2018 Ridge Spring Tour

Ridge Spring Tour of Homes

  Homes sponsored by the Green Thumb Garden Club and assisted by The Ridge Garden Club will be held Sunday afternoon December 9, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Tickets are $10.00 for the tour. They may be purchased at any of the homes or The Baptist Church. Also, directions to the homes will be given with the tickets.
  Homemade cakes and apple cider will be served in Elizabeth Cumbee’s Cabana located behind her home at 4580 Columbia Hwy N., Ridge Spring.
  Come and join us for an afternoon of Christmas inspiration and joy.

The Clinton Ward House
104 Mount Alpha Road
Ward

  The oldest and one of the finest houses in the village of Ward was built about 1850 by Captain Clinton Ward, the town’s founder. In 1850 he married Martha Lott.
  Architecturally, the Ward House is a Greek Revival Raised Cottage. The style is called raised because it is on a high foundation. The house has a ground-floor storage room and a curved tunnel, both under the main floor.
  A playhouse was built for Josephine, the Ward’s only child, who died suddenly at the age of six leaving her father inconsolable. Although the Wards adopted several other children later, Captain Ward never recovered from Josephine’s death.
   In the Ward’s day the house had elaborate grounds. A grape vine had red grapes on one end and white grapes on the other. The plantings included cherry trees, boxwoods, and old roses. Live deer, Angora Goats, and peafowl roamed the garden. Several artificial mounds were there, and one was moved to Spann Church. It now holds a cast-iron statue of a deer which Clinton Ward purchased in the l850’s. Behind the house stood a dairy building, the cooks house and on the right side a large stately barn.
  In 1853 a reception was given in this house for Clinton Ward’s sister Emmeline when she married. Most of the wedding festivities were held at nearby Oakland Plantation, the house built by their father Richard in about l825.
  After Clinton Ward’s death in l905, Clinton Ward Satcher bought the house. He was a grand nephew and namesake of Clinton Ward. Clint Satcher married first Lucie Pelletier and they had one daughter. Alter his first wife’s death, Satcher married Marian Bookhardt and they seven daughters and one son.   During the Satcher’s ownership of the house, a wrap around porch with square brick columns replaced the smaller Greek Revival porch. After their parent’s death the Satcher sisters used the house as a retreat.
  Next, William Bell, a great-grandson of Jim Satcher, occupied the house. Today it is owned by Dr. and Mrs. Rod Lewis. Dr. Lewis is presently serving as the pastor at Hollywood Baptist Church.

The Sheppard Jones House
208 Green Street
Ridge Spring

  On the west side of Green Street in Ridge Spring adjacent to the Episcopal Church yard stands a stately house built by Sheppard Jones. Mr. Jones married a Ridge Spring girl, Irene Bomar, who was the daughter of Eli and Frances Bomar. Irene was a young child when her father suddenly died from pneumonia leaving his wife to raise four children. After Sheppard and Irene made plans to marry, Mrs. Bomar offered them the side yard of her property on which to build this lovely cottage. No doubt Mrs. Bomar was pleased to have her only daughter next door.
  Among the house’s many outstanding features are the paired columns across the front porch and side carport, the three tall chimneys, and the large trellises on the front porch.
  Sheppard Jones was the great-grandson of Col. Matthias Jones, a large scale planter and merchant in Ridge Spring . Col. Jones and his wife Clara Perry Jones owned nearly 2000 acres of land at Ridge Spring and built an elegant three-story country house with eighteen rooms on the west end of the present day town. The house and elegant furnishings burned in 1892.
  Sheppard Jones operated Jones’ Drugstore on Main Street adjacent to the town square. His wife Irene was known for her delicious caramel cakes. They were sold in Clyde and Dorothy Cone’s Grocery across the street from the drugstore. One of Irene’s brothers was Con Bomar who was a produce broker in Ridge Spring. Sheppard and Irene had a son Sheppard, Jr. and a daughter Frances.
  After the death of Mrs. Bomar, Inez Randall owned the house for many years. Next, Lindsey Johnson purchased the house and did extensive renovations. Presently the house is owned by Martha Rose Wise. Mrs. Wise owns and operates White Rose Eclectics, a ladies clothing business, on Pendleton Street in Aiken.

Magnolia Shadows
Equestrian Resort
595 Engineer Road
Ridge Spring

  Andrea Cerofolini purchased the Ergle House in 2015 from Layton and Caroline Quinn. The house was built in 1895 by the Ergle family who began a pecan farm on the property. About 30 years ago Edward and his wife Dorothy Simpson, an interior designer, owned the house and made many improvements. The house features the original tobacco barn shutters, bead board walls, tall baseboards, antique furnishings, and a balcony overlooking the dark-bottomed lap pool and patio.   Andrea, born in Italy, came to America after high school as a swimmer in the World Games. He continued his education in Boston and learned the English language. After careers in accounting and men’s fashion, Andrea cut lose from a dazzling Manhattan- based career for Italian luxury fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna to commit himself to an equestrian dream in Ridge Spring.
  After scouring the eastern seaboard and touring numerous properties, it all clicked when he saw the one in Ridge Spring featuring seven paddocks with run-in sheds, a barn with matted stalls, feed and tack room, an outdoor exercise arena, fenced-in pastures, six horse trailer RV hook up sites, the main house, and the adjoining apartment. Recently he has completed the renovation of the secondary barn into a restaurant which will serve Italian food and wine.
  The resort offers bed and breakfast accommodations in the main house and in the Manhattan style apartment situated on 50 acres of serene property. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room and Andrea’s wonderful espresso in the living room. Magnolia Shadows is a private equestrian farm resort providing horse boarding, horse training and riding services for horse owners and lovers. The resort also makes a perfect getaway for couples looking for a peaceful staycation.

Elizabeth Cumbee’s
Event Venue
4580 Columbia Hwy N
Ridge Spring

  In 1978 Elizabeth and her late husband Randy Cumbee acquired 10 acres on which to build their home on Columbia Hwy N. near Ridge Spring. The land belonged to Irie and Ida Scott who lived across the road and were related to Randy’s father. In 2015 Elizabeth added a 1200 square foot Cabana behind the house to serve as an Event Venue for weddings, receptions, parties and anniversary dinners. The Cabana contains a full kitchen, cozy stone fireplace, sofa area, dining table which seats 10, and a bath. The handsome dining table and sofa table, gleaming of beautiful heart pine, were made by Gene Ray Fulmer, Ronnie Horne, and Sue Fulmer. The sills and timbers used to construct the tables are from the poultry houses of Gene Ray’s father, Barney Fulmer, and from the tenant houses of Kester Derrick.
  The lovely brick walks and patio areas around the Cabana and swimming pool connect it well with the house. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and defined around the perimeter with a lovely brick wall. Among the shrubs and flowers in the landscape one will find Liriope from her Grandmother Hair’s garden. Both of her Grandmothers were very instrumental in helping her with the yard. A hidden garden area in the back has a wall fountain on the brick wall.
  Mrs. Cumbee provides event consulting and coordination with her business Perfect Planning. Like her at Perfect Planning on Facebook.
  The Green Thumb and Ridge Garden Clubs will be serving their delicious cakes and hot apple cider from Watsonia Farms in the Cabana. While touring the homes be sure and stop by Elizabeth Cumbee’s for great southern hospitality, good conversation, a slice of homemade cake, and a cup of hot cider.

Ridge Spring
Baptist Church
108 Church Circle
Ridge Spring

  Also included in the tour is Ridge Spring Baptist Church which was established in 1856. The vestibule and sanctuary will be decorated in a gold and burgundy theme and accented with red poinsettia given by church members. The restored Carillon Bell System will play Christmas songs from the steeple during the tour. Church members hope you will have a worshipful experience as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Immanuel Lutheran
Church
206 Boatwright Street
Ridge Spring

 This church was completed in 1923. It is graced with beautiful stained glass windows, two Sunday School rooms which have never been painted and 13 pine pews. The church has never had indoor plumbing. The final service was held in 1986. It was deeded to the Green Thumb Garden Club in 1986 along with the two acre lot on which it stands. All proceeds from the tour will be used to maintain and restore this church.

Spann United
Methodist Church
150 Church Street
Ward, S.C.

This church was founded about one mile north of its present location soon after John Spann came to the Ridge in 1794. The congregation moved to the present site in 1840. In 1873 the sanctuary was built as a simple foursquare structure with a neoclassical portico. The tapered columns and curved windows show a Victorian influence on this Greek Revival building which has survived almost unchanged for 145 years.

Farm City Banquet 2019

DALE HALLMAN REMEMBERED - The late Saluda County Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman was posthumously presented the Farm-City Citizen of the Year Award. Pictured above are his family, along with Sheriff John Perry and banquet speaker Jackie Swindler. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

ERIC CHAPMAN REMEMBERED - The late Johnston Police Officer Eric Chapman was posthumously presented the Farm-City Citizen of the Year Award. Pictured above are his family and friends, along with Johnston Police Chief Lamaz Robinson and banquet speaker Jackie Swindler. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Fallen Officers Remembered At
Annual Farm-City Banquet

  The Saluda County Farm-City Citizen of the Year award was presented in memory of two fallen law enforcement officers, Eric Chapman and Dale Hallman.
  The presentation was made at the annual banquet, held at Saluda High School on Thurs., Nov. 15.
  Guest speaker was Saluda native and former Newberry Police Chief Jackie Swindler.
  Swindler, who is now director of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, used his growing up in Saluda to emphasize the Farm-City theme.
  “I lived in town, but I spent many hours hauling hay on Saluda County farms,” he said.
  Swindler mentioned several Saluda High School teachers, who influenced him, including Russell Hughes, Phil Flynn, Gloria Caldwell and Bela Herlong, the later two who taught him how to write and “speak proper English.”
  He also remembered his football coach Bettis Herlong.
  He said he heard you should tell people face-to-face what they mean to you.
  “So, I drove over to Saluda and went to see Coach Herlong, and let him know what he meant to my life.”
  Swindler said Herlong thanked him, and the two men hugged.
  “I’m so glad I had a chance to do that before he died.”
  Swindler turned the later part of his speech toward law enforcement.
  He pointed out the law enforcement officers commitment during 9-11.
  “They didn’t run away from danger. They ran toward it. That’s what Eric and Dale were doing when they lost their lives. They were going toward danger.”
  Swindler said he felt law enforcement officers were called by God, and quoted Romans 8:13 - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
  After Swindler’s speech, the two officers were recognized.
  Johnston Police Chief Lamaz Robinson, also a Saluda native, remembered his officer Eric Chapman, and his devotion to profession, being always williing to assist, event when he was off duty.
  Sheriff John Perry said it was very difficult to lose his brother-in-law Chapman, and a few months later lose one of his deputies, Dale Hallman, who was like a son to him.
  Robinson and Perry presented Citizen of the Year plaques to the widows, Tonya Chapman and Brandi Hallman, and to the parents.
  Kevin Crouch of Crouch Hardware served as master of ceremonies. Rev. Ross Kellis of Radius Church led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation.
  After the dinner, catered by Riley’s on Main, Wanda McCarty entertained, singing two songs.
  Julia Willis of the Pyracantha Garden Club, explained out the garden club came up with the red, white and blue, law enforcement theme arrangements, using coffee cans and creamer bottles for the vases, in tribute to law enforcement officers loving coffee.
  The meeting concluded with many door prizes being given away. Ashley Miller won the grand prize, a 50-inch television, donated by Aiken and Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperatives.

Extra Penny Sales
Tax Now Offcial

  Saluda County’s additional one cent sales tax for capital projects became official with the passage of a resolution at the Mon., Nov. 12, County Council meeting.
  The resolution declaring the results for the sales tax passed unanimously by the three Council members, Frank Daniel, D.J. Miller and Gwen Shealy, present.
 Under the terms of the referendum that passed in the General Election on Nov. 6, the sales tax will be imposed in Saluda County for not  more than eight years and will begin May 1, 2019.
  The one cent sales tax increase for capital improvements will include the following projects:
    1. Saluda County Library (Saluda County) $125,000
  2. Saluda County Animal Shelter (Saluda County) $125,000
  3. Ridge Spring Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development $175,000 (Town of Ridge Spring)
  4. Reconstruction of Bathrooms at Brooks Roston Park (Saluda Recreation District) $50,000
  5. Saluda County Detention Center (Saluda County) $8,434,304
  At the beginning of the meeting, Council gave second reading to ordinances dealing with building distance and setback requirements, and hangar lease agreements at the airport.
  A $4000 security system for the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division building was approved. A camera system for the same building was deferred until more information could be received.
  Council gave first  reading to an ordinance for the development of a joint industrial  and business park, located in Edgefield County. As a sponsor of the park, Saluda County will received some proceeds without having to put in any funding.
  First reading was also given to an ordinance that will grant the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority to purchase two tracts of real property from the county near the Saluda CPW wasterwater treatment plant.
  WSA director Jason Fell said this land will be used for a possible joint project between the county and the Town of Saluda.
  CPA David Enzastiga presented the audited financial statements for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. The audit got an unqualified opinion, the best that can be given.
  Council approved funding $34,235 from contingency for the employee health insurance increase for six months.
  Gerry Grenier was approved the Ridge Spring Fire Department representative on the Fire Board.
 

Incumbents win

Incumbents Win

  In Saluda County’s few contested races in the General Election on  Nov. 6, incumbents came out on top.
  Saluda Mayor Amelia Herlong and school board members Kathy Coleman and Jim Moore won re-election.
  The one cent sales tax increase for capital improvements passed.
  The projects these funds will go to include:
  1. Saluda County Library (Saluda County) $125,000
  2. Saluda County Animal Shelter (Saluda County) $125,000
  3. Ridge Spring Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development $175,000 (Town of Ridge Spring)
  4. Reconstruction of Bathrooms at Brooks Roston Park (Saluda Recreation District) $50,000
  5. Saluda County Detention Center (Saluda County) $8,434,304
  The referendum for the $90 million school building project for Lexington District three failed in Saluda County, as it did throughout the district.
  The question on the statewide ballot that would allow the Superintendent of Education to be appointed by the Governor, rather than being elected, failed in Saluda County 4161-2389 and statewide.
  Like the rest of the country the turnout  was good in Saluda County, as 6966 citizens voted, or 61.77 percent.
  Following are the election results beginning with the contested races:
  Saluda Mayor: Amelia Herlong -  391; Michelle R. Curry - 350
  Saluda County Schools School Board :Seat 2: Katherine Coleman - 287; Crystal Gibson - 167. Seat 4: Sunday Jacobs Minick - 203; James Moore - 290
  Lexington School District Three: William Berry - 207; Frances Bouknight - 418; Cheryl Burgess - 263; William Cogdill - 188; Gariane Gunter - 293
  Saluda County One Cent Sales Tax: Yes - 3546; No - 3134
  Lexington School District Referendum: Yes - 196; No - 491
  Elections for offices are as follows:
  Governor: James Smith ,   Mandy Powers Norrell, Democrat - 2356;; Henry McMaster - Pamela Evette, Republican - 4516
  Secretary of State: Melvin T. Whittenburg, Democrat - 2136; Mark Hammond, Republican - 4705.  
  State Treasurer: Rosalyn L Glenn, Democrat - 2042;  Rosalyn Glenn, Working Families - 89; Curtis Loftis, Republican - 4631; Sarah Wok, American - 89.
  Attorney General: Constance Anastopoulo, Democratic - 2212; Constance Anastopoulo, Working Families - 120; Alan Wilson, Republican - 4530
  Comptroller General: Richard Eckstrom, Republican - 5111
  State Superintendent of Education: Molly Mitchell Spearman, Republican - 4855
  Commissioner of Agriculture: Chris Nelums, United Citizens - 299; David Edmond, Green - 346; Hugh Weathers, Republican - 4880
  U.S, House of Representatives: Mary Geren, Democratic - 2163; Jeff Duncan, Republican - 4633; Dave Moore, American - 78
  State House of Representatives: District 39 Cal Forrest, Republican - 4710
  State House of Representatives: District 82 William Clyburn, Democratic - 717
  Auditor: Memmus H Forrest, Republican - 5212
  Treasurer Tiffany R Shaw, Republican - 5295
  County Council: Chair Derrick W Jones, Republican - 5185
  County Council: Frank Daniels District 1, Democratic - 1200
  County Council: Justin Anderson, District 3,   Republican - 1868
  Soil and Water District Commission: (Vote for 2) Carey Frick - 2446, James R Nichols - 3244,  (Non-partisan)
  School Board Saluda: Seat 6 Christy Nichols - 789  (Non-partisan)
  School Trustee District Lexington Vote for 3: William Berry, Frances Bouknight, Cheryl Burgess, William Cogdill, Gariane Gunter  (Non-partisan)
  Saluda Public Works Commissioner Write-ln - Tony Black.
  Saluda City Council:  District 1 William Yonce - 213 ,  (Non-partisan)
  Saluda City Council:  District 3 Miliken Matthews - 94,   (Non-partisan)

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM - South Carolina  American Legion District 17 Commander Rev Ed Miller and Saluda American Legion  Post 65 Commander Rev John Hood laid a wreath celebrating Veterans Day at the Saluda County War Memorial on the Court House Square, Sunday,  November 11.  The wreath laying was in conclusion of the Veterans Day Observance held at the Saluda Theater.  Commander Miller, a Southwest Asia and Vietnam Veteran was the guest speaker.  The Armistice   with Germany, WW I,  went into effect on the  11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.  Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 honoring military veterans . Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. It is distinct from Memorial Day.  Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.