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
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.
Erected by Historic Columbia Foundation.
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. It is at the intersection of Richland Street and Marion Street, on the left when traveling east on Richland Street. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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); Making History One Generation at a Time (a few steps from this marker); The Mann-Simons Site (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Mann-Simons Site (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); Out With the Old and In With the New
Photographed by Dave W, May 13, 2023
2. Food for Thought Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mann-Simons Cottage (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
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 Columbias Black community from enslavement through urban renewal. (Submitted on December 24, 2023.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 10 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.
