook Benton grew up in.
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1st Photo: The Trestle: This solid frame of steel running from Camden to Lugoff has allowed many a train and passenger to cross its boundaries. One of the earlier trestles in the U.S. this project began on November 1, 1848, and is visible from the Wateree River Bridge. Its majestic beauty is more than words can describe. After seeing this site for so long, I could not resist turning it into a photograph. As time moves on and the water flows by, we can only ponder who may be the next visitor to cross this object of wonder.
2nd Phote The Old Ferry:
After the old bridge washed out on July 18,1916 due to a serious flood, the ferry was used to transport traffic from the Camden side of the river, to the Lugoff side. This site was located down the river ½ mile from the present bridge. No doubt, many bails of cotton crossed here on the ferry. This picture was taken from the Lugoff side. Notice closely the safety nets on the right, which is to catch people, horses and supplies in the event of an emergergency.
3Rd Photo: Duke Hydroelectric Station has 5 Generating units: Holding back a 13, 864 acre lake (Wateree) with 242 miles of shoreline. Operations began in 1919. This also covers a three county area and is 56 Megawatts of power!
4Th Photo Camden School from 1936-1959: Then Junior High from 1959-1970: Afterwards it became the High School again from 1970-1992. My life was blessed in many ways at this school. This was a time when we went to school and would learn Bible verses in class! This is where students from Lugoff would be bused to school. They now have their own school system in Lugoff.
More History
Journey through time...
Old Seaboard Coastline Railway Station
This station was build between 1950-1951 and is one of the only active small freight stations between Savannah and Raleigh. This outlet has one full time employee and is presently owned by the CSX Corporation. A kind gentleman by the name of, “Eugene Griggs” worked for 33 years and retried from this location. He has many memories and knows much history on the Railway systems throughout many areas. The time has come to carry on what others have already begun!
(Lugoff Mercantile Hardware)
Mr.& Mrs. Fred Ross purchased the building from Mrs. Gorden Ward McCaa. The building also was the home of the parents of Mr. J. W. Rabon. In the mid 60’s the Fred Ross Family opened a local hardware store. Boo Rabon worked for a number of years at the store. People everywhere enjoyed talking with Boo, while buying nails, or a 7up and candy bar. In November of 1996 goods were auctioned off and Gene Newman Reality purchased the building. At present the building is now gone, but not ignored! Many times, I entered this place for seeds and a soft drink. In return, I walked away with friendship, and fellowship. One day after going to pick up supplies, in walked Brook Benton. He was in town visiting family and friends. What a visit.
Superior Pecan Station: For twenty-seven years, the Ammons family lived in, and ran the business of the Superior Pecan Station. Never a better place for pecan pie in this world. The hot dogs and ice cream was also the best. Now days you can only imagine what it was like to have such old fashion, down to earth, friendship, to go with a good snack, or meal. Around 1965 another couple took over and now the building is a growing memory to those who were blessed to enter this place of Christian kindness. Mr. And Mrs. Ammons has now gone to meet the Lord in Glory. They shall never be forgotten.
Herbert Frye Boykin started his own garage in 1946. Between 1961-1962 Highway #1 was widen and the old building was torn down to put up this present building. In 1963, the Yellow Studerbaker was placed on the roof to advertise the business. Herbert Frye was a friend to many in and around this area. Mr. Boykin was born 9/3/19 and passed away into eternity on 5/1/92. He will be missed I talked with Mr. Boykin just before he passed away. He lived on Lake Wateree. His business sponsored a Sunday morning Christian broadcast, along with Lugoff Tire Company. This is his son, Claude in the photo.
This old toll bridge,
between Lugoff and Camden saw much traffic until being torn down to make way
for newer bridge that was built in 1942.
Rabons Grocery: The Olde Store
Of course, this is a place of many memories. I used to go there as a child with my Daddy and Brothers to get RC Cola and Moon pie. The most recent business was an Art and Frame shop. It now stands vacant, but not forgotten. The store is next to the Seaboard railway station, on Ward Road in Lugoff. The building was built by John Rabon and opened back in 1924. Many hometown folks traded here and told stories of their life’s adventure. They also came here to vote along the side of neighbors and friends. This is a location where people still love to look at while remembering the old days when a Pepsi was only five-cents. Artist and Poet’s are also enjoying the history of this beautiful site as they put their canvas and pens into motion!
The Wateree Bridge has now gone into history for a new bridge to take its place. This bridge was built in 1942 at a cost of $270,572. Above is a copy of one photo taken before the bridge was torn down, and other copies are placed in the Camden Archives. I lived three years in a house near the bridge and enjoyed fishing and swimming in the same area. I could open my window before going to bed and hear cars crossing, which sounded like horses in a gallop, headed toward the finish line! The bridge endured for 55 years; however, the memory of those who crossed it will go on for many more. Church buses, military vehicles: Families on their way to and from visiting friends and relatives. Dupont workers, and so many more, enjoyed the use of this fine structure. Now that progress has moved in, it’s time for the bridge to move on.