Orangeburg Revisited

Dr. Gene Atkinson

Jul 2004 · Arcadia Publishing

About this eBook

Orangeburg, South Carolina, is home to an abundant history, shown in this second volume through over 225 rare images of times gone by. The epitome of the small town, Orangeburg is where friends would gather at the famous Bluebird Theatre or the old soda fountains at a turn-of-the-century drugstore. Residents marveled when the Orangeburg Hotel was constructed in 1909; at the time it was the second tallest structure in all of South Carolina. Marchant Music Co., whose showroom is featured in this volume, recalls the days when everyone gathered around the piano in the parlor. Beauty queens from the old Fall Festival, which preceded the formation of the Orangeburg County Fair, grace the pages of this collection. Even the first motor-powered fire truck makes an appearance, as do the stalwart men who comprised the old volunteer fire departments. Also notable in this volume is the rarely mentioned George H. Cornelson, who had more impact on the city than any other person over the last 130 years.

About the author

Dr. Gene Atkinson, author, historian, and photographer, has compiled a treasure trove of vintage photographs that will thoroughly fascinate the readers of Orangeburg Revisited. The accompanying captions provide a unique history lesson that certainly will illuminate Orangeburg's glorious past. Ranging from 1860 to the early 1960s, these vintage photographs showcase Orangeburg's story, from various businesses to grand residential homes, from churches to lively downtown scenes.