Mr. Clarence Lawrence Glymph, Sr.

Mr. Clarence Lawrence Glymph, Sr.. (September 25, 1885-July 11, 1961). Glymph Memorial Garden is named in memory of Mr. Glymph who was born in Newberry, SC to George and Minnie Glymph. He was married to Dollie Ruff, and to their union, seven children were born. In 1920, Mr. Glymph moved his family to Gaffney and opened a market on East Meadow Street. Glymph's Market provided a credit system which benefited their clients as well as the market., In 1948, the proprietor began plans for a more permanent structure. Mr. Glymph purchased land at 310 North Petty Street to construct a brick building, which housed the market and other businesses. The Glymph Market building is one of the last remaining structures in the Black business district., In 1952, Mr. Glymph was the first Black candidate to file for Gaffney City Council. However, he withdrew from the election due to threats from The Carolina Ku Klux Klan. This was documented in the Jet Magazine of February 28, 1952 and local newspapers., Mr. Glymph was an asset to the community as he promoted college education and supported home ownership. He served as Chair of the Deacon Board of Limestone Baptist Church for many years. He was a Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, and Chairman of the Negro Division of the Red Cross Community Chest Campaign. As a member of Masonic Lodge #117, he served as Past Master, Treasurer, and was on the Building Committee that planned and built the present Limestone Lodge Temple.