This episode of Palmetto Places opens at The Sumter Opera House, symbol of Sumter County, built in 1893 and noted for its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture with round arches. The pyramid shaped roof soars 100 feet high and houses a weight driven antique clock in its tower. Originally "Sumterville" in 1800, the town was named for General Thomas Sumter, of the American Revolutionary War and member of the first United States Congress. General Sumter's nickname "Gamecock" was adopted by the University of SC as its mascot.
One of Sumter's featured attractions is the 150-acre Iris Garden and the 45-acre Swan Lake. Resident horticulturist Mark Towery, talks about the garden and the Japanese Iris, kaempferi, their size and culture and the inception and expansion of the gardens as well as the assemblage of swans which absolutely adorn this program.
The tour continues at the gothic revival style Church of the Holy Cross, completed in 1892 and located outside of Sumter, SC near Statesburg. Unique in structure, it is built from rammed earth, or "pisé de terre," a method dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. Not far away, north of Statesburg in Horatio, SC stands the Lenoir General Store, built in the late 1700's by Isaac Lenoir, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Lenoir family has owned this business for over 200 years, over 8 generations.
Palmetto Places explored the architectural and cultural heritage of South Carolina's small towns and countryside. Host Joanna Angle explores historic houses, public buildings, and country stores, and talks with local artists, painters, sculptors, weavers, writers, storytellers, and musicians.
Side Notes:
- Swan Lake and Iris Garden - Welcome to Sumter's Swan Lake Iris Gardens, home to the only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species and some of the most intensive plantings of Japanese Iris in the United States. To visit the gardens and learn more about the gardens, visit their website.
- Sumter Museum - Through workshops, book signings, lectures, family programs, community involvement, and hands-on history events, the Sumter Museum provides an engaging educational experience to visitors of all ages. Learn more here.
- Shaw Air Force Base is located north of US 378, approximately 10 miles west of Sumter, South Carolina. To learn more about the base, visit.
