Old Philpot/Hill Home

Photo by
Down Home: Dacusville Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

     A historical home that was built in 1856 in Dacusville will no longer be part of our landscape. The property behind the old Dacusville Elementary School on Hwy 186 belonged to the Philpot/Hill family. This house that we are all so familiar with seeing on the hill is being demolished due to new owners that bought the land and house;  the new owners plan to rebuild. (Resource: Jim Shelton)

Photo by:
Down Home: Dacusville Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Down Home: Dacusville Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Irvin Henry Philpot was interviewed and had this to say, After the Civil War, my grandparents, Irvin Hutchison and Jennie McBee Alexander Philpot, bought their property.  It seems that grandmother inherited $5,000 in gold, and they used that money to purchase the land and house. The basic part of the house was joined with wooden pegs, and no nails were used.  There was a chimney on each end of the house and fireplaces were located both upstairs and downstairs.  The original house had two large rooms on both levels, and there was a spacious hall to separate them.  The Shed Room across the back room was used for the dining room and kitchen.  A Company Room was just back of the living room and had a private entrance.  This room was used quite a lot by the preachers, and in this case, the Methodist Circuit riders.  While making  the needed renovations, a wide front porch with columns changed the ' L' that included so much needed space. Highway 186 used to come in the front of the house and was located more toward Ronny Hall's house. When the road was relocated in its present place, that is when the Philpot family made the adjustments to the house.

     Irvin Henry Philpot stated in Down Home: Dacusville Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow that his sister Sallie Bet, married Mr Charlie Hill and kept the house in the Philpot family.  Many in the community remember Charlie Hill as the owner of the General Store, Sunoco is currently in it's location on Hwy 186.

Comments about Charlie Hill, 
You Know You Are From Dacusville When...

John E. Clark I remember when we were in class and a herd of cows came running down the hill and Charlie Hill stuck his head thru the window and ask us boys to help: so out the window we all go. The teacher Mr. Knolls was having a fit, he later sent us all ...
Sandy McClain you could get a 5 cent refund on glass coke bottles and you rode up and down the roads on your bike, looking in the ditches, hoping to find five bottles so you could take them over to Charlie Hill's store and get a whole brown paper sack of candy.

Karen Reid

You went down to Charlie Hills store through the pine trees from the

hole in the fence. Not that I did it, but I remember people doing this.

Roger Eades When you remember the only stores in town being Charlie Hill's, Lynches and N.B. Williams. You could go to Charlie’s with a quarter and get a paper bag slap full of candy--and a drink!!! You 'sneak' down to Charlie Hill's pond to go fishing…it was not visible as it is now… it made it more fun.
Tim McConnell When Charlie Hill’s Store was the gathering place for local drag racing!

      It's hard to watch as changes take place around us in our Dacusville Community, we want to hold on to our past.





The only way we can continue the past, is to bring it to the present. The bible tells us in Joel 1:3, "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation."

If you would like to bring the past to the present and you have stories you would like to share about the House, Philpots, Charlie Hill, or the General Store please feel free to share below in the comments.
(Photos of demolished house taken by Jim Shelton)

A Special Thank You...

Jim and Vivian Nichols

     Dacusville has it's very own white house, it is centered in our small town on Hwy 186. This home was built in 1866, that makes it 147 years old. It belonged to the late Jack and Dorthy Jameson. Mrs. Jameson taught school for 35 years at Dacusville Elementary.  Mrs. Jameson loved to sit on her porch and watch the parade, however, she didn't get to watch this year's parade because she passed away last January.  Her presence was still felt for many of us. The home has been passed down to their daughter and son-in-law Vivian and Jim Nichols.  

     We as a community would like to say Thank You to the Jameson family.  For many years you have graciously allowed our community to use your property and home to host our tree lighting and our Christmas Parade. Vivian said that the tree was planted back in 1984 on their property. Our community has watched it grow over the years. Vivian and Jim said that it is a pleasure to give back to the community and they want to continue the tradition. They said that they are thrilled to host this on their property and they know that this is a good way for the community to get together and celebrate Christmas.

A Christmas to Remember 2013

     The Dacusville Christmas Parade was rescheduled for Sunday December 15th at 3:00 due to the rain on Saturday.  Sunday was a great day for a parade, and many from our community agreed as they lined early along 186 to get a good view. The biggest crowd of people gather at the Texaco and in front of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jameson's estate to get a good view of the entries that perform for the judges. This year the theme was "A Christmas to Remember."  Our Grand Marshall was our Veterans.

Our Veterans, thank you for all you have given.
Photo courtesy of Calise Jones

     The judges are chosen outside of our Dacusville Community. This year we had Jackie Morgan from Travelers Rest, and Lynn and Brad Thomas from Greenville. The judges had great things to say about our community, "Out of every parade judged, we always like to come back to Dacusville because it's a traditional parade.  It's family oriented, the kids and community are involved. This is the best parade around to judge, we love it!" Things that the judges are looking for is originality, hands on involvement, and keeping Christ in Christmas.

Judges from left to right:
Brad Thomas, Lynn Thomas, and Jackie Morgan

Betty Hall

     Betty Hall has the job of tallying the judges votes. Betty has been part of our community for about 40 years. In 1997 she joined the Dacusville Community Club and has been a member ever since then. Betty said she joined because, "I love this community and I want to do it for my families future, I also care about our community and I don't want it to stop."  Betty was our Mayor in 2010 and 2011.

     Each year the office for mayor is for anyone in our community that wants to run.  Whoever raises the most amount of money wins.  The winner is announced at the Dacusville Tree lighting.  This year the winner is Ronnie Hall, he raised
$1, 260.00.

     Our announcer for the parade has been Matt Malone, but because we had a rain date Matt had other obligations on Sunday and couldn't make it.  Randy Williams filled in as announcer for the parade. Randy was our 2013 Mayor and currently serves as President of the Dacusville Community Club. Randy said that this is our 30th year hosting the Dacusville Christmas Parade.  Randy wants to inform us on some activities that involve our community.  He said that the Community Center in the old Dacusville Elementary School is currently hosting Scouts, The Heritage Club, Bee Keepers, and The Garden Club. Randy informed me that Pickens County Library is placing a branch in our Community Center.  They also are looking to put a Fitness Center, a portable stage with curtains in the old cafeteria, and a new lighted sign outside the center.  They had their 1st concert with Verloin Thompson and it was sold out. January 2nd, the Pickens County Council annual meeting will be held. Get involved in your community!

Randy Williams

Dacusville Christmas Parade 2013

Waiting on the parade to start...

Taylor Hall and Jordan Peek lead the parade

Young Marines

Mr. Merry Christmas

Dacusville Middle School Band

Foothills Dance Team

Cub Scouts Pack 132

Parade of Tractors

Country Santa

Big Rigs

Boy Scout Pack 8

Dacusville Rec. Cheerleaders

Horses

Big Man.....Santa

And the winners are...

Non-Commercial: 

1st place, Dacusville Methodist

2nd place, Mt. Carmel

Dance Unit:

Foothills Dance

Double Horse:

Don Rich and Larry Hendrix

Single Motor Unit:

1st place, Cub Scout Pack 132

2nd place, Barks-N-Bubbles

Motor 2 or More Unit:

1st place, Dacusville Heritage Association

2nd place, Dacusville Middle Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas

Marching Unit:

1st place, Boyscout Pack 8

2nd place, Color Guard

Band Unit:

Dacusville Middle School

Cheer Unit:

Dacusville Rec. Cheerleader

Best In Parade:

Dacusville Rec. Cheerleader

Thank you to everyone that worked so hard to make our parade possible.

Tiny Town

Welcome to Tiny Town

     As a child during Christmas, I remember my parents saying we are going to Tiny Town. My brothers and I would be so excited because we knew we were going to see all the tiny houses with the dolls, cars, figurines, trains, nativity scene, etc. We knew we would get to go inside the tiny cabin, sit in the chairs, close the door and look out the tiny window.  This place was magical to us. My parents would load us up in the car and anyone else that wanted to go with us to visit this special place. It seemed like we rode forever and then there it was, you could see the lights from afar; so many lights. My parents pulled over on the side of the road and I remember the car always felt like it was going to turn over because of the ditch that they had to park next to. My brothers and I would jump out of the car, then you would hear my parents yelling at us to wait.  They told us we had to hold their hands because we have to watch out for the cars passing by. We always ran to the tiny cabin first, the one that we could go inside. After, we walked around looking at all the other fascinating things that Tiny Town had to offer. Tiny Town was part of our Christmas, and we looked forward to it every year.

Tiny cabin, can you still fit inside?

The start of Tiny Town, the Log Church

   
      Perry and Ollie Jennings started Tiny Town in 1974, it started with one log church in their yard. Ollie loved Christmas, and in 1977 she put lights on the tiny log church. It is evident around Tiny Town that she also loved and collected dolls; everywhere you look, you see dolls of all kinds.  The Jennings use to have 80 buildings in their yard at one time.  They built during the summer time and decorated them at Christmas. As you walk around Tiny Town you will see many different themes:  Elvis, Wizard of Oz, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, McDonalds, Disney World, 3 Manger Scenes, etc.

The many scenes you will see at Tiny Town...

 

Pat Kelly and Bill Jennings

        Mr. Jennings passed away in 1984, at the age of 64 and Mrs. Jennings passed away in May of 2009 at the age of 88. They loved the little Tiny Town that they had built in their yard, and they also enjoyed meeting the people that loved it too. The Jennings had 8 children. Mrs. Jennings told her children to continue Tiny Town if they want to, but if you get to where you can't do it, don't feel bad if you have to close it.  Out of the 8 children, a daughter Pat Kelly and a son Bill Jennings continues the tradition that the Jennings started back in 1974. Pat tends to the house, coffee/hot chocolate, and lights with the help of a good friend, Debbie Kelly. Bill tends to the fire, when you walk onto the land you will see wood and pallets piled high to keep the fire going to keep you warm as you enjoy the sights of Tiny Town.  Pat is now at the age of 73 and Bill is 64, I asked Pat will they be someone carrying on the tradition of Tiny Town when they no longer can?  Pat said that no one wants to take on the responsibility, she said that the younger generation shows no interest in doing so.  I asked her what would they do with all the antiques that is displayed and would they tell the public before they closed Tiny Town?  She said that they would have an auction and that they would put the closing of Tiny Town in the newspapers.

Step inside and visit with Pat Kelly for some coffee and hot chocolate.

Ollie Jennings' doll collection.

Dolls and Antiques

Warm yourself by the fire.

     Tiny Town is open from Thanksgiving night through New Year's Eve from 5:30-10:00.

     They have a Donation Well set up on the land that helps pay for the up keep of Tiny Town.  Pat said that people also donate coffee, hot chocolate, and lights.  They also have had other things donated to them as well, they built a special building to display the donated items. People from all around come to visit Tiny Town, they have had visitors from Hendersonville, Asheville, Fountain Inn, Piedmont, Seneca, Pelzer, Florida, China, and Puerto Rico to name a few. The next two Saturdays, December 14th and 21st the Green Valley Band is scheduled to sing.

     Tiny Town has made memories for many at Christmas time. The ones that grew up visiting Tiny Town as a child now take their children and grandchildren to see it. I asked Pat, "How does it feel to know you and your family have created such great memories for so many people?"  Pat said it feels good to make so many people happy, so much that they enjoy coming back and bringing their children and grandchildren. It's a good feeling!"

     Tiny Town is located off of Kay Dr. onto Latham Road in Easley, you can't miss it, just look for all the lights and the people.

Thank You Perry and Ollie Jennings for creating Tiny Town, you have given us such great memories.

Perry and Ollie Jennings

      Walk through Tiny Town with Ollie Jennings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-nSeZRnz4

Dacusville Christmas Parade

Where will you be the 2nd Saturday in December at 2:00?

     

     Our Dacusville Community is an extended family for many of us that live here.  We gather together for many different events and in December we love to line 186 to watch the Dacusville Christmas Parade.

The gathering starts the Friday before with the Tree Lighting at 7:00 to kick off the Christmas season.  The late Dorthy Jameson and her family graciously provide their land and tree in front of the Texaco for the community to celebrate together.

   

Dacusville Community Club's Logo

       Planning for these events start back in August.  The Dacusville Community Club is an organization that plans activities in our community. Everyone is invited to be a part of this organization, it is not a secluded club. They want participation from the community because it takes a lot of work to put on these events and they need all the help that is available.

     Our Honorary Mayor this year is Randy Williams.  Each year, the Honorary Mayor position is filled by the runners collecting the most money.  This is a fundraiser for our community because all money that is raised goes toward our events.  The Dacusville Community Club wants to extend a welcome to anyone that would be willing to run for this position because it takes money to put on these events; and a lot of it.  To hold the parade for our community it takes a couple of thousands of dollars.  The money goes to provide banners, signs, trophies, candy for Santa, gift cards for judges and the announcer, etc.  The Honorary Mayor is announced each year at the tree lighting, also the Business of the

Honorary Mayor, Randy Williams 2013

Year and the Citizen of the Year are announced.

     In the parade you will see tractors, you will also see horses, dance schools, bands, churches, etc.  If you want to participate in the parade, the entry fee is $20.00, you can get the forms at all 3 convenient stores in Dacusville. Vendors are also welcome at the parade for a $25.00 fee. Hot dogs, chips, drinks, and hot chocolate will be sold in front of Norton's Real Estate and the Community Center's Cafeteria (Old Dacusville Elementary School) before, during, and after the parade. 

     This years Grand Marshall is going to be our Veterans. In the past we have had Larry Martin, Carol Goldsmith, John Cessarich, Dr. Fleming, and  Kimberly Kelly to name a few. Tim McConnell will be our speaker at the Christmas Tree Lighting and Matt Malone will be the announcer for the parade. The judges for the parade is chosen from people with no connection to our community; also a thank you goes out to The Garden Club for beautifully decorating the Judges stand. As you can see it takes many people to hold the parade and that is the reason the Dacusville Community wants you; they are in need of volunteers, business sponsors, lights for the tree, and any money you would like to donate to help keep this Dacusville tradition going in our community.

     We are hoping for good weather so the Dacusville Community and surrounding communities can come together to enjoy a day of celebrating the Christmas season.

            Let's Have A Parade...

*If you have any questions contact, The Dacusville Community Club:

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dacusville-Community-Club/464751796911547

      

**Due to weather, the parade has been postponed till Sunday, Dec. 15th at 3:00.