The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-09-19
A Letter From Mcclellanville.

MCOLELkAhflLLA3 SaAhLbSAoN WV ~ ~ 7
September IL, 1894.
iNr. Editor: Having been seized with the
caeoethes scriJendi, will endearor to relieve
myself by sending you line from this
sequestered seaside village.
Although enjoying none Of the advantages
of being in communication with the outside
world by steam ''or land or water" still the
residents deem it one of the most pleasant
places on our coast-not only the residents,
for no visitor has ever sojourned here without
expressing desire to return, which desire
has generally been carried out. This feeling
was once forcibly expressed by one Of the old
landmarks of the place in these words: ''No
man who has ever been here and drank the
water of McClellanvlle can ever stay away"
If the water is such an attraction, then the
place is paradise.
Situated on the main land about 3s miles
from Mt. Pleasant, on the Sound to the rear
of Cape Roman and equi-distant from the
light house az tina. point and Bulls Bay, we
have the unobstructed breezes from the Atlau.
tic, and enjoy the products of the salt water
fish of all kinds, oysters, clans, shrimps,
crabs, etc to say nothing Of terrapins which
infest these waters in large numbers; indeed
the catching of terrapins is quite large in
dustry, about seventy.6ve of our Afro-Amer.
icau citizens are employed by proprietors in
this business, representing quite an animated
and picturesque scene, as they daily depart
and return in their small sail boats-indulg-
ing, as usual with his light-hearted race, in
song and jest There are here also, saw
mill, corn mill, gin, canning factory in
process of erection, large turpentine distil-
lery and three or four stores, besides four
Churches three for the whites and one for
the colored inhabitants. The population is
about four hundred, more than one.third be-
ing children; indeed it is the greatest place
for children in the State, proving thereby its
healthfulness. There is here too, beautiful
school building, recently erected. The
school for white children is quite thriving,
having on the roll about eighty names. 1t
will reopen on October Let with Mr.. Waddill
of Virginia, as principal. The colored school
is in equally as fourishing condition.
The Episcopal Church is beautiful little
edi6ce built in the Gothic style, capable of
seating one hundred and fifty persons.
sit ia an i'll wind that blows no one some
good" The Rev. Mr. Hartzell recently
assistant minister of Sumter and adjacent
parishes took charge of the parish here on
June ls,, and Immediately won the hearts,
not only Of his own congregation, but of all
the other denominations. His chaste and
beautiful sermons, so earnestly delivered, his
quiet, genial manners, 80 unobtrusive, have
eudeared him 10 every one. Surely "Sum-
ter's los. has been McClelanyilles gain"
Mr.. Hartzel ministers also at Mt. Pleasant
where he has equally endeared himself.
The family Of your townsraan Mr. Geo. D.
Shore are here spending several weeks. The
friends of Mrs. Shore, and they comprise the
entire community, are delighted to have her
in their midst again, and have given her and
her fine boy, Geo. D., Jr., their heartiess vel
come.
The Primary Election has passed of quietly;
little or no interest except for County officers,
was excited. The place is largely anti-Till-
man.
The crops in this neighborhood are excel
lent The rice, corn, pea and potato crops
especially good, the cotton having been some
what damaged by the incessant rains.
As regards the lands about here: there are
no better; no more fertile in the State, as you
know, Mr. Editor, for you own some of the
best. All We need to develop this section, is
drainage and Communication with the outside
world by rail or steamers. Were this accom-
plished the coast lands between Santee River
and Mt. Pleasant could supply the United
States with vegetables.
For further particulars Of this "paradise, -
refer you to that price Of Bonifaces, Jim
Jervey of your city. MED.