It was the first time after the sale that I had visited the old home place of my Father’s parents in South Carolina. So many of my childhood memories are still there. The precious home-going service of my cousin, Judy, in Ridgeland, SC had been held not too far from my Father’s childhood home so I decided to just ride on over to see what had happened to it since the sale only last year. It was an approximate 52 acre farm with a large old wooden home and many out-buildings.  The lane was important to all family members as it was a place we all walked and talked thereby catching up with the family news all of our lives. The old sugar cane mill, Papa’s blacksmith shop, the chicken coop and more was along that grassy lane so we spent a good many hours looking, walking and talking along that way for as long as it was owned by the family.  It was a Century Farm so many family members walked many a mile along that family land over the years.

Driving by, the old wooden 6 bedroom shotgun house could now be fully seen from the road; something not done for many years due to the overgrown shrubs and trees. The old fence at the front was gone and there was a big fire going in the front  by one of the huge old oak trees. Upon careful stares, chainsaws and other lawn equipment could be seen laying spaced out on the grounds.  It was obvious to see someone was there and quite busy.  I pulled in behind a big white truck.

Walking past the blazing fire, I went to the double wide,  where my Aunt Urbanna once lived, left of the old home place, and knocked on the door as I yelled, “Anyone home?”. I didn’t want to be shot traipsing on my own Grandfather’s land so I thought I should announce my intentions right away.  These are country woods so stragglers may not be welcome depending on who bought the property. I didn’t know.

Walking past the front windows, the pitter patter of little feet tromping on the wood-front porch could be heard and when the boy opened the door the approximately aged 5 year old said, when I asked if Mom and Dad was here, “I don’t know where he is but my dads’s out there working”.  

Being anxious to get back to Jacksonville and I hadn’t really had plans to stop but It could not be helped. I just could not just drive on by without getting one last look at the home before leaving the area, the land and the lane.  The lane was a treasured spot to all family members so I went out there first to find his dad.

Actually, a lot had already changed in less than a years time of the place being sold.  The large fire in the front yard had a huge oak trunk about 5 feet long and was roaring so whoever bought the land would use that method to clear the lot.  So many of the gardenias, milkweed and red ink plant had been trimmed producing beautiful flowers again. The old fence where Pat and Rose, Papa’s mules so often stood was gone and the gate leaning. Along the lane, the out-buildings were caved in.  Now, that hardy planed timber will be some good fire wood. I’m happy to say, my cousin, Charlotte allowed us to take a few items from the property and one treasure was to take with me a 10 foot old wooden barn door which will be used on my Dad’s Dad’s property very soon.

Walking along the land, I took a handful of photos with my cell phone and all along the way yelled, “Anyone here.  Anyone here?”  After a good walk down the land, I went on back to my car and drove past the land and acreage once filled with corn, tobacco, green beans, squash and more. I hugged one tree on the property left for my Dad which I’ll leave for my own children. My Dad moved to Jacksonville, Fl after WWII but still had roots in SC where his portion is still a Century Farm.

It was a good day on the family farm in Hampton, South Carolina.  

See you tomorrow,

Nan

2-3-2024