Monthly Archives: August 2016
PHS football underway
PICKENS — Pickens High School is currently holding pre-season football practice for the 2016 season.
The varsity and junior varsity football teams will be practicing from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the high school each day this week.
Anyone interested in playing junior varsity football needs to get a physical and report to practice as soon as possible.
The Blaue Flame will host their first scrimmage of the year this Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. at historic Bruce Field, when Berea and J.L. Mann will come to town.
Pickens will then host another scrimmage at Blue Flame Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m., facing Abbeville, Chesnee and Walhalla. Preseason contests will end on Saturday, Aug. 11, in the Daniel Jamboree at Singleton Field in Central. The Blue Flame will play the Greer Yellow Jackets.
No. 1 Volleyball Camp a success
PICKENS — Eighteen rising second-fourth graders participated in the 2016 No. 1 Volleyball Camp at the Pickens Recreation Center gymnasium from July 25-28.[cointent_lockedcontent]
Front row, from left: Abby Earnhardt, Tara Ann Rogers, Macie Claire Sickels, Brooke Duncan, Kloe Parvis. Second row: Hannah Poore, Ella Cook, Lillie Hyatt, Callie Ratcliff, Mili Claire Seffrin, Callie Johnson, Jordan Maw. Third row: Coach Amber Chapman, Alyssa Whiteside, Holly Lee, Britain Dunn, Anna Claire Durham, Katelyn Porter, and Coach Annika Jones. Fourth row: Coach Peggy Anthony. Absent: Campbell Nix.
The youngsters were trained in the fundamentals of the game, including bumping, setting, serving and hitting. Emphasized were court awareness, hustling, communication, teamwork and overall effort. Many fun activities, game-type drills, and team play were incorporated.
“We had a great four days,” camp director Peggy Anthony said. “The players were respectful, coachable and worked very hard each day. Our staff really pushed them and we got a lot of skills in over the 12-hour camp.”
Assisting Anthony were Katie Gowan, Annika Jones, Amber Chapman and Ali Pace.
Winning the 3-on-3 tournament were the “Sparks” — Kloe Parvis, Hannah Poore and Callie Johnson. The 6-on-6 tournament champions were the “Sharks” — Britain Dunn, Hannah Poore, Ella Cook, Alyssa Whiteside, Tara Ann Rogers, and Abby Earnhardt. All-Stars included Katelyn Porter, Dunn, Anna Claire Durham, Maci Claire Sickels, Holly Lee and Parvis. Brooke Duncan won the Coaches Award. The Leadership Award went to Sickels. Earnhardt won the Spirit Award. Rogers was named Most Improved. Hardest Worker went to Parvis. Porter won the three competitions in bumping, setting and serving, in addition to being named the Most Outstanding Player.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
Registration open for fall soccer, volleyball
PICKENS — The Pickens Recreation Department is now taking registrations for its fall soccer and volleyball seasons.[cointent_lockedcontent]
Soccer registration has been extended through Aug. 5 at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens for age divisions 5-6, 7-8, and 13-15.
Volleyball registration will be taken through Aug. 5 at the rec center.
Volleyball age divisions are 7-9, 10-12, 13-14 and 15-17.
Following registration for both sports, a skills evaluation day will be held for each age division.
The registration fee for both sports, whch provides a jersey to be kept, is $45 for in-city residents and $55 for out-of-city residents.
Birth certificates are required at registration, and birthdate cutoff is Sept. 1, 2016.
If you are interested in coaching or need more information, call the rec department at (864) 878-2296.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
Dalton family reunion planned for August 14
COUNTY — The annual reunion of the descendants of Lewis Rector Dalton and Janie Bowen Dalton will be held[cointent_lockedcontent] Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. at Elljean Baptist Church.
The church is located at 605 Elljean Road just off S.C. Highway 8 between Pickens and Easley.
Attendees are asked to bring lunch and tea or soft drinks to share. Plates, cups, napkins and silverware will be provided.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
Courier Obits 8-3-16
Longtime Liberty doctor dies
Dr. Jake King Holcombe
Liberty — Dr. Jake King Holcombe died at Greenville Health System on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at the age of 87.
Dr. Jake King Holcombe
Dr. Holcombe is survived by his wife, Carolyn B. Holcombe of Liberty, his daughter, Renee Holcombe of Easley, and his grandpoodle, Asher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake King Holcombe Sr. and Janie Vaughn Holcombe, an infant brother, James Holcombe, and sisters Mary Lou Sutherland and Margaret Bishop.
Dr. Holcombe was born on June 13, 1929, in Easley to Jake King Holcombe Sr. and Janie Vaughn Holcombe. Dr. Holcombe graduated from Easley High School and then earned his pharmacy degree at the University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy. After completing pharmacy school, he continued his education and earned his medical degree at The Medical College of South Carolina, now known as the Medical University of South Carolina, in June 1959. He completed his medical residency at Greenville Memorial Hospital and then began his medical career in Liberty. Dr. Holcombe practiced medicine in Liberty for more than 53 years. He retired in 2013 at the age of 84. Dr. Holcombe was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church.
Dr. Holcombe was devoted to his patients and community. Through the years, he served his community by providing free sport and camp physicals, free medical screenings in the community and provided medical coverage to high school football games for many years.
Funeral services to honor the life of Dr. Holcombe will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the mortuary. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Dr. Holcombe’s first passion was medicine, but he was also well known for his love of nature and animals.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Samaritan Health Clinic, the free medical clinic of Pickens County, at 303 Dacusville Highway, Easley, SC 29640, or the Greenville Humane Society, a “no kill” animal shelter, at 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com
Evelyn M. Crews
Easley — Mrs. Evelyn Mizell Crews, 99, wife of the late Ferman Glenn Crews, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Arcadia, Fla., a daughter of the late Thomas Everett and Mamie Elizabeth Beasley Mizell, Mrs. Crews was a homemaker and a member of Easley First Baptist Church, where she was a member of the church choir for more than 50 years.
Surviving are a son, Felton N. Crews (Sherry) of Easley; a daughter, Chris C. Swords of Easley; a sister, Phyllis Ann Deaton of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; a daughter-in-law Sarah Crews of Shalimar, Fla.; six grandchildren, Kim Humphries, Anna Price, Brandi Waldrop, Joey Crews, Sabrina Crews and Jade Swords Dugdale; six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Crews was predeceased by a son, Joe T. Crews; a son-in-law, Terry A. Swords; two brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 29, at Easley First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Entombment followed in the Chapel of Reflections Mausoleum of Robinson Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Generations to Come of Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Rhonda Annette Barker
Easley — Rhonda Annette Barker, 49, wife of Kenny Barker, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in Greenville.
Mrs. Barker was born in Pickens and the daughter of James McDonald and Betty Collins McDonald.
Mrs. Barker was employed with the Pickens County Board of Disabled and Special Needs as direct care staff. She was attending Pickens View Wesleyan Church.
Survivors include her husband of 27 years; one son, Steven Barker of Pickens (Allisa); one daughter, Heather Moore (Cody) of Easley; and two brothers, Richard McDonald and Michael McDonald (Judy), both of Pickens. She also leaves in her memory four grandchildren, Alton Winchester, Logan Barker, Alexis Barker and Aubree Moore, and also one grandchild soon to arrive.
A service was held Saturday, July 30, at Dillard Funeral Home. Burial took place at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens following the service.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Barker family.
J. B. Knight
PICKENS — J.B. Knight, 83, husband of Nellie Sue Entrekin Knight, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 29, 2016, at Richard Campbell Nursing Center in Anderson.
Mr. Knight was born in Oconee County, a son of the late Clyde H. and Rosalee Rice Knight. He was retired from Greenwood Mills in Liberty following 43 years of service. Mr. Knight was a member of Gap Hill Church of God in Six Mile, where he formerly served as volunteer choir leader and also as an elder of the church. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Survivors include his wife, Nellie Sue Entrekin Knight; sons, the Rev. Rickey E. Knight (Theresa) of Honea Path and Jeff B. Knight of Pickens; grandchildren including Amanda Sturkie, Corey E. Knight, Brian Knight, the Rev. Jonathan R. Knight, Kayla Thompson and Matthew M. Knight; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, the Rev. Frank Knight and Melvin Knight, both of Seneca, and Roy Knight of Six Mile, and a sister, Lucille Ellenburg of Six Mile.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Knight was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Elaine Knight, sister, Helen K. Turner, and brothers, Samuel E. Knight and Harold H. Knight.
The funeral services were held on July 31, 2016, at Gap Hill Church of God. Burial followed at King’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of Foothills Assisted Living in West Union, Richard Campbell Nursing Center in Anderson and to Patriot Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Gap Hill Church of God, 3540 Walhalla Highway, Six Mile, SC 29682.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Knight family.
Doris Teat
Central — Doris Elizabeth Black Teat, 84, wife of the late Joe Teat, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at her home.
Mrs. Teat was born in Pickens County and was a daughter of the late Guy W. and Irene Elizabeth Burgess Black. She was retired from Sir Shirtmaker and was of the Baptist Faith.
Surviving are two daughters, Shirley Hayes and her husband, Jim of Central and Wanda Jo Teat of Liberty; one brother, Wallace Black of Six Mile; one sister, Sally Genell Clark of Liberty; two grandchildren, Becky Smith and her husband, Michael, and Joey Parsons; seven great-grandchildren, Justin Parson, Kelsey McMinn, Aidan and Peyton Dawson, Candise and Jamie Rhodes and Cole Parsons; and one great-great-grandchild, Hunter Woody.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Amanda Elizabeth Gilstrap and Bobby Eugene Rhodes.
Funeral services were Friday, July 29, in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, which is assisting the family.
Gladis-Ruth-Porter-Kircus
Gladis Ruth Porter Kircus
Easley — Gladis Ruth Porter Kircus, 91, of Easley, wife of the late James Henry Kircus Jr., passed peacefully Sunday, July 31, 2016, in her residence.
Born in Easley to the late Will Porter and Essie Duncan Porter, Ruth was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church for 35 years. She worked for 30 years as owner of Cedar Rock Daycare, and was affectionately known as “Momma Kircus” before retiring in 1985. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and made quilts, specializing in French knots.
In addition to her parents and husband of 60 years, Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Ragsdale, and three brothers, Troy Porter, Grady Porter and Lee Porter.
Left to cherish her memory are her two children, son, Tim Kircus and his wife Jennifer, and daughter, Tammy Kircus Trotter; brother, Ray Porter; three grandchildren, Jeremy Kircus, Jamie Trotter and Kristy Trotter Lindsey; nine great-grandchildren, Justin Lindsey, Emily Trotter, Cheyenne Kircus, Ethan Kircus, Charlice Trotter, Thomas Lindsey, Zack Lindsey, Lexus Lindsey and Katie Lindsey.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 3 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, 305 W. Main St., Easley, with the Rev. Wayne Garmon officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted at the funeral home, and donations may be made directly to Cedar Rock Baptist Church, 1667 Cedar Rock Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Family is at the home.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinson funeralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Maybeth C. Owens
Easley — Maybeth Cisson Owens, 84, of Elljean Road, wife of the late Thomas Owens, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Laura Jane Childress Cisson.
Mrs. Owens was retired from Alice Manufacturing, Foster Plant, and attended Elljean Baptist Church.
Surviving are her sisters, Grace Owens of Easley and Juanita Scruggs of Pickens; a grandson, Lee Boyd; great-grandchildren, Thomas Boyd and Courtney Boyd; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Tommy Boyd and sisters, Jo Cisson and Ann Cisson Looper.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Elljean Baptist Church, 605 Elljean Rd., Easley, SC 29640.
The family will be at their respective homes.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Christine Crawford Jameson
Simpsonville — Charlotte Christine Crawford Jameson (July 10, 1919-July 28, 2016), a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and great-grandmother, was born on July 10, 1919, in Hell Hole Swamp, Berkeley County, South Carolina. Mrs. Jameson was the daughter of Lylete Wilson Crawford of Fairfax and Robert Lee Crawford of Bonneau.
The family moved to Savannah, Ga., in 1928 when her father took a railroad job with Atlantic Coast Line. She graduated from Savannah High School, Armstrong Junior College (Savannah) in 1938 and Winthrop College (University) in 1940 with honors. While at Winthrop, she majored in biology and was a member of several academic honor associations, including the Secondary Education Club, the Sky Sweepers Astronomy Club, Zeta Alpha (honorary Chemistry Fraternity), Forceps and Scalpel (Biology Fraternity honorary member), and was Beta Beta Beta (National Honorary Biology Fraternity) secretary.
She was recruited by principal W.M. Scott to teach biology at Easley High School and taught there until 1945. Later, she taught biology at Independent Presbyterian Day School (1973-78) and St. Andrews on the Marsh (1978-80) in Savannah.
In August 1945, Mrs. Jameson married John Hal Jameson Sr., a physician with the rank of major in the Medical Corps and U.S. Sixth Army during WWII, who after the war started a family medical practice in Easley. During her life in Easley, she was a member of the Easley Ladies Medical Auxiliary, Garden Club, and several other civic organizations. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Easley and the Christian Church in Savannah.
Mrs. Jameson is survived by two children, Charlotte Jameson Watson and John Hal Jameson Jr., 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Robert Lake (Bobby) Jameson.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 31, in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home. Interment followed at Westview Cemetery in Easley.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Raymond E. “Chick” Stewart
Easley — Raymond Eugene “Chick” Stewart, 80, of East 2nd Avenue, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016, at his home.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Rev. Oscar B. Stewart and Gertie Watt Stewart.
Mr. Stewart was retired from Saco-Lowell. He was a member of the United Wesleyan Church in Easley and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Sara Lusk Stewart; daughter, Tracy Stewart Harbin of Easley; grandchildren, Jessie Harbin (Victoria), Joshua Harbin (Katie), Jennifer Cromer (Charles) and Lindsey Jones; great grandchildren, Arabella, Caleb, Eliza and John; and a sister, Margaret Edgar (Bob) of Easley.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Georgia Eugenia Stewart Jones, a sister, Mildred Kirk, and a brother, Watt Stewart.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial park Mausoleum.
Flowers will be accepted. The family will be at their respective homes.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Morgan Sheriff
Easley — William Morgan Sheriff Jr., 72, of Saluda Dam Road, husband of Imogene Elrod Sheriff, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016.
Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late William Morgan Sheriff Sr. and Ruby Ellison Sheriff.
Mr. Sheriff was retired owner of Morgan Sheriff Builders in Easley. After retirement, he was employed at Pickens Middle School. He was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed the outdoors while hunting and fishing.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 50 years are his children, Russell Sheriff (Amanda) of Pickens, and Jonathan Sheriff (Deana) and Kenneth Sheriff (Jennifer), all of Easley; grandchildren, Cale, Audrey, Levi, Brody and Cody; and sisters, June Shults (Bob) of Cosby, Tenn., and Jean Arflin (Orbie) of Anderson.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 1, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Ernest Reece
Pickens — Ernest Paul Reece, 82, of 628 Hagood Mill Road, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, July 30, 2016, at his residence.
Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Johnnie Sloane and Eula Christine Ramey Reece.
Ernest loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting white tail deer and trout fishing. He was a generous man and he would help anyone who needed it. He was known by many and loved by all who knew him.
Surviving are a daughter, Connie Reece of Pickens; two sons, Roger Dale Reece of Pickens and Marty Allen Reece (Teana Jo) of Pickens; a sister, Mozell Reece of Pickens; two brothers, Hoyt Reece of McCormick and A.J. Reece of Travelers Rest; five grandchildren, Candace Nicole Frasier, Bryan Rudolf Hayes, Dillon Scott Reece, Hunter Seth Reece and Bradie Nicole Reece; and four great-grandchildren, Aryana, Lilly and Landon Allshouse and Elsie Hayes. Also surviving are a special friend, Yevonne Holbrooks, and her children, Amanda and Josh Holbrooks, and her granddaughter, Alaina Russell.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Reece will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted, or those desiring may make memorials to Gentiva Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville SC 29615.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Paula A. Rasberry
Easley — Paula Ann Griffin Rasberry, 78, formerly of Meadowood Drive, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016, at Magnolia Place in Greenville.
Born in Childress, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Elizabeth Estes Griffin.
Mrs. Rasberry was a school bus driver for 30 years. She loved cooking, reading and sewing.
Surviving are her children, Paul Rasberry of Easley and Liza Carpenter of Wichita, Kan.; granddaughter, Kasey Rasberry; and a great-grandson, Messiah Smith.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Barrett Rasberry.
No services will be held.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Getting a glimpse of History
Rare photograph of Dr. Peek’s Issaqueena Farms Dairy surfaces
Yes, today, we have a very special treat for our readers across Pickens County, especially for our senior citizens. For the first time in many decades, we all can once again feast our eyes on one of the more famous and progressive early businesses from the 1920s into the early 1940s in the Six Mile area — Dr. David Erastus Peek’s Issaqueena Farms milk dairy. It has been gone 70 years.
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The photo was provided to Dr. Peek’s son, Barry Peek, by a relative, Harriet Peek Harvey. Mrs. Harvey is a daughter of Charlie Peek, a twin to Harley Peek, both of whom were the youngest brothers of Dr. Peek.
This is indeed a rare snapshot taken by Harriet’s mother of youngsters playing in their yard directly across the highway from the dairy complex. The background of that photo just by pure happenstance captured forever a good portion of Issaqueena Farms Dairy. We would even suggest our readers cut out and keep this story for its important historical value, if you wish.
DR. DAVID ERASTUS PEEK
The dairy was started in the 1920s by beloved Six Mile physician Dr. David Erastus Peek, a native of the Pine Creek community of Jackson County up in western North Carolina. Having headed an extremely successful medical practice here from the 1920s into the 1940s, his new dairy was so innovative that it became the first in South Carolina to pasteurize milk and the first in the southeastern United States to add vitamin D to milk, according to his son, Barry.
The facility, located about a half-mile south of Six Mile on the Norris Road, provided fresh milk in glass bottles for hundreds of families within a large radius. Issaqueena Farms Dairy products were distributed to many towns and mill villages across Pickens County and in the city of Greenville until the early 1940s. One source recalled milk was even
Collectors seek them today, and it is indeed a rarity to find one of these glass bottles emblazoned with DR. PEEK’S ISSAQUEENA FARMS DAIRY across its middle. Full of fresh, tasty pasteurized milk through the 1920s, 1930s and into the early 1940s, they graced hundreds of rural and city dinner tables. This half-pint bottle was given to author Jerry Alexander many years ago by Mrs. David Peek of Pickens, daughter-in-law of the late physician and dairy owner. Luckily, an occasional bottle sometimes may still be found in area antique shops across Pickens County.
delivered to local CCC work camps for meals served to workers constructing Oconee State Park, Table Rock State Park and at nearby Issaqueena Lake Park during those years. Issaqueena Farms milk was also enjoyed by youngsters at Shriner’s Hospital, it is believed.
Dr. Peek’s parents, Montgomery “Gum” and Harriet Moss Peek, had migrated here in 1915, from their mountainous Jackson County, N.C., home. Gum wanted to get his family out of the cold mountain weather there and to try his hand at growing cotton for a living, which they did.
The couple and their children arrived in Six Mile after two days of laboriously traveling rough, crooked muddy roads snaking through the mountains in two covered wagons, according to Six Mile native, the late Dr. Virgil Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell’s sister became the wife of Charlie Peek. Virgil himself said he worked as a boy alongside his kinfolk, helping with the building of the roof on the dairy barns.
Dr. David Peek and his new wife, Florence Wike Peek, came to Six Mile in 1918 following his graduation from Emory Medical University in Atlanta. He quickly began his practice, and over the years built it into one of the best-known medical ventures in Upstate S.C.
This was in an era when slippery mud was about the only constant road surface in bad weather. With only one mile of paved road existing in Pickens County, he successfully — most of the time — made it out to scattered rural homes where he was needed. Dr. Peek had traded a fine Tennessee walking horse for a model T Ford. The horse was a blue-ribbon winner in the Jackson County, N.C., Fair. The solid Model T repeatedly carried the young physician over almost impassable terrain when soaked with torrential rains. However on occasion, he had to call on a farmer for a horse, mule or oxen to pull him out of and across deep mud holes along his journeys. Traveling these roads was time-consuming for the very busy doctor.
In fact, Barry recalls his mother, Florence, relating a story many years ago about it taking her some three days to travel back to her former home in Cullowhee, N.C., on her first trip after settling here in Six Mile.
“She said it took her three days, beginning the trip in a covered wagon from Six Mile up to the area of Lower Whitewater Falls, where they camped for the night,” Barry said. “The second day they proceeded on to the area of Glenville, N.C., where she spent the night with a cousin. The third day, she rode with her cousin’s husband, a Jackson County rural mail carrier, in his car to her Cullowhee destination. Now I can probably drive there in an hour and a half.”
Dr. David and Mrs. Florence Wike Peek were the parents of four children: David, Frances, Robert and Barry. Frances, Robert and Barry are their surviving children. Robert and Barry contributed to this article.
The barn at far left in the accompanying photo was known as the hay barn, according to Barry. Dr. Peek, the farsighted owner of Issaqueena Farms, named it after a local legendary Cherokee maiden. She had two names — Issaqueena and Cateechee. In fact, Six Mile was said to be named for being located 6 miles south from the capitol of the Lower Cherokee Nation called Keowee Town along the river of that name. Legend says Issaqueena rode her pony through the Six Mile Creek area on the way to warn her white trader lover at Ninety Six, S.C., of an impending Cherokee attack, which was quickly repelled. A nearby cotton mill village built by Col. D.K. Norris in 1895 was named Cateechee after the maiden.
The hay barn was one in a complex of barns designed to accommodate the large herd of Guernsey and Jersey heifers (more than 100 cows at any given time) as they provided copious amounts of delicious, fresh milk twice daily. In the right front of the hay storage barn, a lone window marks the spot where the feed room was for the facility. It also was the location for stairs leading to the upper storage area. Sacks of oats and barley were part of the diet for the cows, as well as sweet hay and silage.
To the west side of the hay barn stood then and still stand today — but empty — two large silos full of silage for feeding the cattle. This was in addition to luscious hay and grass afforded in the large pasture complex surrounding the barns.
Additionally, Dr. Peek owned a large supporting farm on Eighteen Mile Creek off Issaqueena Trail between Pendleton and Clemson where produce for his hospital’s kitchen and feed for his dairy cows was grown. Trucks hauled it up to the Six Mile dairy as needed. Quite a number of local people were employed in the overall operation. J.P. Jenkins was the farm manager, Barry recalled.
Actually, just inside the top portion of the concrete silo at left was a 500-gallon water storage tank that took up a substantial area, and just below it the silo was full of silage, as was the second silo seen in the photo, Barry pointed out.
To the right of the twin silos, we see what Barry called the feeding barn. It also housed the barn’s office. Cows were fed and their udders thoroughly cleaned here twice daily before any milking began. In the middle section of the two barns seen joined together here was where the actual milking process took place each morning and evening. Automatic “milkers” were attached to the cows’ udders by dairy workers to receive the creamy milk, which was immediately cleaned and pasteurized, vitamin D added and then cooled. It filled thousands of glittering, clear glass bottles ready to be sent out to hungry customers every week.
Yes, both the pasteurization and vitamin D additions “were firsts of their kind in South Carolina,” Barry confirmed. This dairy indeed soon became an agricultural showplace for interested officials and farmers from across the state to come and see while it was in operation. And many came from all parts of the Palmetto state, neighboring Georgia and North Carolina. Dr. Peek could be seen occasionally working personally at the dairy in his spare time because he loved it so much, older citizens remember.
The far-right barn was where the cows were stalled, fed and watered. Often, when large groups of the fawn-colored Guernsey cows with their pretty white markings or even the special Jerseys were seen contentedly grazing together in the pastures, people were simply amazed. They would often stop their A Model and T Model Fords in the middle or alongside the Six Mile to Cateechee and Norris highway just to gaze at such a beautiful herd. Barry said top breeding stock could cost as much as $1,500 each.
Many citizens across a wide, surrounding area purchased milk from Issaqueena Farms for their families. In those days, people would typically make a supper out of milk and cornbread. A hot wood stove in the house during those sun-heated days of 95-degree summers long before air conditioning was normally fired up only for cooking breakfast and lunch. Supper saw leftovers like cornbread, cantaloupes, baked sweet potatoes and other vittles hungrily washed down with sweet milk or buttermilk. It is thought that chocolate milk was also available in those years for those with a sweet tooth.
Thousands of sanitized glass bottles, filled to the brim in quarts, pints and half-pints emblazoned with “DR. PEEK’S ISSAQUEENA FARMS,” graced tables in various town, rural area and mill village kitchens. These bottles, when empty, were picked up by milk route salesmen delivering fresh milk and were returned to the dairy to be washed and reused.
Finally, at far right in our photo, we see a portion of what was known as the old Peek house. Probably at the time this photo was taken, the physician’s brother, Harley, and his family resided there, Barry said. Note the brilliant white “wash line” hanging to the left rear of the farmhouse. The photo most certainly was taken on a Monday afternoon, because across Pickens County, that was “wash day.” Also note a nearby well house from which water was drawn. The children seen here are identified by Barry Peek as “Ras,” a son of David Peek and a grandson of the physician. Also Harriet Peek, a daughter of Charlie Peek, brother of the doctor. Charlie, who lived more than 108 years, lived straight across the Norris Road.
As important an institution as it was, the Issaqueena Farms Dairy was only one of several leading present and futuristic operations Dr. David Peek envisioned. He had first started out by building a small hospital beside his home in Six Mile. This was actually the first hospital in Pickens County. It contained a small operating room and several patient rooms, Barry Peek pointed out. His father soon purchased a building nearby from the Baptist Academy which had closed. Dr. Peek quickly set about renovating that building into what for decades would become known far and wide as “Dr. Peek’s Hospital.”
More or less in the center of town, this second Six Mile facility also faced along Main Street. It could house more patients from across Pickens County. And it allowed more badly needed rooms for a growing practice. A surgical unit, headed by Dr. Peek, a fine surgeon of top-quality equal to those at Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta, was an integral part of the second Six Mile Hospital as well. And he often used it. At that time, this was the only hospital in Pickens County. Hospitals at Pickens and Easley would still be years away.
Because of his medical expertise, Dr. Peek was often sought out for advice from area physicians and surgeons, and citizens of the area benefitted immensely from his surgical skills and extensive medical knowledge and experience. Today, almost a century later, the building is still used prominently as a home for the care of the elderly and infirm.
After finishing and occupying this second facility, he then moved his own personal family into the first hospital building next door to his former Six Mile home. It became his residence from that day forward, Barry Peek pointed out. Barry said the operating room in that first little facility was converted to a kitchen when his family moved there.
Dr. Peek then converted his first personal home into a residence for his nurses. This special contingent of nurses was unsurpassed in their quality of training received on the job, and many subsequently worked at Dr. Peek’s hospital for years. What many people probably don’t realize was that Dr. Peek had a small pharmacy nearby as well, his son related.
Perhaps from a medical standpoint, had the physician’s dream of a new Tuberculosis Hospital atop nearby Six Mile Mountain come to fruition, it might have been his crowning achievement. The better quality of air on the mountain’s crest was one reason for locating the facility there.
Being known far and wide as a very generous man who charged very low rates for his medical services, the kind-hearted doctor even took vegetables for use in hospital meals in trade when patients’ money was scarce. This lack of ready money problem lingered among many citizens in those days during and even after the Great Depression. He often graciously allowed neighbors and local farmers who may have owed a doctor bill or hospital bill to donate several days of personal labor on the mountain peak construction site as full payment. And he was so proud of each and every one of them.
Gladly coming with their mules, horses, mattocks and shovels and using dynamite and drag pans pulled by the animals, they completely changed the top of the mountain. The farmers went down some 20 feet deep, completely removing all the trees, rock and earth. This obviously lowered the entire top of the pinnacle. It was made as flat as a pancake and ready for his new medical facility. A good road winding like a corkscrew around the mountain up to the proposed hospital site still keeps the peak accessible today.
At the same time this was all going on, a crew of carpenters erected a nurses’ home of logs cut in North Carolina at the southeastern edge of the summit out of stone and timbers.
“Mr. Roy Owen told me he chinked between the house’s logs with cement for 25 cents an hour,” Barry said.
This would keep the bitter cold wind sweeping across the mountain from coming in between the home’s logs in the winter. Remains of the stone work probably are still there even now.
Tragically, Dr. Peek passed away suddenly of a stroke in 1942 and his famous T.B. hospital dream died with him, never being built. Likewise, without his tremendous personal presence, guidance, enthusiasm and dreams, the dairy soon closed. It eventually fell into disrepair and disappeared.
Today, as silent sentinels recalling those industrious glory years, only the twin concrete silos still stand. They now look down on modern residences surrounding them as part of a growing Six Mile community.
And perhaps a local aging man or woman, who was young and full of bloom in the days of Dr. David Erastus Peek, may be one of hundreds of babies the good doctor himself had delivered by lamplight in rural homesteads off muddy dirt roads. And yes, it is just possible they will recall with a pleasant smile and fond memories the legendary physician who once lovingly spanked the very breath of life into them …
Seneca resident Jerry Alexander, born in 1937 in Dr. Peek’s Hospital, is now a retired newspaper publisher and author of 12 local history and family genealogy books.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
PCSO Explorers bring home top honors at SC SCALE Competition
COUNTY — The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post No. 138 was named the state’s 2016 Explorer Post of the Year and earned first place overall during the recent South Carolina Association of Law Enforcement Explorers (SCALE) competition.[cointent_lockedcontent]
Pictured, back row, from left, are Deputy Brandon Brewer, Deputy 1st Class Elijah Chapman, Deputy 1st Class Michael Torres and Sergeant Robert Porter. Front row: Explorer Captain Brandon Smith, Explorer 1st Class Kaleb Grant, Explorer Lieutenant Tyler Brown, Explorer Lt. Caleb Cassell, Explorer Sergeant Maddy Blanton, Explorer Deandre Mansell, Explorer Sergeant Alex Harbin and Explorer 1st Class Eli Harbin.
The annual event was held July 18-22 in North Charleston and is the focal point of the organization’s summer conference, where Explorer posts come together to test their skills and knowledge in pursuit of one day becoming law enforcement officers.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office enjoys a strong and dedicated group of Explorers who attend several meetings each month and vigorously train to become first responders in years to come. Eight Explorers from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post No. 138 were in attendance at this year’s SCALE competition.
The 2016 competition was attended by 14 teams of Explorers that were sponsored by 11 different law enforcement agencies.
“Our Explorer program is a reflection of our entire agency in that we strive to serve as a model for other programs to follow,” Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said. “The future for law enforcement in Pickens County has never been brighter with the quality of young men and women that are already experiencing the calling to serve others through public service. I am so very proud of our Explorer post and of our deputies that graciously devote so much of their personal time to this program.”
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Explorers won first place in the highly sought after award for being named the SCALE Post of the Year 2016 — an award given to the group with outstanding community service and superior leadership.
The 2016 First Place Overall Award was also brought home by the Pickens County Explorers after achieving the highest average score accumulated from team events.
The Pickens County team also finished first in the domestiv violence, armed robbery and open door/burglary competitions.
Local Explorer Captain Brandon Smith and Explorer First Class Kaleb Grant also took first place in the individual pistol and male physical agility competitions, respectively.
The Explorer program is a nationally recognized program among law enforcement agencies. Candidates must meet certain criteria to become a member. Participants must be between the ages of 14 to 21, and anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent and approval from their parent or legal guardian. Candidates must maintain a “C” average in school and must have completed the eighth grade upon being selected for the program.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Explorers often give back to the community through volunteering at large public events, fundraisers and ride-alongs with the sheriff’s deputies.
For more information, contact Pickens County Deputy 1st Class Elijah Chapman at (864) 898-5539 or by email at elijahc@co.pickens.sc.us.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
Workshop for 50-plus job seekers planned for Aug. 4
UPSTATE — Tri-County Technical College’s Anderson QuickJobs Center will host a free Smart Strategies workshop for 50-plus job seekers Thursday, Aug. 4.[cointent_lockedcontent]
The workshop will be held from 2-4 p.m. and is offered at no charge. Participants will learn about the seven Smart Strategies needed to get back into the workforce and will have the opportunity to apply for the Back To Work 50-plus Coaching and Training Program. They also will receive the AARP Foundation’s free job search guide.
Tri-County’s Back To Work 50-plus team can help individuals update job search strategies, practice for interviewing and networking, and assist with enrollment in training programs that employers value.
To register or to learn more, visit aarp.org/backtowork50plus or call (855) 850–2525.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
Courier Community Calendar 8-3-16
• ‘Venture Outdoors’ set for Pickens Aug. 27
The city of Pickens will host an outdoor event — Venture Outdoors — on Aug. 27. This is an all-day event which will highlight the many outdoor activities the area has to offer. Venture Outdoors will feature workshops on fly-fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, bee keeping and kayaking at
Café Connections to host breakfast and prayer rally for area first responders
PICKENS — First responders in the Pickens area are invited to Café Connections for a special appreciation breakfast on Aug. 4. The event is a way to show the community’s appreciation for the service they provide and to set the stage for a public prayer rally.
