Tag Archives: South Carolina

-South Carolina, Houses

The Dr. Hugh Ratchford and Mary Black Home of Spartanburg, South Carolina

Leave a comment

Driving down East Main Street from downtown, there aren’t many homes left from the early days of Spartanburg. Located near Converse College (now University) is the family home of Dr. Hugh Ratchford and Mary Snoddy Black. Growing up in Spartanburg, everyone knew the Black family name because of Mary Black Hospital, the hospital that Dr. Black and his sons (also doctors) founded and named after Mrs. Black.

This 1917 Craftsman was home to several generations of the Black family. It is no longer a family residence; it is now used commercially.

-South Carolina, Signs

Spartanburg’s Sugar -n- Spice Drive-In

1 Comment

On the corner of S. Pine and E. Henry Streets in Spartanburg, South Carolina, there sits the Sugar-n-Spice Drive-In restaurant. Opened in 1961 by Pete Copses and John Stathakis, the restaurant became a local favorite known for its souvlaki.

The restaurant began with drive-in and counter service. In the 1970s, a renovation added a sit-down restaurant and removed the drive-in option.

The restaurant is still very popular. Over the years, as I have grown to appreciate mid-century architecture, it took me many tries on visits to my hometownto catch the parking lot empty with good light.

I took this photo almost 20 years ago. I still love old school neon.
-South Carolina, Houses, National Register of Historic Places

Loessburg-Wrightson House-Spartanburg, South Carolina

Leave a comment

Built in 1950, this home is a contributing property to the Converse Heights Historic District.

1954 advertisement in The Spartanburg Herald Journal
-South Carolina, Houses, National Register of Historic Places

Revisiting the Coleman-Aiken-Balser House in Chester, South Carolina

Leave a comment

Built before 1900 in Chester, South Carolina, the Coleman-Aiken-Balser is a striking house that has caught the imagination of photographers and passers-by. I first photographed it in 2022. While it doesn’t look worse, it doesn’t seem better either. I thought I saw signs of potential work, but there are still windows open to the elements.

I hope to see it restored one day.

-South Carolina, Black History, Churches and Temples

Metropolitan AME Zion Church-Chester, South Carolina

Leave a comment

The Metropolitan AME Zion Church was founded in 1866 in Chester, South Carolina. It was one of the first AME churches founded in the state after the Civil War. The Romanesque Revival church was built in 1913. It is a contributing property to the Chester Historic District.

Image is from the National Register of Historic Places application and the SC Department of Archives and History
-Georgia, -South Carolina, Abandoned, Stores

F. M. Adams and Sons Grocer-Adamsburg, South Carolina

Leave a comment