Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Food for Thought

Photographed By Dave W, May 13, 2023

1. Food for Thought Marker

Inscription.
Imagine starting your own restaurant. That is what Agnes' son, John Lucius Simons [b. 1859 - d. 1925(?)], did in 1891 when he built a 14 x 14-foot building beside his mother's house that he operated as a lunch counter. His menu options included chicken and pork and side dishes of pickles, olives and relishes. The drinks he sold included bottled water, soft drinks, whiskey and locally- produced beer.

Simons' restaurant may have also functioned as a store. When the building burned in 1909, a large amount of archaeological evidence was left, including many small, non-food related items such as marbles, buttons, straight pins and large quantities of ammunition.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 34° 0.71′ N, 81° 2.066′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Richland Street and Marion Street, on the left when traveling east on Richland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1403 Richland St, Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Family's First Home (here, next to this marker); The Mann-Simons Site (a few steps from this marker); Mann-Simons Cottage

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Agnes Jackson's Home (a few steps from this marker); Prosperity and Property Ownership (a few steps from this marker); Setting Up Shop and Making Room for More Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Ebenezer Lutheran Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church World War II Honor Roll (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Also see . . . Mann-Simons Site. The Mann-Simons Site, home to the same entrepreneurial African American family for nearly 130 years, now traces the journey of Columbia’s Black community from enslavement through urban renewal. (Submitted on December 24, 2023.)

Photographed By Dave W, May 13, 2023

2. Food for Thought Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.