I have been cruising by this place on W. Queen Street for several years admiring its rustic charm and wondering about its origins, but never taking the time to find out. A recent early morning photo excursion with my friend Josh has whet my appetite to solve the mystery, and enjoy the history of this Pendleton landmark. Can you name it?
Cement and steel are the skeleton of this architectural heirloom. Molded cement footings anchor the structure while steel girders jut into the same sky that a landmark of intense cultural value once stood. Painted metal roofing shingles gleaned from the original building constitute the focal point of this memorial, a giant wind chime. A stage and steps lead you up, through, then down and out of the structure. Salvaged wood, bottles, vines and words decorate the skeleton reminding us of a time gone by.
Questions I have asked:
What was this place?
Who built this? Why?
Who gets to enjoy this?
Where are all the people?
No worries if you are unable to put a name to this place. In an informal, un-scientific poll 14 out of 16 local residents could not tell me either. This article from 2003, http://www.knowitall.org/sandlapper/autumn-2003/completed-pdfs/Old-Keese-29.pdf shed some light on the structure.
"...Architecture students from Clemson University’s Studio South prepared this homage to the folks of Pendleton before the last of the structure they call “The Hundreds,” the old Keese Barn, comes tumbling down ...
...Ben Keese built the structure as a place for African Americans to shop,socialize and eat. In the segregated South, the Keese Barn became a sanctuary for the community. The original structure was built of leftover scrap and salvaged material. Clemson students made many discoveries as they meticulously
took the building apart. Students were required to reuse the dismantled materials; they accepted the challenge to keep the spirit of the building intact while designing a new structure to unite the neighborhoods...
...The finished structure by Studio South architecture students resembles a sheltered park. It encourages people of all races to gather, relax and share, much as they did in the old “Hundreds”—but as a united community...
...build a new structure, but to disassemble and re-use pieces of the old. They approached the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture with their vision. Throughout the project, they met with the foundation to collaborate on design. They also met with local businesses for assistance with funding, advice and equipment. People of the community often visited the site, much like they visited the original barn, to chat and reminisce..."
I also found this wonderful memoir written by a Pendleton native http://www.squidoo.com/pendleton-memories2 intimating her experience growing up as a "colored" woman in Pendleton, SC. Thanks, Sandra Gantt! I do not know you, but I have learned a lot from you.
As a casual observer of this cultural artifact for the past 5 years, I have never taken part in or seen a community activity actually go on here. Perhaps we can change that?
What poetic descriptions of local history...such as your wind chime metaphor.
ReplyDeleteFuture generations will now be able to learn about their home area because of the work you are doing. Hope the space you wrote about is soon open for sharing with the community.