about from the lake us PUBLISHER Vince Johnson COPY EDITORS Kayla Robins Melanie Smith Rhonda Barrick COLUMNISTS Dan Geddings CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adrienne Sarvis Jim Hilley Bruce Mills Ivy Moore PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Cary Howard Ryan Galloway
Karen Cave karen@theitem.com
on the cover
Bill Harrison AKA the Birdman holds one of his handmade birdhouses. Photo by Micah Green
If you have any story ideas for a future edition of Lakeside, email PressRelease@TheItem.com. To have your business included in the magazine, email Marketing@ TheItem.com.
KAYLA ROBINS EDITOR OF LAKESIDE
88
Throwing a new line
Paige Macloskie paige@theitem.com
cold doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for spring by having all the hunting, fishing and outdoor apparel products we need – products made locally by your (and now my) waterside neighbors. From something as small as a personalized duck decoy to something as large as a commercial pontoon boat, these selfmade business owners prove to me how much is happening here. Don’t know the story behind those murals in Manning? Neither did I, but I read on, and I hope you do, too.
Friends start At Bay clothing brand for outdoor leisure
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Mark Pekuri mark@theitem.com
When I accepted a job offer from The Sumter Item to move to South Carolina without first visiting Sumter, I was nervous. I mean, I hadn’t even seen the place. Three months later, the nerves are long gone. (Being from Florida, the only shaking I’m still doing is from the cold.) The longer I’m here, the more excited I get about the opportunities and the people here. While I may wait a little longer to get out on the water or jump into a hike, though I’m eagerly awaiting that time, the stories I’ve been hearing – and that you’ll read in this issue of Lakeside – continue to prove I made the right choice in coming here. I may already have one of the Bird Man’s birdhouses in my backyard. Don’t know who that is? You should, so flip these pages. This magazine could be the entrepreneur issue. Just because it’s
to build also 46 How a better inside Hunt Club 2 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
42 38 32 28 18 12
Ready, set, reel
Stay up to date with the area's latest fishing gear
Rocket science, BBQ fame
NASA scientist goes whole hog for traditional barbecue
Quack addict
The Waterfowl Co. produces beautifully hand-painted duck decoys
Tourism enthusiasts
George and Carole Summers promote Revolutionary War history in Clarendon
FEATURE STORIES
American Pontoon owners making big waves in small town
Built to float
Birds, bees, bats, oh Bill! Woodworker keeps busy after retirement
The Birdman
what’s inside
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 3
What to do & Where to go BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW ORANGEBURG • SUMTER
Are you interested in what Berkeley County was like in colonial times? Discovery Days – Berkeley Begins will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Old Santee Canal Park and Berkeley Museum. Fee is $7 per person and includes park admission. Attendees can participate in crafts such as indigo dyeing, basket weaving and candle making. For details, contact Roxy Bishop at roxy.bishop@santeecooper.com or call (843) 899-5200 or call the Berkeley Museum at (843) 899-5101.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY Trash to Treasure, a town-wide yard sale in the Town of Elloree, will be held Saturday, March 3. Call (803) 897-2821 or email clerk@ elloree.com for details. The Tri-County Spring Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, March 15, at Holly Hill Country Club. Call (843) 563-9091 for details. A great day of tailgating and horse racing, the 56th running of the Elloree Trials will be held on Saturday, March 24, at Elloree Training Center, 170 Wishbone Circle, Elloree. Gates open at 8 a.m. with the first race beginning at 1 p.m. This event offers a full day of family fun. Children under 12 enter for free. Reserved parking is $70-$140 and includes two admission tickets. General parking is $20 per person. Call (803) 897-2616. The Orangeburg Civic Ballet will present “Peter Pan” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, at the MLK Auditorium, 300 College St. NE, Orangeburg, on the South Carolina State University campus. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for 4 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
children age 12 and under or senior citizens age 55 and up. Call (803) 533-0017 or email orangeburgcivicballet@gmail.com. The Town of Santee Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at 109 Municipal Way. Event will feature egg hunt and games as well as the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. Call Rosetta at (803) 854-2152, extension 221.
BERKELEY COUNTY The popular Goose Creek Community Center’s “Daddy Daughter Dance” is back for a third year. This year, however, participants can choose to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, or Saturday, Feb. 10. Girls ages 4 to 12 and their dads are invited to the Goose Creek Community Center, 519A N. Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek, for an evening of music, dancing, photos and refreshments. Dads, grandpas, uncles, big brothers, stepdads are welcome. Semi-formal attire is requested. Preregistration is required. Cost is $20 per couple for residents or $25 per couple for non-residents. Additional daughters are $5 per person.
The 19th Annual Shuckin’ in the Park will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner. Enjoy great food, games and music. Event will feature a jump castle and live entertainment. Food tickets can be purchased inside the gate. Admission is $3 in advance or $5 on the day of the event. Contact Brad Sale at brad@oldsanteecanalpark.org or (843) 899-5200. Take the kids out for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt at Old Santee Canal Park on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. until noon. Children ages 6 and under will search for eggs in front of the plantation and children ages 6-13 will explore the trails to seek out hidden treasures throughout the beautiful swamp. Cost is $5 per child. Contact Adam Bedard at adam@ oldsanteecanalpark.org or (843) 899-5200.
KERSHAW COUNTY Historic Camden has use of a full-scale bronze reproduction three-pound grasshopper cannon for Historic Camden and the Camden Battlefield
and Longleaf Pine Preserve. A “Grasshopper Weekend” will be held beginning Friday, Feb. 23, at McCaa’s Tavern with an “Artillery Tavern Night” from 7 to 10 p.m. Cover charge of $10 includes entry, drink ticket – cash bar and interactive 18th century firearms and cannon firing drills. On Saturday, Feb. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. there will be family fun for all ages. For details, email info@historiccamden.org or call (803) 432-9841. Now in its 13th year, Gospel Fest celebrates “community unity” through performances by several local gospel choirs singing various genres of gospel music beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Woods Auditorium. Cost is $10 per person. Visit http://fineartscenter.org or call (803) 425-7676. Caring Hearts Winter Ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. Catered by the Catery on Broad, this elegant evening will be a black tie affair featuring wine, beer, spirits and dancing. Cost is $100 per person and proceeds will benefit the New Day on Mill Transitional Shelter. Event will be held at 833 S. Broad St., Camden. Call (803) 432-0951 for information. The Fine Arts Center’s Multi-Cultural Committee’s annual “Heritage Tea” to celebrate diversity and showcase the talents of local youth and residents will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, at The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Wood Auditorium. For additional information, visit http://fineartscenter.org or call (803) 425-7676. Put on your best running or walking shoes for the Leprechaun 5K Run and Walk! Benefiting the Montessori School of Camden, the race will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, at Towne Green, Camden. Free green beer at the finish for those age 21 and up. Fees/admission: $25 through Feb. 15; $30 from Feb. 16 through March 2; and $35 on race day. Email Erin@GRITendurancesc.com or visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/SC/Camden/LuckyLeprechaunSC5K. Camden Community Theatre will present a community youth production of “The Little Mermaid” Thursday-Sunday, March 8-11, at The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County. Performance times are 7 p.m. nightly Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $12 for adults and $8 for students. Call (803) 425-7676. Historic Camden will host a costumed Colo-
nial Gala from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at 222 Broad St. Call Halie Brazier at (803) 432-9841 or visit www.historiccamden.org. The Camden Community Concert Band Winter Concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at Camden High School, 1022 Ehrenclou Drive, Camden. The concert is free and open to the public. Call (803) 425-7676. It’s more than just a horse race! Featuring fine arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles exhibitors and food vendors, the Carolina Cup will be held on Saturday, March 31, at Springdale Race Course, 200 Knights Hill Road, Camden. Visit www.carolina-cup.org.
CLARENDON COUNTY The Jr. Chamber Oyster Roast will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the National Guard Armory. Call Ericka at (803) 435-4405. The Manning Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under will be held on March 22. Call (803) 435-8477 for details.
SUMTER COUNTY The music of saxophonist and composer Louis Jordan will be brought to life in “Five Guys Named Moe,” presented by the Sumter Little Theatre Feb. 8-11 and Feb. 15-18. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets: $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors/military. Call (803) 775-2150 to reserve tickets.
Virginia Rep Presents Harriet Tubman at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. This accurate and stirring show of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad also features music. Call (803) 436-2500 for information. Backyard Jamboree, presented by Sumter Senior Services, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Swan Lake’s Heath Pavilion, 822 W. Liberty St. This event offers wonderful barbecue with all the sides. Call (803) 773-5508. If you love mobile cuisine and craft beer, you won’t want to miss the Untapped Food Truck and Craft Beer event at the Sumter Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 3. There will be a variety of food truck vendors to choose from as well as a beer barn featuring craft and domestic beers. General admission is $5 for advance purchase and $10 on day of the event. Gates open at noon. If you wish to attend the craft beer tasting from 3 to 6 p.m., where you can enjoy unlimited 2 ounce samples of more than 10 craft beers, cost is $30 in advance or $40 on the day of the event. Call (803) 4362640 for more information. Dust off those golf clubs and get ready to participate in the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament, The Rub O’ the Green, on Friday, March 16, at Sunset Country Club. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with tee times at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.sumterchamber.com. FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 5
Shopping around for car insurance? Don’t. Let your local independent agent shop for you, and find the coverage you need.
Stop & Shop At N & M Homes For The Best Deals On:
* * * * SINGLEWIDES * * * * * * * * DOUBLEWIDES * * * * * LAND/HOME PACKAGES *
DL35721
10097 HWY 78 • Ladson (843) 821-8671
25 E. CALHOUN ST • SUMTER (803)-775-1168 • www.crwins.com
www.nandmmobilehomes.com
Santee Dental Care
9083-B Old Hwy 6 • Santee, SC 29142 • (803) 854-2600 • Fax: (803) 854-2661 www.stgeorgedentalcare.com • Location also at St. George Dental Care
W. Scott Garris, D.M.D. • Ryan R. Phillips, D.M.D. • Jessie S. Robinson, D.M.D.
• New Patients Welcome, Children to Adults! • All Computerized & Digital Dentistry • Digital Crowns made in 1 visit.
Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm MEMBER OF
AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
THE AREA’S BEST LISTINGSLakeside or In Town! Alfred Kelley 803-460-4422
www.alfredhkelley.com 6 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
LAKE FRONT TAW CAW 11 SUBDIVISION SUMMERTON, SC • $284,950 De-titled DWMH has been added on to front and back, Beautiful view of lake and a great pier. 2058 sq ft, 3BR, 3 BA, 3 sitting areas, 2 fireplaces one gas one elec.,2 Master BR’s one is handicapped accessible with large walk in/roll in shower. Also has wheel chair ramp at road side, into glassed in front porch. Sunroom on lakeside, deck and patio. has a storage room on back of utility room that would be a great private office. You must have appointment to see, call Alfred. MLS # 134726.
803-460-4422
Dee's Rentals
Est. 1983
Lake Marion Area Monthly & Long Term Rentals
Guignard Feed Store
Come see us for all your feed and tack needs. High-End Dog Food • Pet Supplies • Nutrena (chicken, horse & cow) Feed Goat and Hog Feeds and Horse Tack Supplies
1208 S. Guignard Dr. • Sumter, SC • 803.775.9497 Est. 1983
Town, Lake Area, Waterfront Homes and Condos
www.deelakerentals.com 1830 Greeleyville Hwy. • Manning, SC
803-433-7355
Over 20 Years Property Manager Experience
DEE OSTEEN
ELLIOTT’S LANDING & CAMPGROUND 2010 Elliott’s Landing Rd. Pinewood, SC 29125
(803) 452-5336
Located On Lake Marion At Rimini
• 30/50 Amp Power Box • 47 Campsites • Full Hookups • Remodeled Showers • 300 ft. Fishing Pier • Camp Store On Site • FREE Wi-Fi 8am-6pm Tues.-Sat. • www.elliottslandingandcampground.com Alice Weathersbee, Owner
Sumter Auto Mall 2011 FORD MUSTANG 5.0
Call on us for a Great Deal!
3625 BROAD STREET SUMTER, SC
803•494•5900 WWW.SUMTERAUTOMALLSC.COM SPANISH SPEAKING SALES STAFF
FINANCING FOR EVERYONE!
Your trusted hometown Pest Control Professionals.
Clarendon
EXTERMINATING COMPANY
435-8689
535 S. Mill St. Manning, SC
Triple R RV Repair Dudley Osteen, Owner RV Coach Repairs & Local RV Relocation
MOBILE SERVICE Call or Text me at 803-795-6217 to schedule an appointment. Due to my workload, I collect messages twice a day..
803-795-6217
www.tripleRRVRepair.weebly.com
Tree Care Division
• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Stump Grinding • Licensed & Insured
• Lawn Fertilization • Weed Control • Insect Control • Shrub Fertilization • Mosquito Control • LED Low-Voltage Lighting • Irrigation Installation and Repair • Landscaping • Aeration • Pond Management • Brush Cutting • Bush Hogging
Mathew Parrott
803.968.5583
Licensed & Insured Email: lawnsolutionsofsumter@yahoo.com Professional & Dependable
www.lawnsolutionsofsumter.com FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 7
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y AT B AY C O .
Throwing a new line Friends start At Bay Clothing line for outdoor leisure BY BRUCE MILLS
Who says business competitors can’t still be friends? Richard Davis and Aaron Whitfield of Sumter are proving the stereotype wrong. Davis works in his family’s business, which is the Yamaha motorcycle dealership on Wesmark Boulevard in Sumter, Extreme Sports Yamaha Polaris. Whitfield works in his family’s business – Honda Motorcycle of Sumter on Broad Street. The two family companies are the primary competitors for motorcycle sales in the Sumter market, they said. Whitfield, 33, and Davis, 27, said they've been good friends for 8 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
Started last year, the At Bay clothing line includes caps, T-shirts, koozies and other items.
about 15 years, and now together they've launched a clothing and apparel business on the side. Started in January 2017, At Bay Co. sells T-shirts, caps, koozies and other items for everyone, especially those who love the outdoors. Their two trademarked logos, which they designed themselves, are related to water and fishing – a boat cleat next to water and a fish. Davis said he chose the clothing line name – At Bay – because he wanted something original and unique. Many lines today use the word “Southern” in their name, according to Davis. He chose At Bay because the name could be used in a couple different ways. One, “at bay” means to get away or be held away. Also, “at bay” as in a bay or marsh of the ocean. “There’s a couple different meanings there, but mainly to just get away and enjoy what you enjoy
Expanding to more stores is the next step. Obviously, one day to have so much work that we had to hire help would be a goal, too.
doing,” Davis said. “Enjoying the outdoors and being one with nature.” Given their full-time day jobs in the local motorcycle stores keep them busy on a Tuesday-Saturday schedule, Davis and Whitfield said they spend their Mondays and nights after work on their side venture. The duo find it best to divide up the work for At Bay, they said. Davis handles a lot of the computer work, from website design to social media and marketing, while Whitfield does a lot of the manual labor – folding, sorting, tagging and boxing materials. They sell items online via their website, www.atbayco.com. In July, business got rolling when Simpson Hardware & Sports started selling their line locally in three of its stores. The first two orders – more than 100 items each – to the retailer basically sold out within a week, and a Christmas sales order of about 200 items also did well at Simpson, FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 9
At Bay’s two trademarked logos are a boat cleat next to water and a fish.
10 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
according to Davis. T-shirts and caps have been the big sale items to date, they said. Most of their shirts are 100 percent cotton. A performance, long-sleeved fishing shirt (with dry-fit technology) has also done well, and they continue to roll out new items to keep things fresh. In November, they unveiled a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt. Davis said they used the winter to redesign and add new and appealing designs on the backs of their shirts, such as palm trees or hammocks. Also, in the coming months they will start using a different brand of shirt to print on – one from the Comfort Colors brand. “It’s a more popular shirt, and people seem to like it a little bit more,” Davis said. The duo is also looking to possibly add to their men's clothing line soon with 100 percent polyester golf shirts and a casual button-down shirt. Davis said they’re planning a large spring order to Simpson in March or April and are optimistic the spring will be a busy season. Simpson said it has been pleased with the working relationship to date. “The At Bay line has done very well with us,” said L.A. Hauttman, the retailer's clothing buyer. “Our first orders sold out quickly, and people also like to buy it because they are local. We look forward to continuing to work with them.” Whitfield said they started with a small investment, and all earnings have been put back into the business to build inventory. They said they would love to expand and approach other regional stores in the future in the Columbia, Florence and coastal markets. If they could eventually reach an agreement with a statewide retailer, such as Palmetto Moon, that would be "huge," Davis said. So far, they said they're just enjoying the ride. "Expanding to more stores is the next step," Whitfield said. "Obviously, one day to have so much work that we had to hire help would be a goal, too."
SAVE UP TO
$40
MONTHLY
When you package two or more qualified residential services with FTC Connections.
Link all of your services with FTC
CONNECTIONS Enroll now and start saving today! Call 888-218-5050 or visit ftcconnections.com
How to find At Bay clothing and apparel items Online at www.atbayco.com In participating stores at Simpson Hardware & Sports
The Area’s Best and Only Full-Service Provider
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 11
Built to
float
American Pontoon owners making big waves in a small town
12 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 13
It was a very important project for us, a feel good project, knowing it was going to be like a floating classroom. Adrian Reyes
Owner, American Pontoon
14 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
Left to Right: Angela Reyes, Toby Viger and Dan Cleveland. BY JIM HILLEY
When Adrian Reyes and his wife, Angela, originally from Nyack, New York, moved to South Carolina to find more pleasant weather, they decided they would open a seasonal business to not be tied down all year round. Angela also insisted Reyes not open a retail-type business that would have to be open for regular hours. Having grown up along the shores of the Hudson River, Reyes said as a teenager he worked at the marinas and learned how to refurbish small fiberglass boats with new paint, new fiberglass and seats. He decided he would build pontoon boats. Until five years ago, he worked “at the side of my house,” he said. Now, American Pontoon has its own shop on S.C. 260 near the Lake Marion Dam.
P H OTOS BY M I CA H G R E E N
During a recent visit, workers were working on some unusually large 36-inch diameter pontoons for an aquatic research company. Adrian Reyes said the type of work he does is unique to the East Coast. “I’ve sold all over the world,” he said. “Africa, Australia and all over the Caribbean.” Reyes said it is much cheaper for companies to have the pontoons built here and shipped for assembly somewhere else. “It’s very expensive to ship a whole boat,” he said. “We ship the parts to have them built over there.” Producing pontoons for commercial vessels is very demanding, he said, and must meet specifications set by the U.S. Coast Guard. “A lot of major manufacturers make pontoons, but those are recreational,” he said.“We will do that, but we also do commercial.” FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 15
16 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
Reyes said he works closely with the Coast Guard in Charleston. He said the Coast Guard has a thick book of specifications for single-hulled ships, but standards for pontoon boats are still a work in progress. “We are actually helping the Coast Guard write the book on regulations, developing criteria as we go,” Reyes said. To be approved by the Coast Guard, pontoons must be built a certain way, he said. Among other things, it must have a bulkhead every five feet, and each bulkhead must have an inspection port. They must also pass the “halfway test,” which means they must hold up when submerged to 50 percent. “If people are watching birds on a pontoon boat, and somebody sees a rare bird on one side, everybody will rush over to that side,” he said. “The pontoons have to be able to handle that.” The Coast Guard inspects his shop every year, he said, and inspects any commercial projects built in the shop. The pontoons are made from sheets of aluminum, usually nine-tenths-of-an-inch thick. Each sheet costs about $120, Reyes said. The sheets are first fed through a slip roller machine, which curves them into a tube, and a sheet bender, which gives them a lip so they will come together. During assembly, everything is welded together using a special welder for aluminum. The bulkheads and end caps must be ordered from a
company in Alabama, he said. The shop also includes a pipe bender to make railings. Commercial pontoon boats are typically built for tours, scientific research and dock builders, Reyes said. He said he has even built one to use as a platform to battle an oil spill. Reyes is especially proud of the “Miss Sally,” built for the Chattahoochee Riverkeepers. The 42-foot-by-10-foot pontoon boat is used to educate school children about environmental issues on the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, Reyes said. “It was a very important project for us, a feel good project, knowing it was going to be like a floating classroom,” he said. Another part of his business if retrofitting two-hull pontoon boats into “tritoons,” with a third hull inserted between the two originals. He said people want more hauling capacity, more power and more seats. “People are also bigger than they used to be,” he said. He said it usually takes about a month to do a project, and he has projects lined up for a year. Reyes said he can still keep his own hours, however. “Since I am a custom builder," he said, " I don’t have to wait on customers.”
62 Years Of Mortgage Lending Ready To Work For You. Buying your first home? Need a larger house for your growing family? Found your dream home? Whatever your stage of life, BOC’s mortgage loan officers can help. They know the questions to ask and can help arrange the best loan for you. With 62 years of combined mortgage experience, they’ve already helped many of your neighbors and friends. Diane McCord, left, is our senior vice president and mortgage loan officer. She and Lauren McCrary, seated, and Mary Ann Morris, consumer mortgage lenders, have the
knowledge and experience you need for a loan as important as your mortgage. Diane, Lauren, and Mary Ann know mortgages, and our communities. They treat you like a neighbor. Like an individual, not a number. They’re ready to help you. Because no matter where you are in life, there’s no place like home. Call today to start preparing for your new home.
Bank of Clarendon
Backing our communities... Sumter & Clarendon. MANNING • SANTEE • SUMMERTON • SUMTER • WYBOO
803 433-4451
bankofclarendon.com
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 17
The
Birdman Birds, bees, bats, oh Bill! Woodworker keeps busy after retirement
18 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
BY ADRIENNE SARVIS
Bill Harrison, AKA the Bird Man, started selling his crafts 10 years ago after working 40 years as a construction site superintendent. “I’ve been in construction since I was 14 years old working with my dad on his jobs,” he said. Harrison, 81, decided to make and sell his wood crafts while looking to keep himself busy after retiring. “I love working with woods,” he said. Most people who work in construction don’t do much when they retire. They usually just sit and watch TV, he said. “I can’t do that,” he said. “I’m up at 5 a.m. every morning if it’s warm in the shop.” Inside of his 1,500-square-foot workshop, Harrison makes bird houses, bird feeders, bat houses, cutting boards and other wood crafts. Working in the shop is a good way to spend time and make money, Harrison said. “I used to make furniture, but it was too complicated,” he said. More people seem to be in the market to buy bird houses
and feeders – some of the Bird Man’s best sellers – and smaller woodwork items. Harrison’s inventory ranges from $25 to $85, a good price for items that will last for more than 20 years. The only materials Harrison buys are nails and glue. All the wood is recycled from a sawmill, and cypress is used for about 80 percent of his projects. Cypress is the longest-lasting wood, he said. The bird house and feeder combos are the top sellers, he said. One of the most expensive items is a bird feeder with five houses. The bird houses come in many building designs based on the “old western” era as well as log cabins, churches and lighthouses. “I have a predilection for buildings made back in the 1800s,” Harrison said. “It’s always looked good to me.” BAT HOUSES Though he is called the Bird Man, Harrison’s best-selling items are his bat houses. There are two types of bats in this area, the small eastern brown bat and the larger bull bat, which nests in the ground, FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 19
Harrison said. Each bat house can hold up to 150 brown bats, he said. They’re about as tall as your thumb. Some people may cringe at the idea of keeping more than 100 bats near their home, but the Bird Man promises the bats will do more good than you would think. One bat can eat about 100 pounds of bugs a year, and they are also pollinators, he said. “There’s nothing detrimental about a bat,” he said. “They don’t carry diseases, and they don’t bite people.” CARPENTER BEE CATCHERS Some people use mason jars on their carpenter bee catchers, but bottles seem to work best, Harrison said. The hole in the wood base portion of the catcher is what lures the bees inside the trap, he said. The hole in the catcher is halfan-inch, he said, the same size the
• Diesel Service & Repair • Awning Repair • Axle Bearing Service • Hitch Sales & Service • Generator Service & Repair • Tires & Brakes • Pre-Trip Inspections • Battery Sales • Lighting Repair • Oil Change • Brakes • Air Condition • Tires • Engine • Transmission • 4 Wheel Drive • 24 Hour Towing Service • Pick Up & Delivery Available
bees naturally make when they burrow. When the bees die inside the bottle, unscrew it from the base and dump out the bees, Harrison said. It would be nice to release the bees while they are alive, but you have to keep them from burrowing in your home, he said. What people don’t see are the tunnels inside the wood, which can be 8 inches long and 3 inches wide, he said. HOW TO PURCHASE The Bird Man’s handmade crafts can be purchased at farmers markets and fairs in Sumter, Columbia, Spartanburg and other areas. “I do three to four markets a week during the summer and eight to 10 fairs a year,” he said. For more information about his crafts, contact Harrison at (803) 447-6645.
GOT QUESTIONS? CALL TODAY!
FULTON AUTOMOTIVE
Cars • Trucks • SUVs • Trailers & RVs
801 E. Liberty St. • Sumter, SC • 803-775-6378 WWW.FULTONAUTOMOTIVE.COM 20 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
OUR REPAIRS COME WITH: 24 MONTH/24,000 MILES PARTS & LABOR NAPA NATIONWIDE WARRANTY
P H OTOS BY M I CA H G R E E N FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 21
Wine.Dine. Savor. Enjoy.
LYLES PACKAGE STORE SPIRITS & WINES E S T. S I N C E 1 9 9 7
I-95 Exit 119 Manning, SC 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Saturday
Phone (803) 473-7333 Don Lyles, Owner
Sandwiche Castle
SANDWICHES • SUBS • PIZZAS • FRIES • SALADS • DESSERTS & MORE
Thursday & Friday Nights
Locally Owned and operated since 1947
DAILY BUFFET
Dine In. Drive Thru. Catering
Sun: 11am-2pm • Tues-Sat: 11am-8pm
803-433-2189
PORK LOIN & STEAKS
Bringing you the finest quality meat, prepared to perfection!
412 S. Mill St., Manning, SC
(Next to Clarendon Memorial Hospital)
Done Well Every Time!
525 SOUTH MILL STREET • MANNING • 803-433-4634
Main Street Manning ...matchless for boutiques
COTTINGHAM INSURANCE AGENCY AUTO-HOME-MOBILE HOME COMMERCIAL-MOTORCYCLE-BOAT WE CAN FINANCE FOR YOU!
www.modularframery.net
AMY BRIGGS • JUNE BRIGGS • ROBBIE BRIGGS 10 WEST RIGBY STREET MANNING, SOUTH CAROLINA 29102
JIA
Jeffords Insurance Agency
22 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
custom framing 803.469.6638
803-435-2368 OFFICE 803-435-8292 FAX
Two Locations:
1420 Camden Highway ter Sumter
350 S. Mill Street Manning
Serving Sumter 1 13 3 years y
Inside Spouse, House & More
Every Auto-Owners policy comes with a local agent! As a local independent agency, proudlyy representing Auto-Owners Insurance, we or live in your community and are here for you 24/7. Offering you more insurancee choices, why would you go anywhere else? se? Call or visit us today for all your insurance needs.
40 N. Mill St • Manning • 803-433-0060
e
?
John Mathis, Agent 803-473-6205 mobile
Alfreada Pearson, Agent 803-374-9655 mobile
Redefining Pet Care Over 30 Years of Pet Care Experience
GENE’S HEATING AND AIR
Morris Animal Clinic
t
3BDDPPO 3PBE t .BOOJOH 4$
Complete Animal Care • House Calls • Surgery • Preventative Health Care
FEBRUARY 10% OFF DENTALS
MARCH
15% OFF SPAY/NEUTERS
Wayne Morris, DVM
Gene Floyd Archie Pierson
08/&34 01&3"5034
2093 Alex Harvin Hwy Manning, SC 803-435-8001
Mon-Thurs: 7:30am - 5:30pm • Fri: 7:30am - Noon • Closed: Sat & Sun
Want your business showcased here?
www.geneshvac.com
WWW.MANNINGQUALITYBUILDINGS.COM FINANCING AVAILABLE
Terry Truluck 803-473-9912
Mark Pekuri
(803) 464-8917
Rent to Own Storage Buildings On Site Storage Rentals Custom Built Playhouses & Decks
HFOFTIWBDBQ!GUD J OFU
3217 Sumter Hwy. Manning, SC 29102
Life &Leisure in Manning
OutDoor UpGrades
Jimmy’s
RENT TO OWN
Chris Mathis
803-460-0840
Jimmy Mathis
LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
Serving Clarendon County For Over 33 years!
2135 Sumter Hwy, Manning, SC www.OutDoorUpGrades.com
Heating and Air, LLC
Authorized Dealer
803-460-5420 OR 803-478-5957
SALES & SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS
TO LIST YO YOUR R BUS BUSINESS N SS ON THIS PAGE CALL 803.435.4716 OR 803.464.8917
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 23
t a te Hwy S -28
-4 4
d
on yR
b le
An th
w
S
Rd r
so
T
Ly st r Rd a Lo Rd y
e stw ood r
arbo
d
lR
N es t
Ch c
d
rR
Ri ve
g
Lugoff
Cr
k bri
el
R
Eag
Ric e
Ln
Mose s Rd
La
E ben eze
Hayf iel
les
Flint H i l
re
B link l B onn ie Rd
n ie
r
u
lle he
oc on
Rd
De wd Dr r o p
rk Pa
p ir at D r i on
oo dR
R
d kR Cr ee
Dec k Dr
S
R
H ill Rd
Fli nt
O ld B ri c kst
R on
k
Island Rd
p Rd
D
Jo
n
Dr
k e Rd
13
L
Sa d dle Club
d
ys
ora Rd iT rl
C
Sha d y
G r a n n ie s Q uar te r Cre e
a
k
K
esen ind To Cam Ga urch Rd h
Buck Hill
n
elly Lakeside Rd Marina
Rd m
ur R d ill R
Pe a
28
lf Wo rl T
R
ks ar
r ea k
rd R Sta n te H id w B M ge&/2$S # d Rd -2(293,%2 8-5 y $ e a *%%0 2!- s ( )'(7!9 s !..).' s 24 FEBRUARY -dMARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE 5 Br /$'% w S R v p an e ay H ring h r rc va R e ro n D c h d a m l e Rd hu n C d yrna r
Trl
ne w e S a C re
ies Rd
h
hr
µ
Trant am Rd
ur
Beam Ln
eB en P ilgri d Ch ch d
ck H Bu
p Hum
na Leo L
y
rk UTOMOTIVE . COM La 1 S ANTEE A 2 Miles
White Oak
Horse sh o
d
ite Wh Ln
S-
n
Hors e e B e sho nd e d Rd
r
i Sh
6
L
hom p Rd
Shaw AFB Wateree Rec Area (Limited Access)
40
ak
R
- 28-
y
S
C o lo n e l Cr eek
d
n ee
nni n g Ru F ox Rd
State Hw
H
nR w
l s F ie d Rd
d
orton Rd AH Car l Rd Vi ew r
to
B
Lake Wateree ay r Carolina 34 South 0.5
G ul Rd
Colonel's Creek
Santee Automotive 0
aili n b Cl
ng
k B li n
d
de
n Rd
Rd
ver s G F r on tie D E
id
Rd
R
hw
Ins
eld llfi
ig
M il
w Sa
Be
x en i Ph r D
s ey wn ek Sa Cr e
h rc hu
H
O ld indmill W d R
Wateree Marina
Fo r tL
c
Lo
ld lfie Bel d R
w all Sm
o
dg e
Longtown
d Pa rk R
e re nt k or Th ree C
d
e side Dr
k
y Hw t e 151 a t S 0S-2
v er Be a e k e r C
La
d
d Q u al l s R
R gtown Lon
o Th C e B llf ie ld Rd
t e Hwy S - 20-3
te
s
Rd
S ta
rn re tree ek
97 S T
Lake Wateree Campground
Ro
n ow d R
nch Ln
Fo x k Cr e e
Kershaw County
5
wy
Rd
522 S T
eH
We st
ho
y ent Tw ne O
Bra Lon gt
il d life Rd
Lake Wateree State Park
June Creek
Sk Ln y
St a
W
sR h a m Q uar t e r d
at St
r
r iv e d R
elle ch Ro r eek C
o
R
Ce d
o at ub
hur s Rd
St S a
T
Rd
in g
Liberty Hill
Taylor Creek
Fairfield County
Old
Len Saint Rd
s hn
ar C re e kRd
U n
hurc
e P in
h
H
Whi
£ ¤
d
nn
o D k C e M Cr e S in g l e to n s Creek
Service Layer Credits:
me l Rd
Ma
N
ig H S
Rd
ia n
Ho
ok
Sutton's Landing
Ln
Flint Hill te O akC
Cl d R
Car
Wh ite Cr Oa ee k k
Rd
21 ay
hw
F ro n Rd ta
a e h nc
ra
Tip
nd Hawk Ln
B
re
W
Ch ton Ln ar lo Htt B o r se
To S
er
rila
t
wy
e H wy S-20-101
Dr
H Br o r s an e ch
ng
Mount
Ln u
l or ay ek e r C
21
r ne T histle Rd
Ember
C
Dutchman's Creek Marina
D u tc h m an s C r ee k
Ro r C
Stat e
St at
rb
0-2
4 42
r da C e ek Cre
Sha
wy te H-41 Ba -20
I
d
sor D r
a In d i Rd
r Ga ek e r C c ee ky k
Lancaster County
Cedar Creek
Wateree Creek
o Ho
k
d
R iver R
Wi
e rs h Ho an c Br
se or ch H an Br
nd
Rd
y utar Deb
d
R
Rd
ee er at W e ek Cr
tl e L it C r ee k e r e te
77
C ro o k C re ed ek
e
Rd
g
b le Ca d
¨ § ¦
Gr
Watt e r e e Wa
Bi
C amp We l fa re ead A rro wh
y Hw te 1 Sta 20 7
er av r k B e Fo am
D
a
ge
S u nnyhil l Rd
k
S Mil l St
H o us Br a nc
Pe d d Br a n le r s ch
Ca Br m p an be ch l l s
Mo un t H Sw a m o p e p
D octo r B ra n ch
Cou nt y D it c h
y
m
v n c is h
B Cr e e
Angel's
H
ns Jo h n R u i fe l and L c B r an h
Pineville Pineville Creek
Amos Lee Gourdin Henderson G Guerry 2
Russellville St. Russellville St. W Steph Sw al ke Step am r p NH
igh wa
y5
Black's Camp
Lake Moultrie
as sa S w ma am ssa w p
£ ¤ p
Hidden Cove Marina
bu
r d
Whitesville Whitesville
St e w Cr e ar t ek
C Br a n e an P ch on
William Dennis
Thornley Forest
ig hwa y 52
ss
g
h
Atkins Landing
E Jarvis Morris
W
176
US Navy Recreation Center (Limited Acces
Wampee Landing (Limited Access)
Pinopolis Pinopolis
Bonneau Bonneau
Gilligan's At the Doc Moncks Moncks Corner Corner
M il l
Rembert C Denni C ree k ary Ann ran ch
B ig Run
Augustus M Flood Richardsons
B e r k e l e y Hatchery County
d
h
Dam Br a nc
D Br e a
d in
Big Oak Landing & Cr a wl Campground
Fred L Day
R B r a u dd nc C Sw y p r am e
Ho me B ra nc h
De Cr ep ee k
Sw
am
p
B
s
Highw a 15 S y Highw a 15-30 y 1
B r B ig an ch
K e tt le B ra n ch
Bu Fo Rd Ga rd Blv ner d t eS
J udg
52
M at ta k e La
ut
B
£ ¤ ur
Targe Swam
T S
Go
Mi Bra l l nc h
Boo Bran t c
Re Br d O an ak ch
d
ood R
Pi
Ba l Cr l ar d ee k
Bu s Br a h y n ch
B
Hi gh wa 15N y
an m w ch Ne ran B
s an ll i m mp Ho wa S
311 S T
l rk e M e n ch a Br
Th om ps on Cr ee k
Broad Branch
£ ¤
k ac Bl i v e r R
ch
M a r sh all 78 Branch Ha lf w ay G ut C re ek Ti m ot Cre h y
S&S
n to k Ca r ee C
Dorchester Dorchester
Be n Sw a
Foreston Foreston
B en ra n n c et t h s
Eadytown Eadytown
Sandridge Sandridge
k Roc ch Br a n
Martin Martin Crossroad Crossroad
521
Harry's Fish Camp
Hill's Cross / Santee Landing Cooper Lakes KOA
Rd
St
B ra n
8
n g ch La r an B
ack Bl e k e Cr
£ ¤
Bloomville Bloomville
Wilsons
T S
e at St
n ai
Gum
hw ay 7
e p ch n
Rd Gilli a rd
M
Pregnall Pregnall
n sto rle ha
E
a
Pine land Bran ch
an p
178
C To
£ ¤
Old
St
Dorchester County
m
Four Four Holes Holes
e
n ai
M p W am in g an w r h S di Sp a n c In el d Br Fi
F o ur Sw a H ol m p
C e w a dar mp De Sw a
S
Workm Workm
D Ri ea v
6
tfo ot gh i E tc h Di
Wilson Wilson
n ga Ha n ch Br a
Holly Holly Hill Hill
Harleyville Harleyville
Hig
E
521
Borrow Pit
Bells Mainia
y nd Sa un R
26
aw
£ ¤
C a ra nc
W W ii ll ll ii aa m m ss b bu ur J & J Lakeside Marina County C Alex Harvin Gi C a ng o M L h Lighthouse Pointe nc Sw Br a Wyboo Pointe Greeleyville Ta rki n Greeleyville Lakevue Br an ch 375 Randolph's B Heinem Heinem
White Oak
Mac's Landing & Camp Rocks Pond Spiers Orangeburg Canal Lakes Fish Camp County
Rd
r in e B r nc h a Br
¨ § ¦
or ly P o n ch Br a
453 S T
h nc rd
Pee Dee Branch
Rosinville Rosinville
Cathead
521
L Cr ak e ee w o k od
es h Jo an c Br
n
p
Bass Dr
t
310 T S
£ ¤
igo o ta l Po c v e r Ri
Clarendon County
er
Rd
¨ § ¦ 95
Vance Vance
Ox Swa mp
a m an Rd p
ar k e
Indian Bluff Park Lakeside Marina Ferguson
Bac ale Branchd Hwy he l Bra or nch Eutawville Eutawville
Wells Wells
Davis Davis Station Station
µ
A 7 Miles lderm C
d
e at St
15
n Lemo ch Br a n
ee Te e V Rd
ld O
y nt h Ca an c Br
Lake Marion Resort k Mill Creek c Ja n c h a Marina r Vanc
£ ¤
o ta t Po ee k Cr
Santee Santee
in h u ity rc h Rd
Jordan Jordan
Arbuckle's Taw Caw Creek Rowland Santee Lakes Rodgers Rodgers Taw Caw Marina Polly's John C Taw Caw Park Land III Goat Island Charlie's Landing
Santee Lakes Campground Santee Cooper Country Club
e Rd
B
St St Paul Paul
Santee State Park
3.5
Manning Manning
ce n Cl a£ r301 e n dl oow snh i p re ¤ l o F e n ch a Fl a D C o u n t ry B a Summerton L o s s c h Br To Summerton an
va ns Su l l i h c Br a n
Old r e Riv Rd
199 267 S T S T
T S
a
Wi ldc at l Bra nch e p ha k C re e C s ck J a ee k r C
Carolina King Marina Poplar Creek Jack's Creek Marina
Stumphole
Five Ch op Rd
se ek r
S
261
am
1.75
527 S T
ch as t
rn bu Ju n e ch Bran
Silver Silver
267 S T
Elloree Elloree
£ ¤ 15
0
Alcolu Alcolu
C
Rimini
Elliott's
P ud S w di n g am p Sardinia
Sardinia New New Zion Zion Gable Gable
Te a Br r co a n an e h ch t P nc ra
Brogdon Brogdon
ld Gucko h c Bran
n he se h Ro an c Br
Rimini Rimini
Des Br a Ch a m p n ch s
l Be e Cr
Lone Lone Star Star
B ri ar B ra nc h
Tr
rd fo ck h D u anc Br
Calhoun County d Low nR Falls ero m a
D a v is C re e k
s h
Rd d Ol own et org Ge
Pinewood Sparkleberry Pinewood
419 S T
82 S T
521 ¤ Lake £ Marion & Lake Moultrie Harvin Harvin Br South Carolina 301 B r e a £ ¤ an kf Paxville Paxville
S y
Sq u irr Cr ee el k
C
n ew
Ta v e rn C r ee k
Old g nin M an Rd
R
S Su um m tt ee rr C Co ou un n tt yy
a w Hi g h 261
d
Fulle rs E a r th C re ek
Batestl e r t Li iv e Bridge
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 25
Voted Best Place to Buy Tires in Sumter year after year
THE AMERICAN PONTOON COMPANY
Your Custom Pontoon fabricator.
Can we roll one for You ?
Ace Parker Tires, Inc.
803-775-1277
930 North Layfayette Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 aceparkertires.com Towing: 803-775-1279
11141 Hwy. 260 Manning, SC
(½ mile before the Dam)
Call us at 803-478-BOAT 2628
BONANZA Flea Market
1048 Bonanza Crossing Rd. • Manning, SC Hours: Th-F 10-5 • Sat 8-4 • Sun 12-5
803-460-0014 • bonanzafleamarket@aol.com Vendors Welcome Inside and Out Daily, Weekly, or Monthly
Like Us on
• Armor coated solid foam decoys • Custom duck calls • Waterfowl gear and apparel
GET READY FOR
Valentine’s &
St. Patrick’s Day
piggly wiggly
36 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102
Main: (803) 433-2118 Deli: (803) 433-8544 Pharmacy: (803) 433-2412
26 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
for monthly prices and giveaways
803-757-8064
thewaterfowl.com
Sumter, SC
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 27
Tourism enthusiasts
George and Carole Summers promote Revolutionary War history in Clarendon
28 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
The mural “Reflections” in downtown Manning suggests looking back in time in Clarendon to get a glimpse of the Revolutionary War in the area. In the mural, Francis Marion is kneeling down to get a drink of water and the “Swamp Fox” is reflecting back at him. The nickname was given to Marion by the British. FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 29
This mural in Manning depicts the Chase to Ox Swamp. In November 1780, Marion led the British on a 25-mile chase that ended at the Ox Swamp in Manning. At this point, according to many historians, the British gave up on trying to capture Marion. BY BRUCE MILLS
They aren’t natives to Clarendon County, but George and Carole Summers have surely adopted the county as their home. Eat at a local restaurant, visit the library, drive around Manning, Summerton, Turbeville or Paxville, or even Google Clarendon County on the web, and you’re bound to see the fruits of their labor. Combine George – a military history buff who is a retired colonel from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter – and Carole – a retired educator – mix in their love for traveling, and you have a winning combination for tourism in Clarendon. “They should be called ‘Mr. and Mrs. Clarendon County for Tourism,’” said Nancy Cave, archivist with the Clarendon County Archives and History Center. “They were the only people realistically promoting tourism in the county for many years, up until recently.” After retiring from Shaw, the Summerses moved to a lakeside home on Wyboo Plantation in Clarendon in 1994. Once they settled in Clarendon, they said they wanted to increase the county’s profile as a tourist attraction off Interstate 95. “One thing that always comes up is: We have roughly 40,000 people roaring up and down I-95 every day. How do we get them off to spend a half-day here or stay overnight in a hotel and eat a meal with you?” George Summers said. He said he wanted to attract people to Clarendon so they could eventually learn about Lake Marion, the fishing and the county’s golf courses as potentially an end destination. 30 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
Through their traveling of the West Coast for several years, the Summerses said they had discovered cities and towns that used mural programs as a tourist attraction. They said they thought it was a good idea, but they needed a theme for murals for Clarendon. A quick study of Clarendon’s history, and they discovered American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion fought in the county, which was then contained in the area known as St. Mark’s Parish. Marion and his militia fought and won eight or nine significant battles in the county as part of the Southern Campaign of the war, George Summers said. Marion, the key Patriot leader in the eastern region of South Carolina, was coined with the name the “Swamp Fox” by the British because he eluded their capture by traveling along swamp paths in the area. According to the Summerses and many historians, Marion is also known as one of the fathers of modern guerrilla warfare because he and his troops would rarely engage with enemies in head-on warfare. The “Marion Militia,” as they were called, defeated many larger enemy groups with quick surprise attacks and also quick withdrawals from the field. Marion’s victories are not as well chronicled as some other leaders in the war because other significant battles occurred in the same timeframe as his engagements – 1778 to 1781. The southern campaign of the war is often referred to as a “Forgotten History,” many scholars say. As self-described “Francis Marion advocates,” the Summerses set out to change that with the historical mural program.
George and Carole Summers review some of the historical materials they have on Francis Marion and the Revolutionary War that are on display at the Clarendon County Archives and History Center. P H OTOS BY B RUC E M I L LS
In 2000, their first mural was put in place. About 15 years ago, the retired couple formed a nonprofit organization called the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, and they started an annual symposium fundraiser to bring national attention to Marion, they said. About 10 speakers from across the U.S. – usually history buffs or college professors – present each year at the symposium, which is held at the F.E. DuBose Center in Manning. Today, about 28 murals have been painted and are located on walls and structures in Manning, Summerton, Turbeville and Paxville. With a story board affixed next to all the murals, each tells a story about Marion, but not all depict battle sites, the couple said. Now, the couple also conducts historical tours of the murals and battle sites in the county. They get requests for tours about once a month and emails about every week, Carole Summers said. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” she said. A few years ago, they helped develop a Clarendon County Tour Android app, which is free to download. The app contains all the history markers in the county, including the murals and battle sites. “It talks to you, too,” George Summers said. The couple has also developed a website, www. clarendonmurals.com, which links to other smaller sites they’ve created, detailing the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina and Marion. Before the mural program, the Summerses’ first creation to
build interest and tourism in Clarendon was a monthly events calendar that can still be found in local restaurants, the library and numerous other places, they said. The calendar was started about 18 years ago, and they said they also got that idea from their own traveling. The wallet-size calendars are printed and emailed out every month, Carole Summers said. “We did that to build awareness that there’s a lot going on here – both for the locals and visitors,” George Summers said. “We are more than just a crossroades.” The Summers said they continue to travel and bring back home various ideas and “goodies” to help the community. Cave, of the county’s archives and history center, boasts about the couple’s work. “Basically, George and Carole see stuff other places and come back and bring it to Clarendon County, whether it’s an app or a mural or something from out west,” Cave said. “It doesn’t matter what it is, if they think it can help Clarendon County.” Along the way, the couple has taught many about Clarendon’s history. Most believe since the Civil War (1861 to 1865) had such a large impact on the South, that – naturally – it must have been fought in the area. But it wasn’t, according to historians. “Most people initially don’t think of anything before the Civil War and about 1865,” George Summers said. “We’ve converted a few Civil War fans to Revolutionary War fans.” FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 31
Quack
addict
The Waterfowl Co. produces beautifully hand-painted duck decoys and calls
32 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 33
BY JIM HILLEY AND ADRIENNE SARVIS
Growing up in Sumter, it is hard to avoid developing a passion for the outdoors. Trey Bryan and Darrell Newman, owners of The Waterfowl Co., were both born and raised in Sumter and became avid fishermen and duck hunters early on. Bryan said he first applied his artistic talent to outdoor sports when he began to create balsa-wood crank bait, which he sold at a few bait shops. More recently, he said he was not happy with the duck decoys he could buy, so he decided to produce his own. Bryan said when he was young, he hunted using decoys from the "worldfamous" Herter's catalog, which offered just about anything outdoorsports related by mail order until it went bankrupt in the 1970s. Herter's decoys were solid and would last a lifetime, Bryan said. Wanting to hunt with his own Herterlike decoys, he began ordering solidfoam decoy blanks from a company in Ohio and took it from there. "In the beginning, I painted every duck by hand," he said. "I was just doing it for me." Newman, a business partner with Bryan, urged him to turn it into a business, and the two created The Waterfowl Co. in December 2016. Since then, the business has taken off, Bryan said. "Everything started to grow and expand," Newman added. To keep up with demand, Bryan said he was up until 4 a.m. recently painting decoys. The company started out producing three styles of decoys: painted; paint with armored coating; and paint, armored coating and flocking. Flocking is a process that adds an adhesive coating to create a velvet-like texture. Adding all of those elements is too time consuming with the demand for products, so the company now only sells decoys with paint and armored coating, Newman said. "We still sell all species of ducks,� he 34 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
said. This comes along with growing as a new company, he said. The Waterfowl Co. sells three series of decoys. The Gunner and Hunter series are painted using stencils, Bryan said, but he hand-paints the limited-edition Artist Series by himself. Most decoys people buy are plastic, he said, but The Waterfowl Co.'s decoys are made from solid foam. "Ours are something that will last a lifetime," Newman said. "You can shoot through them, and they won't sink. The worst thing is you might have to repaint them." "A plastic (decoy), you shoot them, and they go straight to the bottom of the lake," Bryan added. Newman said the company has recently applied for a patent for decoy weights that look like duck feet. By late January, a patent was pending for the weighted duck feet, and a prototype was sent out to have molds made. Optimistically, the duck feet will be available for sale by late spring or early fall, Bryan said. The Waterfowl Co.'s decoys are painted with an oil-based dead-flat marine enamel, Bryan said. It takes from three to seven days for them to dry. He said they make decoys in 21 different species, including some goose decoys. "I'll paint you Daffy Duck if you ask for it," Bryan joked. The company also produces custom duck calls. Like the decoys, the duck calls come at several price points, with
production models made at a local machine shop and custom decoys made by hand by Newman and Bryan. Bryan said they use exotic woods or acrylics to make the custom duck calls, which, like the custom decoys, are signed, dated and numbered. "We especially like to use old, local wood," Bryan said. "Remember White's Mill? We will be doing a line made from wood from the old mill house." Newman said The Waterfowl Co. products are available exclusively at Simpson Hardware & Sports stores in Sumter, Florence, Manning and the Pee Dee region. "Duck hunting is an expensive sport," Bryan said. "We spent most of our lives spending money on it, and now we are going to let it give back to us." Newman said they are working to get the word out about their business, including going to major shows. From Nov. 9-12, the business partners attended the Easton Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, where they sold many decoys and duck decoys. It was good exposure, Bryan said. "It's a big festival," he said. "They practically shut the town down for it." Bryan said the company was also invited to participate in the annual youth day event hosted by S.C. Waterfowl Association at Camp Woodie in February. For more information on The Waterfowl Co., call (803) 7578064 or visit www.thewaterfowlco.com.
P H OTOS BY M I CA H G R E E N FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 35
on the lake SUBMITTED BY KELLY L. SMITH
SUBMITTED BY JEFF BYER
SUBMITTED BY TINA KRUEGER
SUBMITTED BY TINA KRUEGER
SUBMITTED BY TINA KRUEGER
SUBMITTED BY TINA KRUEGER
Picture yourself in Lakeside? 36 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
SUBMITTED BY KELLY L. SMITH
SUBMITTED BY CYNTHIA RICHARDSON
SUBMITTED BY JEFF BYER
Please submit photos to cary@theitem.com or kayla@theitem.com. Deadline for submissions for the next edition is March 19. FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 37
NASA scientist Howard Conyers, a native of Paxville and 2000 graduate of Manning High School, said he thought he would become famous for his engineering not his whole-hog barbecue. Conyers will be speaking at Morris College’s Honors Day Convocation on Feb. 15 in Sumter. PHOTO PROVIDED
Rocket science, BBQ fame NASA scientist goes whole hog for traditional barbecue
38 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
BY JIM HILLEY
Howard Conyers never intended to become somewhat of a "cooking celebrity." The aerospace engineer at the Stennis Space Center near Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, said he learned to cook whole-hog barbecue growing up in Paxville. "My father was good at it. My uncle was good at it. A lot of different individuals around Paxville were good at wholehog barbecue," Conyers said. As Lakeside readers may know, whole-hog barbecue is a time-honored tradition in the Palmetto State. Conyers said he decided to cook up a hog for an event in New Orleans promoting brain cancer research called "Hogs for a Cause." He didn't tell anyone he was a "rocket scientist." "Someone Googled and found out I was a NASA rocket scientist, then they said 'We have a NASA rocket scientist who claims to cook whole-hog barbecue, '" he said. That promotional hook started Conyers' celebrity chef career, he said, including an appearance on an episode of the Cooking Channel's "Man Fire Food" in June. The Clarendon County native graduated from Manning High School in 2000. He also graduated from North Carolina AT&T University, majoring in environmental engineering, and received a master's and a doctorate from Duke University in mechanical engineering before going to work at NASA. According to a news release from NASA, Conyers learned whole hog barbecuing at an early age, cooking his first whole hog at age 11, following a recipe handed down through the family for 200 years. "I stuck with whole-hog barbecue because back home everybody expects it to be whole-hog," he said. "If you do whole hog, well, it is a thing of beauty." Conyers said cooking a whole hog in New Orleans was difficult. "The houses are really close together, kind of like Charleston," he said. After not cooking a whole hog by himself for years, Conyers said it still came out perfect.
He said he is becoming adjusted to the spicier foods of New Orleans; he has not adjusted his recipe. "I try to stay true to who I am, a native South Carolinian," he said. New Orleans doesn't really have much of a barbecue tradition, Conyers said. "I would compare them to Charleston. They are two coastal port cities, they have different kind of foods, and they use a lot of seafood and things ... and they have barbecue in New Orleans, but they definitely didn't have whole hog." Conyers said he has been slowing down on his appearance as a celebrity chef after doing his recipe about six times a year, traveling as far away as Denver. "I never thought I would become famous for barbecue. I thought I would become famous for my engineering prowess," Conyers said. "It's funny how the world works." Conyers said one of his greatest joys is inspiring kids in rural settings to understand that anything is possible. "Kids who may not have the best circumstances, the best background, they can do anything," he said. Cooking barbecue will remain only a side interest, he said. "I really like what I do technically, not to belittle barbecue or anything like that," he said. "I went to school for a long time, and knowing where I come from, a lot of people sacrificed a lot of things for me to get where I am today. I just can't take that lightly." But he is not likely to rub barbecue off his list of things to do. "If it helps the next generation come to NASA, from small towns in the rural South, that could make me change," he said. Conyers said he still visits South Carolina several times a year because his parents and many relatives still live in the area. "I just take it one day at a time," he said. Conyers will be returning to the state to serve as the speaker for Morris College’s Honors Day Convocation in Sumter on Feb. 15.
Someone Googled and found out I was a NASA, rocket scientist then they said 'We have a NASA rocket scientist who claims to cook whole-hog barbecue.
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 39
We’re Here To Help You During The
COLD & FLU SEASON When cold or flu symptoms strike, we’re here to help you fight back.
• 70+ flavors of fudge • Pralines • Carolina Girls Shirts • Hand Painted Wine Glasses
• Over-the-counter & prescription remedies • Pain relievers & fever reducers • Cough drops & lozenges • Immune-boosting vitamins & supplements • Humidifiers, dehumidifiers & foot baths • Heating & cooling pads • Tissues, travel packs, pill cases & more
Smith’s Exxon
Huge Variety of Gifts
Jamie Mathis, PharmD RPH Family Owned
(803) 854-2687 Exit 98 in Santee
12 North Brooks Street Manning, SC 29102 803-435-2511
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 6:00 • Sat. 8:30 - Noon • Sun. Closed Additional parking available behind the pharmacy
BETWEEN SHONEY’S & HUDDLE HOUSE • OPEN 24 HOURS
We accept most Caremark, Medco, Express Scripts and Medicare Part D Plans.
Spring Cleaning
Need Extra Storage? OutDoor UpGrades SUMTER & MANNING
803-460-0840 www.OutDoorUpGrades.com ALSO SEE OUR BUILDINGS AT
ACE PARKER TIRES | J&J TOWING 40 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
Let Us Help&You Get Your Yard Deck Let Us Help You Get Your the Fall Fabulous Ready for Spring Yard & Deck the Brands Ready for& Spring Yard Deck Ready forLet Spring Us Help You GetHave Your Brands We You Ready for Spring We Have the Yard & Deck Love We HaveYou the Brands We Have Ready for Spring You the
Let Us Help You Get Your Yard & Deck Brands the Love We Have Love Have Ready forWe Spring We Have You Brands Brands the the
the Love You You Brands Brands Brands Love We Have Love You You We Have the You the Love Love Brands Love Love You Brands You Love
FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED & INSURED TREE SERVICE Tree Removal • Trimming • Topping Stump Grinding • Bucket Truck Service LAWN SERVICE Mowing • Weedeating • Edging Hedge Trimming • Spring/Fall Cleanup Pine Straw/Mulch Bedding Any Size Clean-Up Job LANDSCAPING Irrigation Installed or Repaired French Drains Installed Pressure Washing (Hot/Cold) • Sodding
Darrell Newman
803-316-0128
Your Neighborhood Income Tax Specialist
4 -10pm
Tammy Spigner & John Usry
Fresh Oysters
• Quick Accurate Service • Free E-File • Business & Personal Taxes • Very Knowledgeable with Over 30 Years of Experience
MANNING, SC
2742 Paxville Hwy • (803) 696-4481
SUMTER, SC
226 S. Pike West (378 Bypass) • (803) 773-3321
John C. Usry Certified Public Accountant
26 East Boyce Street • Manning, SC
(803) 566-7740
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 41
Ready, set, reel
Stay up to date with the area's latest fishing gear
EVERYTHING FOR HIS TRUCK
and more!
COME ON LADIES...GIVE HIM WHAT HE REALLY WANTS
Euro Lights • Billet Grilles Sports Mufflers and Tips Chrome Door Handle Covers • Mirror Covers Gas Tank Covers • Hitch & Hitch Covers • Tonneau Covers • Step Bars • Bed Liners • Tool Boxes • Brush Guards • CB Radios, Antennas, and Supplies
Interest
Gift Certificates Available for the Holiday Season! 42 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
FREE
Financing
YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER
WE INSTALL
TOOL BOXES FLOOR LINER KITS • WE INSTALL
“IN STOCK NOW”
IN STOCK
Dixie Products “The Truck & SUV Specialists”
1255 Lafayette Drive Drive, Sumter • 775 775-4391 4391 8:30am - 5:30pm Mon.-Fri. • 8:30am - 12:30pm Sat.
Since 1967
BY IVY MOORE
Fishermen from around the country recently embarked on what’s known as “tournament trails.” That is, they’re fishing lakes, rivers and streams all over for prizes. Santee Cooper country and Lake Wateree are among the waters teeming not just with fish, but with hundreds of boats filled with men and women angling for the many species of fish found in the waters. And no doubt many will be outfitted with the latest in technology to help them find and catch prize-winning fish. Pal Boozer, who’s the fishing equipment buyer for Simpson Hardware and Sports in Sumter, has a full stock of some of the newest innovations, and he uses many of them himself. “The biggest jump in electronics is in fish finders and trolling motors,” he said. “Trolling motors, especially, have taken quantum leaps.” Powered by electric batteries, the motors can be operated by foot pedals or remote controls on key fobs. Boozer said finding specific locations is a major benefit of the motors, and they even integrate with fish finders. If you’ve found a great fishing spot, he said, you can set your motor by GPS to take you there again, even if there are no visible landmarks. “The motor also has a ‘spot lock’ you can even use in the ocean,” Boozer said. “Even if you’re in the middle of the ocean, it will automatically keep you within a 3-foot radius. You don’t have to have an anchor or worry about ocean currents or winds.” Even rods and reels have gotten more sophisticated, he said,
and “the line is better, the hooks are better.” Boozer picked up a Lew’s Speed Spool BB1 reel, known for its durability and ruggedness. “It’s a classic bait caster,” he said. “You can use any kind of bait, for small or large mouth bass. It’s good for salt water fishing, too.” Boozer, who said he goes fishing “about twice a week” when the temperature isn’t several degrees below freezing and fishes for fun, describes himself as an amateur. He likes to catch all kinds of fish. “I’m not a specialist,” he said. “I’m a general practitioner.” He said there are scores of accessories that fishermen will soon add to their arsenals, as well; everything from lures for specific kinds of fish that are designed to duplicate exactly the movements of bait fish; sunglasses that won’t fog up; waterproof clothing, fishing boats, including kayaks, paddles and more. Some fishermen are even using specialized and waterproof drones to find fish and fishing spots. P H OTOS BY I V Y M O O R E Boozer said there are innovations in fishing gear every year and as long as there are prime fishing spots within 50 miles of any spot in the lakes area, fishermen will be checking them out. When it comes to the very high-tech new gear, he said, you’re pretty much limited only by your pocketbook. “Twelve months a year," Boozer said, "you’ll find something biting.”
®
Summit
1439 Quackenbush Rd. Waterfront home, move-in ready with dock, double sunrooms, patio with retractable awning, nicely landscaped lot, fully fenced yard. Pontoon boat stays. Ready to sell!!
$284,000
Serving Lake Marion, Clarendon endon County and Sumter for your u Real Estate needs.
1770 Camden Hwy. • Sumter, SC 29153 • www.remaxsummit.com EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
852 Bentwood Circle
Three bedroom, two bath home in popular gated community. Beautiful open floor plan, screened porch, landscaped yard with irrigation and many other quality features. Owner ready to consider all offers on this special home!! $248,000
MARY WILSON (803) 460-4251
Broker Associate mrwilson1@ftc-i.net FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 43
You live in Sumter.
Your news should, too.
TY CORNETT Videographer
MICAH GREEN
Watch new episodes Monday - Friday at TheItem.com/studiosumter
ROSE JARRETT
Director
Digital Sales
KAYLA ROBINS Host
studio@theitem.com I (803) 774-1200 44 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
TRUST MCLEOD
NEWER
Change is underway at McLeod Health Clarendon and it shows. From investments in state-of-the-art equipment and access to new technology to renovations to the lobby and patient care areas, McLeod Health is transforming healthcare in Clarendon.
BETTER
Better healthcare is about providing the best care possible to our patients. New specialists in Cardiology, Nephrology and other specialty areas, the addition of hospice care, and improvements to patient flow demonstrate our commitment to providing efficient and comprehensive care. Based on positive patient feedback, we’re on the right track.
FASTER
There are times when healthcare needs to be fast - especially when it comes to emergency care. At McLeod Health Clarendon, we have made substantial changes to our Emergency Department including a new intake and assessment process that has resulted in significantly shorter wait times for our patients.
TRANSFORMING CLARENDON’S HEALTHCARE McLeod Health Clarendon McLeodHealthClarendon.org
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 45
How to build a better
Hunt Club Waterfront Custom Built. Contemporary home on Lake Marion/Taw Caw. Breathtaking stone fireplace climbs up cathedral ceilings. Sit on your porch, pier, or by the fire pit and enjoy this .48 ac lot MOVE IN READY $348,000
Southern Home on 1 acre , Living room w/ fireplace, den w/ fireplace, dining room, sunroom and two ca r garage, kitchen, back sunroom, master bedroom and bath. 6 bedrooms and 3 baths upstairs, large closet, large hallway for sitting area. $159,900
Best Of Both Worlds! Country Living In A Neighborhood Setting. Well Maintained 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Home On 2 Acres. Property Includes 30'x30' Also A Little Red Barn With Lean To And Cyclone Fence Dog Pen. $225,000
LAKE MARION REALTY (803) 433-7355 • 1830 Greeleyville Hwy • Manning, SC • www.LakeMarionRealty.net
46 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
BY DAN GEDDINGS
Hunt clubs come in all shapes and sizes, and most practice some type of management techniques to make their hunting experience better. I believe the three most important things for a good hunt club to focus on are land management, wildlife management and hunter management. Land management is probably the most difficult factor for hunting clubs because of land ownership realities. Most clubs lease land from timber companies, farmers and other private landowners. The landowners have their own agenda, and it usually favors timber production or agricultural interest, not necessarily wildlife. We can manage the land a little, but within certain boundaries. We can’t cut trees or damage crops on leased land, but most people are receptive to such things as access road improvements, and gates. I’ve seen hunt club roads that were nothing but mud holes from one end to the other. Those roads could have been fixed without too much effort. Most clubs have a member with a tractor or some heavy equipment. If not, maybe they could borrow or rent some equipment. Improve the roads, so that the hunting club and the landowner benefit. Install gates, if the landowner allows it. Gates keep out trespassers, poachers and trash dumpers. It amazes me how many people will drive out into the countryside to dump trash, when there are recycling centers all over the county. Watch the place. Keep an eye out for trouble. Even in the summer. Absentee landowners especially, appreciate somebody local looking after the place. Get to know your neighbors. Even rural hunting properties have neighbors. Let them know you are a good person and intend on being a responsible neighbor, with a focus on safety. Wildlife management is usually the main focus of hunting clubs, and sometimes the only focus. Food plots are all the rage now. Some clubs manage to install a few wildlife plots. But, more emphasis needs to be directed toward a broader range of efforts, such as internal limits on deer and turkeys, and predator control. In our club, we limit our turkey hunters to one or two adult gobblers a year. Hunters are encouraged not to shoot jakes. We don’t limit the number of deer a hunter can shoot, only the size. By letting smaller bucks go, we’ve already
seen an increase in more mature bucks being harvested. A good doe harvest is also important, but care should be taken not to overdo, especially with coyotes in the mix now. Personally, I don’t like restrictions on antler points and spread. Too many rules can get in the way of why you’re out there in the first place. Other practices, such as bush hogging, winter plowing, and prescribed fire are excellent wildlife management tools. Bush hogging roadsides and other open areas provide travel corridors for turkeys and regenerated plants for deer browse. Winter plowing stimulates wildlife friendly plants such as ragweed, partridge pea, and beggar lice. Prescribed fires can maintain properties in an early successional stage and reduce fuel loads in timber stands, reducing the effects of harmful wild fires. Plowed strips also serve as seasonal fire breaks and other wildlife travel paths. I monitor plowed strips in the winter for deer and turkey tracks, and other wildlife signs. Hunter management is the least practiced, but most important thing for a club. There are rules and restrictions everywhere you go, but they must be enforced. I read an article one time about a hunt club that had only one rule. Their one rule was that there would be no rules. They only wanted members who would always think of others, show personal accountability and demonstrate self control. Such members would need no rules, they reasoned. They could be counted on to do the right thing in all instances. I don’t know how it worked for them. We don’t live in a perfect world, and those kind of people would be hard to find. I hunted with a club for years that had pages and pages of rules, but no enforcement, and the only apparent criteria for membership was one's ability to pay the membership dues. That hunting club has spiraled downward in the past few years, and will not likely survive. Better hunter management could have made a difference. Our hunting club has a simple set of common rules that are easy to follow and simple to enforce. The rules clearly define our agenda and offer a framework for our conduct. We’ve tried to take in only the best people. I know there is always room for improvement in everything we do, but perfection is an elusive and perhaps, unrealistic goal. We can learn as we go in almost any endeavor, and hunting is no exception.
Santee Associates Realty Great team of Real Estate professionals ready to help you buy/sell your Lake Marion (North & South Shore) property.
Call one of our friendly agents to assist you! Karen Hardman • Roland Schock Catherine Shuler • Maggie Griffin Donna O’Neill • Cindy Ott
Large Enough to Serve You, Small Enough to Know You! 803-854-3000 or 1-800-476-0059
Buck Travis (Owner), Scott Clark (B.I.C.) Eletha Travis (Office Coordinator) Large enough to serve you. Small Enough to know you.
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 47
Spring! Revive your home this
Great Prices - Great Quality - Great Service That’s What Makes Us #1
Drive a Little and Save a lot! Discount Furniture Outlet Voted #1 Place to Buy Furniture & Mattresses by
6 YEAR’S STRAIGHT BRAD
Live Better For Less!
CATHY
WAYNE
MATT
KRIS
Like Us On Facebook!
2891 Broad Street | Sumter, SC 29150 | 803-469-8733 Open: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7pm | Sat: 9:30am-5pm | Closed Sunday
48 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 | LAKESIDE
CASH, CHECK, CREDIT CARDS & FINANCING ARE AVAILABLE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. -LAYAWAY AVAILABLE-