The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1873-08-09
COMMUNICATED.
"Reminiscences of Orangcbur,,
Forty Years Ago.
BY hMICALOBAU

Orangcburg had her two Churches
also, " cthodist and Baptist These were
plain, old fashioned, modest looking
little structures with rough walls, bare
benches and pine pulpits; but their
unconfortableness and Inconvenience
did not prevent the little band of
devout worshipcrs from hocking thithcr
Sunday after Sunday. Here they came
in all kinds of weather, not only the
residents of the village but from the sur.
rounding country also, these last in
gigs, carts, queer-looking old carnyalls,
and some on horseback. These were
the days Of good old fashioned religion
when the heart could worship God
kneeling upon the bare floor with the
sunlight or rain as it might chance to be ;,
coming through the great openings in
the roof, with deep, houcst fegvor VIC
fear is almost unknown in these latter
times of carpctcd floors and cush ioned
pews. Then "our girls" were net
ashamed of their homcspun dresses.
checked aprons, sunbonncts, cotton
collars and cuffs and rough homo -mude
shoes. Or what cared they if their
rustic escort was CLAD in suit Of clumsy
Jeans much too short at wrist aud anclc.
which plainly showed the check shirt
beneath, or coarse brogans below or
what minded she Of his awkward un
gainly movements as he assisted her to
alight and then walked with her up to
tho "mectn-house" door, castins
"shecp'soycs" around all the time to
see if any body "was lookin? 2" Thcs
were the days when fattcry and coqurt
ry were unknown in our humble, little
Bursh..
a}Orangeburg too had her hotel then.
or rather public house" as it was call
ed This was long, low, roomy, wool
en building, one stor, in height, and
WAS kept by hr. N..pnin2h m The
Widespread table and comfort."ie sleep
ing apartments to be found here 6y
the weary traveller, and the smiling face
9 of the landlord, ever ready to welcome
them, were full proof osthc popularity
and esteem in which "the host" was
held. At this place the Ene' Of coaches
which were thon being run between
Charleston and Columbia, "pulled up"
BY this route, the mail bags too were
brought, whose contents were then car
pied to the store of Mr.. William Pooscr
which then served rs post Office, and
were there left for distribution Not
yot had the "snort OF the iron horse"
penetrated this quiet little village.
On one of the principal streets, near
where Mr.. Riggs now carries on his
carriage mandatory, there stood
rough looking little shed. known. as "thc
market" On top of this was placed "A
boil, aud inside were found blocks for
cutting up meat, and the necessary
scnlps for weighing. This was placed
here for accommo dation. of such country
men MS would bring in beet, pork, nut
rston and other fresh meat. On. reaching
the village they would make their way
here, and ringing the bell would thus
notify. the villagers that they were ready
Y TO sorve thom with meat. These would
flock hiLher with baskets and the bar
gaining would commence in good ear
i nest.
% ETten there was the Orangeburg oaval.
ny, which for a short time was comman
ded by Capt. Fitzpatrick, if we are not
mistaken. On tparade days" tho gal.
klpt captain rode forth all booted and
FpuSsca and with drawn sword in hand
ut the. head Of his men, who "laced
aboub" forward. marched" and "charg
ed IN quite an appropriate military
style. They were both the envy aud
admiration OF the little urchins. about
the place. who, followed by n pnok of
dogs, ran close in tue wake of the horses
heols as the cavalry paraded che streots.
All how boyish hearts swellcd with
ardor and enthusiam asthey, too, longcd
to boa gallant soldier"