Tag Archives: Spartanburg

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

December 1, 2025 Cynthia L Jennings 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

November 28, 2025 Cynthia L Jennings 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.