Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Florence Civic Improvement Society Memorial

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026

1. Florence Civic Improvement Society Memorial Marker

Inscription. This memorial
erected by
Florence Civic Improvement
Society
Organized October 8, 1902

Charter Members Mrs. Theodore Kuker, President • Mrs. James Evans, Treasurer • Mrs. D.M. McEachin, Secretary • Mrs. E.E. Howell • Mrs. C.D. Bristow • Mrs. E.J. Burch • Mrs. A.L. Sessoms • Mrs. Hugh Oliver • Mrs. J.J. Jennings • Mrs. C.E. Jarrott • Mrs. Joe Brunson • Mrs. L.P. Newman • Mrs. R.a. McCorkle • Mrs. R.H. Farmer • Mrs. M.S. Haynsworth

Achievements Beautification court house grounds. Instituted Womans Industrial Fair later merged in Pee Dee Fair. Established first curb market, corner Dargan and Cheves Sts. Presented city with four drinking fountains for main corners. Gave drinking fountain and playground furniture for school grounds. Street beautification, city parks, clean-up campaigns, better babies' clinic and other health projects, children's gardens during World War.

Having laid the foundations of many civic improvements; and other splendid organizations now having taken over the various forms of service, the civic society retires from active life in this year of our Lord 1938,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

with fragrant memories of work well done.

Memorial Committee Mrs. E.E. Howell • Mrs. W.J. Wilkins • Mrs. Henry E. Davis • Mrs. E.H. Lucas • Mrs. J.L. Barringer • Miss. Nellie Bristow • Mrs. J. DeJongh • Mrs. L. Greenberg

Erected 1938 by Florence Civic Improvement Society Memorial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is October 8, 1902.

Location. 34° 11.738′ N, 79° 46.005′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. It is on West Cheves Street (State Road S-21-92) west of South Dargan Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 W Cheves St, Florence SC 29501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and memorial is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in

Florence Civic Improvement Society Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026

2. Florence Civic Improvement Society Memorial

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: McLeod Medical Center (a few steps from this marker); Propellers, CSS Peedee (within shouting distance of this marker); Swept yards (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Arts Corridor (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell, Florence City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lorax: Unless (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Allen (about 500 feet away); Civil Rights Sit-Ins (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?