The history of the inland part of the state is dominated by mills and their influence on every aspect of life in small towns. What's left of them -- their giant old smokestacks of crumbling bricks -- still rise up tall over the horizon as you approach each town.
The Pendleton Mill was first a cotton gin built by the Sitton family during Reconstruction. Over the years the gin made one family wealthy and for many years provided a living for the people of the town. 
An oil mill was added to the site before the turn of the century to make use of the cotton seeds extracted during the ginning process, using what had previously been waste. After World War II, the mill was refitted to join another innovation in the cotton industry, turning cotton seeds into fertilizer for agriculture.
Today, the mill site is abandoned. What was once the life blood of the town, now is an eyesore and a serious problem.
The owner can't afford to pay taxes on it and the city can't afford to confiscate it, demolish it, and take on the responsibility to clean up all the toxic waste accumulated over the years. The town is in negotiations with the EPA for assistance.
What a shame, hopefully funding will be found to do something with those buildings.
ReplyDeleteLooks a bit of a mess. Seems too late to try and restore the buildings without spending a huge amount of money. No doubt you will keep an eye out for any change in the situation.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bloody mess. Maybe "Turnip Top" with his "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" policy should be sent photos of this
ReplyDeletederelict area - who knows, he might develop one of his golf course resorts???? Well It is a thought, eh? Paul may have other thoughts on this "pie in the sky" idea??
Great post even if not the prettiest of locations - that's what I like about your blog reports, Cynthia, you show and report on "WARTS AND ALL".
Cheers
Colin
Interesting history but a sad commentary on industry and government.
ReplyDeleteThat is sad that the owner and the city can't afford to do something
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't look very good, needs a good clean up action! A sad story.
ReplyDeleteOne of the happier side-effects of the high land prices here is that areas like this are usually snapped up for redevelopment. It must surely be dragging down the economy of the whole town.
ReplyDeleteReally a sad situation, and seen in many rural areas. Too bad the buildings and property can't be repurposed for something else. I guess the only upside is the old abandoned properties make for outstanding photos!!
ReplyDeleteYou would think there would be metal there to be recycled. Other things that could be repurposed. I think the towns people aren't thinking this through and considering possibilities.
ReplyDeleteSad story indeed of a small town..&.keep avoiding all those hurricanes !
ReplyDeleteWow that is a problem. It's such a huge undertaking.
ReplyDeleteTo be in negotiations with the EPA under Trump is an exercise in futility. America is filled with derelict towns like this.
ReplyDelete