Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter's expansion removed some historic structures

Reflections recalls some historic structures that faced removal and sometimes upgrading due to rapid expansion and growth in the past century. The removal of these artifacts, in some instances, has allowed the community to construct new homes and industries that create additional spaces for living and working. Some Sumterites may remember these historic treasures and their locations. However, it is important to note that one, including the Bossard Britton Bridge, is being rebuilt and upgraded. Data and photos used were acquired from The Item archives and the writings of Cassie Nicholes.

No review of firms which have contributed to the growth and progress of Sumter would be complete without recognition of John Evans, manufacturer of the famous Sumter trailers. He initially opened a welding shop on Hampton Avenue which was later moved to the site he occupied in 1924 as John Evans Packard Agency, garage and body department at 105 E. Liberty St. In 1928, the shop at 108 E. Liberty was built to manufacture trailers and to render general service. The building which occupied the space prior to being secured by John Evans' garage and Sam's Service Station was Booth Livery Stables which was removed, allowing space for the new facilities. In 1959, the facility was occupied by Carolina Hardware which remained in the building built by John Evans until it closed. This corner of Harvin and Liberty streets was recently cleared of these buildings.

On April 23, 1913, The Sumter Item announced "The Imperial," Sumter's new hotel, constructed on Harvin Street, facing Telephone Street, and opposite the A. C. L. Passenger Station, would soon open its doors to the public. This facility was later sold to the Fladger family and a Mr. Hodges. The beautiful edifice burned in 1968 and was eventually removed, allowing for space on which a Water Department was recently constructed.

On the corner of Washington and Liberty streets once resided the home of L.D. Jennings. An article printed in The Item reported that the large frame house built by Jennings in 1905 was initially on the corner of West Liberty and North Washington streets. It was subsequently moved to the rear of the lot and faced Washington Street in the 1920s. W.B. Burns acquired ownership; it was later rented and operated as a boarding house. Burns donated the house to the YWCA, which utilized the facility until it was sold to two separate service stations. The building was demolished in 1968, and the lot remains empty.

The Britton Bridge opened in 1940 and has been removed with the construction of a new bridge underway. The initial overhead bridge was requested by the citizens of Sumter in November 1922. A delegation of Sumter citizens asked Charles H. Moorefield, state highway engineer, to have the improvement of a railroad crossing intersecting the Sumter-Manning Highway included among federal road projects. The delegation pointed out that considerable traffic crossed the six-track rails just outside the city. The engineer was quoted as assuring his cooperation in securing action. The Item reported, "… in May of 1940 a handsome $180,000 overpass at the foot of South Main Street over the Atlantic Coast Line tracks was to be dedicated to the late Sen. J. B. Britton and opened to traffic, eliminating a dangerous and rough grade crossing and expediting travel on U.S. 15.