Love 208

THE PURDY STREET NEWS-Love from 208, Saturday Jan. 28, 2006 Mild January

Dear Everyone:

On Thursday morning, we cut the drag (old expression for driving down Main Street, and in front of the old Montgomery-Ward building was building material, carpenters, saws, etc. This building at one time was the bus station (during WW2) and Maxwell Bros. and Blackwell furniture. For the past few years it has been the home of the Uptown Deli restaurant(this one moving into old Planning-Bultman building). Thompson Industrial is now the owner of this spot and will be doing over the building for offices so work has begun.

Down the street the old Standard Music Co. building right next to the Opera House (City Hall) is undergoing a makeover. Windows and doors have been cut into the north side that will be next to an open area where Dr Legrands Optical office was at one time. This is now just open space with a hole in the ground.

Demolition crews are beginning to arrive at my old stand on Bartlette.work has gotten underway. We still do not know what may go up on Liberty Street at the corner of Walker Avenue this is across the street from the Empire Cycle Company. And see in the paper that applications are being made for a restaurant on Liberty just behind the old Sumter Dry Goods lot---now a park that was sponsored by the Rotary clubs. People sometimes ask to why some of these buildings are not used and the answer is that sometimes to bring them up to present days codes and standards is just too expensive and environmental concerns such as asbestos etc. do not make it feasible.

The new Talbot's store opened Friday at the new Wildwood shopping center other stores coming. The center is at the stop light on Bultman and Wise entrance and exits on Bultman and Wise Have heard that a big crowd was on hand and that store officials said that it was a successful opening. Also, Jimmy Eaves new Ashley Furniture Company has opened on Broad beyond auto row. Home building as your know seems to be going on wide open to our west and southwest. Do not know what the future holds for schools, but expect some folks are thinking about this and also water and sewer. At its last meeting County Council discussed new proposed soccer fields at the corner of DesChamps road and Patriots Parkway (Wise Drive to Shaw)

Just beyond this corner on the left is Maples BBQ just take-outs---only on weekends. This is good que for my taste buds. While thinking of food, we stopped by Quiznos for one of their delicious sandwiches they are really good Miss Barbara and I thought that one thing that makes them good is the rolls delicious try them.it is across from Boyle Toyota.

Promoted to glory this week was Betty Brunson Moore Boney she was in the senior class when my class were sophomores at Edmunds High she was first married to Bill Moore and then to her classmate James Boney he was John Boneys older brother Betty was a sister of Linda Fraley. She and James made their home at Santee for a number of years. I do not believe I have had any contact with her for fifteen to twenty years. Betty had one son that lives away from Sumter.

Bubba...Lafayette is fortunate in having a new citizen from Sumter. Conley Alexander came down here about two years ago to live with his daughter and son-in-law Bob and Eve Kubena. He has joined Asbury United Methodist Church where Betty and I are members. Conley joined the choir and is known by all as a friendly Southern Gentleman. He worked out every day at our world-class fitness center, Red Lerell's, but at age 86 he found that he had calcium deposits in his arteries and two weeks ago he had a quadruple by-pass. He is doing well and is now in a rehab hospital here in Lafayette and I know he would love to hear from his old Sumter friends. Conley Alexander, Meadowbrook Hospital, 204 Energy Drive, Lafayette, La., 70508....Room 112. I understand he was in yours and Zadah's Sunday School class at First Presbyterian Best regard to you and Miss Barbara........Love from 600 Myrtle Place...............Tommy Green

Sorry to report that Ralph Jackson has had an emergency visit to Tuomey lives down around Sardiia-Gable he is father of Libby Ortman and Lisa Mayes. Have emailed back and forth with John and Ginger Jones good reports on treatments but still a way to go, and they are grateful to everyone for their Love and support and send thanks Barry Hedden (Edmunds 68) and his wife Vicki have called and have invited John and Ginger for Supper Barry says all his children are in college his Sister Patricia teaches in Monroe N. C. My friend Murphy Tuomey (like our good hospital) called John & Ginger thanks Murphy. If you would like to send the Jones E-mail or message..send it to us and we will send address again but mostly remember them in your prayers.,

At church last Sunday we had a report from the Chairman of the Search Committee on seeking a minister for 1st Presbyterian. Fred Brogdon is the chairman. He announced that the good Lord had led the committee to the one he has selected for us as our next preacher and teacher----they could not reveal the name a number of other church procedures have to be followed before his name may be presented to the congregation. Dr Zane Moore has been our interim pastor during this period and I do not have words to express how wonderful he has been in leading our flock, sickness, weddings, leadership and sermons. He has been wonderful and he announced his time with us would end on Feb. 19th. We are very grateful the Lord led us to him how blessed we have been. Will let you all know more about this as times goes by this next month

Hank Martin and some top notch (very talented) people will be playing tonight (Sat. the 28th) at Billy Lanes Pizza Lane.we hope to go good food good music a good time! Everywhere I go---I hear some excitement ---Mayor Bubba- Will you please print the following information about the Sumter Gallery of Art Antiques Road show in your newsletter? The Sumter Gallery of Art is having its Winter Fundraiser the Antiques Road show Friday, February 17 at the Sumter Gallery of Art. Bring in your treasures to have them appraised by Charlton Hall appraisers. Items to be appraised should be dropped off at the Gallery between 9 am and Pam the day of the event. Security will be present, and all items brought in by 1pm will be guaranteed an appraisal. The 60 most interesting items will be presented during a program in the Booth Room from 7-9:30 pm conducted by the appraisers. A cocktail party catered by Wild Wing Café and Bakers Sweets begins at 6pm and continues throughout the evening. Tickets for Appraisal of one item and the Event (includes presentation by Charlton Hall and cocktail party) are $35. Tickets for the Event only are $25.Tickets are being sold by Art Gallery Board members and are available by calling the Gallery. Brochures are in the mail. For more information call Karen Watson at the Art Gallery 775-0543 Thank you! Macaulay Smith Macaulay W. Smith In-house Counsel Tuomey Healthcare System 129 North Washington Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150

Be sure and remember to attend the Sumter County Historical society meeting to hear Dr. Thomas L. Powers ---he will share with us March to Freedom: Self-emancipation and Potters Raid. He is professor of History at USC Sumter---he has been teaching here since 1979. Among other things he will cover that as many as 5000 black persons got their freedom. His talk will be on Thursday Feb. 2nd in the Ross McKenzie Room at the Sumter County Museum. Hope you will take advantage of this opportunity---other coming events at the Museum are a High Tea on the 14th at the Cubbage House---March 3&4th Jewish Heritage Weekend then comes the Sumter Scottish Country Fairmore on this later.

We were in Columbia on Tuesday to see our granddaughter who is a JV cheerleader at the game was Lee Harvin so we had a nice few minutes visit. Also asked a friend as to how John Winter halter was doing at Forest Lake Country Club.he was an outstanding pro here at Sunset at one time if you see him tell him we said hello Have been really pushed this week had some burdens---but my God has comforted and seen us through all as he always does with love we know he does it for you P.. S.Watch out for the large pothole just north of Haynsworth on Purdy Street.a big one---Love from 208.


Keep in touch, Love ya'll

Net & Bobby "The Brown's"

Love 208

Mayor Bubba was late today. Got this about 2:00pm. Thought for a time that maybe he was sick and started to call him and it popped up on the screen. Enjoy===
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Dear Everyone:

Have been busy this week trying to put up some things at my new digs also have had some visitors and enjoy this. People that drop by are a different group than what I have been used to. Some folks come by that are interested in Sumter's history. Some are from out of town and did not get a lot of traffic on Bartlette Street unless they were doing some serious research. Believe I told you last week, that THE ITEM, now has my weekly stories on the web. www.theitem.com Then click on Look Back or Love from 208..Same name as this letter but it is usually a history story have submitted for this week for Look Back a picture of Jackson's Market at 320 W. Liberty now the location of Simpson's Hardware (guess you might say it is Little Simpson's)it will bring back some memories the picture will show part of the Trinity Methodist Church in the background.

Incidentally learned from Sonny Andrews that before Jackson's market there was a store that was run by the Drayton's. Do not have a picture of this, but O. B. Drayton wants one if you have it the Drayton family lived across the street Sonny Andrews says that his grandparents also lived across the street. My first memory of this area was a baseball field was behind this one later made into part of the complex for Lincoln High. Think this baseball field was no longer used after Riley Park was constructed in the late 30s. Have given Simpson a picture and maybe they will display.

Things seem to be quiet after the Christmas rush and the 1st of the year activity. Talked to Maj. Newton Brown this morning and he says things are quiet with the local store on N. Main Street. Also talked to him briefly about the Boys Club moving from their Belk Street location just off the Boulevard Road, to the old Lincoln High School. The gym over there has a stage, and I have not been in there for a while, but believe it is in good shape. Lincoln was once the black school library also on the property and a woodworking shop. Council street at one time had a number of big houses that were occupied by the well-off black people of Sumter but guess most of you all will remember the Carolina Coca-Cola bottling plant on the corner with the sales office and maintenance, loading, and sales office on Council Streets. All of Sumter should be grateful to the members of Trinity for this great gift to the Salvation Army for its program should be a good fit. Major Brown says that they should move in about 2-3 week she has to get permission from his chain of command. Understand Trinity has all of its action approved by its leaders. When schools were integrated Lincoln was called Sumter High School on Council first member of the white faculty to go there was now County Administrator Bill Noonan he has a good story.also good stories are available by talking to former assistant superintendent Earl Vaughn he helps me every now and then on information his is quite a success story on those turbulent times.

Bubba Always enjoy your newsletter. Our son Wilkes in Moscow Russia for the month of January on interim with Wofford. He is working with ministry there called Reach Out but main purpose of trip is to go to orphanage where his little brother Scott was born in Vologda Russia. We adopted Scott 6 years ago and really excited that Wilkes wanted to go learn more about Russia. He is having a blast, spent last week in Young Life camp
about 2 hours outside of Moscow. No need to print all of this in the newsletter, just summarize, asking folks to pray for Wilkes while he is over there Gary Brown

Bubba, I do have the Sumter Item on my computer and Mary & I read your article about Pi Kappa Phi (Bernie Jones) enjoyed it very much. If it is not too much trouble would appreciate a copy of the Article or the paper if you have time to mail it. Bubba, Mary & I have fond memories of Sumter having lived there for over 33 years, raised 2 daughters there. I served in the Air Force for 22 years and retired in Sumter in 1962. The City of Sumter, Southern Coatings and Sumter Area TEC employed me. I was active in the Elks, and SAFE Credit Union and we moved to Greenville in `1986 then to Hendersonville, NC and finally back to Columbia but we never lost our interest in Sumter and the many friends we made there. Read your Email with interest every week looking for news of old friends. Best to Barbara and you Mary & Lou (Principe)

For the first time ever a music group from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) will perform in Sumter. The Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association will host ACADEMY WINDS, Wednesday, February 8, 7:30 p.m., at Patriot Hall.The group's exceptional musical performance will not only entertain you, but also deliver a patriotic message that will linger in your hearts and minds forever. Academy Winds guarantees a very memorable musical experience! While the concert is free to the public, tickets are required and can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Academy Winds, Box 6641, Sumter, SC 29154. Tickets are limited to four per request! (Forest & Virginia Ray---of course thanks from Bubba)

Update from one of the Logan Brothers My Dad's Packard is still in the restoration shop in Seattle....over a year now! We were to have had it back for the Hilton Head Concours in Nov., but it wasn't ready.....we have an invitation to show it there this year. We will plan on bringing it up to Sumter on the way back from Hilton Head! (Believe this will be in the fall?)

A couple of months ago we had a request from Jason Cockfield of Hartsville. He said he had a book available on the Sumter Cemetery its history pictures and an inventory of the gravesites three of our subscribers ordered he never delivered sorry we ran this but we thought it was legitimate so be careful as we usually have no way of knowing if it is a scam. Again our apologies to the folks that ordered.

Bubba, please insert this in your LOVE this weekend. The Shaw-Sumter Community Council is really excited because next Thursday, the 26th, we are bringing to the Sumter community an outstanding evening of entertainment. One of Branson (MO)'s hardest working cast takes you back to the Ragtime Era, the Roaring 20's , the Classic Jazz Era of the 30's, the Swingin' Sounds of the 40's Big Band Era, the Hilarious50's, the Rockin '6o's and more! (Direct quotes from its advance info they sent us.) Tickets are at Seaco Music (775-9213) and Leonard's Music (773-1792)and at the Box Office that evening.at the low cost of $25.00 each.

I was by the copy shop on Broad Wayne Zamora took and interest in our report last week on the soccer games at the old Edmunds High school football field..he reports that there are teams consisting of Mexicans..one from Honduras, another from Guatemala and even some players from Rumania---Sumter Bible School has a team also a team from Columbia. 10 in all this year with many from Shaw going to 18 teams next year. He says he hears that there will be another field or two next soccer season. Wayne publishes newsletter booklet it is called the Latin Connection hands them out free to those Spanish speaking folks that are in our area cannot read a word of it, but they say it is very popular -it must be self Supporting as it has many ads.

Have been by on Bultman to watch how they are coming along on the shopping center just north of Sumter National Bank paving has been put in..This store includes the new Talbot's of Sumter also as I said before will include C. Anthony's Mens Wear(should open in 4 to 6 weeks) it will be next door to Talbot's. Easy to enter this new shopping center but hard to get back on Bultman---(would suggest you do not try to turn South to your left)there is an entrance and exit out onto Wise drive go to corner and then turn south then go right to Broad or use the stop light and you can go left How wonderful this is going to be for customers that are scared to death getting back on Bultman expecially if you are going to the left

We are back in Baltimore for the next several weeks. Being able to go home for the long MLK holiday last weekend was such a blessing, but very tiring and we are content to stay put as long as necessary to get John cured. His treatments are going well and some new medicines are allowing him to sleep and eat better which makes all the difference in how he is feeling. We are so thankful that no harsh side effects are plaguing him at the moment and ask that you pray specifically for him to retain the ability to eat well and remain free from mouth sores brought on by the radiation and chemo. The Lord continues to provide for us in humbling and

Amazing ways. Last night, after spending all day at the hospital getting treatments (7:30am till 6:30pm), we took a cab to a most wonderful restaurant and we both were able to enjoy a delightful meal in a lovely, soothing setting. When we got back to the Radisson, we had many calls, cards, emails, packages and even flowers waiting for us. There are not words to tell you how loved, encouraged and uplifted we felt. To say that we have a special community is an understatement. The Lord has lavished His love on us through all of you and we are indeed humbled by it. We don't know if we can ever repay you all for the kindnesses you've shown us, but we will pray for the rest of our lives that the Lord will reward you for helping us bear this burden and that He will give us the privilege of praying for you in any and every way we can. Several of you who are new to our email list have requested our address. It is: The Radisson Plaza, 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 cell #as are 803 972 0501 (Ginger) and 803 972 0500(John) Love, John and Ginger "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Sorry to report that Larry And Snookie Montague were promoted to glory funeral was Thursday for both. The family thought that Snookie would die over last weekend thought son Bert said the nicest thing when he said Daddy went ahead to see about things before she came they were married 66 years(he was 91). What wonderful people and what wonderful contributors to Sumters life Larry was CEO of the B. L. Montague company over on Liberty Street she was a Thorne her Dad was once superintendent of the ACL railroad for Sumter.

Last evening Gen. Hugh McLaurin presented a program From Wedgefield to Manchester it was well prepared and presented biggest crowd I have ever seen at a meeting of the Historical Society many there that are familiar with the Wateree Swamp as hunters and fishermen excellent history enjoyed by us he told of the old plantations and two things that I learned was that Manchester was once one of the big towns in S. C and that the hogs in the swamp may be decedents of hogs that used to be brought from Tennessee and the back country it was one of the best talks I have ever heard on this section of Sumter County two weeks from now USC-Sumter professor Tom Powers will be the program (Slavery)he is excellent at in on some of his classes when he taught from Dr. Edgar's book on South Carolina History..Dr. Powers is well prepared and his presentations will be outstanding how lucky we are to have this college here. General McLaurin brought to mind thoughts of the wildlife in the Wateree turkeys,, Deer, Bobcats & Snakes etc. He invited all to visit the visitors center at Battens store in downtown Wedgefield you will be delighted with the displays of fish and wildlife and a good meal also you might want to try some pigs feet pickled eggs pork rinds and other goodies once had a lady there from New England could not get to try anything like breakfast here ---grandson and I have been a time or two he likes hunting and fishing! He has bagged a deer for each of the last three seasons. Would suggest you visit and see snake skins etc. Reasonable prices look around and enjoying 1860 the people here were richest in SC

Hank Martin will be returning to Pizza Lane for another fantastic night of entertainment on Jan 28, 2006.

The show starts at 8 PM & will last until at least midnight. If you missed the last show on 12-17-05...shame on you! In one word it was absolutely wonderful! (Bubba note it was super good!)! Here's the deal....Hank will have around 7 or 8 of his very talented friends join him on stage throughout the night . This makes for pure musical pleasure for us; it is truly magical !I hope that you will support us by attending....have dinner at Pizza Lane & have the time of your life, I promise....Billy Lane

I know some will fuss that we changed font but it is still bigger than most newspaper stories. We are still getting things put up in the Bubba Archives but I am enjoying my new quarters. The Lord has blessed us blessing keep coming. Cannot help but say, if you would like to be member of the museum ---let me know and I will send you a membership card historical society is another organization as is the Genealogical Society please join any or all

The big question here in Sumter is---Who in the world is going to occupy the houses in all the new sub-divisions?-(some real big ones with big houses) and what do all the people do we seem to be doing real good and attracting more restaurants and food places (new chicken place called Roosters on the Pinewood Rd)..banks and drug stores but no big developments lately biggest thing coming is the Army people and more folks at Shaw this is just great good job by our leaders on this God has surly blessed us, and is blessing us each day praise and thank him remember it he who taught us to Love one Another Love from 208

Keep in touch, Love ya'll

Net & Bobby "The Browns"

Love 208

The Purdy Street News Love from 208, Saturday Jan 14, 2006 Two weeks into 06

Dear Everyone:

I am starting this on Friday the 13th. Some say Friday 13th are bad days but it seems good to me. It is warm here this morning and has been all this week. We are still trying to get things in place here at the new archives---and I am trying to get used to the hours of operation. Have only driven to Bartlette Street once by mistake, but know it will happen again still go by the coffee club and then to the Post Office every morning measured the distance from the Museum to 208 it is 8/10s of a mile most of it is through my old stomping grounds. Every day at lunch time, I now look over and can see the Confederate Monument as Harvin and Hampton Apartments are gone. No news yet on what might occupy this property.

Mayor Bubba,I had to smile when I read about your New Year's meal. As you know, we are living in Mexico. I had to have Black Eyed Peas "imported" by my folks when they came down for a visit. My American friends were so thrilled to have them on New Years day...it is the little things that get us excited around here. ;) Following is a great recipe for those that might like a little extra luck next year...Enjoy, Laura Moushey Black Eyed Pea Caviar 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained 10-12 green onion, chopped tops included 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 med. Green pepper, chopped 1 sm. jar pimento, diced 3 1/2 oz. jar bacon bits or pieces Mix all above ingredients, then add: 1/4 c. sugar 1/4 c. salad vinegar 1/4 c. salad oil Salt and pepper to taste Mix well. Best when refrigerated marinated over night. Will keep 2-3 weeks in refrigerator (the Moushays were Boche Brake folks..now in Mexico..I knew them as they took a big part at 1st Pres.)

Hank Martin sends this: Some of you may already know this, but it was news to me. For more information on how it works just put"free 411" in Google. Cell phone companies and local carriers are charging $1.00 or more for 411/information and there is a free alternative. When you need to use the 411 / information option, simply dial 1 800\FREE 411 or without incurring a charge at all except for the minutes required to make the call. Thanks Hank incidentally: Billy Hall writes that Hank will be back at Pizza Lane (Billy Lanes) on Jan 28 at 8. Wonderful evening of good food. Fellowship and of course outstanding music..see you there!

This from Ginger Jones---reports are good they will leave Hopkins today and will stop and be home on Saturday she writes: Several people have asked for our address up here. It is: John TO. Jones, Jr. c/o The Radisson Plaza Hotel, 20 W Baltimore St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Mac McInnis went this week to the Presbyterian Hospital in New York will be back this Saturday. Connie Britton is in Health South it is next door to Richland Memorial.

Quiznos had a grand opening this past Monday line so big reports are that it was something else man from Quiznos said it was one of the most successful ever! (26 jobs here) Talked to a friend of mine about I-Hop as it had such a big opening he said that for the first three months they served 85,000 patrons a month.finally dropped off and holds steady now with about 50 thousand each month.

Everyone keeps asking about what is going up on the corner of Broad and Miller---it will be a new store for Advance Auto Parts the Advance Auto Parts was Parts America before that and before that it was a Western Auto location out on Broad. Western Auto had begun in Sumter before the war as a franchise store. A man named Christy was the owner it was just to the south of Sumter Dry Goods .Western Auto was then located where Imports Ltd is now it was a company store and Silas Hartgrove was the Manager he did so good that when Western Auto wanted to open a big store, they built the big building on S. Main in about 2 years they decided they had made a mistake and went out of the big store business---but stayed out the lease then they built on Broad Street. Across from Staples a couple of buildings are now occupied or getting ready to open they are Brewers and a Hair Styling business they look good it is harder than ever to keep up with sub-divisions More and more action taking place as we are getting closer to the Army folks coming. Do you remember when Ninth Air Force headquarters opened at Shaw in 1954.they were at Pope in N.C. At first we did not have enough housing for everyoneour public officials seem to be on top of the problems we might face with the swell in folks at the basethink we will be well preparedgood people on the committees.

There was a little (about 6-8 feet wide) building a couple of doors north of the Sumter Theater.this small building went straight back eastit was the office for years and years for the Legrand family they sold eye glasses the sign out front was a pair of eye glasses(some of our people could not read even with glasses)In 1894 Mr. Legrand was made keeper of the clock as that was when the Opera House clock was installed his son then assumed that job then his grandson (Fritz) and Fritzes son followed so they kept up the clock for 80 years or more. The city has leveled this little building and hauled it off it will be part of the Uptown Deli that will occupy the old Bultmann (Suburban Propane-Planning) building.they will offer eating outside on pretty days.. (Ladd Chandler Mr. Ladd & Puppets in this months Pee Dee Magazine get a copy and be proud!)

Have an invitation to speak to the Manning Rotary Club on First of February looking forward to seeing some old friends. Can anyone tell me what to expect when I travel 521 getting there understand that it is complete from the Clarendon-Sumter line until you get to the stop light for 301. Road conditions and bridge repairs for Clarendon county was recently in the newspaper, but I failed to pay real good attention.

Since I am over at the Museum I am getting somewhat attuned to what all they have to offer. Recently they bought the Cubbage House next door to the back yard that is on Church Street. Class of 72 grad Leighton Cubbage grew up there and bought it and had it restored..(it is done well)he sold it to the Museum and it is being rented out that is rooms...Leighton at first had a bed and breakfast there it served this purpose well and is a fine place to stay in Sumter some of you that are coming to the 55-65-75 Class reunion might want to call and make reservations---also the Museum rents out meeting rooms in the Witherspoon Building that is out back of the old Williams-Brice house excellent facilities call . This may give you a good opportunity to walk around in the older part of the City(most everything has changed !)

Twin-span will build on Calhoun Street on the lot where the Woman clinic was(sort right at end of Park Ave--going west on Calhoun it is just past Salem Avenue) you will remember that Tuomey bought the building and used it for a while and then the building burned.practicing doctors on Calhoun moved offices into new Tuomey Hospital office building talked to Twin Span local head man Squeaky Allesandro---they will have to go through planning to get everything approved Gary Brown has purchased old OBGYN (Blanchard-J. J. Britton to start with then joined by Doc Harvin before he went to Atlanta others were there also). Tuomey had a facility in this building. Gary says he will be there in two to three weeks By the way I can see the parking garage from where I am at Museum do not know when it will open but sidewalks and dressing is being done at this time.

Couple of houses on the corner of Calhoun and Purdy for sale one is on the south side of Calhoun---this was the H. J. Harby house---it is next to Mayor Steve Creech. Mr. Harby built this house when he remarried giving his old family house to his daughter Alene Moore her daughter Alice Harrelson lives there now..(this one has a sleeping porch)the other is the old E. H. Moses house Eugene III grew up here and was my playmate forever the Players live there now (Meg and Tommy) A number of other houses in this old historic neighborhood are also for sale.---among these are the Edmunds and Lee homes in the middle of the block on N. Purdy St.(you will love these)

Big recreation program at old Edmunds,.now Patriots Hall and the Sumter County Rec. center I can see soccer being played there every week end big games on Sunday ---almost all the players seem to be from Mexico they now have uniforms. Our tennis center keeps on getting better and better parking lot nearly ready in Palmetto Park debris from old Little Theater has not been removed all of that area looks pretty good part of Evergreen Cemetery (toward Solomon's Home) is being cleaned up they will expand not only along Guignard but also on the back

Visited the Clark Law Firm grand opening will be sometimes in February..they are in a new building on E. Liberty next to XDOSit is a grand building in a grand way Jay Carter has resigned from Jones Chevy..going into real estate with his cousin Bill.. Salvation Army will move Boys Club to old Lincoln High..deal has a few glitches to be worked out Trinity Methodist making this possible Sumter is a good place to Live God loves us and you..

we send Love from 208

Love 208

Good Morning:

Enjoy====

Dear Everyone:

Here we are at the first week in 2006. Most of us had a lot of blessings during 2005---and as always we are promising ourselves to be better persons in 2006. I will leave it to your newspaper and TV news to review 2005.

As we write this, we are located on the ground floor of the Sumter County Museum and are trying to get things in place and sorted out. Thanks to Sam Anderson we were able to move our filing cabinets (8) all together, so saved this from sorting out. We also got Cleve Lancaster to move some light fixtures for us, but we need to give this some further attention. We started moving on the 17th of December but were slowed down due to the holidays as you know we could not get folks to come until the 2nd of January and have been busy every day since then----and confused as to where to find things.

We were in hopes to move out everything from Bartlette Street by the 1st of the year, but we did not make it. Computer and printer were last to move as we had to wait for the telephone installers to come on the 2nd. We still have our same e-mail accounts, and also the same telephone. Where to place them, has posed some getting used to. We rented a storage compartment off of Guignard and put some things there. Hope we will have the courage to throw some of this out and hope anything the children might like to have ---they will come get it. Let me say a big Thank You to my granddaughter Callie and grandson Richard Richard and some of his fellow students really did us a nice job and were good lifters. My reach is not all that good, and I cannot lift anything heavier than a fork.

Miss Barbara fixed a good mess of collards for New Years.like always and of course Hoppin John (rice and peas) comes at the same time.

I really love collards and sometimes wish for this dish every week of the year. You can buy them cleaned and bagged now ---used to be you had to shake or beat the sand out of the leaves one lady that we know used to put hers in the washing machine.

As always we get a lot of cookies, wine, fruit cake, and many other goodies during the Christmas season our coffee club exchanges gifts(some carry us out to breakfast)---so I get over 20 gifts there. We had one breakfast this year that was at Richard Moses home (they moved this year to Conyers Street) and it was a feast as always.also were treated at the Ramada (by Ross McKenzie) and Shoneys by the innkeeper at the Mt. Vernon they are both good places as are a number of other places in Sumter. We eat out for the noon day meal about once a week and this is called dinner at 208 supper is still supper but we are getting used to the term of lunch for the middle of the day rather than dinner. Dinner at 208 is at 1 each day at 208 but believe the whole nation must eat lunch at 12.

Having talked about food the big thing right now seems to be on diet and fitness here is e-mail I got from several Tuomey Shaw and the Y are big sponsors and are joined by a number of others here is message:

Show Up! Shrink down!

January 9th Kickoff

Exhibition Center 12:30 7:00

Thanks to the above sponsors, you and those whom you care about, have an opportunity to improve your health by registering in the Sumter-Shaw Shrink downs 8 week healthy living program! Participants need to simply show up Monday, register, weigh-in, and receive their Healthy Living Manuals! Sumter/Shaw, lets get PUMPED UP to Shrink down TM!!

Hope some you all will try to participateyou will find the programs will be helpful to you through the professionals that will help you through them. We will not be a part of this as we are too busy with our move. But like you ---we need to take off a few poundsand in my pound sand in my case I need some practice in walking. After I get settled in my new digs, think some small walks would be good for me and I know I will get a good deal out of memoirs in this older part of Sumter/

This week the two story apartments on the corner of Washington and Hampton have been destroyed and the remains are being removed. The original apartments were built in 1929 they were 3 story and burned in Feb. 1928. At that time, two story apartments that were white stucco replaced these many of our relatives and friends lived here. When the old ones burned, this was the last fire call made by the old steam engine (think it is at Alice Drive Lynam Sub-station)when first bought it was pulled by horses but was towed to the 28 fire by truck)(owners of the apartments were Harby then Whitaker. Until new schools were added---all of Sumters white attended what was called the Washington Street Schools (Washington-Hampton-Central)hope you can recall your days there and the good teachers we all had one of my memories was leaving school the first day but was persuaded by my parents to go back and then when I was in the first or second grade Dr.. Edmunds gave me a ride as I was late when I got home, and told my parents that someone had told me that I had had caught a ride with Dr. Edmunds they were so delighted that I had been in the presence of one whom they considered almost the deity himself.I was not impressed at that time, but have been in awe ever since then as I now know I had caught a ride with one of the giants of Sumter and really of mankind.

We got this message from Stephanie Heath (husband is Jim) Dear Mayor Bubba,

Thank you for running this information in your newsletter! Irene also worked for Donna Boyle for many years. There is a article in this mornings paper (Friday January 6, 2006) where you can find more details. Thank you, Stephanie --- Dear friends and family, am asking each and every one of you for help. Many of you know or know of Irene Pearson. She is the lady who helped raise Jim and his sisters. On New Years Eve morning her home was burnt to the ground. Everyone inside escaped free of harm however they lost everything. A fund has been set up to help the family (there will be more about the families story and the fund in this Fridays Item) If you feel in your heart you would like to contribute: Sumter National Bank-Pearson Family Relief Fund 683 Bultman Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Make checks payable to: Pearson Family Relief Fund

Dick Booths law office has been completely removed from Hampton and Sumter Streets. Sidewalks are being installed on Hampton next to the new hospital parking garage---it will be ready before long. With the number of new houses on Patriots Parkway toward Shaw it will soon be a solid residential area from Loring Mill Road to ShawQuiznos opened this week nice friendly decor ---seems to me it will really attract our young people while there a couple of airman came in from Shaw I believe they will love this location they can go there for lunch and get back to work lot clearing, and getting sites ready for buildings is almost every place you can go in Sumter and many things are getting ready to happen in old downtown apartments at our old stand new transportation center,application process is going on for a restaurant on Liberty near the new Rotary Park.see the new chicken place on the Pinewood Road at old Dairy Queen has been opened---but have not been there yet.new building going up to this one.

Lots of rumors as to what may open think new Talbot's will open around Feb. 1st and the new Mens store also am sorry I have not been able to write you all complete reports bear with me while we get settled before going let me put in a plug for Simpson's Hardware my what wonderful customer oriented people work there---just left there as I was exchanging some things

Nearly out of space for my classmates of 45. Lawrence Auld just lost an older sister and brother they were older and we did not know his brother..but knew his Sister from church Also sorry to report that two of Sumter's finest ladies ---Connie Britton and Rick Roddey experienced falls over the holidays both ok now but Connie (she is such an asset to Sumter) will be out for awhile John Jones has returned to John Hopkins in Baltimore prayers please for he and his family Got excellent feedback on Bernie Jones when he came to Sumter establishing the national headquarters for his fraternity. Quite a story here and want to thank everyone who sent us things hope I do not lose them.

Will try to get this printed for our US mail and subscribers we see at 1s Pressure want to go to my Sunday School class miss this and have enjoyed but ready to get back to regular services want to praise and Thank God for all his love he loves you and we send some of ours to you all

Love from 208

The Purdy Street News—Love from 208, Saturday, December 31, 2005

Dear Everyone:

Of course it was Christmas Eve last Saturday….and what a wonderful Christmas it was this year as always. We had a lot of love exchanged in our family and it is always good for us to get together. We all enjoy the gift giving, but I think more, it is just loving each other that makes Christmas. Miss Barbara and I attended the 5 o’clock services on Christmas Eve and it was very really uplifting for us. The music is always wonderful, but this year it seemed more wonderful than ever. We were trying to remember how it was when we were growing up in the 30’s and 40’s---and we cannot remember Christmas eve services at most of our churches except on at St. Anne’s Catholic…they had a midnight mass and we remember getting dates and leaving parties to go to this service. Seems to me the favorite beverage at that time was “Egg Nog” that was served at these gatherings, and we would leave and go to services at St. Anne….big crowd. Maybe some of you all will remember services at other churches or when they started. Sorry to say, I still recall consuming too much “nog” one Christmas eve…I was sick all of Christmas day. This was one of the best lessons I ever had ---never again!

This has been a very busy time for us and we had told you all that we would not send a message on Christmas Eve (last Saturday). Back in May of ’05, a company out of Wisconsin paid us for an option on our property on Bartlette Street…with a close date of November 15. Starting in October (?) they began environmental studies, surveys etc. Closing date was extended and we finally closed about 10 days before Christmas. Notified my tenants and then made plans to move the Bubba Archives. The Sumter County Museum offered us a 12X11 space on the ground floor of the Williams Brice home that they were not using, and we began to move. Sam Anderson (Anderson Moving and Storage) sent a crew and we moved in 8 filing cabinets along one wall. We had consolidated this from 10, but actually 9, as one had my personal files. So now we have 8 filing cabinets (these are called vertical files) full of news clipping and other histories of Sumter. Some of these we obtained in Charleston, Columbia, and some came from people just calling or dropping by things from their attics. After the filing cabinets, we followed with moving three bookracks that addressed history in S. C., but mostly just Sumter. My post card collection is now at the Museum but not all of these are Sumter Cards. Some that I bought for less than $5.00 would bring on the market as much as $100 to $150.00.

It had been my desire and plans to give all this to the Museum Archives upon my promotion to Glory---so now it is there. I am very grateful to be located at the Museum and hope I can make a contribution to their mission and to continue to serve Sumter folks. Will move my computer and printer on Tuesday. Utility companies will turn off everything at our old location on Bartlette that day. At this writing this is about all we have left at the old archives except some maps…have to find space for these.

Think I can continue my newspaper work as I have done for the past 10 to 15 years…and have moved my picture collections. Did not write for the paper the Saturday before Christmas but sent in one “Look Back” picture and it may run this Sunday. If you have not seen these, try www.theiitem.com and click on Panorama and Look Back. They do not print my article on the web site.

We have not had time to tend to anything but the move…I got my grandson to assist in the move and used another helper that has worked for me a year or two in keeping up our property on Bartlette Street. With back trouble, the only help I have been is something real light or just pointing where to put it down. As you do, we had saved some things that we really needed to get rid of and we did this. For “stuff” we just could not part with---we rented at storage building on Guignard and will try to throw some of this away in the next 30 to ninety days. Also had to put up some things, as we do not believe we can fit them into our new digs.

By this time, your question is—what will the new owners do with the Bartlette Street property---we were in the auto business at this spot from 37 until 84…and in this business for 49 years…Well, the new owners have plans to build an apartment complex that will be similar to the one’s on Dugan and Sumter Street---named the Holladay Manor after S. P. Holiday….this has been very successful ---they are nice…near the new Seniors Building on Bartlette and has been well managed by Gloria Tessenair…she has really done a super job and this place is full. The city has been very supportive and fells that this has brought residential back to this area of our town. Other improvements are bound to follow, but at this time, I do no know what they might be. Some predict that the old service station on the corner of Main and Barlette will be torn down and others will follow.

Before leaving all of this, let me just say that we believe God had more than blessed us with this sale. It marks a change for me, as I have spent almost everyday on Bartlette Street since I came home from The Citadel…and then was gone for 2 ½ years during the Korean War. It is time to move on---Miss Barbara was 78 on Dec. 28 and I am a week younger and will pass this mark on Jan. 5 (born at 208 N. Purdy) 1928…right where we send you Love each week. I always wanted to live at home, and have. Sometimes, I tell people that the only time I have ever been out of town was when I went to college—or serve in the Air Force.

For the class of ’45, we have had another promotion to Glory. Annie Jo Plexico died down in Florida…she was married to Johnny Pringle---who also was in our class, but quit school to work –so he did not graduate with us. Jo was called Jo in her adult life and worked at Shaw and overseas until retirement. In 1985, we visited Europe and went as guest of the Air Force to the grave of Lt. Ervin Shaw…this was shown on the Armed Forces network in Europe, and as Jo was in Germany, she called us…and we had a nice visit.

Also promoted to Glory was Bernie Jones…long time coach of the Sumter American Legion baseball team. Remember when he returned to this area to live in Pinewood—he was national secretary for a college fraternity (cannot recall the name—have it in my files)

And also taught Dale Carnegie courses…it was a popular course and of course he was a superb teachers---then he became a business consultant---but his first love and most remembered contribution was baseball…no telling how many boys he helped grow up with fine principals and leadership qualities…he was an inspiration and many will tell that he was the basis for their success in life…he was an excellent speaker….but guess his legacy is not only baseball, but his fine family who continue to be leaders and role models for all of us…he could not have left us a bigger gift. Thanks Bernie for a job well done for all of us…

As you can tell, we have not had a lot of opportunity to look around and see what might be going on. The new Talbot’s, and the new Men’s Store (called Anthony’s) will open in January on Guignard---and others stores and a restaurant will follow. Also a number of other things will open on Broad very quickly and bulldozers are at work many places in town…think you will see the whole south end of Main to undergo big changes this year…new remodel on old telephone building on Harvin that will be the Clyburn Transportation center….Central Carolina is now operational at the old Post Office---Joe Sublette has sold most of his interest at the old Dealers Wholesale Electric Company…and a lot of other changes that are in the works including the apartments at the old McElveen Pontiac dealership on Bartlette. Some predict Sumter will experience a lot of new business in the first six months…and continuance of home building and additional sub-divisions, and there are a lot of pokers in the fire for additional industries. More people are moving south, and the coast of S. C (Charleston and Myrtle Beach) is running wide open. Our General Assembly will meet starting in January, with a lot of talk on doing something about our educational system, but do not believe you will see a lot of changes…what I think has a good chance of change in property tax laws to be replaced with additional sales taxes. Who knows what they might do---but one thing for sure is that the economy of SC should be better. Job creation in Sumter will be in the service area, Shaw, and we just hope that something will happen industry wise….it is happening at other places in the State and our time is not far. Think Sumter-Clarendon will see some growth at Alcolu with the completion of 521 (may be another year or so) …this should be hot corner on 521,-I-95…sure do hope it will be.
Sorry this was written late for some of you who forward every Saturday to others. Should have my move completed by Wednesday of this week and begin settling to my new quarters at Bubba’s Archives and moving my personal business to 208…all will be an adjustment….we have many friends in our age group that have had to make changes…and they will be inspired by their examples….time and tide wait on no man…God had surely blessed us and take care of the McElveen’s…we get so much love from our maker we have to give it away to keep it from backing up…seems more and more comes with each day…give your love to others…it will come back ten fold or more—Love from 208