When an accident comes without warning, even the most prepared person can fall victim. One moment, you're walking to a restaurant after a long day of work. The next moment, someone else's negligence and carelessness change your life forever. Personal injury victims aren't just the victims of negligence they suffer from pain, concern over family and ability to work. Often, these victims do not have the luxury of worrying about work and family, because they're clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Enoree, SC, by their side, they mistakenly provide official statements to insurance agencies and accept settlement offers that only account for a fraction of what they have lost.
If you have recently been hurt in an accident, you may be asking questions like:
With more than 100,000 car accidents in South Carolina every year, we hear these questions every day. Our hearts hurt for those who are suffering due to no fault of their own. Accident victims are not only left with questions like those above; they're also forced to deal with costs associated with medical bills, car repair, follow-up appointments, and loss of income.
While reading these facts can be bleak, there is a silver lining. South Carolina law dictates that those who are found responsible for your pain and suffering may be obligated to pay for your expenses. Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC exists for that exact reason to make sure that negligent parties are held accountable. We fight on your behalf to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We aren't afraid to go toe-to-toe with greedy insurance agencies who do not have your best interests at heart.
Our overarching goal is to protect your rights, and our law firm is uniquely positioned to do so, with attorney Michael Dillâs vast experience in the auto insurance industry.
We offer comprehensive vehicle representation for a number of different automobile accidents, including:
If you know you have been involved in one of the car accidents above, the time to seek experienced representation is now. Generally, car accident victims have three years from the date of their injuries to file a personal injury claim in Enoree. That time frame can be reduced in certain circumstances. When a wrongful death is involved, surviving family members must take action in a similar time frame.
The bottom line is that speed is of the essence in these cases. When we sit down with you to learn more about your accident, we will help you understand South Carolina law so that you are fully informed before taking legal action. The sooner we can dig into the details of your case, the sooner we can fight for your rights.
The law states that personal injury victims are entitled to compensation for the full extent of their injuries. Why? Because the primary goal of injury compensation in Enoree, SC, is to help the victim return to the state they would have been in, if the accident never occurred. In the literal sense, doing so isn't possible. The law cannot reverse the incredible suffering and pain that accompanies a severe injury. As such, personal injury victims are entitled to receive a financial reward that equals those damages.
How much compensation you get depends on the facts and nuances of your case. With that said, you may be able to recover compensation for the following needs:
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car wreck, contact our office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Enoree, SC. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin fighting for your rights and the compensation you need.
If there were one common truth that we can count on, it's that life is unpredictable. Sometimes, accidents just happen. However, when recklessness and negligence come into play in situations where accidents cause personal injuries, the negligent party can be held responsible under South Carolina law. For victims to have a chance at compensation, the party responsible for the accident must be proven to be negligent. When a party or parties are negligent, they fail to take appropriate care when performing an action, like driving an automobile.
After an accident occurs, it is critical to take certain steps to help prove the responsible party's negligence and maximize the compensation you rightly deserve.
All too often, car wreck victims don't get the compensation they need because they failed to take the proper steps after their accident. Don't let this be you. By having comprehensive records of your car accident and its aftermath, you have a much better chance of protecting your rights and maximizing compensation for your bills and injuries. If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Enoree, follow these steps before doing anything else:
First and foremost, seek medical attention for any injuries that you have sustained. You might not realize it now, but your injuries may be more complex and serious than you think. Damage like head trauma and back injuries are not easy to diagnose on your own and sometimes take time to surface. A full medical examination will help reveal the extent of your injuries, lead to a quicker recovery, and help document the injuries you sustained. This last part is essential to prove the significance of your injuries.
The second step you should take is to report your injuries to the correct authorities. The authorities change depending on the circumstances of your accident. If you were involved in a car wreck in Enoree, you should file your report with the highway authorities and any associated insurance agencies. Regardless of where you were injured and how the wreck occurred, the biggest takeaway here is to file a report. That way, you have an established, official record of the incident that can be referred to down the line.
Personal injury cases in Enoree are won with evidence. It might sound like the job of the police, but it's important that you try to secure any evidence that you can collect relating to your accident, especially if you are injured. Evidence in auto accident cases tends to disappear quickly. By preserving evidence soon after the accident, it can be used in court. For example, if you cannot get a witness statement immediately after your wreck, their testimony may come across as less reliable. Completing this task on your own can be quite difficult, especially after a serious accident. That's why it's so crucial to complete the last step below.
One of the most intelligent, important steps you can take after a car accident is calling a personal injury attorney in Enoree, SC. At Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, we will assist you with every step of your personal injury case to ensure that your rights are protected. That includes gathering all types of evidence relevant to your case. When we investigate your accident, we will determine the person who is liable for your losses. If there are multiple liable parties, we will hold each one accountable for their negligence.
Every personal injury case is different, which is why experience counts when it comes to car accident compensation. Our track record speaks for itself, but no number of past results will guarantee a perfect outcome. What we can guarantee, however, is our undivided attention and fierce dedication to your case, no matter the circumstances. Unlike other personal injury law firms in Enoree, you can have peace of mind knowing your best interests always come first at Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC.
At Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, we have years of experience handling some of Enoree's most complicated car accident cases. Some of the most common cases that come across our desks include:
Drunk driving is a major problem in the Lowcountry. Drunk drivers are incredibly irresponsible and regularly cause fatal accidents because they drive physically and mentally impaired by alcohol. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times, delayed reflexes, and impaired vision, making them unfit to operate a motor vehicle. In auto wrecks, drunk drivers often come away with minor injuries compared to their victims, which is a bitter pill to swallow
Individuals who make a choice to drive drunk cause accidents by weaving in and out of traffic, going over the speed limit, failing to see pedestrians, and ignoring traffic laws. They may run cars off the road, rear-end vehicles, hit them head-on, or even cause a vehicle to roll over.
Drunk driving accidents in Enoree care result in horrible injuries, such as:
If you are injured or have lost a family member due to an impaired or drunk driver, our team of personal injury lawyers in Enoree can help. We have extensive experience with car accident cases and can explain your rights in simple, plain terms. It is important to know that you can file a personal injury suit regardless of the criminal case outcome against the drunk driver.
When accidents happen in RVs or rental cars, people are often unsure of their rights. This confusion is understandable since there are additional insurance and legal issues that must be accounted for in these cases.
Fortunately, the lawyers at Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, have the experience to help you with complex car accident and RV cases. Attorney Michael Dill worked in the auto insurance industry before becoming an attorney. He also has an undergraduate degree that includes a focus on risk management and insurance. When it comes to rental and RV accidents, we review each client's case with a fine-tooth comb. Once we understand your accident, our team will explain your rights and options in easy-to-understand terms.
If you were involved in an accident while driving an RV or a rental vehicle, you may find that your auto insurance company, the rental car's insurance company, and the other party's insurance carrier will try to deny your claim. Situations like these call for a bold, experienced personal injury attorney in Enoree, SC, who isn't afraid of large corporations and insurance groups. We have extensive experience with insurance companies and know how to interpret policies. As your advocate, we will ensure that you receive the coverage and compensation you are entitled to, even if an insurance company says you aren't.
We can help you seek compensation in cases that involve:
Victims of RV and rental car accidents (as well as their families) may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income or benefits. Our personal injury lawyers work with life-care planners, medical experts, and economists to determine the amount of compensation you will need.
We live in a time where just about everyone has their eyes glued to their phones. Often, this happens in situations where the person needs to be paying attention, like when they're driving an automobile. Taking a few moments to glance down at your phone can cause irreparable damage to other drivers. That is why texting while driving is illegal in Enoree. Typically, this crime is met with a minor traffic violation. However, when a distracted driver injures another motorist, you can seek compensation through a legal suit. If you have been injured in such a situation, our team can help you hold the negligent driver accountable for your losses and damages.
Texting takes drivers' minds and eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel. Because they are not paying attention to their driving,
They miss crucial road signs and information such as:
At Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, we represent injury victims in Enoree who are involved in all types of car accidents, including distracted driving. We work with vigor to recover the full amount of compensation you and your family will need to recover. You can rely on our attorneys for dedicated, representation throughout your case. Unlike some distracted driving lawyers in Enoree, we will assist you with all aspects of your accident, including access to good medical care if needed.
At Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, we are proud of our commitment to our clients. We pledge to provide them with the highest quality legal representation in Enoree and treat them with respect, empathy, and compassion. If you are suffering from the results of a dangerous car accident, know we are here to assist.
We will help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and additional losses. Surviving family members may also recover funeral expenses and compensation for the personal loss of a loved one, including the deceased's future income and benefits. When you or your family's health and financial security are on the line, trust the best choose Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC.
CONTACT USHave you visited Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC? This family-owned farm has an off-the-vine u-pick pumpkin patch in the fall that is charming and so much fun! The farm is perfect for a family outing because of the number of family-friendly activities there are to enjoy! We ventured off to Enoree, SC to explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride through the woods, and get lost in a corn maze to see just how much fun you can fit into a day at Stewart Farms!Stewart Farms is located in Enoree, SC, about 40 minutes from downtown Gre...
Have you visited Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC? This family-owned farm has an off-the-vine u-pick pumpkin patch in the fall that is charming and so much fun! The farm is perfect for a family outing because of the number of family-friendly activities there are to enjoy! We ventured off to Enoree, SC to explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride through the woods, and get lost in a corn maze to see just how much fun you can fit into a day at Stewart Farms!
Stewart Farms is located in Enoree, SC, about 40 minutes from downtown Greenville. Once you arrive, you will pass the market to your right. The market store is where you will pay for the activities you participated in or for the pumpkins you picked. However, you pay when you are leaving the farm, not before. An attendant will give you a sheet of paper with all the activities available down on the farm, and they will be marked off as you go through your day. Some tips before you arrive include:
When you walk up to the pumpkin patch, you will be greeted by an attendant who will offer a wagon and sheers to cut your pumpkin off the vine with. Take the wagon! You will need it for the pumpkin collecting you are about to embark on, and it makes things so much easier. The farm has pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes located throughout dozens of rows, so you can choose what works for your fall decor or Halloween decorating ideas. If the rows near the entrance are a little lackluster, head to the back of the patch where there are usually more pumpkins available.
Pumpkins cost $0.60 per lb. Once you’re finished picking your pumpkins, the attendant will weigh your pumpkins and mark your slip of paper to turn into the farm market for payment, and you can haul your pumpkins to your car using the wagon. Remember, do not cut a pumpkin off the vine if you do not plan to buy it. Also, be mindful of the vines when cutting yours off. Keep the patch happy so everyone can enjoy it. The patch closes at dark, so make sure you arrive in time to explore it!
Ready to get lost in the corn? The Stewart Farms corn maze is a welcome challenge for families to enjoy together. The 2022 maize can be challenging, so make sure you allot enough time to enjoy it. If you have young children, we definitely recommend taking a stroller or personal wagon through the maze, those little legs will get tired. It costs $8.00 for ages 6 and older to go through the 2022 “Old Blue” Corn Maze.
The wagon ride through Stewart Farms is charming, making it one of our favorite activities. The wagon is tractor led and pulls a large trailer with seats and gates. The majority of the wagon ride is through the woods, where you can look for fall decorations, Halloween displays, and old farm equipment while taking in the earthy smells, leaves changing color, and cooler weather. The wait to get on the wagon can take some time on busy days, but most of the line forms in the shade and the ride itself is worth it! The wagon ride takes about 25 minutes to complete, so make sure your kids take a snack and bathroom break beforehand. The wagon ride costs $5 per person and is free for children 2 and under.
If you’re looking for some spooky activities to go along with your trip to Stewart Farms, then make sure to go in the evening! The farm offers several nights in October where you can take a Nightime Wagon Ride or explore the Big Boo Haunted Maize. The wagon ride ventures through the woods where you will see lit jack-o-lanterns and spooky Halloween scenes and decorations. The Big Boo Haunted Maize is family-friendly, but it does get a little creepy in the maize at night so it is only recommended for ages 6 and older. The night activities begin at sundown and go on until 10 pm (gates close at 9, farm closes at 10).
Stewart Farms has a small section of farm animals that your kids will love visiting. The goats are the most interactive, and the attendant will give your kids some hay to feed them through their enclosure. There are also ducks, pigs, and a cow to meet.
Located at the center of the farm is the courtyard. There are snowcones for purchase from Brain Freeze and a concessions truck that sells food, sweet treats, drinks, and more. There are also 12 shaded picnic tables to enjoy your food at, or you can snag one of the standing shaded tables as well. The courtyard is the perfect place to rest and let your kids get their energy out and run around the field. There are also several photo opportunity spots lined along the cornfields. The Bee Barn is also located in the courtyard, and is a fascinating way to watch the bees maintain their hive!
Unlike some places where you pay beforehand, Stewart Farms has you enjoy the farm activities before paying. Once you leave the activity area and drive out of the parking lot, you will head back to the market store you pass when you first entered. Remember to stop, park, and pay! This is where you will pay for the pumpkins you purchased, and any other activities you engaged in down on the farm. You can also stock up on local goods, home decor, and seasonal flowers at the market before you leave the farm.
The season runs from September 24th – October 30th
Have you visited Stewart Farms?
Stewart Farms6600 Highway 92, Enoree 864.969.7270
Want more fall fun? Check out our Fall Guide to Greenville | Pumpkin Patches in Greenville | Corn Mazes in Greenville
If you’re looking for some fun events and activities to get in the fall spirit, look no further than the Old 96 District of South Carolina. With the cooler temps and changing colors, we’ll set the fall scene for you to get away with your family, friends, or special someone. Mark your calendars with these upcoming events and start planning your fall getaway to the Old 9...
If you’re looking for some fun events and activities to get in the fall spirit, look no further than the Old 96 District of South Carolina. With the cooler temps and changing colors, we’ll set the fall scene for you to get away with your family, friends, or special someone. Mark your calendars with these upcoming events and start planning your fall getaway to the Old 96 District today!
Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC is the perfect place to kick off fall with your family! Enjoy a wagon ride, corn maze—and don’t forget to take home a mum and a few pumpkins and gourds from this treasured Laurens County attraction. During select weekends in October, you can even take your turn through their (family-friendly) haunted corn maze and a nighttime wagon ride! Their 2022 fall season is all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays September 24-October 30,2022.
September 30-October 1, 2022 is Squealin on the Square in Laurens, SC. Come celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BBQ festival and make a weekend of it to hit all the vendors and enjoy all Laurens has to offer.
Fall Farm Nights at Hickory Hill Farm are back for their 13th year of wagon rides, corn mazes, live music, and food trucks—every Tuesday night in October right here in Edgefield, SC! See their full schedule of performers and delicious eats on their website.
Abbeville, SC is the place you want to be the third weekend of October for the 2022 Hogs and Hens Festival. Come out and enjoy the enchanting downtown of Abbeville while shopping a great selection of craft vendors, enjoying live music, and feasting on the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi!
Looking for a good ghost story this Halloween? Spookiness around the Old 96 District of South Carolina is not just a Halloween thing… it’s a year-round phenomenon. With so many local historic sites dating back to before even the Revolutionary War, the Old 96 District has quite a number of reported haunts. Read some of our favorite Old 96 District Ghost Stories and if you’re feeling brave, visit Old Creek Road in Laurens, SC and let us know if you see the famous white apparition!
With all of these fun fall happenings and more, you’ll want to make a weekend out of your fall getaway to the Old 96 District by staying at one of our beautiful bed and breakfasts. Or, for those more adventurous, check out our many campgrounds!
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – More than 40 dogs were seized from a property in Laurens County over the past two days, the sheriff’s office said.The dogs were taken from an address on Highway 221 in Enoree.The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to 7NEWS that the seizure began Monday and continued Tuesday morning.Animal Control responded to the 27000 area of Highway 221 North in Enoree in reference to a welfare check on multiple dogs located at this residence.Once they arrived at the scene, ...
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – More than 40 dogs were seized from a property in Laurens County over the past two days, the sheriff’s office said.
The dogs were taken from an address on Highway 221 in Enoree.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to 7NEWS that the seizure began Monday and continued Tuesday morning.
Animal Control responded to the 27000 area of Highway 221 North in Enoree in reference to a welfare check on multiple dogs located at this residence.
Once they arrived at the scene, deputies immediately noticed a female dog with significant hair loss and sores located in a pen without proper shelter along with her puppies.
They saw several other dogs located in wire crates covered in feces with no food or water available to them. Deceased dogs were also discovered on the property.
Following the removal of 42 animals, deputies arrested Joyce Elaine Bynum, of Enoree, and Robert Franklin Harrison, of Enoree.
They were both charged with three counts of felony ill-treatment of animals, with torture and nine counts of ill-treatment of animals.
Neighbors who spoke with 7NEWS, said some people in their family have been charged at or chased down by some of the dogs.
“The barking does affect your sleep, and as far as the dogs, some of them were loose and they would come over here,” said Taneshia Briggs, a neighbor. “It’s kind of just scary like you can’t even walk to your mailbox without feeling like you might have a dog come over. You might get chased.”
Briggs said she has two small children and feared for them.
“I did not bring them outside because I didn’t want anything bad happening to them,” Briggs added.
Shenese Gilmore said they have been complaining for months.
“We have been complaining from the moment that lady moved in. She brought a few dogs with her which was fine, and they would always get loose, chase after my grandkids, chase after my sister,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore said over time, she would see more and more dogs. She said animal control would come when they called, but said the owner would never answer the door.
“Then it was to the point where you couldn’t sleep at night. It sounded like a million dogs all at once–just going for it,” Gilmore said. “And at some point, we would come out of our homes and you could barely stand the stench. The smell was horrendous.”
On Sunday, Gilmore said as she was going to her mailbox, she found one of the dogs dead.
“My mailbox is here, so the driveway was there, so you could see something. So when I got in my car getting ready to leave I saw that it was a dog,” Gilmore said. “It was a big black dog at her driveway with his tongue hanging out.”
That’s when Gilmore said she called someone who works for the county, and on Monday law enforcement came.
“So last night, one of the officers came over and was talking to us,” Gilmore said. “My cousin that stays there, said that she saw them actually dumping dead dogs out of charcoal bags. Yeah it was bad. It was bad. It was bad.”
Gilmore said they all watched as law enforcement was at the home on Monday.
“When the policeman took them out of the bags, you saw the dogs fall out. Yeah it was awful,” Briggs said.
Now neighbors hope justice is served.
“I hope that she gets what she deserves. I mean no animal should be in that brutality,” Briggs said.
“I hope they will throw her under the jail,” Gilmore said. “My hope is that she doesn’t purchase any more dogs. Don’t bring any more dogs over here. Don’t try to raise any more dogs, because if she does, we’re going to call in again, and again, and again.”
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office said they will release more information about this case on Wednesday.
We’re told the names of the two people arrested, along with their charges and mugshots will be released when they’ve been formally been served with all warrants.
Anderson PAWS assisted deputies with the seizure.
Representatives with the Laurens County Parks and Recreation Department, the Palmetto Trail, and a 12-man team of military veterans will join the South Carolina Seven (SC7) Expedition on a stretch of the famed Enoree Passage in Laurens County for a trail repair event Monday, July 10, followed by a hike and recognition of all participants on Tuesday, July 11.The military veterans are part of Project Evergreen, an initiative of Global Eco Adventures (GEA) which has partnered with the S.C. National Heritage Corridor (National Park Servic...
Representatives with the Laurens County Parks and Recreation Department, the Palmetto Trail, and a 12-man team of military veterans will join the South Carolina Seven (SC7) Expedition on a stretch of the famed Enoree Passage in Laurens County for a trail repair event Monday, July 10, followed by a hike and recognition of all participants on Tuesday, July 11.
The military veterans are part of Project Evergreen, an initiative of Global Eco Adventures (GEA) which has partnered with the S.C. National Heritage Corridor (National Park Service) for the fourth-annual SC7 Expedition across South Carolina from the mountains to the sea.
“Project Evergreen engages and provides former U.S. military special operators an opportunity to retrain and utilize their special skillsets – skills like SCUBA diving, remote wilderness distance-hiking, and land navigation – developed and honed during prior military experience,” says Dr. Tom Mullikin, SC7 leader and chairman of the S.C. Floodwater Commission. “We are bringing veterans into this fight and essentially waging war on a changing climate. The expansion of Project Evergreen into SC7 is an enormous resource to South Carolina communities, and it will give veterans an opportunity to continue their passion for serving.”
Veterans and others have been making their way across the northwestern mountains and foothills of the S.C. backcountry since Saturday July 1 when they braved the whitewater rapids of the Chattooga River before navigating the backwoods, trails, and waterfalls of the Upstate then turning south toward Laurens and ultimately south-southeast toward the Midlands.
On Monday on the Enoree Passage (at Beaver Pond on Duncan Creek), Project Evergreen will conduct a workday event repairing and replacing broken or rotting deckboard and curbing along the passage’s boardwalk.
The location for the July 10 workday event is the dead-end of Rail Lane in Clinton, S.C., 29325. Parking is available at the end of the road.
“At the end of the trail on July 11 we will celebrate the work of these local veterans as well as those from Palmetto Trail team and Laurens County Parks and Recreation Department,” says Michelle McCollum, logistics officer with SC7 and president of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor.
The July 11 starting point for the designated four-mile-stretch of the 36-mile Enoree passage begins at the Brickhouse Road Trailhead located at 49 Brickhouse Road, Whitmire, S.C. 29178.
The month-long SC7 Expedition across South Carolina parallels much of the famed Palmetto Trail showcasing the state’s seven natural wonders and creating a greater awareness of S.C.’s sterling natural resources and how to protect them. Litter sweeps, river cleanups and other environmental cleanups, and trail repairs are taking place along the way.
The seven designated wonders of South Carolina include Sassafras Mountain; the Jocassee Gorges; the Chattooga River; the Congaree National Forest; the Edisto River; the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Basin (universally referred to as the ACE Basin); and Bull Island-Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge: “Each one a unique geographical treasure,” Mullikin adds.
Duke Energy is the presenting sponsor for this year’s SC7 Expedition. Also partnering with SC7 is the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of South Carolina who are the named health and wellness sponsors for 2023. The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT) is SC7’s Ecotourism sponsor.
For more information about SC7, visit southcarolina7.com.
WHITMIRE — Located in the Town of Whitmire is the Enoree Station (Sumter National Forest) of the U.S. Forest Service on Newberry Highway. While many may already know about this hidden jewel in Whitmire, they may not know the history of the location that spans multiple major U.S. historic events.Chris Prince, a local Whitmire historian, researched the area for his unpublished book, “Whitmire History.” All of the information you are about to learn is thanks to his diligent research.In September of 1934, it was a...
WHITMIRE — Located in the Town of Whitmire is the Enoree Station (Sumter National Forest) of the U.S. Forest Service on Newberry Highway. While many may already know about this hidden jewel in Whitmire, they may not know the history of the location that spans multiple major U.S. historic events.
Chris Prince, a local Whitmire historian, researched the area for his unpublished book, “Whitmire History.” All of the information you are about to learn is thanks to his diligent research.
In September of 1934, it was announced that two Civilian Conservation Corps camps would be located on Enoree — one of those camps was located six miles south of Whitmire, near Indian Creek. This camp became Camp F-6 (George B. Cromer Camp), this is where the Enoree Station is now located. This information was provided from “The Whitmire News” (Sept. 27, 1934).
Per the article, the men were transferred from camps, at that time, located in Georgia. They had a quota of about 200 men (with an additional group of Army officers and forestry service employees in charge).
According to “The Whitmire News” (Oct. 11, 1934), Lieut. H. W. Hightower was in charge of the camps. The camps formally opened in January 1935, per “The Whitmire News” (Jan. 24, 1935).
According to Prince, the Whitmire camp also produced a paper called “The Indian Creek News.”
On October 6, 1937, the camp in Whitmire was closed and the men from Camp F-10, in Clinton, were brought to Whitmire. The camp out of Clinton, known as Co. 4465, was formed of Black men, according to the Annual of District I, Fourth Corps Area. Civilian Conservation Corps. 1936 Direct Advertising Company, Baton Rouge, LA.
According to “The Newberry Observer” (Jan. 7, 1938), when the camp initially closed, 100 of the men were transferred to Camp S.C. S-7, just below Newberry at Ebenezer. Fifteen of the men were transferred to California.
Although the camp closed, an article in “The Newberry Observer” (April 11, 1939) referred to an open house that would be held at the camp on April 16, 1939, at this time it was most likely occupied by Co. 4465.
On May 4, 1945, a P.O.W. Camp near Whitmire was activated at the location of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp, according to records from the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C.
This research from Prince shows that a large number of prisoners were used for the construction of the camp, including a mess hall and living quarters. Most of the prisoners were used to cut timber locally.
A description is also given from an inspection report of the International Y.M.C.A. It states: “The prisoners of war are all working in pulpwood and are in the woods. Chaplain service is assured by Pastor Schindler, at Greenwood. A new day room built in logs was contributed by the contractors. The football field is not yet completed. Very little programs on account of the season. Movies once a week, outdoors. Classes in English only. Books are scarce. Our gramo. service is functioning very well. Several musical instruments, but no regular.”
According to Prince, many locals would visit the prisoners and communicate they best they could through the fence.
One story Prince mentioned was that of Dot Jackson (later Fowler) who gave one prisoner a picture of herself. Later, when she went back, he had painted a large portrait of her and presented it to her. It was signed A. Händel 1945 P.O.W Whitmire.
Per his research, at least one other P.O.W. name is known from this camp. In a cemetery at Ft. Gordon in Georgia, there is a P.O.W. section of prisoners from South Carolina and Georgia. A Major Karl Heinz Werner, physician, age 33, who was captured in Tunisia on May 9, 1942, died from suicide at the Whitmire Camp on Feb. 4, 1946.
The camp closed on May 15, 1946, according to Judy Ledford Wyatt Master’s Thesis “United States Policy Toward German Prisoners of War and Its Applications in South Carolina,” (University of South Carolina, 1985).
After the P.O.W. Camp closed, this became the Enoree District Ranger Station of the Sumter National Forest.
Reach Andrew Wigger @ 803-768-3122 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.