The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1920-01-02
WE TAKE 1T BACK.

Some time ago we had occasion TO say CnaC the
city papers never put themselves to any trouble to
say good word for Abbevlle, its people, its in
stitutions and progress. We, of course, had Spar
tanburg Greenville and Greenwood chiefly in mind
when said this
Our statement was general however, and when
along comes kind writer-man, John NJ. Banks,
of the Columbia Record, and INDUCES in the fol-
lowing encomiums, we are constrained to lake it
all back
Our hospitality, our hotel our stores our ty
schools with Major J. D. Fup, the roper-Gander,
our postof6ce, our churches, and other thngs-an
mentioned with words of praise.
One thing was mentioned which we LACK Car
negie Library. But the writer, no doubt, seeing
how we excelled along other lines, just took the
library for granted. And we have a splendid IL
brary if not an advertisement of the late lamented
canny Scot.
The article was so sincere and the words of
praise salve our pride so much and are so obviously
deserved that we must not only thank Mr.. Banks
and the Columbia Record for Abbevle, but 60 so
far as to extend the warmth of our genial mood to
Spartanburg, Greenville and Greenwood, hoping
that their leading papers (the Journal and the Pied
mont and the Index-Journal will do as 'hand-
scme" by US.
The tenor of the writer's remarks ledas us to be-
lieve that no ulterior motive moved him to action
but rather was the article engendered of post
prandial enthusiasm following Mrs Taggart's
Christmas dinner.
The article of Mr. Banks folows:/
1T was the privilege and pleasure of the writer
to spend Christmas day with relatives in Abbsville,
of the old towns of South Carolina where there
is genuine hospitality and friendly handshake
from everybody, Abbeville is one of the most cos
mopolitan towns of the state. 1t has produced
some of the greatest statesmen that have gone to
the halls of congress occupied seats in the state
government. Today it is we'll represented in the
judicial and executive departments of South Caro-
lima. 1t is of the old towns of South Carolina
where there is true spirit of friendliness cordial
greeting for all who visit within its borders.
"Abbeve, while having the qualities of the DID,
is keeping apace with the modern city and there is
great promise for the upstate town. 1t the home
of large and growing business in various lines 1t
has large number of handsome stores with full
stocks; it has a modern theatre; one of the best
courthouses in the state; excellent hotel, which
is one Of the places that the travelling likes to
"hit' about meal time. Mrs. Taggart an Able
vile woman who has charge of the house is making
spnedd success of the business and the writer
can testify from experience that one Of the best
Christmas dinners in the state enjoyed by the
hotels guests and their guests Thursday.
"Abbeve also has excellent system of city
schools today with Major James D. Fulp, who made
valiant record with the gallant s1st division cover
there" The schools live, they have an excel
lent corps of teachers fine set of boys and girls
The high school pupils Issue of the best school
papers n/the state, called "Proper-Gander." The
high school also has two live literary societies and
of the entertainments of the holiday season was
public debate held in the theatre when the young
men and women put up strong debates on the
query: Resolved, That the United States should
continue to own and operate the railroads." The
high school put on FAST if light football team and
T.. made a credtable showing against many heavier
teams. A game is planned for Friday afternoon
with the Clemson scrubs, which, although consider
ably :outweighing the school team is not furnishing
,n any Scare" for the Lads
81 ,:Abheville also has city mail delivery A mod
: ern pQstofice building graces the town. Carnegie
library is also one of the towns prides.
"The town is located on the main car line of the
Seaboard and on branch of the Southern The
seaboard Air Line has large shop there.
. "Abbevle is of the best cotton markets in
the state and has wide and productive farming
center from which to draw large trade.
"Abbevle, in Short is one of the best little cit,
les in the state 1t has population of about 5000
and in every heart beats the same spirit to make
Abbevlle good place to live in which is contagious,
for when one goes there he feels tempted to hang
his hat in the old town and call it Home Sweet
Home'"