Denmark Beginnings
The town was originally known as Graham's Turnout, when the South Carolina Canal &Railroad line came through in the 1830s.There were 16turnouts, or pull-offs forpassing, on the line with watering tanksand woodsheds. Its name was changed toDenmark in 1893 in honor of a railroadofficial with Sound Bound Railroad. Denmark depot is still an active Amtrak station.
Dairy in Denmark
South Carolina Senator Stanwix GreenvilleMayfield, a lawyer, was a major landowneron the south side of Denmark and his homewas located on Carolina highway. Mayfieldowned and operated one of the two largestdairies in town. Another major dairyman inDenmark, James B. Guess, was a producerof champion Guernsey cattle. Guess hadaround 400 head of dairy cattle and producedGolden Guernsey milk. Neither of theoriginal dairies exists today.
Dane Cultural Center
Seating more than 700, this 1950's era movietheater was the largest in the area. Afterclosing as a movie theater in the 1960's, itsat vacant for a few years. Restored todayto its original art deco style, the DaneTheater now serves as a cultural center.The center hosts plays, concerts, and meetings and still serves an active role in the community.
( at left )
Jim Harrison Gallery
The historic railroad town of Denmark ishome to nationally recognized artist, JimHarrison, Jim is well known for his natureand rural landscape scenes. Visitors canfind His landscape and Coca-Cola art displayed at the Jim Harrison Gallery justdown from the Denmark Depot.
(at right )
AT&T Building
During WWII, the AT&T building, and nearby train depot were guarded by soldiers from Fort Stewart, Georgia. These buildings were important links in the nation's communications and was considered a prime target for sabotage. This historic building is now a home to Caroline"s Antique Collection on Carolina Highway.
Voorhees College
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, a 22-year old graduateof the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, foundedVoorhees College in 1897.Tuskegee Institutetrained teachers to provide educationalservices to African-American communities thatmay be undeserved. Miss Wright receivedfinancial support from various groupsincluding the Episcopal Churches throughoutthe country, African-American churches, andthe Ralph Voorhees family from New Jersey.Locally, S.C. Senator Stanwix Greenville Mayfield advised Miss Wright in obtainingland, and working with contractors. The resultwas Voorhees Junior College. Voorhees is oneof the oldest African-American institutionsof higher education in the state.
Comments 0 comments