Tag Archives: Spartanburg County

Baber-Rhyne Drug Store of Spartanburg, South Carolina

The Baber Rhyne Drug Store, located next to the train depot on Magnolia Street, was incorporated in 1918. The original owners were Grover Baber and J. W. Rhyne. They eventually turned ownership to Wendell Burnett. Based on advertisements, it was the only drug store in town open 24 hours a day. The location was convenient for travelers and rail staff. The drugstore eventually closed. Different restaurants have called this location home over the years.

On a side note, while researching the history of the building, I found an article about a William Walker pleading guilty to taking over 14,000 narcotic pain tablets from the drug store. He was a former clerk there. It made me wonder what the black market value of narcotics was back in the 1950s.

Wat Lao Buddha Mettaram of Spartanburg

The Wat Lao Buddha Mettaram, known as the Spartanburg Buddhist Center, opened in 2010. It is located in East Spartanburg.

The Temple is frequently busy. It took visiting on Thanksgiving to be able to take photographs. The details of the building are pretty intricate.

Outside of the Temple is a sculpture garden containing animals and angels. Additionally, a rooster runs free of their grounds, along with several white cats.

Railway Express Agency-Spartanburg, South Carolina

Located next to the train station, the Railroad Express Agency was built by George Harakas in 1946 for $16,000. It was a package pick-up location and could store several truckloads of packages.

Over the years, it served as a transmission shop, newsstand, music store, and vintage clothing store.

September 28, 1946 issue of the Spartanburg Herald Journal

The Krispy Kreme of Spartanburg, South Carolina

If you grew up in Spartanburg, this is the Krispy Kreme where you would pick up their delicious doughnuts. Located on Church Street, the building was opened in 1969 by Reverend Wilford W. Reese. When he passed away in 1979, his son, Glenn Reese, took over the franchise. Glenn Reese was also a teacher, basketball official, and a South Carolina senator. This location closed in 2005, and a new location was built across the street.

Home of Z. L. and Nanaline Madden-Spartanburg, South Carolina Educators

Built in 1867, this home is the oldest in the Converse Heights Historic District in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It served as the long-time home of educators Zephaniah (Z. L.) (1888-1977) and Nanaline (1900-1998) Madden. Z.L. Madden was a noted educator in Spartanburg. He taught at Freemont School for fifteen years. He then served as principal of Cleveland Junior High School. He retired in 1954. The Z. L. Madden Elementary School was named after him. He lived here until his death in 1977.

Nanaline Madden was a noted kindergarten teacher. The local newspaper, The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, frequently mentioned classes meeting in the home and taught by Mrs. Madden. According to a 1991 article, she taught 1,105 students in 29 years at home. She was an active member of various civil and social organizations in Spartanburg. She was named Woman of the Year by the Spartanburg Garden Club Council for the 1959-1960. Mrs. Madden lived in the home for many years after her husband’s death.

Once Listed in The Green Book, the Mrs. Octavia Jones Tourist Home Still Stands in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Dean Street was the heart of Black business and life in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Octavia Jones and her husband, Gilbert, lived at 255 N. Dean Street. By the 1939 Negro Motorist Green Book, their address is listed as one of several tourist homes (a residence where the owners would rent out rooms their rooms to travelers) on Dean Street. A garage is also listed at this address. I wonder if that was situated behind the home.

The 1939 entry on Spartanburg, Siuth Carolina in The Negro Motorist Green Book

Ancestry records indicate that Mrs. Jones died in 1951, and Mr. Jones died in 1954. Despite this, the O. Jones Tourist Home is still listed in The Green Book as late as 1962.

The 1950 Census Record

While researching Octavia Jones, I found an interesting tidbit in the census records. This is the only time I can recall a wife being listed as head when the husband is still alive. I am intrigued to know if there is a story or not.