The Community of Pelzer Historical Society
The Community of Pelzer Historical Society (CPHS), located at 1 Reed Street, in downtown Pelzer, South Carolina is an active non profit organization that serves to provide a better quality of life through enhancing historic connections and outreach. CPHS is now in its second year, actively engaging in historic preservation issues.
"Pelzer, South Carolina, was the first place in the world to ever have electricity generated at a distance specifically for manufacturing purposes. We in CPHS are committed to promoting such outstanding historic points. Our mission is to preserve, restore, and publish, when advisable, Pelzer, South Carolina history," says William C J Rostron, a Board Member. "We offer a continuous oral history program, a recurring history presentation program 'Memories By the Fireside', preservation of Pelzer archives and artifacts, and benefits for you and your business. We initiated and are currently involved in establishing a national historic district for the Pelzer, SC area. We are also exploring the possibility of a museum and are seeking the induction of a founder of Pelzer, Captain Ellison Adger Smyth, into the American Textile History Museum's Hall of Fame."
CPHS works in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History to preserve Pelzer, South Carolina history. Membership in the Community of Pelzer Historical Society is not geographically limited.
Nestled between two of the state's top universities, Clemson and USC, Pelzer, South Carolina is a quiet southern mill town located on the Saluda River.
Historic Pelzer South Carolina
The Pelzer mills were founded in 1880 by a group of elite gentlemen from Charleston, SC. The founding men of Pelzer included Francis Joseph Pelzer, Captain Ellison Adger Smyth, Augustine T. Smythe, William Lebby, William B. Smith, David Lopez, William Ashmead Courtenay, and Grange Simmons Coffin.
Captain Ellison Adger Smyth served as President and Treasurer of the Pelzer Manufacturing Company. "The Captain", as he was affectionately called, directly contributed to the success of electricity in Pelzer. Born in 1847, of prominent Scotch-Irish heritage, he was an effective Pioneer, said to have been involved in over ninety mills in the South. He lived in both Pelzer and Greenville, SC. He eventually retired with his family to the Flat Rock estate Connemara, which he thus named after the area where his ancestors were from. Known today as the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the estate welcomes visitors from near and abroad.
Captain Smyth
It may be said that the success in Columbia directly influenced the success in Pelzer. The first successful electric powered mill was built in Columbia, SC. Today, the historic Columbia Mills building houses South Carolina's State Museum. The original Pelzer powerhouse and GE generators continue to operate today.
1 Reed Street
Pelzer Cotton Storage Building
Beth Rostron, founder, current President and Treasurer of CPHS, contacted SCORE seeking assistance through the incorporation and growth process of CPHS. Together with SCORE counselor Howard Daly, Beth began to implement plans for incorporation. These plans came to a successful fruition for the historic society on February 13, 2008. Howard then provided supportive guidance toward building a website and suggested joining in a local chamber of commerce. CPHS joined in the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce in December of 2008.
Additionally, the new website for CPHS was recently launched. "Howard was very kind and generous when we were beginning development. His advice and guidance certainly strengthened the building of our historic society. We look forward to exploring further possibilities." says Beth. "Please help us to fulfill our mission by joining the Community of Pelzer Historical Society today!" Beth concluded.
Please visit www.historicpelzer.org for more information. CPHS may also be reached at 864-947-8817 or by email info@historicpelzer.org . The South Carolina Department of Archives and History may be reached at http://shpo.sc.gov .
(In case you are wondering how Beth, in South Carolina, got in touch with Howard, in Rochester NY, she went to www.score.org and clicked on Online Mentoring. This is a way for people with a small business looking for help to tap into the expertise of over 1,100 SCORE counselors, nationwide.)
See archives of past Spotlights.
If you have an existing business or are starting a new one, consider how your company may benefit from SCORE’s counseling. Call for a free counseling appointment at one of our many locations. While you are there, ask your SCORE counselor how you might tap into our 60-plus membership knowledge bank to further address your particular business and industry concerns.