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| 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.
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| Tiny cabin, can you still fit inside? |
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| 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...
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| 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.
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| Step inside and visit with Pat Kelly for some coffee and hot chocolate. |
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| Ollie Jennings' doll collection. |
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| Dolls and Antiques |
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| 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.
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| Perry and Ollie Jennings |
Walk through Tiny Town with Ollie Jennings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-nSeZRnz4
