Pelzer in Anderson County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pelzer Schools
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
1. Pelzer Schools Marker (side 1)
The first Pelzer Mills School, built in 1881, was a two-story frame building. The school was described as having "the air of a city school" and the mill funded a ten-month term at a time when three-months was common. The school was free and open to local children whether or not their families worked in the mill. The standard family contract at Pelzer Mills, however, required attendance for children aged 5-12. Children older than 12 were required to take a job in the mill.
By 1890 there were 175 students and 3 teachers. In 1900 a new graded school was built at the corner of Hale and Lebby Sts. It was destroyed by fire in 1902 and a new building was constructed. Smythe School and auditorium, both designed by Joseph Shrine, were completed in 1922. The upper floors of Smythe School burned in 1949, but the lower stories were salvaged and remodeled. It continued as Pelzer Elementary School until 2009.
Erected 2018 by Pelzer Heritage Commission. (Marker Number 4-43.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 34° 38.565′ N, 82° 27.698′ W. Marker is in Pelzer, South
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pelzer Public Schools World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Pelzer Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Big Creek Baptist Church (approx. 1˝ miles away); Williamston Municipal Center (approx. 1.9 miles away); Confederate Skirmish (approx. 1.9 miles away); Williamston Female College (approx. 1.9 miles away); Williamston 9-11 Monument (approx. 1.9 miles away); Gist Rifles Monument (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pelzer.
Also see . . .
1. Ellison Adger Smyth. Excerpt:
Seeking to make Pelzer a model mill town, the company had its own rules of behavior and employed constables in the community to enforce them. Smyth was a leader in requiring compulsory education in Pelzer in 1902, a practice that did not become state law for another fifteen years. The schools, run by the company, were open ten months a year and were free to all children of Pelzer.(Submitted on October 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
2. Pelzer Schools Marker (side 2)
2. Historic Pelzer Auditorium celebrates 100th year in 2020. Excerpt:
Funded by local mill owners as part of the Pelzer school system’s building plan, the new brick auditorium with towering white columns opened in October 1920 with 800 seats, according to news accounts. Over the next 50 years, the auditorium on Lebby Street would serve as a center of activity for the burgeoning mill town, hosting everything from minstrel shows to mock trials.(Submitted on October 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
3. Pelzer Schools Marker (side 1)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
4. Pelzer Schools Marker (side 2)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
5. Anderson 1 & 2 Adult Education Building (formerly Pelzer Elementary School)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
6. Pelzer Elementary School (main entrance)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
7. Pelzer Elementary School (west elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 9, 2023
8. Pelzer Auditorium
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
