Dillon County 
 
 Economic and Social 
 
 EDGAR T. THOMPSON 
 DEWEY STEPHENS 
 
 University of South Carolina 
 
 Dillon County Federation of Women's Clubs 
 
 June 1922 
 
 Bulletin University of South Carolina— Issued Monthly 
 No. no, June 1922. Second Class Mail Matter
 
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 The Bank of Little Rock 
 
 Little Rock, South Carolina 
 
 in money matters is at your command. 
 
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 Our time, service, advice and experience f 
 
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 Your account, protected by our ample re- 
 sources, will receive every consideration 
 and attention. 
 
 We invite the accounts of those who are 
 desirous of forming a strong, helpful banking 
 
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 We Invite Your Business 1 
 
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 T. C. SHERWOOD, J. H. MEADOWS, 
 
 President Cashier 
 
 L. A. MANNING, 
 Vice-President 
 
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 "No Account Too Large To Handle, 
 I No Account Too Small To Serve" 
 
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 CAPITAL $75,000 
 SURPLUS $75,000 
 
 The Bank of Dillon 
 
 Dillon, S. C. 
 
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 W. H. MULLER. JOHN C. BETHEA, | 
 
 President Vice-President i 
 
 J. M. SPRUNT, DR. WADE STACKHOUSE, j 
 
 Cashier Vice-President ? 
 
 R. L. MOODY, { 
 
 Asst. Cashier |
 
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 I The Bank of Latta 1 
 
 W. H. SMITH, President L. A. MANNING, Jr., Vice-President 
 
 M. M. SELLERS, Cashier E. C. ALLEN. Vice-Prcident 
 
 Latta, S. C. 
 
 A Good Bank in a Good Town 
 Offers to You Safety and Service 
 
 "BANK WITH US" ! 
 
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 i The Peoples Bank j 
 
 I "The Home for Savings" 
 
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 } Dillon, S. C. 
 
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 Capital and Surplus $74,500 
 
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 Gives Efficient, Courteous 
 and Prompt Service 
 
 We Solicit Your Patronage 
 
 i T. A. DILLON, Pres. F. B. DAVID, Cashier 
 
 t V. L. McLEAN, Vice-Pres. T. W. HAMER, Asst. Cashier 
 
 Phone 16
 
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 Farmers & Merchants Bank i 
 
 Head Office, Marion, S. C. 
 
 Latta, South Carolina 
 
 \ Solicits the accounts of Individuals, Firms r 
 
 and Corporations 
 
 The Strongest Bank in Dillon County I 
 
 Capital $100,000 
 Surplus $125,000 
 
 "Make This Bank Your Business Home" 
 
 J W. H. CROSS, Pres. W. D. BETHEA, Asst. Cashier I 
 I H. A. BETHEA. Vice-Pres. } 
 
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 i
 
 DILLON COUNTY 
 
 Economic and Social 
 
 EDGAR T. THOMPSON 
 DEWEY STEPHENS 
 
 A Laboratory Study in the Department of Rural Social Science 
 of the University of South Carolina 
 
 MAY 1922 
 
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Pag" 
 
 Foreword ^ 
 
 I. Historical Background 
 
 II. Dillon County Towns 34 
 
 Dillon — Latta — ■Lake View — Little Rock. 
 
 III. Natural Resources and Industries 23 
 
 Geography — Timber — Mineral Deposits — Soils — Cli- 
 mate — Industries. 
 
 IV. Facts About the Folks 28 
 
 Population Increases — Illiteracy — A Big Church Prob- 
 lem — Vital Statistics — Marriages — Population Fig- 
 ures — Negro Ownership of Farms — Table. 
 
 V. Wealth and Taxation 32 
 
 l2 Agricultural Wealth — Total Wealth — Farm Mort- 
 
 «5 
 
 gages — Banks and Banking Resources — Liberty 
 Loans — Automobiles — Roads and Railways — Tax- 
 ation — Table. 
 
 ^ VI. Schools 41 
 
 3 Ten Year Gains — Attendance — Teachers — Consolida- 
 
 tion — Rank of Dillon County Schools — Negro Edu- 
 cation — Table. 
 
 cv, VII. Dillon Agriculture 49 
 
 • Dillon County Predominantly Agricultural — Idle 
 
 C\| Lands — Farm Tenancy — Size of Farms — Drainage — 
 
 g Cotton and the Boll Weevil Problem — Tobacco — 
 
 •^ Corn — Sweet Potatoes — Our Livestock Situation — 
 
 Machinery on the Farm — Farm Loan Associations — 
 
 Table. 
 
 d VIII. Balance Sheet in Food and Feed Production Gl 
 
 Our Deficiency — The Shortage in Detail — Reasons for 
 ^ Shortage — The Boll Wee'vil Would Starve on Corn — 
 
 Q The Local Market Problem — Co-operative Marketing — 
 
 CO "Sugar Spuds" — What the Banks Can Do — Standardiz- 
 
 uj ing the Product — Table. 
 
 5 IX. Evidences of Progress 71 
 
 ^ Educational Advances — Our Towns — Wealth — Agri- 
 
 culture — Dillon County Fair — County Federation of 
 Women's Clubs — Public Health Work — Home Demon- 
 stration Activities — Farm Demonstration Work — 
 Transportation — Table. 
 
 X. Our Problems and Their Solution SO 
 
 A County-Wide Chamber of Commerce — Farm Ten- 
 ancy — Poor School Attendance — Illiteracy — An Ill- 
 balanced Farm System — Tax Reform — Co-operative 
 Movements — Libraries. 
 
 449625
 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
 
 For the publication of this booklet, thanks are due to those 
 public spirittHl men and women of Dillon County who by liberal 
 advertisements and contributions made possible this work. We 
 are certain tiiat the citizens of this county whom this bulletin is 
 trying to serve, and this includes all of the citizens of the county, 
 will extend to these advertisers their heartiest support. To Dr. 
 J. H. David, Mr. Houston Manning. Mr. L. A. Manning, Mrs. R. P. 
 Hamer, Mr. J. S. Thompson and to the Dillon County Federation 
 of Women's Clubs, we are grateful for generous contributions. 
 
 We are also under obligations to Mr. W. C. McCall, a Florence 
 County student at the University, for aid in soliciting advertise- 
 ments. 
 
 In the chapter on Dillon County Towns the write-up of Little 
 Rock was prepared by Mr. C. V. Hayes, Lake View by Mr. J. E. 
 Haukius, a student at the University, and Dillon by Mr. W. J. 
 Carter and Mr. A. B. Jordan. 
 
 There is little in this study that is original except as far as 
 arrangement and interpretation is concerned. The psychologist James 
 says a genius is a man who can stick in his bill anywhere and draw 
 out what the occasion demands. In this we hope we have imitated 
 genius. The work owes much to the help of Dr. Wilson Gee, head 
 of the Department of Rural Social Science. We are greatly indebted 
 to him for his suggestions, encouragement and criticisms all along 
 the course of its preparation. 
 
 EDGAR T. THOMPSON, 
 DEWEY STEPHENS. 
 
 University of South Carolina, 
 May, 1022.
 
 JAMEvS W. DILLON
 
 FOREWORD 
 
 Wilson Gee. 
 
 Professor of Rural Social Science , 
 University of South Carolina : 
 
 In point of fact the territory of Dillon County is as old as 
 almost any of the coastal plain region of South Carolina. But 
 Dillon County as a political unit dates back only to 1010 and is 
 the forty-third county formed in the State. 
 
 A kind Providence had smiled on Dillon in the lot that has Ueeu 
 aw<arded her. Blessed with soils unexcelled anywhere, and a 
 thrifty, law-abiding people, believing firmly in good schools and 
 churches as fundamentals, it is not surprising that the county has 
 so much to her credit as recorded in the following pages. Yet, 
 withal, there are enough of hard, knotty problems included to 
 keep her character as a people firm and intact if they will but 
 apply themselves to the task. 
 
 The writer can attest that this bulletin has been indeed a labor 
 of love with Messrs. Edgar T. Thompson and Dewey Stephens, both 
 sons of Dillon County. The work has been carefully and effi- 
 ciently done. They have not spared themselves, working in season 
 and out of season to the end that they might faithfully portray 
 the economic and social resources of their native county, so far 
 as these lend themselves to measurement. Their attitude has been 
 to justly appraise these resources, giving tribute where it is due, 
 and at the same time calling attention to the shortcomings and 
 problems of the county which they place first among all counties. 
 
 There is no person in Dillon County but that will be worth more 
 to his neighborhood, county and State when he has finished reading 
 the study set forth in the following pages. 
 
 University of South Carolina, 
 Columbia, South Carolina, 
 May 12, 1922.
 
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 
 
 Edgar T. Thompson. 
 
 Dillou County is one of the youngest counties in the State. Its 
 history as a county is short but tlie history of the territory now 
 included in Dillon County is as old and as interesting as that of 
 any other part of South Carolina. 
 
 The earliest inhabitants of this section of the state found resi- 
 dent here a tribe of Indians who are thought by some to have been 
 named the "Pee Dee" Indians. But this, however, is not certain. The 
 first official mention Vte have of the name of Pee Dee was about 
 1731 when Pee Dee Township on lower Pee Dee River was one of 
 the eleven townships marked out in South Carolina to expedite the 
 settlement of that province. One located on upper I'ee Dee River 
 was calle<l Queeusboro Township. Altho this township did not in- 
 clude any of the territory now embraced in Dillon County, never- 
 theless many settlers emigrated from it to all parts of the Pee Dee 
 country. Thus from about 1731 dates the earliest .settlement of the 
 region. 
 
 After Braddock's defeat in western Pennsylvania by the Indians 
 in 1755, a large number of Virginians and Pennsylvanians, realiz- 
 ■ ing their insecurity, left their homes and settled on both sides of 
 the boundary line between eastern North and South Carolina. Dur- 
 ing the next several years many other settlements were made over 
 the entire country of the Pee Dees. Among these were Welsh Baptists 
 from Pennsylvania and Delaware on "Welsh Tract'' around the 
 present city of Florence; Irish Protestants on the Pee Dee about 
 1738; English and Irish of the Established Church of England at 
 Britton's Neck; and settlers from other states, North Carolina, 
 Virginia, Maryland and even far off Connecticut. While most 
 of these settlements were made outside of what is now Dillon 
 County they are important because many of our citizens today 
 trace the beginning of their family name in America to some of 
 these early pioneers. Also they serve to acquaint us with the 
 racial strains and consequent political and religious ideals of our 
 people.
 
 10 Dillon County Economic and Social 
 
 The first divisiou of South Caroliua for purposes of admiuis- 
 tration was made in 1082 when the province was divided into 
 three counties, Berkeley, Colleton and Craven. The Pee Dee country 
 was included in the latter. The Circuit or District Act of 1768 
 divided the province into seven judicial districts and in 1785 each 
 of these districts was subdivided into counties. Georgetown Dis- 
 trict, of which this section was a part, was divided into four 
 counties, Winyaw, Williamsburg, Kingston and Liberty. Liberty 
 County was changed to Marion District by an act of the Legis- 
 lature in 1708. 
 
 Old Marion County or District, named for the partisan leader 
 Francis Marion, thereafter remained undivided, for one hundred 
 and twenty-five years, except for four townships taken off to 
 form a part of Florence County, 3889-90. The history of the 
 territory now included in Dillon County has therefore been in- 
 timately connected with the history of Marion County. We have 
 now to ti'y and separate that part of the history of Marion County 
 which pertains to our immediate section. 
 
 From Seller's History of Marion County we learn that such 
 familiar names as Rogers, Gaddy, Edwards, Reaves, McKeuzie, 
 Huggins, Cottingham, Braddy, Clark, Hamer, Hayes, Manning, Harl- 
 lee, Stackhouse, Bethea and many others as well known, were well es- 
 tablished in Northern Liberty District by the end of the Revolution. 
 During that struggle no battles were fought in what is now Dillon 
 County, but the region contributed largely to those who took an 
 active part in the strife. These served in the Pee Dee militia and 
 under General Francis Marion. The nearest engagement between 
 patriots and British sympathizers took place on June 3, 1782, at 
 Bowling Green in Marion County, three miles south of the present 
 Dillon County line. The feeling between Tories and patriots was 
 very bitter during and after the Revolution. On the plantation 
 formerly owned by Mr. Duncan McLaurin is supposed to have 
 occurred the hanging of the Tory Snowden by "Sweat Swamp" John 
 Bethea. Another Tory named Grooms was hanged about 1780 on 
 the place now owned by Mr. J. W. Hamer near Little Rock. 
 
 The region of the Pee Dees grew very little for some time after 
 the Revolution. It was not affected to any extent by the war of 
 1812 and took not a great deal of interest in national and even 
 state affairs. This was largely due to the fact that the entire 
 Pee Dee country was practically cut off from the rest of the state 
 by a wide river bounded on both sides by dense swamps more than a 
 mile in width. But there was a deep interest taken in the approach- 
 ing conflict between the Confederacy and the Union because many
 
 Dillon County Economic and Social 11 
 
 Pee Dee planters possessed large numbers of slaves and these 
 planters faced great losses should the war be lost. 
 
 The leader of the nullifiers in this section was Colonel Thomas 
 Harllee who was delegate to the State Nullification Convention 
 in 1832. As part of the state militia organized to defend the ordi- 
 nace of nullification a battallion was formed of recruits from High 
 Hill, Maiden Down and Herry's Ci'oss Koads, all in upper Marion 
 County, territory new a part of Dillon County. 
 
 To the call for volunteers made at the beginning of the Civil 
 war, High Hill and llarlleesville, now Little Rock, furnished a 
 company called the "Spartan Band" which was captained by E. T, 
 Stackhouse. This company was the only company made up entirely 
 of upper Marion County men, altho it by no means contained all 
 the men who went into service from this section. The war 
 brought to the front in Colonel E. T. Stackhouse who went thru 
 the war to Appomattox and came out lieutenant colonel of his 
 regiment, probably the greatest man this community has ever pro- 
 duced. He was twice elected to the Legislature and twice made 
 president of the State Farmer's Alliance. In 1890 he was over- 
 whelmingly elected to the United States Congress. 
 
 In the registration of voters in South Carolina made during the 
 radical regime, following the war, exactly one hundred more whites 
 than negroes were registered in Marion County. The reverse 
 was the case in every other county in the state. General Wade 
 Hampton at the head of about five hundred mounted whites and 
 one hundred and fifty mounted negroes, in his tour of the state In 
 1S7G, spoke on September 20 at Reedy Creek Church and at Little 
 Rock. In the election of State officers which followed, about twelve 
 hundred votes were cast in upper Marion County for Hampton 
 and about seven hundred for his opponent, the radical governor 
 Chamberlain. 
 
 Up to 1850 the entire northeastern part of the State was without 
 railroad facilities and had to depend upon the old and slow method 
 of private conveyance. But between 1853 and 1854 the Wilmington 
 and Manchester Railroad was built from Wilmington, going by- 
 Marion and Sumter and joining the Camden branch of the old Soutb 
 Carolina Railroad. This road meant more than we can imagine in 
 the development of Marion County. In the early seventies the old 
 Manchester road from Sumter to Columbia was built, the name 
 becoming the Wilmington and Columbia. It gave a direct road from 
 Columbia to the North by Florence, Marion and Wilmington. 
 
 In 1890 the Atlantic Coast Line w^hich owned and operated the 
 road from Columbia to Wilmington and on north, decided to develop
 
 12 Dillon Coitnty Economic and Social 
 
 an important sectiou of Nortli Carolina and projected a road from 
 Wilson, North Carolina down I»y Fayetteville and extending thru 
 Marion County. It connected with the Wilmington and Coluinhia line 
 nuikiug a direct line to imiiortant points hoth North and South. 
 Engineers reported that it would recjuire a curve of four miles to go 
 hy Marion and that town was asked to pay for the expense of 
 making the detour. When this was refused, Marion was left to 
 one side and the "Wilson Short Cut." as it is called, made a junction 
 with the Columbia and Wilmington near the I'ee Dee Iliver. The 
 Wilson Short Cut traversed the entire upper half of the county 
 and the towns of Dillon and Latta at once sprang up and grew 
 rapidly. Tlie entire upper section found it easier to conduct busi- 
 ness and they were saved the long hauls over sandy roads to 
 Marion Courthouse. Commercially the county was divided into 
 two parts, the trade of the upper portion going to Dillon and that 
 of the lower portion going to Marion. 
 
 The coming of the railroad was therefore the greatest single 
 influence underlying the movement for a new county. In addition 
 to this, old Marion County extended seventy-five miles from the 
 upper to the lower end. It was too large for proper administration. 
 Again it was claimed that lands in the propose<^l new county, although 
 much less than one-half of the total county area, furnished more 
 than one-half of the total revenue which went largely toward the 
 improvement of the lower part. This last fact caused feeling to run 
 high in the upper part of the county and there was an attempt to 
 join Marlboro County. This, however, failed.. A new county at 
 that time was almost impossible because the constitution of 18G8 re- 
 quired a new' county to contain six hundred and twenty-five .square 
 miles. 
 
 But when the constitutional convention of 1895 provided for 
 smaller counties by fixing a minimum of four hundred squax'e miles 
 for the new county and five hundred square miles for the old, 
 those who desired a new county in upper Marion County began a 
 strenuous movement for its fornmtion. To Dr. J. H. David, Captain 
 A. T. Ilarllee and Dr. T. J. Weatliorly belongs the honor of initiat- 
 ing the movement. After a great deal of agitation an election 
 was held on January 12, 1807, which went against the new county 
 project. It was n.scertained that unfair and questionable methods 
 had been practice^l and an appeal was made to the Legislature 
 for another election. A new election was granted on April IG, 1898, 
 and the new county polled a large majority of the votes cast. But 
 the old county was not yet ready to lose its most prosperous sec- 
 tion and carri(Nl tlie proceedings to the State Supreme Court. No
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 1:> 
 
 Uecisioii was ever made l)y tlial body relative to the legality of the 
 election for the proposed uew county of Dillon, but a decision made 
 ill tlie similar case of Lee County was so adverse to the conten- 
 tions of new county supporters that the case for Dillon was dr(jpi»t'(l. 
 
 Another election was held on January 10, 11J02, and again there 
 w-as an exciting contest which resulted in another defeat for the 
 new county which lacked only one hundred and thirty votes of having 
 the required majority. Before the forth election there was a great 
 deal of eontention regarding the question of territory. Old county sup- 
 porters did not believe that the proposed new county coutaintHl four 
 hundred square miles. Much time was spent in wrangling over this 
 issue which has since been proven foolish iov the United States 
 Census of 1920, gives Dillon County 471 square miles and Marion 
 County ii'2\) s<iuare miles. 
 
 In the fourth election of December 4, 190i), a complete victory for 
 the new county was won and the long fight lasting from 1894 was 
 over. The new county was named Dillon after Mr. J. W. Dillon, one 
 of the county's oldest and most popular citizens. The act creating 
 the county was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor 
 Ansel on February 5, 1910. And thus was Dillon, the forty third 
 countj', established. 
 
 No county in the state responde<l more quickly and fully than 
 Dillon County to the needs of the country during the recent world 
 war. About six hundred and thirty men were furnished for army 
 and navy service. Lieutenant John H. David, Jr., of Dillon was 
 the first South Carolina officer to fall in France. Three Dillon 
 County volunteers. Lieutenant A. F. Carter, Lieutenant R. L. Lane, 
 and I'rivate Jesse Evans, were decorated for conspicuous service. 
 
 Our short history as a county, with the exception of the part 
 played by our citizens in the World War, is devoid of political 
 happenings of marked significance but our progress along social and 
 economic lines has been very remarkable indeed as the following 
 chapters will show.
 
 II. 
 DILLON COUNTY TOWNS 
 
 Dillon 
 
 The story of Dillon's development since the town was established 
 in 1887, if told in detail, would read lil^e a page from the Arabian 
 Nights. It is what might be appropriately termed a "magic city." 
 Until the coming of the railroad in 1887 the present site of Dillon 
 and the surrounding country was a vast wilderness, the nearest trad- 
 ing point being Little Rock, four miles distant, then a small place 
 with one or two stores and half a dozen residences. The only town 
 of any importance was Marion, about twenty miles distant, reached 
 by cart paths which blazed a trail thru the primeval forests which 
 have since been converted into fertile fields on which stand beauti- 
 ful homes. Tradition holds that the business section of Main Street, 
 now covered with eight inches of concrete paving, was once a 
 popular fishing ground and yielded a bountiful supply of trout, red 
 breast and bream. 
 
 It was in December 1887, that the railroad known as the "Wilson 
 Short Cut," under construction from Pee Dee to Fayetteville, N. C, 
 reached Dillon. In the month following, January 1888, the first 
 depot was erected. The depot was a crude wooden building, as 
 compared with the modern one there today, but it served the rail- 
 road patrons at this point for many years. About the year 1005 
 the wooden building was moved across the street where it is still 
 used as a freight station and a modern passenger station was 
 erected in its place. 
 
 Dillon's first settlers were the Moore Brothers, Donald, William 
 Robert, James and Edward, who operateil a store in connection with 
 a tunientine still ; and Duncan McLaurin, who opened a general mer- 
 chandise store and was Dillon's first mayor. Then came Carey 
 Edens, Colin Edens, John W. McKay, A. D. Bracy, Tom Crump, 
 S. S. Rosier, J. E. Sprunt, Dr. J. P. Ewing, Eli Davis, Levi Jackson, 
 W. T. Bethea, E. T. Elliot, Dr. J. H. David, F. B. David, J. W. 
 Smitli, S. Seigler, W. J. Carter, J. W. Dillon and T. A. Dillon. 
 Tliese last two composed the firm of J. W. Dillon & Son which 
 for many years was the largest mercantile establishment in this 
 section. Altho the elder Dillon did not move to Dillon until some 
 time after the coming of the railroad, it was largely thru his 
 efforts that the railroad was brought thru this section and the
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 15 
 
 town was also named in his honor. II«' was also active in the 
 fifteen year fight for the establishment of Dillon County, con- 
 tributing largely of his means, and finally when the election ca'-'-ied 
 in favor of the new county he gave $2r),000 in casli toward the 
 erection of the court house. As an expression of gratitude for his 
 efforts in behalf of the establishment of the county, the new county 
 was named in his honor. 
 
 The first school was built in the year 1880 and the first teacher 
 was Miss Kate McQueen. The building was soon displaced by a 
 brick building and some years later the present modern building 
 was erected, being at tlie time one of tlie best .school buildings 
 in the State. 
 
 The Methodist cluirch was organized in 1889, this being Dillon's 
 first church. A sliort while later the Baptist church was built, 
 then came the Presbyterian church and a few years later the Episco- 
 palians erected their own house of worship. Each of these denomi- 
 nations now have large handsome churches. 
 
 Begining in 1887, by ISiJO the town had a population of 87. 
 In the next decade it had increased to 1,015 persons and by 1910 
 there were 1,757 inhabitants in Dillon. The census of 1920 gives 
 2,205 as the total population. With such a good beginning the town 
 bids fair to develop right early into a Pee Dee city. Dillon's future 
 is assured for it lias behind it some of the best farming lands in 
 the State of South Carolina. The entire section is noted for the 
 riclmess and fertility of its soils. 
 
 These fertile lauds have yielded an enormous toll of wealth, 
 yet unlike many other sections, much of this wealth has been given 
 back to the soil enriching it from year to year until today there 
 are thousands of acres maintained at the highest point of pro- 
 ductivity. Altho some of these lands are held at from one hundred 
 to two hundred and fifty dollars per acre, it is said that the only way 
 they can be acquired is either to marry or inherit tliem. 
 
 An event of considerable importance in the growth of Dillon was 
 the coming of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in IDOO. The road 
 comes into Dillon County from Clio passing thru Minturn, Little 
 Rock, Dillon and Mullins. It affords a direct line of transportation 
 with Hamlet, N. C, to the north and Charleston and Jacksonville 
 to the south. 
 
 While agricultural surroundings forbid highly developed indus- 
 tries, nevertheless, Dillon is making a great deal of progress in 
 this direction. Just outside of the town are two textile mills 
 which, together with a mill at Hamer, is incorporated under the 
 name of the Dillon Mills. The Dillon Oil Mill, a branch of the
 
 16 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 Southern Cotton Oil Company, and the Carolina Milling Company 
 are two of the town's leading industries. The town owns its own 
 water system and lighting plant. Besides the three banks and 
 a printing establishment there are numerous retail and wholesale 
 houses. 
 
 This in brief covers the early history of Dillon. Volumes could 
 be written if we had the space at our disposal to bring the history 
 of the "magic city" up-to-date. It is one of the leading towns of 
 Eastern Carolina, and as John Paul Jones told the Baptist admiral, 
 "we have just begun to tight," so have we "just begun to grow." 
 
 Latta. 
 
 I.atta is the second town in the county in the number of in- 
 habitants, ranking after Dillon in that respect. It is situated in 
 the heart of an excellent farming community and has always 
 identified itself with every progressive county movement. 
 
 The town was named for an official in the old so-called Wilson 
 Short Cut Railroad when that line was being built thru upper 
 Marion County. As a result of the coming of this railroad the 
 little town sprang up and grew rapidly. It had its beginning 
 about 1888 when W. W. George built a store and dwelling within 
 the present borders of the town. This man was responsible for 
 a gi-eat deal of Latta's early development and probably did more 
 than any other one man to build up the town. 
 
 The population of Latta rose from 4(J7 in 1900 to 1,358 by 1910. 
 The census of 1920, however, shows a decrease, the town in that 
 year having on'ly 1,079. Its rapid growth during the decade before 
 the formation of Dillon County was due in large measure to its 
 excellent railroad facilities. A spur from the Atlantic Coast Line 
 connects Latta and Clio. This spur is popularly called the Latta 
 Branch. 
 
 The Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian denominations have 
 become firmly established in this community. They each have hand- 
 some church buildings and services are well attended. The negroes 
 also have their churches. In the last few years Latta has added 
 to her school facilities so that now she possesses a thoroly modern 
 and well equipped school building. The education of the colored 
 children is also well provided for. 
 
 Ill her public library, Latta boasts what no other town in the 
 county possesses. It stands as a tribute to the untiring efforts of 
 the Reverend. W. C. Allen who more than any one else was respon- 
 sible for its construction in 1914. The lot was public spiritedly 
 donate<l by Mr. Carl Bass. The library itself is a gift of the
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 17 
 
 Carnejiie Library Fund and cost $"1,000. The ijooplo of tlu' town 
 contribute 10 per cent of this amount yearly toward its support 
 by means of a one mill tax levy. Miss T. C. McGee, Mrs. Ada 
 Edwards and Mrs. Messie Braddy have successively served as 
 librarians. 
 
 Becau.se of its agricultural surroundings, Latta, has few in- 
 dustrial enterprises. The town owns and maintains tliru the 
 Commission of Public "Works its lighting plant. A grist mill 
 is owne<l and operated by T. O. Solomon. Mr. J. R. Cobb runs 
 a mineral and soda water plant. There are two banks, three drug 
 stores, a tobacco warehouse and many other wholesale and retail 
 establishments. 
 
 ■ Latta has long been noted as a leading tobacco section and that 
 crop is extensively grown on the outlying farms. In its early days 
 a tobacco stemmery was operated there. 
 
 Lake Viewr. 
 
 Lake View is a thriving town of about eight hundred inhabitants. 
 Although it has existed as a town only fifteen years, it ranks third in 
 the county in size and importance, Dillon and Latta being the only 
 ones suriiassing it. It is now growing fast and many new^ homes are 
 being erected each year to accommodate the increasing population. 
 
 Lake View was originally called Page's Mill. This name does 
 not indicate a manufacturing town, but is due to the fact that the 
 first building near the present town site was a grist mill owuci^l 
 by Josei)h N. Page. Its motor power was furnished by a large 
 artificial pond, or lake from which the town received its present 
 name. Tlie pond and mill now belong to INIrs. L. W. Temple, daughter 
 of the original owner. Most of the land upon which the town is 
 built at first belonged to D. K. and W. J. Ford. The present 
 railroad was built in 1000. It is the Raleigh and Chai'leston line, 
 a branch of the Seaboard, and connects the towns of Marion and 
 Ltimberton. N. C. After this construction the town began to spring 
 up. It grow rather slowly but steadily until 1907, when it received 
 a charter and w'as incorporated as a town. 
 
 The volume of business transacted at this time was necessarily 
 small. At an early date, however, the town showed an astonishing 
 tendency to have a number of stores entirely out of proportion 
 to its population. This was chiefly due to the large country trade, 
 which Lake View still enjoys. The stores and other business in- 
 stitutions gradually increased in number. In 1910 the Bank of 
 Lake View was established, with a capital stock of $10,000.
 
 18 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 The children of the commuuity at first had to attend a country 
 school about a mile from town. This was kept in a wooden build- 
 ing and employed only, one or two teachers. Later it was moved to 
 town. The lower grades were taught in a small wooden building owned 
 by J. T. Hankins ; the higher ones in the upper story of a drug store 
 belonging to Dr. Maxcy Smith. The school labored under these 
 difficulties until, in 1911, a new building was erected. This was 
 a modern brick structure, with a heating plant, six comfortable 
 class-rooms, and an auditorium. The number of students was fairly 
 large, averaging about two hundred enrolled. Since the advent of 
 compulsory education, the enrollment has increased to such an extent 
 that it has been found necessary to make additions to the build- 
 ing. Four more class-rooms were built last year and a new steam- 
 heating plant installed. The number of teachers has been increased 
 to nine. The high school grades of Union and Kemper have been 
 consolidated with those of Lake View and their students are 
 brought every morning in trucks. A department of music has 
 recently been created and departments of domestic science and 
 manual training will probably be added next year. The school 
 is making rapid forward strides under Prof. J. B. Thorn, who is 
 now its principal. 
 
 Lake View now has three churches, one Baptist, one Methodist 
 and one Pentecostal Holiness. None of the denominations had a 
 building at first and the members attended churches out of town. 
 Soon, however, the Baptists began to have Sunday school and 
 preaching services in the little building occupied by the lower grades 
 of the public school ; the Methodists used the rooms occupied by the 
 higher grades for the same purpose. In 1911, the same year that 
 the new school house was built, both denominations were strong 
 enough to build churches of their own. They have since thrived 
 steadily. Each one now owns a handsome parsonage. The Baptists 
 have a membership of two hundred and ten, with Rev. W. H. 
 Simpson as pastor ; the Methodists, a membership of one hundred and 
 forty, with Rev. S. E. Ledbetter as pastor. Each of these preachers 
 serves one or two other churches outside of town. The churches 
 play quite an important part in the social life of the community. 
 The Holine.ss church has been established in very recent years 
 and its membership is small. 
 
 One of the chief things about Lake View is its tobacco trade. 
 During the summer months especially, this is the town's chief in- 
 dustry. There are now three large warehouses there, the Liberty, 
 the New Farmers', and the Planters'. The fir.st one established was 
 the Planters', which was built in 1012. It belongs to L. G. Miller,
 
 DiLixjN County : Economic and Social 19 
 
 a citizen of the town. Tlie other two, which were built later, are 
 in the hands of stock companies, formtnl of business men and 
 fanners of the surrounding: community. While the Lalie View 
 marlcet does not handle so much tobacco as some of the others, 
 it is always a good market for prices and a few years ago averaged 
 the highest selling price of all markets in this state. All the 
 larger tobacco companies are represented by buyers and bidding on 
 the floor is usually brisk. 
 
 Lake View has quite a number of business institutions for a 
 town of its size. While the number of dwelling houses is about 
 one hundred, there are perhaps twenty-five stores in the town, 
 a very large proportion. Of this number, two are drug stores, 
 two are hardware establishments, seven handle dry goods, eight, 
 groceries, and four or more, general merchandise. In addition to 
 these there are two banks, the Bank of Lake View, R. S. Rogers, 
 president, which is capitalized at $50,000; and the Union Bank 
 and Trust Company. Iliniard Rogers, president, which has a capital 
 stock of $25,000. The town also has two up-to-date garages and 
 a modern electric shoe shop. A point of special interest is the 
 Palmetto Hotel, a new three-story brick structure, which was com- 
 pleted only last year and cost $50,000 to erect. It is fitted with all 
 modern conveniences and is the equal, if not the superior, of any 
 in the county. Another corporation, only recently organized. Is 
 the Lake View Light and Power Company, which furnishes elec- 
 tricity for the town. The machinery is run by water power and 
 for this purpose the mill pond has been leased for a period of ten 
 years. Lake View has not, as yet, a system of water works, 
 though they are contemplated in the near future. 
 
 A striking feature of most of Lake View's business enterprises 
 Is their co-operative character. They are generally owned, not by 
 any individual, but by corporations formed by the citizens of the 
 town and the surrounding community. Both of the banks, two 
 of the tobacco warehouses, the Palmetto Hotel, the Electric Light 
 and Power Company are all controlled by groups of stockholders. 
 This is due not so much to a lack of individual capital as to the 
 desire for cooperation in business affairs. On the whole this plan 
 works well, as any benefit derived from these enterprises is shared 
 by the community, and public interest in ihem is aroused. 
 
 The social life of the community is by no means neglected. The 
 churches an<l the school play a large part in bringing the people 
 together. The E. Y. P. U. in the Baptist church, the Woman's 
 Missionary Society in the Methodist, and the Home Demonstration
 
 20 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 Club, in connection with the school, are especially valuable along 
 this line. 
 
 Lake View is situated in the eastern part of the county, about a 
 mile from the Nortli Garolina line. Around it are some of the 
 richest farming lands in this state. While cotton and tobacco are 
 the two staple products, the soil is capable of producing a wide 
 variety of crops and is well adapted to truck farming. A large 
 amount of trade is brought to the town from a radius of ten 
 miles around, and thus greatly increases its business. Lake View 
 itself is a rather pretty town, with a handsome residence section 
 and a goodly number of flue brick stores. The pond on the edge 
 of the town has many of the beauties of natural lake scenery, which 
 add greatly to its attractiveness. 
 
 Lake View is still a growing town. Its population is steadily in- 
 creasing every year. Its advantages are many and it offers ad- 
 mirable opportunities to the home-seeker. Its business enterprises 
 are rapidly increasing in number and in magnitude. It has thus 
 far developed i-emarkably for its age, and bids fair in the future 
 to surpass its previous record. 
 
 Little Rock. 
 
 In the richest section of one of the finest agricultural counties 
 of the South stands a rock, and on this rock is written : "Little 
 Rock, S. C." To most Carolinians no further introduction is nec- 
 essary ; for who has not heard of the hospitality of its people and 
 the splendid farming lands of this section? 
 
 The Seaboard Air Line Railroad between Charleston and Hamlet 
 runs through the town. Little Rock is one of the few towns in 
 the State in which the railroad came to the town instead of the town's 
 going to the railroad. The town is in the central part of Ilarllees- 
 ville Township,' which is in the northern part of Dillon County. 
 Little I'ee Dee River is just about a mile from the town. 
 
 The history of Little Rock begins soon after the Revolutionary 
 War, when Thomas Harllee moved from Virginia and settled where 
 Harlleesville Bridge now is. He first engaged in building flats and 
 boats which he sold to the rice planters. He built on tbe banks 
 of the river a store which he filled with goods that were brought 
 up the river from Georgetown. Here the farmers came from miles 
 around to do their trading. At that time there was no other store 
 within tw(Mity miles of this one. A few years later another store 
 was built nearby. Just before the War of Secession the present 
 site of Little Rock was selected for a town. It derived its name 
 from a large rock which still stands in the town. Behind this rock
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 21 
 
 was placed a brass caiuiini of a four-iueli boro. Tbis caiiiKni was 
 used during the Revolutionary War. On holidays it was fired and 
 also after many weddings in the coninmiiity. This camion disap- 
 pearwl during the War of Secession. 
 
 During this war the Confederate Government had a commissary 
 here for the storing of food for the Confederate Army. There 
 was also a cloth factory not very far from the commissary. The 
 cotton thread was brought fi'om Richmond County, N. C, and 
 woven into cloth. The dye from Ibis cloth was made from the 
 barlv of trees that stood on the banks of the river. Risiiop Asbury 
 established a Methodist church here about the year 178G. It was 
 built of logs and served the purpose of a church for many years. 
 It was known as Liberty Chapel. Tbis was the first Methodist 
 church established in Dillon County. The present church building 
 was erected about 1S71. 
 
 Little Rock boasts of the first school established in Dillon County. 
 For sometime school w^as taught in the church. Later a log build- 
 ing was constructed. This was in the early part of the nineteenth 
 century. This building at first consisted of one room, but the pupils 
 became so numerous that another room had to be added. Split 
 logs with pegs placed in them served as seats. These seats had 
 no backs. Pegs were placed in the walls, and a board, which lay 
 upon them, was used as a writing desk. A log was taken from 
 the side of the building, and this opening served as a window. A 
 brick chimney with a board fireplace amply filled with logs kept 
 the children warm in the winter. About 1S70 another building 
 svas constructed. It consisted of two rooms. At that time it was 
 the best school building in this section of the state. It is still 
 standing, but is used as a tenant house. 
 
 Mr. Sellers in his History of INIarion County says of the first 
 school and its people; "It has told upon the intelligence and high 
 standing of that community. Its teachers have generally been men 
 of learning, character, and .scholarly ability. It has awakened a 
 spirit of industrial arts, perhaps, unsurpassed anyw^here. It has 
 moulded character — high character — in both male and female. It 
 has energized its citizens and made them the peer of the citizens 
 of any community. They have no cause to blush when they say 
 'I am from Little Rock'." Out from this school district have gone 
 bankers, statesmen, doctors, lawyers, ministers, missionaries, mer- 
 chants, nur.ses, planters, teachers, and men and women in every 
 walk of life all of whom have made great successes in their lines 
 or professions and who are i)roud to say, "I am from Little Rock." 
 
 The present building was built in 1014. It is one that any com-
 
 22 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 munity should be proud of. It is a two-story brick building 
 with six large classrooms, two offices, and a large auditorium. 
 One of the rooms is used as a domestic scieuce room and another 
 as a library. The classrooms are well equipped with modern desks, 
 black-boards and maps. The modern auditorium with its opera 
 seats, stage, piano, and gas lights is a thing of beauty. At present 
 there are four teachers in the school and an enrollment of one 
 hundred and twenty-six boys and sixty girls. 
 
 A splendid new building for the negroes has just been completed. 
 
 In addition to the buildings mentioned above. Little Rock today 
 consists of a Baptist church and Presbyterian church, also three 
 negro churches, a large ginnery, two livery stables, a post ofiCice, 
 a depot, a bank, a blacksmith's shop, a dozen stores, several garages, 
 and warehouses. The town is well laid off, and the streets are kept 
 in good shape. The present population is about three hundred. 
 
 Just outside of the town limits there is a large planer mill that 
 prepares for building materials the vast quantity of lumber that is 
 cut in the nearby woods. 
 
 The interest of Little Rock is very closely interwoven with the 
 interest of the surrounding country so that failure to deal with 
 the superb farms surrounding would render this account incomplete. 
 
 The farms of this township are among the best in the entire 
 south. It has been estimated that seven thousand bales of cotton 
 are grown in it. In addition to cotton, large fields of grain, hay, 
 tobacco and corn are grown. The soil, which is of a sandy loam, is 
 well adapted to fruit — especially to peaches. The district is well 
 drained by the Little Pee Dee River. The oldest inhabitants can 
 not recall a year in which this section has ever had a crop failure 
 on account of too much rain or on account of a drought. 
 
 The farm homes are a credit to any community. Many of them 
 are equipped with water works and lights. The yards are well 
 kept ; the barns are of a modern type and are filled with grain ; the 
 gardens furnish fresh vegetables all the year. The growing crops 
 are so intensively cultivate<l that they look like large gardens. The 
 tenant houses are well built and their occupants are contented. 
 The farmers buy as fine stock as money can purchase. The horses 
 have always been the pride of the community.
 
 III. 
 NATURAL RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES 
 
 Edgar T. Thompson. 
 
 Geography. 
 
 Dilluii Couuty is located iu the coastal plaiu iu tho uortheastera 
 section of the state. It ranks 39th in size among the counties of 
 the state with an area of 471 square miles, or 301,440 acres. It 
 is bounded on the north by Kobeson County and by Scotland 
 Couuty at its extreme northern ape.N:. Both of these counties are 
 in North Carolina. On the west it is bounded by Marlboro County 
 and the Great Pee Dee River by which it is separated from Florence 
 County. Marion County forms the southern boundary ; and about five 
 miles of Dillon County's boundary on the east is IJorry County. 
 The length and width of Dillon County are approximately 25 and 
 32 miles respectively. 
 
 The land is well drained by three rivers and numerous branches. 
 The Little Pee Dee River meanders southward thru the heart of 
 the county. The Great Pee Dee River drains the southwest corner 
 of the county while the southeast corner is drained by the Lumber 
 River. We have no available water power because the county is 
 below the fall line. The county is generally level with a gradual 
 slope toward the coast which fact makes it one of the best agri- 
 cultural counties in the state. 
 
 Timber. 
 
 The 1920 census gives 08,416 acres of woodland in Dillon County. 
 This is 22.7 per cent of the total county area in which respect we 
 rank 33rd among the counties. Dillon County farms are 38 per cent 
 woodland and in this our rank is 2.5th. According to the 1910 
 census there were 78,499 acres of woodland in the county in that 
 year. This was 26 per cent of the total county area or 6.2 per 
 cent below the average for the state. 
 
 Our timber consists chiefly of loblolly pine together with some 
 long leaf pine. We also have small amounts of cypress, oak, gum, 
 ash, and poplar. 
 
 No statistics as to the amount of merchantable timber specific 
 for the county are available. The 1920 report of the State Commis-
 
 24 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 sioner of Agriculture gives $85,000 as the value of the lumher and 
 timber px'oducts for that year. 
 
 It is interesting to note the timber situation in the state as 
 a whole. In 1920 the United States Forest Service recorded 
 18,889,800,000 feet as the stand of merchantable pine timber in South 
 Carolina. The figure for 1008 was approximately 45,000,000,000 
 feet. Consumption of timber over the country as a whole is four 
 times the annual growth. A great deal of this is absolute waste, 
 much of our forest being ruthlessly devastated in order to obtain 
 choice timber. Forest fires are the cause of enormous waste. It is 
 time we were taking intelligent steps toward the proper utilization 
 and conservation of our forest resources. 
 
 Mineral Deposits, 
 
 The mineral deposits of Dillon County are almost negligible. 
 Some Fuller's earth, marl and brick clay are found but they never 
 have been developed to any appreciable extent. 
 
 Soils. 
 
 Dillon County lies partly in the middle Coastal Plain and partly in 
 the Atlantic Flatwoods soil belts of the Southei-n States. The pre- 
 vailing types of soils of these divisions belong to the Coxville and 
 Norfolk series. These two soils, in all their varieties, are easily 
 tilled and well adapted to farming. Those of the Coxville series 
 are dark colored sandy, silty. and clay soils mottled with heavy 
 clay subsoils. The soils of the Norfolk series are grayish sandy 
 loams with yellow, friable subsoils. 
 
 No soil survey has ever been made in Dillon County but a survey 
 of the soils of Marlboro County would indicate the presence in 
 Dillon County of the silt and sandy loam of the Coxville series, 
 and the course sand, and sandy loam of the Norfolk series. The 
 soil survey of Robeson Count.v. North Carolina, would indicate the 
 presence of sandy loam of both the Norfolk and Portsmouth series. 
 The soils adjoining the Great Pee Dee River are in swamp and com- 
 posed of Norfolk sand according to the Florence County soil survey. 
 The same is true of the soils adjoining the Lumber River in the east- 
 ern part of the county. There are a large number of different soil types 
 in Dillon County. The most Important and best developed are in- 
 cluded in the Norfolk, Marlboro, Portsmouth, Ruston, Orangeburg 
 and Coxville series. These soils for agricultural purposes are 
 among the best in the United States, 
 
 Dillon County is considere<l one of the best developed and most 
 extensively farmed counties In the South. Her soils are well
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 25 
 
 (li-;iiii('<l ;iii(I devoted ]iriii<iiiii lly to the iiroduotion of cotton. Corn, 
 tobacco :ind c-owpoiis are successfully fjrown and a few fields .nre 
 devote<l to wheat and oats. 
 
 The best drained second bottom or Tee Dee terrace soils are the 
 Amite and the Kalmia. These are devoted to the same crops as 
 the upland types. The first bottom lands are little used for 
 agriculture at ])resent. IHllon County has many fine grass soils 
 and natural pastures. They offer an excellent oitportunity for the 
 cattle industry. 
 
 Climate. 
 
 The climate of Dillon County is characterized by short mild 
 winters and long summers v/ith but few excessively hot days. The 
 average yearly temperature is about 62 degrees Fahrenheit and the 
 mean annual rainfall is about 50 jnches. The rainfall is greatest 
 during the spring months of April and May. There is very little 
 snow. The last frosts of spring come about the 29th of March 
 and the first killing frost of fall comes about the 15th of November 
 giving a growing season of about 220 days. The jtrevailing winds 
 are from the south and southwest. 
 
 Industries. 
 
 We usually think that Dillon County is so predominantly agri- 
 cultural that our industries play, very little part in the life of the 
 people. As a matter of fact, however, the value of our manufac- 
 turing industries form a considerable part of our wealth. The 
 accompanying table shows that the value of the annual manufac- 
 tured products for in20 was if2. 557.548 which represented an increase 
 of more than 250 jier cent over 1012. The total value of the eleven 
 leading crops of the county for the same year was $5,501,000. 
 The value of the cotton crop alone was $2,044,800 and the next 
 leading crop, tobacco, $1,392,300. 
 
 The Dillon Mills. 
 
 Textile manufacturing leads all other industries in Dillon County. 
 We rank 21st among the counties of the state in the amount of 
 capital invested in textile manufacture and 22nd in the value of 
 the annual product. The three mills in Dillon County have a com- 
 bined capital stock of $750,000 while the total value of their stock, 
 plant and equipment amounts to $1,218,751. They employ .300 workmen 
 and have an estimated annual output of $1,000,000. These three 
 mills, the Maple Cotton Mill, the Dillon Cotton Mill and the Hamer
 
 26 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 Cotton Mill were incorporated in 1911 under the name of Dillon 
 Mills. They have a total of 40,584 spindles. 
 
 The Dillon Oil Mill. 
 
 The Dillon Oil Mill, a branch of the Southern Cotton Oil Com- 
 pany, was built in 1001 by Dr. J. H. David. It is operated in 
 connection with a cotton gin and employs about 100 men. The 
 average pay roll is about $5,000. In 1920 the output amounted to 
 400,000 gallons of cotton seed oil, 2,250 tons of hulls, 2,000 tons of 
 mixed fertilizers, 45,000 tons of meal and 1,666 bales of linters. 
 The value of these products amounted to approximately $430,000. 
 Tlie capital stock of the mill is $130,000. 
 
 The Carolina Milling Company. 
 
 Our largest milling enterprise, the Carolina Milling Company, 
 was organized and l)uilt by Dr. Wade Stackhouse and began opera- 
 tion in 1919. The equipment consists of the following : fifty barrel 
 flour mill, twelve hundred bushel meal mill, fifty ton molasses feed 
 plant and thirty ton chicken feed plant. During an average busy 
 month they produce 10,000 bushels of corn meal, 1250 barrels of 
 flour and 1250 tons of feed at an average value of $78,000. The 
 authorized capital stock is $160,000. 
 
 The Dillon Herald. 
 
 The Dillon Herald was founded in 1894 by Mr. J. P. Coffin and 
 was later taken over by the firm of Churchhill and Howard. On 
 December 3, 1898, it was purchased by the present owner and editor, 
 Mr. A. B. Jordan. The paper has a subsci-iptiou list of 1,500. They 
 make a specialty of loose leaf ledger work and job printing. 
 
 Lumber Industries. 
 
 Besides these industries there are several mills in the county 
 engaged in lumber dressing work. The largest of these is owned bv 
 J. H. Dunlap and Company and is operated in connection with a saw 
 mill. The Dillon Novelty Works, owned and operated by W. A. Burney, 
 does similar work. 
 
 The Wood Grocery Compiiny, niaiinfacturers of ice, and the Coca 
 Cola Bottling Company are both growing and doing a large business 
 both in and outside the county.
 
 Dillon C!oi7nty : Economic and Social 
 
 27 
 
 Consolidated Summary of All Industries in Dillon County. 
 
 (Based on the 1920 Report of the State Commissioner of Agriculture, 
 
 Commerce and Industries.) 
 
 
 o 
 
 T-l 
 
 y-i 
 
 
 
 
 of 
 1920. 
 
 
 OS 
 
 0) 
 05 
 
 
 
 0) 
 
 re 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 
 CI 
 
 r-l 
 
 ^ 
 
 o 
 
 «i 
 
 
 t—t 
 
 c: 
 
 CI' 
 
 a 
 
 a> 
 
 
 
 
 rH 
 
 iH 
 
 HH 
 
 O 03 
 
 
 .— » 
 
 .— ' 
 
 
 
 
 be a 
 
 
 re 
 
 re 
 
 
 
 
 Avera 
 
 perso 
 
 
 re 
 O 
 
 re 
 O 
 
 Value of 
 
 the annua 
 
 1 Product. 
 
 Boxes, Baskets ... $400 
 
 Confectionery . . . 500 
 
 Electricity 56,000 
 
 Fertilizers 30,000 
 
 Flour and Grist.. 100,025 
 
 Ice 10,000 
 
 Lumber and Tim- 
 ber Products . . 65,000 
 Minerals & Soda . 300 
 Printing & Publish- 
 ing 4,500 
 
 Textiles 1,218,751 
 
 Oil Mills 130,000 
 
 Total $1,010,370 
 
 $5,000 
 
 115,000 
 3,000 
 
 0,000 
 744,351 
 
 00,000 
 
 $1,500 
 2,000 
 
 27,000 
 
 44,885 
 
 302,800 
 
 27,000 
 
 85,000 
 
 (:;oo 
 
 34,853 
 1,000,000 
 
 431,8.50 
 
 $1,000 $301,800 
 
 80.150 
 0,000 
 
 8,000 
 300,000 
 231,040 
 
 4,850 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 15 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 53 
 S 
 
 20,853 9 
 
 1,210,000 407 
 
 100.010 35 
 
 $0:;3,351 $2,557,548 $720,090 $1,743,473 550
 
 IV. 
 
 FACTS ABOUT THE FOLKS 
 
 Dewey Stephens 
 
 This chapter is an attempt to weigh the most important facts 
 available concerning the folks themselves, constituting the popu- 
 lation of Dillon County. The new census report on population 
 has just been published and this enables us to give data that are 
 practically as they exist at the present time. 
 
 The attention of the reader is directed to the table at the end 
 of this chapter where the statistics on which this discussion is 
 based are to be found in compact form for ready reference. 
 
 Population Increase. 
 
 The population of Dillon County in 1!»20 was 2.5,278. In 1910 the 
 population was 22,015. The increase was 2,603 or 11.7 per cent 
 during the last ten years. In 1910 the population was 48 to the square 
 mile while in 1920 it was 53.7. Dillon County ranks 11th in den- 
 sity of rural population. 
 
 The 1920 census shows that there are 12,180 native whites, and 
 12,930 negroes in the county. Tliese figures indicate that the negroes 
 outnumbered the native whites by 7-50. Or in other words, .51 per 
 cent of the total population is negro. By comparing the ceu.sus 
 figures of 1910 and 1920, we find that the white and negro popula- 
 tion have increased in the same ratio during the last ten years. 
 
 Dillon is the largest town in the county, with a population of 
 2,205 in 1920. The ix)pulation for 1910 was 1,757. The increase 
 during the past decade was 448 or approximately 25 per cent. 
 
 Latta is the second largest town in the county, with a popula- 
 tion of 1,079 in 1920. The population for 1910 was 1,358. The 
 decrease during the past decade was 279 individuals or 20 per 
 cent. 
 
 Lakeview is the tliird largest town in the county with a popu- 
 lation of 306 in 1920. The population for 1910 was 157 indicating an 
 increa.se of 149 during the past decade or 94.9 per cent. 
 
 Illiteracy. 
 
 Eleven people out of every hundred of our white iwpulation 
 above ten years of age are unable to read and write their own 
 names, according to the 1920 census. In other words fliey are
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 29 
 
 slieer illiterates. Forty-two founties have a smaller per cent of 
 illiteracy than Dillon County. 
 
 When we look at the number of native white illiterate voters 
 we have a condition which is more serious; for how can a man or 
 woman vote intelligently when he or she cannot read and make 
 out a ballot. Approximately thirteen males out of every hundred 
 are in this condition and 14.5 per cent of the females. There are 
 forty-one counties that have a smaller percentage of male illiterate 
 voters than Dillon and forty-two that have a smaller percentage of 
 female illiterate voters than Dillon. 
 
 About one out of every three negroes in Dillon County cannot read 
 and write. To be specific 33.1 per cent of the negro population 
 above ten years of age are illiterate. 
 
 Very effective work is being done by the State Illiteracy Com- 
 mission and the State Department of Education to remove illit- 
 eracy. The 1920 report of the work shows an enrollment of 310 
 white people in adult schools iu Dillon County, \vith an average 
 attendance of 203. Forty-eight of these had perfect attendance. 
 Seventy-four were taught to read and one hundred and eleven 
 were taught to write. 
 
 Illiteracy will meet its final death at the hands of the com- 
 pulsory attendance law if it is effectively enforced. It is the duty 
 of every loyal citizen to do everything in his or her power to see 
 that the law is properly enforced. 
 
 A Big Church Problem. 
 
 The fact that Dillon County ranks 40th in church membershii) 
 with only GO per cent of the population above ten years of ag.*^ 
 members of the church speaks very poorly for the churches of the 
 county. The state average is 74 i>er cent. We are making great 
 progress along lines of education, but the churches do not seem to 
 be keeping up with the progress made along other lines. It is 
 time for the faithful supporters of the church to get busy a' d try 
 to do something before the problem is too greatly complicated 
 through delay. 
 
 Illiteracy is one of the evils with which the cluirch must con- 
 tend; for an illiterate is very sensitive. Few of them take an active 
 part in church work. We cannot expect them to be actively 
 interested in the affairs or the church unless they are given some- 
 thing to do, and are prepared to accomplish the task. 
 
 Farm tenancy and poor roads are responsible for part of the 
 existing conditions. Then there are the poorly paid pastors. This 
 means that the besfpastors will be in the towns and cities, where the
 
 30 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 salaries are more attractive. Unless the church wakes up and tries 
 to remedy some of the existing evils they ai"e going to put an end 
 to the church. It is time for the church to wake up and .show to 
 the world the real way towards its betterment socially and econ- 
 omically. 
 
 Vital Statistics. 
 
 It is very gratifying to note that there are lO.G more people 
 per thousand of population born in Dillon County each year 
 than die during the same perio<l of time. Although we are twenty 
 seventh in the number of births each year our population is increas- 
 ing. 
 
 The fact that Dillon County is second lowest in death rate in 
 South Carolina shows that it is a good place in which to live. 
 There were only 8.3 deaths to every thousand inhabitants in Dillon 
 County in 1910, while the average for the state was 13.06. Forty- 
 four counties had a higher death rate than we did. Colleton came 
 first with a death rate of 7.4 per thousand <5f populaclon. 
 
 Marriages. 
 
 In 1919, in Dillon County there were 19 marriages per thousand 
 of population. There were 217 white marriages, 15 Indians and 
 245 negroes. 
 
 In 1920, there were 18 marriages per thousand of population. 
 There were 207 whites, 18 Indians and 210 negro marriages. We 
 cannot make any comparisons with the other counties of South 
 Carolina since the figures have not been compiled. They are kept 
 locally in the office of the probate judge and this tabulation would 
 be a difficult task. The state average for North Carolina in 1914 
 was 11 marriages per thousand of population. Our high marriage 
 rate may be due in part to the number of couples that come over 
 from the North Carolina side to be marrietl. This presumably is on 
 account of the differences in the marriage laws in the two states. 
 
 Rural Population. 
 
 The fact that Dillon County has 301,440 acres of land that will 
 grow almost any crop profitably especially adapts it to farming. 
 In 1910 we ranked twenty-fourth among the other counties of the 
 state in density of rural population with forty-eight inhabitants 
 to the square mile. In 1920 we ranketl eleventh with fifty-three 
 and seven-tenths inhabitants to the square mile. In 1910 and 1920 our 
 population was 49 per cent white and 51 per cent negro. Dillon
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 31 
 
 County ranks 33nl in tlio per cent of its population that is negro. 
 From these figures it is very evident that the rural population 
 can be very profitably increased. There is abundant room for 
 the homesookor in one of the best counties of the state. Whfn the 
 rural population increases, tlie loneliness of country life will be partly 
 overcome. We will have better .schools, churches and .social con- 
 ditions. We need our country regions developed so that one can 
 see several nice farms and homes in the same opening. Then we 
 will have a better place in which to live. The fact that the 
 density of rural population in many counties is several times as 
 great as ours, is further proof that the rural population can be 
 profitably increased. 
 
 Facts and Figures About Dillon County People. 
 
 (Compiled princiuaUij fiaiii the U. S. Census of 1920.) 
 
 39th — in size in South Carolina, acres 432,040 
 
 32nd— in population, 1920 25,278 
 
 11th — in density of rural populntion per square mile, 
 
 density 53.7 
 
 15th — in per cent of population th^t is negro, 1920 51.2 
 
 The white increase from 1910-20 was 8 per cent; 
 while the negro population increased 14 per cent. 
 40th — in church membership 10 years of age and over 
 
 ( 191G) per cent 00.0 
 
 35th— in percentage of total illiteracy 22.3 
 
 State average IS.l per cent ; Berkeley leads 
 with 38.4 per cent; Pickens is last with 10.7 per 
 cent. 
 43rd — in native white illiterates 10 years old and over in 
 
 1920, per cent 10.9 
 
 42ud — in native white male illiterate voters in 1920, per 
 
 cent 12.9 
 
 43rd — in native white women illiterate voters in 1920, 
 
 per cent 14.5 
 
 2nd— in death rate per 1,000 population. 1919 8.3 
 
 State average for 1919 was 13.6 per 1,000 popu- 
 lation. 
 
 27th— in birth rate per 1,000 population in 1921 24.9 
 
 4th — in homicides per 100,000 population in 1921 4.0 
 
 Total number of homicides in Dillon for 1921 
 was 1; total for state was 247. State average per 
 100.000 population was 14.7.
 
 V. 
 
 WEALTH AND TAXATION 
 
 Edgar T. Thompson. 
 
 Agricultural Wealth. 
 
 The 1920 census report gives $22,055,053 as the value of all farm 
 property in Dillon County making us rank 15th among the counties 
 of the state. In 1910 the c-ounty i-anked 13th in the value of all 
 farm property with a total of $10,333,050. The increase of 113.4 
 per cent during the ten years is readily seen to he a mai'ked one. 
 Dillon County ranked 34th among the counties in this particular. 
 The average increase for the state was 143 per cent. There was 
 a remarkable rise in land values in many counties especially in 
 Georgetown and in Horry where the increase was 244.5 and 231.2 
 per cent respectively. In the decade between 1900 and 1910 Dillon 
 County, still a part of Marion County, increased 54 per cent in the 
 value of all farm property. 
 
 Dillon County takes a high stand among the counties of the 
 state in the matter of per capita country wealth. In this our 
 rank is 7th with $872.50 per individual. Marlboro ranks first in 
 the state with a per capita wealth of $1,129.03. 
 
 Total Wealth. 
 
 The total wealth of the county is, of course, very much greater 
 than its country wealth. But it is impossible to reckon the value 
 of the county wealth except from the records of the Auditor's office, 
 reported by the State Tax Commission, as 42 per cent of the 
 total value. We cannot accept even this figure as being entirely 
 correct. But it does serve as a basis for comparing one county 
 with another and for showing increases from one time to another. 
 The great difference between the census figures and the figures 
 given by the State Tax Commission can be appreciated when we note 
 that the former's estimate of the value of land in Dillon County 
 for 1920 is $14,907,319 while the latter's figure is only $2,591,405. 
 
 Using the State Tax Conunission's figures then, as a basis of 
 comparison, Dillon County ranks 27th among the counties of the 
 state with a total wealth of $14,174,300. The increase in total
 
 Dillon G^unty: Economic and Social 33 
 
 taxable property from 1010 to 1020 was 7G.65 per cent, r^even 
 counties outranked us in the increase. 
 
 But the total wealth of a county has relatively little to do with 
 the prosperity of the peoi>le as a whole. This is better sho\rn by 
 giving the per captia wealth in the county. In 1020 in Dillon 
 County this item was $5G0, still using the State Tax Commission's 
 figures, making us rank 26th among the counties of the state. 
 While we outrank twenty counties in the matter of per capita 
 wealth, we should not be satisified with our standing. With our 
 rich soils especially adapted to the cultivation of a wide variety 
 of crops we should rank among the first. It is intere.sting to 
 note that our neighborhood county of Marlboro ranks 10th with a 
 per capita wealth of $728. It should be borne in mind that the 
 wealth retaining capacities of a people count far more than the 
 wealth getting activities. 
 
 Farm Mortgages. 
 
 The total number of farms in Dillon County im 1010 was 2,659. 
 Of these 100 or 4 per cent were mortgaged. Four counties. Beaufort, 
 Berkeley, Marlboro and Charleston outranked us in having a smaller 
 percentage of mortgaged farms. 
 
 The white farmers of the county owned 2,543 of these farms. 
 There were 00 or 3.5 per cent of them under mortgage. The coun- 
 ties of Beaufort. Charleston and Marlboro were the only counties 
 having fewer white farm mortgages than Dillon County. 
 
 Negro farmers owned 116 farms and 10 or 16.4 per cent were 
 mortgaged. Twelve counties outranked us in this particular. 
 
 According to the 1020 census there were 3,440 farms in Dillon 
 County in that year. Of these 117 or 3.4 per cent were mortgaged. 
 Three counties, Allendale, Calhoun and Marlboro had a smaller 
 percentage than Dillon County. 
 
 In 1010 the value of all mortgaged farm lands and buildings 
 in the county was $461,655. The total amount of the mortgage debt 
 was $93,455, or 20.2 per cent of the total value of the farm land 
 and buildings. In 1020 this property was valued at $056,675 of which 
 $262,422 or 27.4 per cent, was under mortgage. From these figures 
 we see that while the percentage of farms under mortgage fell 
 from 4 per cent to 3.4 per cent over the period of ten years, the 
 total mortgage debt rose from 20.2 per cent to 27.4 per cent of the 
 total value of all farm land and buildings during the same time. 
 
 A mortgage is not necessarily a bad thing. When used for making 
 improvements a mortgage may be made with profit. But if a 
 mortgage is given for the purpose of buying luxuries, such as
 
 34 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 automobiles for pleasure driviug, there is nothing gained in mak- 
 ing one. 
 
 Banks and Banking Resources. 
 
 In 1920 Dillon County had one National and six State Banks, 
 or one bank for every 3,135 people. In this respect we rank 13th 
 among the counties of the state. Two banks have been added 
 since. In 1919 our total banking resources were $3,088,793.47 
 which was an increase of $1,942,775.04, or 1G9 per cent, over 1914. 
 The average increase for the state as a whole during the same 
 period was 140 per cent. Comparing loans and discounts during the 
 same five year period we have an increase of $722,587.79 over 
 1914 bringing the total to $1,050,412.67 for 1919 which represents 
 an increase of 77 per cent. The average increase for the state 
 during the same period was 100 per cent. The increase in capital 
 stock was not so marked. There was an increase of only $50,000 
 over 1914 bringing the total to $270,700 or an increase of 22 per 
 cent. This means that an increase of 1G9 per cent in resources 
 was effected on an increase of only 22 per cent in capital stock. 
 
 These increases are not entirely the result of an increasing 
 population for the population increased 11.8 per cent from 1910 
 to 1920. It is lai'gely the result of increased thrift on the part 
 of the people and was accomplished during an abnormal business 
 period. 
 
 Our per capita bank resources in 1914 were $55 which was 
 increased to 3=122 in 1919. In per capita loans the increase was 
 very much less, from $41 in 1914 to $65 in 1919. Our per capita 
 capital stock in 1919 was only $10.70 which was an increase of 
 just one dollar over 1914. 
 
 Liberty Loans. 
 
 Dillon County's total quota for all the Liberty Bond drives 
 exclusive of the first was $1,088,500. The total amount subscribed 
 to these loans was $1,145,250 and 1,900 people made subscriptions. 
 
 The county ranked 16th in the percentage of the quota sub- 
 scribed with 105.2 per cent. 
 
 Dui'ing the First Liberty Loan drive in June 1917, there was 
 no organization for soliciting subscriptions and advertising the 
 loan in Dillon County. Consequently the county failed to reach its 
 allotment. The town of Dillon with a quota of $25,000, subscribe<l 
 $15,150, and the town of Latta mth a quota of $5,000 over-sub- 
 scriljed by $650.
 
 DiLLox County : Economic and Social 85 
 
 Dillon County was thoroly organized and prepared for the second 
 Liberty Loan drive of October 1917 and greatly over-subscribed her 
 quota. With an allotment of $172,000 the county subscribed $254,850. 
 This reprosentod the subscriptions of 338 persons. 
 
 The county's quota of $140,200 in the Third Liberty Loan in 
 April 11)18, was over- subscribed by $.s:i2r)0. Six hundred and 
 twenty-four individuals made subscriptions. The amounts appor- 
 tioned and raised by towns is as follows : 
 
 Quota Subscribed 
 
 Dillon $80,000 $137,000 
 
 Little Rock O.ciOO 18,600 
 
 Lakeview 15.300 16,200 
 
 Latta 40,000 56,000 
 
 The quota lor the county for the Fourth Liberty Loan of Sep- 
 tember and October 1018, was almost three times that of the 
 first. This allotment was $500,000 and the amount sub.scribed was 
 $404,250. Bonds were bought by 710 people. 
 
 Lack of interest and proper advertising; resulted in the failure 
 of the county to reach its quota in the Fifth or Victory Loan of 
 April 1919. With an allotment of $209,700 just $160,700 was taken 
 up and only 288 people bought bonds. The following table is 
 interesting : 
 
 Bank Number of 
 Resources Apportioned Subscribed Subscribers 
 
 Dillon $1,391,000 $138,050 $81,250 119 
 
 Little Rock 140,000 14,500 
 
 Lakeview 300,000 29,800 6,000 4 
 
 Latta 880,000 87,350 89,050 159 
 
 On November 11, 1918, Armistice Day. which virtually closed 
 
 the World War, Dillon County had invested $97,152 in War Saving 
 Stamps, a per capita investment of $3.78. 
 
 Automobiles. 
 
 Altho Dillon County ranks 37th in size and 32ud in population 
 among the counties of the state she ranked 19th in the number 
 of automobiles and trucks with 1,079 in 1920. We ranked even 
 higher in the number of inhabitants per automobile with 15.1 
 making our rank 9th among the counties. But these figures are 
 nothing to be proud of for they show that while we have been 
 amassing wealth in automobiles we have been neglecting institutions 
 which are very much more essential to the life and iirosperity of 
 the county.
 
 36 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 If we estimate the average price per automobile as $1,100 wliioli 
 is a conservative estimate, we liave $1,840,900 invested in automo- 
 biles in Dillon County for 1920. The value of all school property 
 in the coimty for the same year was $051,028. This means that 
 we have almost three times as much invested in automobiles as 
 we have in schools. During the year of 1920, Dillon County 
 citizens purchased 353 new cars. Using the same valuation of 
 $1,100 per automobile this was an expenditure of $388,500. During 
 the same year the county spent only $132,583 for school purposes. 
 
 Figures secured from the State Department of Agriculture and 
 based on the eighth of a cent a gallon tax on gasoline gives 737,081 
 gallons as the amount used in Dillon County in 1920. Using 32 
 cents a gallon as an average price during that year we get $235,86(5 
 as the value of gasoline consumed during the year. 
 
 The average number of miles per gallon is 13. This gives a 
 total of 9,582,053 miles. It would be conservative to estimate 
 the operating expenses of a car at ten cents a mile. This would 
 include gasoline costs, tires, repairs and depreciation. Such an 
 estimate indicates an approximate cost of operating of $958,205. 
 Combining the cost of new cars purchased during 1920 with the total 
 cost of operating during the same year we get approximately 
 $1,346,705. 
 
 These figures lead to some startling conclusions. They show 
 that in the year 1920 we spent ten times as much on automobiles 
 and trucks as we spent on education. Also they show that 58 
 per cent of the money from our 1920 cotton crop was invested 
 in automobiles and in keeping them up. And the amount we have 
 invested in automobiles is almost seven times the capital stock 
 of all our banks. 
 
 Between 1919 and 1920 the number of automobiles and trucks 
 over the state as a whole increased 34 per cent. But between 
 1920 and 1921 there was a decrease of approximately 3.5 per 
 cent. . Dillon County in 1921 had 1,365 automobiles and trucks, 
 314 or 18 per cent less than it had in 1920. There were 18.5 in- 
 habitants per automobile, in which respect we ranked 16th among 
 the counties. Greenville County ranked first with 11.8 inhabit- 
 ants. The average for the state was 18.6 inhabitants per automobile. 
 
 Roads and Railways. 
 
 Dillon County is well served with railroads. The Atlantic Coast 
 Line thru from New York to Jacksonville, and the Seaboard Air Line 
 from Hamlet to Savannah, completely traverse the county. The 
 Raleigh and Charleston, in the eastern part of the county, the
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 37 
 
 Bennettsville and Cheraw, in the southwest portion, and the so- 
 called Latta Branch connecting Latta and Clio, are all branches 
 of these two main lines. Their total mileage in Dillon County 
 is 80.7 miles and they own ijroperty in the county assessed to 
 the amount of $757,22,8. 
 
 There are approximately 800 miles of roads in Dillon County, 
 only 41 miles of which belong to the State Highway System. Iloads 
 branch out from Dillon to Mullins, I>{itta, Lakeview, Nichols, Dun- 
 bar and Ilamer. A county road connects Latta and Brownsville 
 and another connects Latta and Dunbar. We are well supplied 
 with roads but we have been very lax in keeping them up. 
 
 The Calhoun Highway passes into Dillon County by way of 
 Hamer from Lumberton, North Carolina. It describes a great arc 
 across the northern part of the state taking in the towns of 
 Dillon, Bennettsville, Chesterfield, Lancaster, Chester, Clinton, 
 Greenwood, Abbeville and thence to Athens, Georgia. 
 
 Two State Highway projects were begun and one carried to 
 completion in Dillon County in 1921. Project 50 A from Dillon 
 to the Marion County line is a gravel sand and clay road and 
 is 8.25 miles long. Its construction cost $50,608.90 for which Fed- 
 eral aid to the amount of $17,403.15 was obtained. 
 
 Project 50 BC is a sand clay road and extends from Dillon to 
 the Marlboro County line. It is 11.52 miles long. By the end 
 of 1921 it was only 60 per cent completed and at that time it had 
 cost $23,551.28 for which a federal aid of $8,265.67 had been obtained. 
 
 Dillon County has now 19.2 miles of improved soft surface roads 
 in the State Highway System and the construction of 17.4 ad- 
 ditional mileage is recommended at an estimated cost of $17,000. 
 In 1921, $8,836.52 accrued to the county from motor vehicle licenses. 
 This was an increase of $1,103.90 over 1920. 
 
 While there remains much to be done in the development of 
 good roads in the county, it can be said that our roads are in better 
 condition and are being used more now than at any other time 
 in our history, both as a county and as a part of old Marion 
 County. And this not due alone to an increase in population. 
 Between 100 and 500 vehicles pass over every mile of Dillon 
 County roads every day. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to offer arguments in favor of good roads, 
 they are so apparent. Roads are the very arteries of the state 
 and the nation and for this reason they should be kept at their 
 highest point of efficiency. With bad roads traffic is congested, 
 transportation is expensive, and the people suffer. It has been 
 proven that money invested in good roads is repaid many times 
 over. We need good roads. Let's have 'em. 
 
 449626
 
 38 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 Taxation. 
 
 In 1920 the total taxable wealth of Dillon County was $14,178,120. 
 In 1917 the figures were $9,527,135. Our increase in taxable property 
 from 1910 to 1920 was 7G.65 per cent. Only seven counties out- 
 ranked us in the increase. 
 
 Dillon County in 1920 ranked fourth among the counties of the 
 state in her general levy, state, county and school, with 35.25 mills 
 while the average for the state was 29.25 mills. The average levy 
 for the county, not including the principal town districts, was 49.25 
 mills. In this respect Dillon County ranks first among the counties 
 of the state being a great deal ahead of the average for the state 
 which was 37.60 mills. All of our school districts have levied 
 special taxes for schools. 
 
 Three counties have a higher tax rate than Dillon County. Our 
 rate in 1920, .state and county, was $3.53 per hundred dollars. The 
 county of Pickens ranks first with $4.00 for each hundred dollars 
 worth of proi)erty. Next in order come Clarendon, McCormick and 
 Dillon. Our neighboring county, Marlboro, ranks 43rd. with $2.45 
 for each hundred dollars worth of property. 
 
 The present tax system is the only one that can be used under 
 the constitution of 1895, and, tlio only twenty-five years old, has 
 already proven itself inadequate to provide for the needs of a 
 fast growing society. The law requires that all property, real, per- 
 sonal and possessory be listed and returned, assessed and taxed 
 at its actual value. That this provision is not practiced is well 
 known by everybody in the state including state tax officials so 
 that the State Tax Commission in 1915 found it necessary to 
 recognize this fact officially and openly proceeded with the equali- 
 zation of assessments on the percentage basis of 42 per cent. 
 
 Taxation is a state-wide problem and its solution will be state- 
 wide, but it will be interesting to mention some of the conditions 
 that have arisen in our county by reason of the general property 
 tax. The assessed valuation of the 240,504 acres of county real 
 estate in 1920 was $2,591,465 making the assessed value of an acre 
 of land only $10.50. This is an absurdity when land in Dillon 
 County sells for from two hundred to four hundred dollars per 
 acre and yet we wonder vyhy we have such high tax rates and still 
 not raise sufficient revenue to meet the increasing demands of 
 government. In addition to this, most of the personal property, 
 both tangible and intangible, which constitutes a large part of 
 our wealth and from which a large part of our faxes should be de- 
 rived, docs not find a place upon our tax dools. The land owners 
 and corporations bear the burden of taxation simply because men
 
 Dillon County: P>x)NOMr(j and Social 39 
 
 whose wealth is composed of persoiuil |)ri)pi>ity cim keop it off 
 the tax books and the hiiidowners and corporations cannot. The 
 present tax laws in the state make such a state of affairs possible. 
 The tax system in South Carolina must be rebuilt from the founda- 
 tion up and must provide separate systems for tiie taxation of 
 tangible and intangible property. 
 
 Facts About Wealth and Taxation in Dillon County. 
 Rank. 
 
 15th— in total farm wealth, lf)20 census $22,055,053 
 
 34th — in farm wealth increase 1910-20, per cent 113.4. 
 Georgetown County first with 244.5 per cent. 
 State increase 143 per cent. 
 
 7th — in per capita country wealth, 1020 872.50 
 
 Marlboro County first with $1,129.63. 
 22nd — in percentage that assessed value of land per 
 
 acre was to the census value, 1920, per cent.... 12.5 
 
 Census value $84.24; assessed value $10.51. 
 
 27th— in total taxable property, 1920 $14,174,300 
 
 Sth — in increase in total taxable property 1910-1920, 
 
 per cent 70.05 
 
 Florence County first with 123.70 per cent. 
 btate increase 60.22 per cent. 
 
 26th— in per capita taxable wealth, 1920 500.00 
 
 Ist — in average property tax rate, 1920 (mills) 40.25 
 
 State average, 37.60 mills. 
 4th — in tax rate per $100 assessed valuation for tax 
 
 year 1920 : 3.50 
 
 Pickens County first $4.00; Marlboro County 
 43rd, $2.45 
 Sth — in percentage that mortgaged farms are of total 
 
 number of farms, 1910, per cent 4 
 
 Total number of farms. 2,659. 
 Number of farms mortgaged, 109. 
 4th — in percentage that mortgaged farms are of total 
 
 farms owne<l by whites, 1910, per cent 3.5 
 
 Number of farms owned by whites, 2,543; num- 
 ber mortgaged, 90. 
 
 19th — in number of automobiles, 1920 1,679 
 
 Number decreased 18 per cent in 1921. 
 
 9th — in number of inhabitants per automobile, 1920 15.1 
 
 Marlboro first with 12.3; State average 18.
 
 40 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 IGth — In number of inhabitants per automobile, 1921.... 18.5 
 
 Greenville first 11. S, State average 18.6. 
 13th — in number inhabitants per bank, 1920 3,135 
 
 Number banks 7 ; population 25,278. 
 29th — in per capita bank resources, 1919 $122.00 
 
 Richland County first $453 ; state average $149.26 
 23rd— in per capita bank capital, 1919 $10.70 
 
 Richland County first $29; State average 11.77. 
 30th— in total banking resources, 1919 $3,088,793 
 
 Charleston County first with $48,792,245. 
 30th— in total capital bank stock, 1919 $270,700 
 
 Charleston first with $2,500,000. 
 31st — in per capita loans and discounts, 1919 $66 
 
 Dillon, Abbeville and Saluda Counties had the 
 
 same rank. 
 
 32nd— in total loans and discounts, 1919 $1,656,412 
 
 28th — in percentage increase in per capita banking re- 
 sources, 1914-1919, per cent 133 
 
 Saluda first with 469 per cent; Marlboro 6th 
 
 Avith 275 per cent.
 
 VI. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 Dewey Stephens. 
 
 TIr' purpose of this chaiiter is to put before the thinking people 
 of Dillon County some facts about the school system of Dillon 
 County. No doubt some of these fifrures will be startling, but 
 let us hope they will put the people to tliinkiiig about one of the 
 most vital questions of the day. If this one thing could be accom- 
 pli.sbed we do not believe our work would have been in vain; for 
 it is the thinking people that accomplish things. The leaders of the 
 future are the youth of today. Unless we have efficient schools 
 to train our leaders we cannot expect them to become efficient 
 leaders and efficient thinkers. 
 
 Ten Year Gains. 
 
 This discussion will be based on the tables that close this 
 chapter. The data in these tables were obtained largely from the 
 report of the State Superintendent of Education. 
 
 It is very gratifying to note some of the remarkable improve- 
 ments that have been made in Dillon County schools during the last 
 decade. However, some of these have not improved as much as they 
 should. The revenues of the schools increased $110,114.25 or 475 
 per cent from 1910-llt20. When the revenues have increase<l in such 
 proportion the efficiency has increased somewhat in the same 
 ratio, although the operating expenses have greatly advancetl. 
 Teachers are being paid more than twice as nnich as they were 
 in 1910, but the cost of living has almost doubled. However, the 
 teachers are not yet receiving adequate salaries. White teachers 
 in the county increased from 58 in 1910 to 91 in 1920 or 57 per 
 cent. Twenty school districts voted extra levies in 1910 and every 
 district had extra levies in 192(>. 
 
 In 1910 the total school enrollment was 4,571 and in 1920 it 
 was 7,411, Indicating an increase of 62 per cent. In 1910 the 
 average daily attendance was 2,G17 and in 1920 the average daily 
 attendance was 4.410 indicating an increase of OS per cent. There 
 was 57 per cent of the enrollment in average attendance in 1910. 
 In 1920 this had increased 5 per cent making the average attendance
 
 42 
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 62 per cent. The conclusion from these figures is that the attend- 
 ance has not kept pace with the enrollment- 
 Rank of Dillon County Schools. 
 
 There are few, if any goveniinentiU activities for which so many 
 significant facts have been gathered, by uniform methods, over 
 so long a period of time as has been done in the matter of education. 
 
 Index Figures for Dillon County Schools, 1910 and 1920. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 d 
 
 
 Oj 
 
 Oj 
 
 OJ 
 
 Oj 
 
 Q> r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 ^ 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 '1 
 
 ?i 
 
 o 
 
 9 
 
 1 ^ 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 ^ ►J 
 
 iH 
 
 r-i 
 
 7\ 
 
 o\ 
 
 tH =»j 
 
 C^ 
 
 C. 
 
 
 
 c: 
 
 1— j 
 
 r^ 
 
 T-i 
 
 r-t 
 
 rH 
 
 •^ o 
 
 o 
 
 i 
 
 C5 
 
 Per cent of school population at- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 tending school daily 30 
 
 37 
 
 GO 
 
 G3 
 
 38 
 
 62 
 
 Average days attended by each 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 child of school age 25 
 
 12.1 
 
 42.5 
 
 22.8 
 
 18.2 
 
 32.4 
 
 Average number of days schools 
 
 were kept open 125 65 140 
 
 72 95 106 
 
 Per cent that high school attend- 
 
 ance was of total attendance 
 
 6.86 
 
 6.86 
 
 8.8 
 
 .07 
 
 6.86 
 
 4.44 
 
 Per cent that boys were of girls 
 in high schools 
 
 73.4 
 
 73.4 
 
 49 
 
 49 
 
 73.4 
 
 49 
 
 Average expenditure per child at- 
 tending 
 
 10.20 
 
 2.31 
 
 57.68 
 
 3.78 
 
 9.28 
 
 29.10 
 
 
 
 Average expenditure per child of 
 school age 
 
 6.38 
 
 .89 
 
 34.91 
 
 2.39 
 
 3.54 
 
 17.93 
 
 
 
 Average expenditure per teacher 
 employed 
 
 15.11 
 
 3.98 
 
 56.54 
 
 8.23 
 
 10.80 
 
 40.32 
 
 Expenditure per child for pur- 
 poses other than salaries . . 
 
 1.49 
 
 .17 
 
 49.90 
 
 .22 
 
 .83 
 
 23.57 
 
 Expenditure per teacher for sala- 
 ries 
 
 29.76 
 
 7.67 
 
 64.12 
 
 15.98 
 
 21.57 
 
 47 96 
 
 
 
 DILLON COUNTY INDEX .... 
 
 33.82 
 
 20.98 
 
 56.34 
 
 23.75 
 
 27.65 
 
 41.27 
 
 STATE INDEX 
 
 
 
 
 
 24.87 
 
 29.39 
 

 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 43 
 
 A comprehensive method of indicating school conditions and ten- 
 dencies has been worked out by the Department of Education of the 
 Uussell Sage Foundation by means of index numbers, which is a well 
 established statistical device commonly used for measuring changes 
 in wholesale and retail prices, and rates of wages over long [leriods 
 of time, and which number lends itself readily in denoting changes, 
 conditions and cost of education over a period of time. 
 
 The ten sets of e<luca(i(inal data that have been considered as set 
 out in the accompanying table are unusually adapte<l for inclusion 
 in an index number. Increases in them reflect improved educational 
 conditions and decreases I'etiect worse conditions. 
 
 South Carolina is below all other states in educational matters, 
 with an index juimber of 29.30. Montana leads with 75.70. In 1020 
 18.1 per cent of the people in South Carolina were illiterate. The 
 fact that South Carolina has a negro majority cannot be given 
 as the sole cause of such a situation, though it does materially in- 
 fluence it. 
 
 Dillon County Schools have an index number of 41.27 which 
 is considerably above the average for the State. Were the average 
 of the State equal to that of Dillon County, South Carolina would 
 rank 30th instead of 42nd in the list of states, while a State 
 average of 5(j.34 or the average of Dillon County's white schools, 
 would bring South Carolina to the rank of 2oth instead of 52nd 
 in the list of states. 
 
 Attendance. 
 
 The problem of attendance is one of the most important problems 
 facing the schools today, and one that must be solve<l before the 
 schools can do themselves justice. We have the compulsory attend- 
 ance law, but it does not seem to be living up fully to its possi- 
 bilities. It re<iuired in 1020, .^132,583.87 to run the schools in 
 Dillon County. Thirty-eight pupils out of every hundred were 
 absent every day, therefore a loss of $50,381.87 was sustained 
 from poor attendance. With conditions such as these something 
 should be done immediately. The existing evil '^•ould probably be 
 corrected by showing the parents what the children lose when they 
 are out of school, and by a strict enforcement of the compulsory 
 attendance laws. 
 
 When the people of the county realize that it is an economic as 
 well as a social advantage to see that the children are in regular 
 attendance we believe things will improve in this regard. The 
 overhead expenses continue just the same whether the children go 
 to school or not. It would seem that the money people invest in
 
 44 Dillon CouNTr: Economic and Social 
 
 schools is the only mouey from which they do not wisii to get 
 full benefit. 
 
 The pupil who is not in regular attendance does the class an 
 injustice as well as himself. The teacher cannot divide the class, 
 therefore he has to keep the pupils who are in regular attendance 
 back with those who have been absent and are catching up. 
 
 Teachers. 
 
 The most sorely neglected, or one of the most sorely neglected 
 factors of the school system of today is the teacher. Every one 
 knows that buildings, grounds and equipment are necessary, but they 
 are useless without the vitalizing touch of a teacher. It is the 
 teacher that puts real life into the school, that is if he is the 
 right kind of a teacher. We know that the teaching profession 
 has parasites among its members as well any other profession. 
 Some of them are teaching because they cannot do anything else, 
 while others teach for the pleasure in the profession and for 
 the sake of humanity. The schools need real teachers — teachers 
 who are prepared for this work, but we cannot hope to obtain them 
 on the salaries they are being paid. The teacher schould receive 
 a salary in proportion to the dignity of his labor and position in 
 society. Just think ! the teacher to whom you trust the bring- 
 ing up and training of your child is not paid in many cases any 
 more than the day laborer in other professions. 
 
 In 1920 Dillon County ranked 17th in salaries paid white men 
 teachers, with an average annual salary of $1,1G0.G1 and 5th in 
 salaries paid white women teachers with an annual salary rate 
 of $690.47. There were Hfteen men teachers and seventy six 
 women teachers in the county ; therefore the average annual salary 
 was $769.44. This average is very good when compared with 
 Some other counties in the state, l)ut it is pitifully small when 
 viewed in terms of service rendered. 
 
 Below are some of the average salaries paid in other professions. 
 These figures are derived from the report of the labor division 
 of the State Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Industries, 
 for the year 1920. The cotton seed oil mill employees received 
 on an average $1,332.13. The men in the textile industry receive 
 animally on the average $1,001.10. and the women $699.18. The 
 electrical employees are paid $2,398.33, and manufacturers of ice 
 receive $1,408.50. P^rom these figures it may be seen that we must 
 pay our teachers more if we expect to keep them in the teaching 
 profession. It is true they have received more in the last few
 
 Dillon C'ointy: Economic and Social 
 
 4- 
 
 years, but tlu-y lu'vcr liavt' roci'ivcd what llioy really should, llnva 
 you ever stoppeil to tliink of the time and exi)eiise tlie teaching 
 profession requires in preparation? 
 
 The average annual salary paid white men teachers increased 
 103 per cent from lUlU-l'.tliU, while the salary paid white women 
 teachers increased 193 per cent. This is a substantial increase 
 but it has not any more than kei)t pact? willi tlir increased cost 
 of livini;. 
 
 INOU 
 "Or, 
 
 •e. 
 at 
 
 K 
 K 
 It. 
 
 CtiAPT NUMBER 
 
 A graphic represerr-^jtion c^ the 
 condftion of Dillon Counfi^ Schooii 
 
 MONTAN/^ 
 
 DILLON 
 
 COUNTY 
 
 IVHITE 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 DILLON 
 COUNTY 
 
 1 
 
 SOUTH 
 
 CAmnA 
 
 Consolidation. 
 
 Real consolidation of schools implies more than eradication of 
 one teacher schools. It means providing for a good grade<l school 
 education and high school facilities within the reach of every one. 
 The rural boy and girl is entitled to educational opportunities 
 equivalent to those of the city boy and girl and consolidation 
 provides the effective way in which this end may be accom- 
 plished. In the full sense of the consolidated school, Dillon falls 
 far short of the progress which it really should be making along 
 this line. 
 
 The advantages of consolidated schools are as follows : They increase 
 the attendance; make the attendance more regular; increase the 
 enrollment ; keep the older pupils in .school longer ; providt> high 
 school privileges at one-third cost; make possible the securing of 
 trained teachers; make possible more and better grade work; 
 improve industrial conditions in the country; enrich the civic 
 social life activities; conserve more largely the health and 'morals 
 of the children ; increase the number of eighth grade comi)Ietions ; pro-
 
 46 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 vide adequate supervision ; reduce truancy and tardiness ; develop 
 better school spirit ; give more time for recitations ; increase the 
 value of real estate ; produce greater pride and interest in country 
 life ; prevent the drift to larger towns and cities ; bring more 
 and better equipped buildings ; eliminate the small, weak school ; 
 create a school of greater worth, dignity and usefulness ; make 
 possible a more economical school ; provide equal educational oppor- 
 tunities ; give much greater and better results in every way. 
 
 When the school districts were formed it was necessary to carry 
 the schools to the pupils, but now things are different. Good roads 
 and trucks make possible the transportation of the pupils to the 
 school at the expense of the county, and it has been very much 
 more economical, to so arrange the situation than to multiply 
 school units. It would be a good idea to lay out the county for 
 consolidated districts and work towards securing the support of 
 all the patrons in each district for bringing about the needed con- 
 solidation. 
 
 Negro Schools. 
 
 Dillon County should give the negro better educational advantages ; 
 for in so doing they would improve the condition of both the whites 
 and blacks. With the right kind of education the negro would 
 make a more useful and efficient laborer. He should be taught 
 hygiene and sanitation especially ; for so long as the sanitary con- 
 dition of the negro is bad, diseases will continue to spread. When 
 one employs a cook or a nurse who has some contagious disease 
 it is almost a certainty that some member of the family will 
 contract that disease. The young child gets some lasting impres- 
 sions from his nurse, thei'efore it is all the more important for 
 the negro to have the right kind of training. 
 
 In 1920 we spent $123,492.69 for white schools and $9,091.18 for 
 negro schools. The per capita expenditures for whites was only 
 $3-5.07 while that for the negro was only $2.34. 
 
 Ten Year Gains in Dillon County Schools. 
 
 1909-1910 1919-1920 Per 
 
 cent 
 Gain. 
 
 Total revenues $25,242.40 $114,356.71 475 
 
 Spent for teachers' salaries $23,100.00 $78,841.93 241 
 
 Expenditures $24,187.52 $123,583.87 448 
 
 Total school population 6,828 8,111 IS 
 
 Total school enrollment 4.571 7,411 tj2
 
 DiLLOx County: EcoxoMir and Social 47 
 
 Per cent of onrollinent in average at- 
 tendance 57 G2 (K) 
 
 Average annual salaries, white male 
 
 teachers $570 $1,109.01 103 
 
 Average annual salaries, white 
 
 women teachers $234 $000.47 1!J3 
 
 Average annual salaries, negro male 
 
 teachers {f.172 $231.87 34 
 
 Average annual salaries, negro 
 
 women teachers $78 $175.98 125 
 
 Total value of school property, white $111,000.00 $345,300.00 219 
 
 Total value of school property, negro $11,500.(X> $20,828.00 81 
 
 Number of local tax districts 2<) 25 
 
 Number with extra levy 20 25 25 
 
 Number of town schools 2 8 300 
 
 Number of country schools 25 20 
 
 Number of white teachers 58 91 57 
 
 Number of white school houses ... 27 26 
 
 Rank of Dillon County in School Matters. 
 
 9th — in per capita expenditures according to enroll- 
 ment, 1920— whites $35.07 
 
 Darlington 1st with $72.09; Abbeville 40th with 
 $10.09. 
 
 2Gth — in per capita expenditures according to enroll- 
 ment, 1920— negro $2.34 
 
 Charleston 1st with $11.57 ; Bamberg 40th with 
 $1.45. 
 5th — in per capita expenditures according to enroll- 
 ment, 1920, whites and blacks $17.89 
 
 Charleston 1st with $33.11 ; McCormick 40th with 
 $7.23. 
 
 11th — in per capita investment in school property, 1920. $12.46 
 
 Florence 1st with $29.02; Fairfield 40th with 
 $2.77. 
 
 22nd — in receipts from state appropriations, 1920 — both 
 
 races $18,212.00 
 
 Spartanburg 1st with $49,511.38; Jasper 40th 
 with $3,180. 
 
 28th — in average length of session in white town schools, 
 
 1920— days 166 
 
 Calhoun 1st with 180; Horry 4Gth with 130.
 
 48 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 21st — in average length of session in days in white 
 
 country schools, 1920 — days 129 
 
 Charleston 1st with 159; Cherokee 4Gth with 90. 
 5th — in average number of pupils to teacher according 
 
 to avez-age attendance, 1919 Ki 
 
 Jasper and Williamsburg ranlj 1st with 15 each. 
 State average, 21. 
 
 29th — in average number of pupils to teacher, according 
 
 to enrollment, 1919 27 
 
 Beaufort, Berkeley and Jasper rank 1st with 23 
 each. State average is 33. 
 1st — in per cent of schools that are one teacher schools, 
 
 1921— per cent 4 
 
 Darlington 2nd with 10.34 per cent ; Georgetown 
 and Beaufort last with 76.47 per cent. State 
 average 40 per cent. 
 5th — in average salaries paid white women teachers, 
 
 1920 ,$690.47 
 
 Charleston 1st with $890.25; Lexington 4Gth with 
 $385.38. 
 
 17th — in average salaries paid white men teachers, 1920; $1,109.01 
 Charleston 1st with $2,317.02; Lexington 40th 
 with $537.00. 
 
 17th — in average number of pupils to school according 
 
 to average attendance. 1919 49 
 
 Charleston 1st with 114; Jasper 4r,th with 21. 
 State average 51. 
 
 45th — in percentage of enrollment white pupils in regnl:ir 
 
 attendance, 1920 G0.8C 
 
 Georgetown 1st with 80.89 per cent; Chei'okee 
 46th with 00.3 j)er cent. State average 67.91 
 per cent. 
 
 18th — in average number of pupils to school according 
 
 to enrollment, 1920 SI 
 
 Cliarleston 1st with 159; Berkeley last with .31. 
 State average 81. 
 
 14th— in total value of all schtsr.l property. 1921 $.375,128 
 
 Greenville 1st with $2,568,374; Jasper 46th 
 with $38,042. 
 
 38th — in number of local school tax districts, 1920 25 
 
 Greenville 1st with 97; Beaufort last with 9.
 
 VII. 
 
 DILLON AGRICULTURE 
 
 Edgar T. Thompson 
 
 Dillon County Predominantly Agricultural. 
 
 In our (liscn.ssion of Dillon County and her problems it must be 
 remembered that our county i.s and always has been predomi- 
 nantly agricultural. By far the jji'^fitest i)art of our county 
 wealth is made up of farm property. The population of the 
 county living outside of incorporated towns is 87.3 per cent of the 
 whole and a large part of the inhabitants of the towns are directly 
 dependent on agriculture for a livelihood. All of the eight in- 
 corporated towns of the county with the exception of Dillon 
 and Latta have^ luader 700 inhabitants. 
 
 In iniO we were outranked by only eleven counties in the state 
 in the annual value of farm wealth produced and these counties 
 were in every case much larger in population and territory than 
 Dillon. The value of the annual products at that time amounted 
 to ,?4.4S1,075. We note that S3 per cent, or $3,557,209, of this 
 amount consisted of non-food crops, e.specially cotton. Five counties 
 outranked us in this particular. 
 
 In 1920 the total value of all crops in the county was $14,022,125 
 according to the last census report. Of this figure SO per cent or 
 $11,685,104, consisted of non-food crops. Thirty-four counties 
 outranked us in having a smaller percentage. Our rank in the value 
 of non-food crops was 6th among the counties. 
 
 But of this annual wealth produced only a small proportion re- 
 mains in the county. It is useless and foolish to produce great 
 wealth and send it out of the county and state for commodities 
 which might just as well have been produced at home. So much 
 of our money goes to enrich western farmers who produce the 
 bulk of the food and feed that our farm animals and our farm 
 folks consume year by year. Government experiments have 
 proven that the man who raises food and feed crops along with 
 his cotton and tobacco is invariably in a much better condition than 
 his neighbor who raises cotton and tobacco exclusively and buys 
 his food and feed.
 
 50 , Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 Idle Lands. 
 
 One of the greatest problems of Dillon County, although not as 
 great as with other counties, is our sparsely settled rural districts 
 and our lai'ge idle area. It goes without argument that we need 
 more white people in Dillon County. While we are outranked 
 by only ten counties in the state in rural population per square 
 mile with 5.^.7, still our country population is much too small. 
 
 Captains of Industry are careful that their entire plants are in op- 
 eration all the time. Not so with our farmers ; for in 1920 Dillon 
 County had 24.2.57 idle acres of land. Forty counties had more. 
 If we set aside 50,000 acres of woodland as a permanent source 
 of fuel and timber and allow 15 acres of farming land to each 
 new-comer then we have room for 1,617 new farm settlers or about 
 323 new families of five members each. Due to the fact that ours 
 is a small county we outrank only five other counties in room 
 for new settlers. Dillon County needs this increase in farm popu- 
 lation for we need to put into active use our capital invested in 
 wilderness aci-es. 
 
 Farm Tenancy. 
 
 But the greatest problem which we have to face is our yearly 
 increasing amount of farm tenancy. In view of the fact that 82.1 
 per cent of the farmers of Dillon County do not own the farms 
 they operate or the homes in which they live it seems imperative 
 that this condition should receive serious consideration. The 
 State of South Carolina with G4.5 per cent of all farms 
 operated by tenants ranks third among the states of the nation 
 in amount of farm tenancy and Dillon County is outranked by 
 only one other county in the state, Marlboro, making it safe to say 
 that this county ranks among the first in the United States. 
 We have no reason to feel proud of this fact. The relationship 
 which farm tenure bears to the economic and social life of the 
 state does not occupy in the minds of the leaders of thought that 
 position its importance would justify. And the situation is intensi- 
 fied when it is realized that tenancy is steadily on the increase. 
 
 As has been stated 82.1 per cent, or 1,934 farms out of the 
 2,S24 farms in Dillon County, are operated by tenants. Of these 
 farms 1,771, or 92 per cent, are operated by share tenants and only 70 
 farms, or 4 per cent, are operated by cash tenants. 
 
 Of the 177,071 acres in farms in Dillon County in 1920, 107,329 
 acres, or 60.4 per cent, were operated by tenants. In other words, 
 82.1 per cent of all farms and only 60.4 per cent of the land in farms 
 were operated by tenants. This condition is to be expected for it is
 
 Dillon County : Economic and Social 51 
 
 evident that the farm operated by the tenant is smaller than 
 the farm operated by the owner. 
 
 One of the worst features of farm tenancy is that it is con- 
 stantly on the increase in most of the counties of the state. In 
 1910, 72.7 per cent of Dillon County farms were operated by tenants. 
 By 1920 the amount of tenancy had increased 9.4 per cent. Altho in 
 1910 we were near the top of the list of counties yet our percentage 
 increase to 1920 was exceeded by only two other counties, Dorchester 
 and Hampton. 
 
 Farm tenancy is a glaring problem that calls upon the patriotism 
 of the state. The evil that it fosters and its deadening influence 
 must be nullified. Tenancy runs hand in hand with illiteracy. 
 Statistics have shown that in the counties where the percentage 
 of white tenancy is highest, there also is found the highest per- 
 centage of white illiteracy. The average for six counties in the 
 state having the largest percentage of share tenancy shows 
 that there is a percentage of 15.1 in white illiteracy, while for the 
 four counties having the smallest percentage of share tenancy, 
 only 5.5 per cent illiteracy prevails. 
 
 In its best forms, tenancy in a limited amount may be a good 
 thing because it is an institution which provides for getting the land 
 into the hands of those who are in a position to cultivate it. In 
 the North and West a large population of tenant farmers are 
 young men who are in the process of earning enough money to buy 
 a farm. But this does not hold true in the South where "once 
 a tenant always a tenant" is very nearly the real condition. The 
 average tenant in the South is such because economic conditions 
 I)revent him from buying land, or else he is lacking in industry, 
 thrift or sagacity. 
 
 To make every tenant a landowning farmer would not be desirable, 
 even tho it were pi-actical. There are many, particularly in the 
 case of the negro, who thrive better as share tenants and crop- 
 pers under the close supervision of their landlord than they would 
 were they their their own bosses, and it is better for the economic 
 well-being of the commonwealth that they remain so. 
 
 However for the thrifty young white man there should be no 
 barrier placed in his way to speedy ownership of his own farm 
 and home. The sense of this ownership breeds in him qualities 
 of self respect that make him a stable element in the community, 
 a greater social factor in his neighborhood, a center of wealth 
 production and retention, and one whose interests encompass the 
 development of the neighborhood, community, county, state and 
 nation. A study of farm tenancy in a typical up-country community 
 shows that the voung fellow who starts out working hard, living
 
 52 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 within liis income and saving all he can, is tlie one wlio steps 
 out of the tenant class into the owner group. There are no insu- 
 perable barriers to ownership as yet, except those of rank mis- 
 fortune, in a state where 50.2 per cent of our farm lands are 
 lying idle. The principle obstacles in the way of ownership in 
 South Carolina are a lack of ideals of ownership and a great deal 
 of ignorance, indolence and thriftlessness. 
 
 The situation assumes unusual importance when we consider its 
 relationship to the existing boll w^eevil situation. It is the tenant 
 farmer who will find the matter of adjustment most difficult. He 
 has never leaned toward the system of safe farming which makes 
 him provide his food and feed supplies at home ; and it is going 
 to be hard to instill in him as quickly as necessary new methods of 
 farming which must be learned to accommodate an enforced change 
 from the present system of agriculture. 
 
 The opportunities of landowners, merchants, bankers, and busi- 
 ness men to aid in this program of education for readjustment 
 constitutes a responsibility, for it is the tenant farmer as a rule 
 who is the must inaccessible to the ordinary methods of propa- 
 ganda. He must be reached by the direct contact of those who 
 are accustomed to advise him in his business affairs. Everything 
 possible should be done to stimulate the owners living on their 
 own farms and taking an active interest in the vital matters of 
 maintaining soil fertility and building up community life. 
 
 Size of Farms. 
 
 In 1910 Dillon County had 2,659 farms. In 1920 there were 
 3,440 farms in the county or 781 more than in 1910. Thirty-one 
 counties have more farms than Dillon County. The following 
 table for 1910 and 1920, compiled from the last two United States 
 census reports, shows how our farms were classified according to 
 size in those years : 
 
 Classification of Farms in Dillon County According to Size. 
 
 1910 1020 
 
 Under 3 acres 4 1 
 
 3 to 9 acres 78 68 
 
 10 to 19 acres 2.10 577 
 
 - 20 to 49 acres 1.2S3 1.855 
 
 50 to 99 acres 561 620 
 
 100 to 1 74 acres 302 194 
 
 175 to 250 acres 97 60 
 
 260 to 499 acres 58 39 
 
 500 to 999 acres 21 19 
 
 1,000 acres and over 5 7
 
 v***^. 
 
 A FEW DILLON COUNTY COUNTRY HOMES 
 The Best Way to Keep the Country Boy and Girl on the Farm.
 
 Djllon County : Economic and Social 53 
 
 From this table we note that farms of from 20 to 49 acres 
 seem to be the most popular size in Dillon County. In 1910 when 
 there wore 175,470 acres in farm land in the oounty, the avcraije size 
 farm was 05.!) acres. By 1!»20 when there were 177,071 acres in farm 
 land, the average farm had dropped to 51.6 acres. 
 
 According to the 1910 census the percentage of f;irni land im- 
 proved in Dillon County was 5S.2 per cent. In this respect we 
 ranked i;>th among the counties of the state. The census definition 
 of improved land is "all land regularly tilled or mowed, land 
 pastured and cropped in rotation, land lying fallow, land in gardens, 
 orchards, nurseries, and land occupied by buildings." In the 
 average improved acreage per farm in 1920 Dillon County ranked 
 31st among the counties with 30.1 acres. 
 
 Drainage. 
 
 Proper drainage insures a high degree of profitable agriculture 
 and the best healthful conditions. Acres of land now filled with 
 swamps and stagnant water which breed mosquitoes and give 
 rise to malaria could be made to produce magnificent crops and 
 return large profits. Dillon County has more undrained land than 
 we would ordinarily suppose. Acccu'ding to the 1920 census, 960 
 farms reported having drainage and 945 farms as needing drain- 
 age. No report came from the remaining 1,533 farms but it is safe 
 to say that many of them are in great need of drainage. In terms 
 of acres, there were 28,044 acres of farm land reported as provided 
 with drainage and 21,900 acres of farm land as needing drainage. 
 
 South Carolina has over 3,(K)0,000 acres of overflowed, wet and 
 swampy lands, or nearly one-sixth the area of the state. These 
 undrained acres are generally of great natural fertility and their 
 drainage is of great economic importance to individuals and to 
 the vState. 
 
 To promote drainage, the South Carolina Drainage Act was 
 passed in 1912 for the formation of drainage districts making 
 large drainage undertakings possible. But on December 31, 1919, 
 organized drainage enterprises covered only eight-tenths of 1 per 
 cent of the total area of undrained land. 
 
 The lands most immediately in need of drainage are the wet por- 
 tions of cultivated farms. A great deal of the drainage of these 
 lands can be done by the individual owner to his great profit. The 
 average cost of the tile drainage systems is about $.30.00 per acre. 
 The average increase in the value of crops grown on tile drained land 
 is $15.00 per acre which is a yearly dividend of 50 per cent on the 
 cost of drainage.
 
 54 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 A casual survey of a map of Dillon County shows the exten- 
 siveuess of the swamp and branch area, some of which might be 
 drained with profit. 
 
 Cotton and the Boll Weevil Problem. 
 
 According to the 1920 census report the total value of all crops 
 in Dillon County was $27,098,150. Of this amount $11,685,104, or 43 
 per cent, was produced by the cotton crop. The county ranks 18th 
 among the counties in the number of bales produced with 38,000. 
 Five counties, Marlboro, Darlington, Lee, Calhoun, and Clarendon, 
 outranked Dillon in the average number of pounds produced per 
 acre. Marlboro County led the state with 336 pounds per acre 
 while Dillon's average was 299 pounds per acre. 
 
 From these figures it is evident that cotton Is the dominant field 
 crop of Dillon County. Since 1793 when Eli Whitney invented the 
 cotton gin, cotton production has gone forward by leaps and 
 bounds all over the South and especially in South Carolina. So fast 
 has it advanced in the Pee Dee section of the State that in 1920 
 the cotton acreage for Dillon County alone was considerably over 
 that of the whole of old Marion County in 1885. We have only 
 to note that cotton acreage in Dillon County in 1920 was 33 per cent 
 of the total land in farms to realize that Dillon County is in the 
 list of counties practicing the one-crop system. 
 
 There are seven fundamental evils to this plan of farming. 
 First : It impoverishes the soil. Second : It increases the risk of 
 the farming enterprise. Third : It makes the supply of money 
 available at one time and develops the time-credit system. 
 Fourth : It makes the marketing machinery difficult. Fifth : It 
 makes for idleness of machinery and labor. Sixth : It lowers the 
 general intelligence of farm labor. Seventh : As long as we persist in 
 employing the one-crop system we need not ever expect to be a self- 
 sufHcing county in food and feed supply. 
 
 Diversification of crops will be brought about earlier than it 
 normally would h;ive come as a result of the boll weevil. This 
 great pest crossed the Rio Grande River into Texas at Brownsville 
 about 1892 and caused considerable loss. And yet farmers in 
 Dillon County are very little better prepared to cope with the 
 insect than were the people of Brownsville, Texas thirty years ago. 
 The weevil has now about reached the limit of cotton cultivation. 
 The entire state of South Carolina has been covered by its advance 
 and 66,662 square miles in the cotton belt were invaded last year. 
 
 A committee of farmers and business men headed by Mr. D. R. 
 Coker of Hartsville, investigating the boll weevil problem in South 
 Carolina, made seven suggestions for its control and eradication.
 
 Dillon County : Economic and Social 55 
 
 First : Destroy immediately all cotton stalks as soon as the croi) 
 is gathered. Second : During the fall and winter destroy all 
 cover in which the woovil may he hiding. Third : Cotton should he 
 lihorally fertilized with a quick acting fertilizer. Fourth : Early 
 planting of approved variety of cotton with plenty of seed. Fifth : 
 Cotton should he left thick in the drill. Sixth: Poisoning the 
 boll weevil may he done hy the use of calcium arsenat<» if done 
 at the proper time and under favorable conditions. Seventh: Rota- 
 tion of crops. 
 
 It often takes a great calamity to awaken a iieople and teach them 
 important lessons. The boll weevil has been and is a thorn in the 
 side of the South but its advent has unquestionably given it a 
 new agriculture. AVe can turn our apparent disaster into a great 
 benefit if we use old cotton lands for the production of food and 
 feed stuffs. 
 
 Tobacco. 
 
 Within the past few years Dillon County has very extensively 
 taken up the cultivation of tobacco. In 1920 only five other counties 
 produced larger yields than Dillon, namely : Florence, Williamsburg, 
 Darlington, Horry and Marion. Dillon County produced 5,850,000 
 pounds or an average of 650 pounds per acre. In this respect we 
 tied with Horry County for seventh place. 
 
 Dillon is well provided with wai-ehouses, there being seven 
 in the county. Most of these have been turned over to the Tobacco 
 Growers Cooperative Marketing Association. 
 
 Tobacco rec[uires high grade cultivation and a great deal of 
 fertilizer. It is a cash crop and is harvested between spring grain 
 and cotton, thus bringing money into circulation during the sum- 
 mer months. With the boll weevil threatening our cotton crop 
 tobacco promises to make a good substitute. But tobacco growing 
 is a severe drain on the fertility of the soil so the tobacco farmer 
 should by all means rotate his crops and never allow the same 
 land to grow tobacco two years in succession. 
 
 Corn. 
 
 In 1920 Dillon County produced 864.000 bushels of corn, or 
 an increase of 389,083 bushels over 1910. Only three counties, 
 Anderson, Aiken, and Allendale, outranked Dillon in the increase. 
 Dillon County also ranked fourth in the percentage inc!'ease from 
 1910 to 1920 with 84.3 per cent. In corn production per capita, 
 Dillon County ranked 12th among the counties with 21.7 bu.shels 
 per person.
 
 56 , Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 In 1919 the average number of bushels produced per acre in Dillon 
 County was 21.7. Charleston, Beaufort, and Darlington were the 
 only counties outranking us in this respect. Almost equalling the 
 record of Jerry Moore of Florence and Captain Drake of Marlboro, 
 Claude McDonald, a Dillon County boy, in 1913 produced 211 
 bushels of corn on a single acre and won a state championship. 
 In 1915 Carey McKenzie made 190 bushels on an acre at a cost of 
 only nine cents per bushel. Xo credit is given young McKenzie 
 for economy of production but an official in the Department of 
 Agriculture says this is a world's record. 
 
 Sweet Potatoes. 
 
 In 1910 there were 843 acres planted in sweet potatoes with a 
 yield of 135.424 bushels. According to the Bureau of Crop Estimates, 
 in 1920 there w-ere 1,300 acres planted with a yield of 162.500 bushels. 
 In the same year we led the state in the yield per acre with 
 125 bushels. 
 
 Why should the boll weevil cause Dillon County such worry 
 and concern? Few counties in the state can boast such records as 
 those made in corn and sweet potatoes by Dillon County. When we 
 have learned that foodstuffs can be grown more profitably than they 
 can be bought, low priced cotton, the one-crop system, the boll 
 weevil and many others of our worries will cease to bother us. 
 
 Our Livestock Situation. 
 
 Statistics show that Dillon County is lagging in the matter of 
 livestock production. Our farmers should bear in mind the fact that 
 a high per capita country wealth goes hand in hand with an abun- 
 dance of domestic animals and that low per capita wealth is 
 always found where cattle and other farm animals are lacking. 
 
 Compiled statistics from the 1920 census gives Dillon County a 
 rank of 25th among the counties in the per capita value of live- 
 stock products with a value of only .$9.46. Edgefield County led the 
 state with $22.06. Our increase from 1910 to 1920 in the number of 
 hogs was 75 per cent. Our rank in this regard was 22nd. Anderson 
 County showed the greatest progress with an increase of 276 per 
 cent. Dillon County takes a better stand in per capita produc- 
 tion of pork with 98.8 pounds per person. Our rank here was 
 12th among the counties. Dillon County led the state in the increase 
 in the number of cattle between 1910 and 1920 with 109 per cent. 
 Very differ(>nt is our rank in regard to beef production in pounds 
 per person in 1920. In this particular our rank was 34th with 
 8.6 pounds per person.
 
 Dillon County: Economic and ^^^iociAL 57 
 
 From 1910 to 1920 Dillon's poultry increase was 48.3 per cent, 
 giving her a rank of IGth among the counties of the state. In the 
 nnnilior of jKiunds of poultry per person the county ranks l.^th 
 with 10.;i pounds. Saluda County ranks first in this item with 
 15.4 pounds per person. 
 
 Horses liave increased rather slowly — from 1,055 in 1910 to 
 1,179 in 1920. P.ut this is probably due to the advancement of 
 farm machinery and the growing popularity of automobiles. On the 
 other hand, mules increased from 2.909 in 1910 to 4,420 in 1920. 
 
 Machinery on the Farm. 
 
 Dillon ranks fourth in the amount of money spent for implements 
 and machinery on improved hind per acre in 1920 with $10.55. 
 We were outranked by Anderson, Lexington and Greenville. The 
 state average is $7.77. , 
 
 No doubt Dillon's high rank as an agricultural county is largely 
 due to our extensive use of up-to-date farm machinery. Modern farm 
 machinery is indispensable to the farmer who would progress and 
 keep apace with the farmers of other states and especially of the 
 western states. 
 
 Farm Loan Associations. 
 
 There are two Farm Loan Associations in Dillon County. One 
 at Latta has closed IS loans for farmers amounting to $102,550. 
 In addition, loans to the amount of $180,450 had been applied 
 for in April, 1922. The Association at Dillon has closed ten 
 loans amounting to $65,r!00 and $05,500 has been applied for. 
 
 This shows that our farmers are beginning to realize the value 
 of the Federal Land Bank in extending credit on farm security. 
 The general purposes of the bank are to lower and equalize interest 
 rates on first mortgage loans; to i)rovide long term loans with the 
 privilege of repayment in installments thru a long or short period 
 of years, at the borrower's option ; to stimulate co-operative action 
 among families ; to make it easier for the landless to get laud ; and 
 to provide safe and sound long term investments foi the thrifty. 
 
 The Land Bank is steadil.v growing in popularity with farmers 
 who have become acquainted with its methods of doing business and 
 it has enabled scores of men to go into farming on their own 
 responsibility who otherwise would have been doomed to the fate 
 of tenants. 
 
 Facts About Dillon Agriculture. 
 
 Rank 
 
 15th— in the value of all farm property, 1920 $22,055,053.00 
 
 12th— in annual farm wealth produced, 1910 4,481,075.00
 
 58 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 34tli — in precentage increase in farm wealtli, 1910-1920, 
 
 per cent 113.4 
 
 Georgetown first with 244.5 per cent. 
 Increase for state 143 per cent. 
 Gth — in the percentage tliat non-food crops are of tlie 
 
 annual farm wealtli produced, 1910, per cent. . . 87.3 
 
 35th — in the percentage that non-food crops are of the 
 total value of all crops in Dillon County, 1920, 
 
 per cent 80.0 
 
 Value of all crops, 1920, $14,022,125. 
 
 Oai— in the value of non-food crops, 1920 .$11,085,104.00 
 
 Orangeburg first with $18,216,362 ; 
 Jasper last with $471,371. 
 
 5th — in value of crops per acre, 1920 $48.00 
 
 Beaufort first with $72.00; 
 York last with $27.00. 
 
 2nd — in per capita crop values, 1920 $219.95 
 
 Calhoun first with $234.01 : 
 Charleston last with $25.37. 
 
 7th — in cotton production in bales, 1921 35,000 
 
 Spartanburg first with 71,000; 
 Beaufort last with 500. 
 
 18th— in cotton production in bales, 1920 38,000 
 
 Orangeburg first with 93,000; 
 Beaufort last with 400. 
 
 6th — in production in pounds of tobacco, 1920 5,850,000 
 
 Florence first with 9,900,000. 
 
 7th — in yield per acre of tobacco, pounds, 1920 650 
 
 Marion first with 670 pounds. 
 6th — in cotton production in pounds per acre, 1920 .... 299 
 
 Marlboro first with .336 pounds ; 
 Georgetown last with 183 pounds. 
 
 30th — in bushels of wheat per capita .1 
 
 Lexington first with 1.9 bushels. 
 
 1st — in production in bu.shels of wheat per acre 13 
 
 State average 7.4 bushels. 
 7th — in production in bushels of oats per acre, 1920 . . . 22.5 
 
 Marlboro first with 28 bushels; 
 State average, 18.3 bushels. 
 
 3rd — in bushels of oats i)er capita, 1920 5.6 
 
 Saluda first with 10.2 bushels; 
 State average, 2.1 bushels.
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 59 
 
 4th — in corn production in bushels per acre. Ili20... 21.7 
 
 Charleston first with 23.6 bushels ; 
 State average, 15 bushels. 
 
 12th — in bushels of corn raised i)er capita 21.7 
 
 Calhoun first' with 31.8 bushels ; 
 State average, 16.3 bushels. 
 4th — in percentage increase in corn production, 1910- 
 
 1920, per cent 84.3 
 
 Charleston first with 108.2 per cent. 
 4th — in number of bushels increase in corn production, 
 
 1910-1920, bushels 389,088 
 
 Anderson first with 577,080 bushels. 
 22ud — in percentage increase in hogs, 1910-1920, per cent 75 
 
 Anderson first with 276. 
 2ntli — in the value of livestock products per peivson, 1920 9.24 
 
 Edgefield first with $22.06. 
 13th — in number of pounds of poultry per person, 1920 10.3 
 
 Saluda first with 15.4. 
 
 16th— in increase of poultry, 1910-1920, per cent 48.3 
 
 Charleston first with 97.4. 
 12th — in annual pork production in pounds per capita, 
 
 1920 98.8 
 
 Horry first with 183.3. 
 34th — in feed production in pounds per person, 1920 . . 8.6 
 
 Beaufort first with 129.8. 
 1st — in the increa.se in the number of cattle. 1910-1920 
 
 per cent 109 
 
 4th — in amount spent for implements and machinery 
 
 on improved land per acre $10.55 
 
 Anderson first with $11.69; 
 State average, $7.77. 
 2ud — in percentage of farm tenancy, per cent, 1920.. 82.1 
 
 Marlboro first with 85.0 ; 
 State average, 64.5 per cent. 
 
 13th — in per cent of farm land improved 58.2 
 
 Barnwell first with 68.4. 
 
 32nd— in number of farms, 1920 3,440 
 
 Anderson first with 8,910. 
 
 43rd — in hay and forage production, tons '. 2,880 
 
 Orangeburg first with 19,775. 
 
 41st — in room for new settlers 1 ,617 
 
 Horry first with 18,982 ; 
 Allendale last with 256.
 
 60 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 Agricultural Statistics on the 12 Leading Crops of Dillon County 
 
 for 1921. 
 
 (Based on the report of the United States Bureau of Markets and 
 
 Crop Esti)nates.y 
 
 Acreage Yield per Estimated 
 
 Acre Production Value 
 
 Cotton 60.000 291 lbs. 35.000 l)a]es $2,800,000 
 
 Tobacco 7.000 650 lbs. 4.550.000 lbs. 409,500 
 
 Corn :n,000 19 bu. 589.000 bii. 435,860 
 
 Sweet Potatoes 1,000 107 bu. 107,000 bu. 96,300 
 
 Irish Potatoes 300 85 bu. 25,500 bu. 38,250 
 
 Sorghum Cane 100 90 gal. 9,000 gal. 6,120 
 
 Oats 8.000 28 bu. 224.000 bu. 163,520 
 
 Wheat 600 13 l)u. 7.800 bu. 16,224 
 
 Rye 140 11 bu. 1.540 bu. 3.850 
 
 Peanuts 225 860 lbs. 193,500 lbs. 7,740 
 
 Hay 4,600 4.140 tons 82,800 
 
 Cow Peas 6,000 36.000 bu. 63,720
 
 VIII. 
 
 BALANCE SHEET IN FOOD AND FEED 
 PRODUCTION 
 
 Dewey Stephens. 
 
 Deficit in Food and Feed Production. 
 
 From a study of data contained in the United States Census of 
 1920, and estimates of tlie average annual consumption of food 
 and feed supplies for man and beast compiled from reports from the 
 Federal Department of Agriculture, we find that there is a shortage 
 of $2,440,985.13 in food and feed products in Dillon County. Our 
 food and feed needs for 1919 were $4,841,498.13 and we pi-oduced in 
 our county that year food and feed valued at $2,400,513. When we 
 fail to produce the necessities of life it means that they have to 
 be imported and our money has to leave the county to pay for them. 
 Why not raise these supplies and keep our money at home, for 
 wealth retention is equally as important as wealth production in 
 the progress of a county. The soil of Dillon County with very 
 little effort will grow almost any of the food commodities profit- 
 ably ; consequently there is no valid excuse for the existing condition. 
 
 If we were to include in the deficit the money spent for dainties and 
 luxuries the figure for under production would be even more 
 enormous. 
 
 Shortage in Detail. 
 
 The shortage in detail consists of 1,057,256 pounds of meat; 
 1,117,072 pounds of butter; 228,613 fowls; 260,875 dozen eggs; 
 235,080 bushels of corn; 96,482 bushels of wheat; and 7,333 tons 
 of hay. 
 
 Reasons for Shortage. 
 
 There are three main reasons why Dillon County fails to produce 
 its own needed food and feed supplies: (1) excessive farm tenancy, 
 (2) lack of attention to food and fee<l crops, and (3) the necessity 
 for a ready cash market for home raised supplies. 
 
 In 1920 more than four-fifths of the farms in Dillon County 
 were operated by people other than the owners.
 
 62 Dillon County: Economic and Social , 
 
 There are only two other states that have a greater percentage 
 of tenancy than South Carolina. Mississippi has 66.1 per cent and 
 Georgia 66.6 per cent. Only one county of the State has a greater 
 iJercentage of tenancy than Dillon. This is Marlboro with 85.6 
 per cent. As long as this system of farming exists we will have a 
 deficiency in food and feed production. There must be an ad- 
 jiistment in the relation between the landlord and tenant. The 
 landlord must take something else for his rent besides cotton. At 
 the present time, if the tenant is a cash tenant, he has to plant a 
 crop for which he can obtain ready money in order to pay his 
 rent, or if he pays rent in part of the produce, this is usually 
 required in cotton. If the tenant is a share tenant he is usually re- 
 quired to plant cotton or tobacco — usually cotton. 
 
 Tenancy and illiteracy usually go hand in hand. Taking the 
 average for the six coimties in South Carolina in 1910 in which there 
 is the highest percentage of share tenancy it is found that there was 
 15.1 per cent, white illiteracy. The four counties in which share 
 tenancy does not prevail to any great extent, have a relatively low 
 percentage of illiteracy. The percentage of white illiteracy in these 
 four counties, Beaufort, Hampton, Charleston and Clarendon, is 5.5. 
 
 Before the coming of the boll weevil a man could raise cotton 
 when he could not raise anything else. So long as we pay so much 
 attention to money crops, there is likely to be a deficiency in 
 food and feed crops. Since the boll weevil is here it is necessary 
 for everybody to live at home as far as possible. 
 
 We have been paying entirely too little attention to food and 
 feed production and too much to cotton and tobacco. A few 
 figures serve to emphasize the situation. In 1920 in Dillon County 
 we needed $4,076,855 worth of food and feed supplies and we only 
 produced $2,400,513 worth. 
 
 The tenant should try to produce all the necessities possible. In 
 this way he would be able to save more of the money he obtains 
 from his money crop. To own a farm should be the ambition 
 of every tenant farmer. The old saying "A rolling stone gathers 
 no moss," describes rather well the tenant farmer who is al- 
 ways moving from place to place. 
 
 Another reason why the farmer fails to pi'oduce surplus food crops 
 is the lack of a ready cash market. This problem is discussed under 
 a separate heading. 
 
 The Boll Weevil Would Starve on Corn. 
 
 In spite of the efforts of scientists employed by the Southern 
 States and the United States Department of Agriculture, and 
 climatic conditions the cotton boll weevil has annually increased
 
 DiLLox Couxty: Economic and Social 08 
 
 its field of oiH'iatioii. At the close of 1921 the cotton lioll weevil 
 had covered the whole of South Carolina. The problem that we 
 liave heard discussed for several years confronts us now, and we 
 are facin.i? a condition callinj? for the actual application of those 
 agricultural practices wliicli liave been best wlierever the weevil 
 has established itself. 
 
 We sliouhl have been prepared for the coming of the boll weevil, 
 for in 1892, it first entered tlie United States near Brownsville, Texas 
 and has gradually made its way to Dillon County, arriving there in 
 tlie fall of 1921. 
 
 Since the boll weevil is a reality witli us we have to combat 
 it as effectively as possible. 
 
 What is known as diversified farming seems to be the best general 
 remedial measure. Some of the advantages of this method of farm- 
 ing are : 
 
 1. Nearly all kinds of farming require rotation if yields are 
 maintained. No crop should be planted two years in succession in 
 the same place with the exception of a few crops like alfalfa 
 and orchards. 
 
 2. Diversified farming lessens the risk of total failure. The 
 yield of a given crop is considerably influenced by weather conditions 
 and pests. When we plant several crops a failure is not likely in 
 more than one of them in the same year. A failure when a farmer has 
 only one money crop is a serious matter, as he will have to carry 
 all these expenses for another year. 
 
 0. Diversified farming distributes the Income throughout the 
 year. If the year's income is all received at one time it is 
 difficult to make this money last throughout the year, even when 
 the same amount received at different intervals might provide 
 very well. Divorsifitnl farming distributes the income throughout 
 the year. 
 
 4. Diversified farming may distribute the labor throughout the 
 year. The most Important problem is keeping men, horses and 
 machinei'y employed throughout the year. Some types of special- 
 ized farming are satisfactory in this respect Init they are few and 
 far between. 
 
 The Local Market Problem. 
 
 Weld, in his book entitled Marketing Agricultural Products, says 
 there are five ways in which a farmer may market his produce. 
 
 1. By by direct sale to consumer, (a) By going direct to residence, 
 (b Through public or municipal markets, (c) By parcel post or 
 express, (d) To local manufacturers.
 
 64 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 2. By selling to local stores. 
 
 3. By shipping direct to dealers in large cities. 
 
 4. By selling to local buyers. 
 
 5. By shipping through co-operative associations. 
 
 One of the best ways of marketing farm prciducts is through 
 municipal markets. It is doubtful whether the volume of food 
 and feed supplies utilized in the town of Dillon would warrant the 
 establishment of a municipal market. The .surplus food and feed 
 can perhaps be best accommodated by co-operation with the county 
 farm demonstration agent in the establishment of local co-operative 
 associations based on a single commodity as a unit of a larger 
 organization of the same type ; in the building of co-operative 
 sweet potato storage houses and the co-operative shipment of 
 livestock in car load lots. 
 
 This is usually accomplished through the efforts of the county 
 farm demonstration agent. He sends out word through the county, 
 when a shipment of livestock is to be made, and farmers who 
 have a surplus bring it to the designated place. There is a grader 
 there who grades the livestock. Each man is paid a certain amount 
 according to the grade of his shipment. The payment is made 
 through the local bank. 
 
 This problem of providing a ready cash market any day in the 
 year for products other than cotton is one of the outstanding 
 problems of the county, and can be solved only through the in- 
 telligent sympathetic cooperation of the business man, housewife 
 and the farmer. 
 
 Co-operative Marketing. 
 
 Co-operation is the only hope of the rural people of today. If 
 co-operation is to be a success the members of the association 
 must be loyal to their organization, in the face of fierce competition. 
 It must be remembered that it requires time and patience to 
 build up such marketing machinery. Most farmers have exaggerated 
 ideas of the possible savings from co-operation, and are disappointed 
 with the results at the beginning. 
 
 Co-operation among the California fruit growers has been the 
 means of saving the farmers of that section sums beyond estimation. 
 What co-operative marketing has done for the people of California 
 it can do for the people of South Carolina. A plan for the co-opera- 
 tive marketing of cotton has been worked out and now that the 
 signing of contracts for 400,000 bales in South Carolina has been 
 completed will become operative for next year's crop. 
 
 The Association will do the following things : It will grade, 
 class, staple and weigh every bale ; it will warehouse and store
 
 Dillon County : Economic and Social 65 
 
 cotton wherever and whenever necessary; it will soli all of its cotton 
 in even running lots, each grade, class and staple within its own 
 pool ; it will sell on its own sample and warehouse receipt ; it 
 will sell coUectivelj' and only when the market demands it. It 
 will sell its cotton as directly as possible ; it will determine the 
 cost of production of cotton ; it will encourage and develop the 
 co-operative production of uniform and standard varieties by com- 
 munities. 
 
 A similar plan has been worked out for the cooperative naarketing 
 of tobacco. The plan was to go into effect in 1921 but the required 
 amount was not signed up. The plan will go into effect with the 
 crop of 1922. One half the aggregate tonnage of tobacco in 
 North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia is signed up. 
 
 Co-operative Associations will operate to advantage in the sale of 
 food and feed crops as well as with cotton and tobacco. A clear 
 demonstration of this fact is provided in the South Carolina 
 Sweet Potato Growers' Association. 
 
 "Sugar Spuds." 
 
 Eighty per cent of the sweet potato crop of the United States 
 is produced below the Mason and Dixon Line. On eastern and 
 western markets 80 per cent of the potatoes to be found are 
 grown north of the same line. This means that the Southern farmer 
 is neglecting a splendid opportunity to develop a crop for which 
 advertising would create a universal demand. 
 
 The most difficult and important problem in this connection 
 is that of properly keeping the potato and none is so badly neg- 
 lected. The essentials of good storage are: (1) that the potatoes 
 be matured before digging; (2) carefully handled; (3) well 
 dried or cured before they are put in the storage house; and 
 (4) kept at a uniform temperature after they are cured. The 
 potato storage house designed by Clemson College is well adapted 
 to meet the best storage requirements, and is being widely built 
 throughout the state. 
 
 The secret of success in getting high prices for potatoes is to 
 carefully grade, clean and pack, and then put them in a storage 
 house, in order that they may be put on the market when there 
 is a demand for them. The greatest demand for sweet potatoes 
 is as a rule from the middle of December until the middle of 
 March. Unless they are properly stored it is almost impossible 
 to keep them. Potatoes keep better stored in crates. This prevents 
 them from being so badly bruised. 
 
 A few of the citizens of Dillon County have realized the im- 
 portance of the potato crop and the necessity of a storage house.
 
 66 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 The result was the establishment of the Dillon Sweet Potato Storage 
 Company. The directors of the company are J. P. McLaurin, R. M. 
 Oliver, J. H. David, J. D. Manning, and Wade Stackhouse. The 
 ICompany is chartered with a capital stock of $0,<XW. The capacity 
 is 15,000 bushels. Several hundred crates of sweet potatoes have 
 been sold through this company and it is only beginning its period 
 of service. 
 
 What The Banks Can Do. 
 
 If the banks would refuse to lend money to farmers unless 
 they plant a certain per cent of food and feed crops we believe 
 we would have a better system of farming in South Carolina. There 
 is a continuous contact between the purchaser and creditor, and 
 this puts the banks in a position to have a tremenduous influence 
 as to the kind of business that is to be carried on. Money controls 
 all industry, therefore a wise distribution of money means a well 
 organized business. 
 
 The banks of Texas are refusing to lend money to farmers unless 
 they agree to plant a certain number of acres in food and feed crops. 
 They say it is better to help by keeping as much of the money in 
 the state as possible rather than allow millions of dollars to 
 leave the state annually for the things that could be grown at 
 home. Large amounts of money would be retained in the county 
 with an increase of the per capita wealth. These conditions 
 would greatly improve the situation for the farmer and banker. 
 
 A few years of such practice in South Carolina would make the 
 agriculture of the State a self-sufficing one. The farmer would 
 become independent ; the merchant would be able to carry on 
 a cash business ; and the banks would be able to turn their energy 
 towards developing the county instead of feeding it. 
 
 Standardizing The Product. 
 
 The United States Shipping Board has called our attention to 
 the fact that when nails are sold in South America the natives 
 want them in ten pound paper bags so they can carry them easily on 
 horseback across the country to their ranches. United States nail 
 manufacturers have ignored this fact, shipping nails in kegs, and for 
 this reason they are not developing a market for nails in South 
 America to the extent that other natioTis are. 
 
 The same thing applies to the Dillon County farmer. When he 
 has corn to sell he expects to sell it on the cob, knowing all 
 the while that there is a much greater demand for the commodity 
 if properly shelled and sacked.
 
 Dillon , Goitnti-; ; r^lcnNOMi^ AJ^o ^ooial 67 
 
 ■■.I Likewise the fai>mer .iwlio l)fls>a, isqnplus oif, potatoes Instead „pf 
 Ki'adiuK tlioiu fuul. ;proi)erly. prepaii-ijig tjiem ,for, tlie market, he 
 takes all slzefi aiirl grades. ^ixQdtogethoi: and tries to find a market 
 for them. Even if he fmds a market he;. will not a-oreive nearly 
 flS'iniu-h as he wouldc-i^ thp.y, were prop^vlyj.gmxltjd. . I^erlmps .the 
 consumer ha«,-to J^py^a, ibuphelrin ior0e^, tp .^eit a- peck of the 
 desiretl grade.- If! the. producer . h,ad .property graded them he 
 pnuld have uged the sorry ()no,s to.feed l>i9, stppk on;, and perhaps 
 roci'ivod just as nnirh , foi,V; t^ft.jbest :ont]6?. ,ps he did for his 
 entire crop. .jiv-o mv;- ■ 'j ly: i <i •■■ , . . ■ ,■ r 
 
 (;; 3?he farmer who has hay to sell expects a market , for it in 
 stacks or in loose loads. ,;He ipight,,be^abl^v to find a market for 
 it in this conditio^, but if , he dops,. he wiU not. reeei,ve nearly as 
 much as he woi^ld if it ^wer^ pr.o^ei,'ly baled ,anfl prepared for the 
 market. , ,, ., .^,0; ohi^ ; jwjh.,-) > 
 
 Facts About Food and Feed Production In Dillon County. 
 
 n^The Dillon Count yr rarjk • at ,the Jeft,, margin .shows „Jm)W; mayy 
 counties do better. . , . _. 
 
 4th — in corn iprodiiction pei' acre, bushels, 1920 ;»,...,,. 21.7 
 
 Average for State, -15 bushels per, acre.;! 
 Charleston led with 23.6 busheis i>er acre,; 
 
 J'ltih — in the per capita piuoduotion .©f co^ru, bushels pen ,. .. <jr 
 acre, 1Q20 . . .^.. .1. .,,.,••••*•:•. . .,(.!. .> .. .). . . . , . 21.7 
 
 The per capita annual/ consumption fi.gurg 
 ill the 'United •States, int-hisive; of livtfstoeb 
 needs, is 31 bushels; deficit per peiison in 
 Dillon County, 9.3 bushels ; total deficit for 
 
 f..ul county 2o.''>,0S5 busliels;. state: a'verase.'pro-!,/.:;; n • .!•..£ 
 
 duction in 1920.. 1.G.3 bushel^! per person.. 
 
 22nd— in total corn production in. bushels,' 1920 . j . . .i..i! 548,538 
 
 Orangeburg CcHuity led. with li460,318 bush- 
 els ; Georgetown -County I'anked last., witlji 
 239,157 'bushel Si DiHou's: corn iproductioni 
 foi' 1.0 yearsi 1010-1920, increased 84.8 per 
 cent. orit5.'^.083 bushels, i : -The state:- iuorease 
 
 V..t)\ was 31 per cent; 40 counties shovyed an in- • f 7i* 
 
 crease in production ; 3, showed a decrease. 
 
 30(11 — in wheat production perporson, in buwhels, 1920. 0.1 
 
 Needed 4 bushels ^per person; ; deficit) per 
 person, 3.9 bushels; total deficit for Dil- 
 
 y.i; Ion CounlTi-, -98,584 bushels. In 1910 Dillon ' : 
 
 County raised 50 bushels and in 1920, 4.630' 
 bushels of wheat.
 
 0)8 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 1st — in whent production, bushels per acre, 1920 .... 13 
 
 State average, 7.5 bushels per acre; Wil- 
 liamsburg County came second with a yield 
 of 12.5 bushels per acre. 
 
 7th — in oat production, bushels per acre, 1920 22.5 
 
 Total crop was 14.3,117 bushels, or 25.7 
 bushels per work animal per year, or 2.2 
 quarts per day for each work animal. From 
 1910-1920 production decreased 18 per cent. 
 
 42nd — in total crop of hay and fora?ie produced, tons, 
 
 1920 2,SS0 
 
 From 1910-1920 our hay crop increased 48 
 per cent. For each work animal .3 pounds 
 of hay was produced ; ten pounds were 
 needed ; 2,880 tons were produced ; 10,218 
 were needed. The deficiency was 7,338 
 tons. 
 
 34th — in beef production per person, pounds, 1920 .... 8.6 
 
 ►State average, 17.8 pounds ' per person ; 
 needed 150 pounds of meat production. 
 Beaufort led with 129.8 pounds ; Greenville 
 came last with 3.6 pounds. 
 
 12th — in pork production i)er capita, pounds, 1920 .... 98.8 
 
 Average for the state 07 pounds per person. 
 Horry ranks first with 183.3 pounds per 
 person. From 3910-1920 the number of 
 hogs in Dilbin (Vanity ini-reiised 75 per 
 cent. 
 
 13th — in poultry production per person, fowls, 1920 .... 10.3 
 
 Needed 12 fowls per person per year ; de- 
 ficit 1.7 fowls per person per year; 
 total deficit 42,973 fowls. Saluda ranked 
 first with a production of 15.4 fowls per 
 person, and ('luuieston came last with 2.6. 
 The number of fowls in Dillon County in- 
 creased 48.3 per cent from 1910-1920. 
 
 27th — in egg deficit per person, dozen, 1920 10.3 
 
 Needed ] 7.5 dozen per person ; shortage 7.2 
 dozen per person ; total shortage per county 
 182,002 dozen; total production 181,490 
 dozen. 
 
 28rd — in butter produced per person, pounds, 1920 .... 3.S 
 
 Cherokee ranks first with 23.0 pounds per 
 person. State average was 8.2 pounds
 
 Dillon County : Economic and Social G9 
 
 25th — in value of livestock produced per person, 1920 . . $9.24 
 
 Edgefield ranked first with $22/)6 per 
 person; Charleston was last with $1.71. 
 
 Dillon County Balance Sheet in Food and Feed Production. 
 
 1. Food and feed needed. 
 
 25,278 people @ 161.28 $4,076,835.84 
 
 5.599 work animals @ $75.75 $424,113.24 
 
 2.980 dairy cattle @ $35.67 . . 106,296.00 
 
 711 other cattle @ $15.55 .. 10,771.65 
 
 186 sheep @ $3.44 639.84 
 
 17,336 swine @ 012.86 222,840.96 764,662.29 
 
 Total food and feed needed $4,841,498.13 
 
 2. Total food and feed produced : 
 
 Food and feed crops $1,864,011.00 
 
 Dairy products $51,702.00 
 
 Poultry products 76,704.00 
 
 Honey and wax 1,161.00 
 
 Total value of beef cattle and 
 
 swine 406,935.00 536,502.00 
 
 Total food and feed produced $2,400,513.00 
 
 Shortage in in home raised food and feed 2,440,985.13 
 
 Cotton and other non-food crop values 11,685,104.00 
 
 Distribution of Food and Feed Shortage : 
 
 (1) Meat needed for 25.278 people @ 152 lbs. per 
 
 person 3,842,256 
 
 Meat produced— 375 calves @ 150 lbs 56,250 
 
 326 cattle @ 350 lbs 114.100 
 
 74.723. poultry @ 31/2 lbs 261,530 
 
 14,707 swine @ 160 lbs 2,353,120 
 
 Total meat produced 2,785,000 
 
 Shortage 1,057,256 
 
 (2) Butter needed for 25,278 people @ 48 lbs. per 
 
 person 1.218,344 
 
 Produced 96,272 
 
 Deficit 1,117.072
 
 70 Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 (3) Fowls needed for 25,278 people @ 12 fowls per 
 
 person 303,336 
 
 Produced 74,723 
 
 Deficit 228;613 
 
 (4) Eggs needed for 25,278 people @ 17 1-2 doz. per 
 
 person 442,365 
 
 Produced 181,490 
 
 Deficit 200,875 
 
 (5) Corn needed for 25,278 people at @ 31 bu. per person 783,618 
 Produced 548,538 
 
 Deficit 235,080 
 
 (6) Wheat needed for 25,278 people @ 4 bu. per person 101,112 
 Produced 4,630 
 
 Deficit 96,482 
 
 (7) Hay needed for 5,599 work animals (a; 10 lbs. per 
 
 day, tons 10,213 
 
 Produced 2,880 
 
 Deficit 7,333 
 
 Dillon County Livestock: 1920 Census. 
 
 I. Animal Units on Hand 1919 : Animal Units 
 
 5,505 mature work animals 5,505 
 
 20 spring colts (1-4) 5 
 
 86 yearling colts (1-2) 18 
 
 1,739 dairy cows 1,739 
 
 1,952 other cattle (1-2) 976 
 
 8,402 mature hogs (1-5) ' 1,680 
 
 8,934 spring pigs (1-10) 893 
 
 149 mature sheep (1-7) 21 
 
 37 lambs (1-14) 3 
 
 74,723 poultry (1-100) 747 
 
 Total animal units 12,587 
 
 II. Animal Units Needed— 301,440 A divided by 5 60,288 
 
 Per cent of animals in a lightly stocked farm area 28 
 
 Per cent below the level 72 
 
 Note — A lightly stocked farm area means one animal unit for every 
 5 acres of farm lands — A unit is a horse, a cow, 2 colts, 5 
 hogs, 7 sheep, or 100 hens.
 
 IX. 
 
 EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS 
 
 Edgab T. Thompson. 
 Dewey Stephens. 
 
 Although f)illon County is oue of the youngest counties of tlie 
 state, she has talien her place among the more prosperous and 
 progressive. However, we cannot rest on past achievements if we 
 want to keep this position among our sister counties. We should 
 always remember that there is room at the top. Dillon County is 
 wonderfully blessed in soil, climate, and people, but in the words 
 of Henry Van Dyke we should be "content with our possessions, 
 but not satisfied with ourselves until we have made the best of 
 them." Dillon's place in the state should be where she already 
 is in the heart of every true son of Dillon County — first on the 
 list. 
 
 Educational Advances. 
 
 Dillon County has one of the best school systems in South Carolina. 
 This can be proved by comparing the index figures of Dillon 
 County with those of the state, and of other counties. With the 
 exception of average attendance our school situation is one to be 
 proud of, but it is not ideal. 
 
 We had in 1921 a smaller percentage of one-teacher schools than 
 any other county in South Carolina. Out of a total of twenty- 
 five white schools in the county only one of these is a one-teacher 
 school. Darlington ranks second in this respect and Florence third. 
 This is a significant fact and oue in which we are to be com- 
 mended, for the day of the one-teacher school seems to have passed 
 in Dillon. This situation looks even better for Dillon when we 
 learn that 40 per cent of the schools of the state are one-teacher 
 schools. 
 
 Everywhere over the county are springing up handsome brick 
 school structures. No better type of monument can be erected in 
 any county, and the passerby notes as he views each of these perma- 
 nent buildings that there resides a people who are putting "first 
 things first."
 
 72 Dij.LON County : Economic and Social , 
 
 Our Towns. 
 
 Our towns are our most conspicuous evidences of progress as 
 shown by their remarkable increases in population during their 
 comparatively short pei-iod of existence. Dillon, the county seat, 
 is a beautiful little growing town of about 2,200 inhabitants. Here 
 an enormous amoiuit of business is carried on for a town of this 
 size. Its place in history is as pronounced as that of Dillon 
 County and it is the coming town of the Pee Dee. Both Latta and 
 Lake View are also young towns and their prosperous past points 
 to a still more prosperous future. The whole of Dillpn County is 
 giving promise of being the best rural community in the country 
 to live in. She is waking up to her vast possibilities, and she is 
 solving a great big, all-inclusive problem — that of community co-op- 
 eration. 
 
 Wealth. 
 
 Dillon County can justly pride hei-self upon her amount of farm 
 wealth. In 1920 it amounted to $22,055,052 which is more than that 
 of 31 other counties in the State. During the period 1910-1920 
 only 6 counties made a greater increase in per capita farm wealth. 
 During the same period the increase in total taxable property 
 was 76.65 per cent while the avei'age for the State as a whole was 
 60.22 per cent. This great increase In taxable property gives an 
 insight into the actual wealth of Dillon and the willingness of the 
 people to bear public burdens for public progress and prosperity. 
 
 Dillon County citizens are better served by banks than those 
 of 36 other counties in the state for we have one bank for every 
 3,000 people. This may partially account for the fact that we 
 oversubscribed our Liberty Loan quotas by 5.2 per cent, showing 
 that our people are not lacking in patriotism if that can be measured 
 in dollars and cents. 
 
 It may or may not be an evidence of progress that only 4 per 
 cent of our farms have a mortgage debt upon them. As stated 
 in a previous chapter, a mortgage is not necessarily a bad thing. 
 Conditions sometimes make it necessary for a farmer to mortgage 
 his farm and often it Is a sign of progress. It may mean capital 
 borrowed for productive purposes, purchase of land, better build- 
 ings and equipment, and even at times for the education of his 
 children. But too often farms have been mortgaged so that the 
 owner can indulge in the luxuries of life. In the last few years 
 many farmers in the State have mortgaged their farms in order 
 to purchase automobiles and expensive luxuries. Taken from this 
 latter angle our small percentage of mortgaged farms, exceetled by
 
 M 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 n 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 p
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 73 
 
 only 4 other counties in the State, shows a safe and sane attitude 
 among tlic f;iniK*rs of r>illoii County. It is better to be safe than 
 be sorry. 
 
 Agriculture. 
 
 Our county is a farmer's county and the farms of any community 
 form the backbone (»f that community — a fact that is not less true 
 of Dillon than it is of the State as a whole and the nation at 
 large. Upon their labor, their prosperity, good cheer and high 
 courage depend to a large extent the prosperity and wealth of the 
 county. 
 
 Dillon County with her variety of soils and advantageous seasons 
 has an excellent record in the total and per capita yield of crop 
 wealth. In this last particular Dillon outranked in 1920 every 
 county in the State save one with a per capita value of $219.95. 
 Thus is Dillon's boast of a superior agriculture backed up by the 
 figures themselves. 
 
 Dillon as the fifth tobacco pi'oducing county in the State is aligning 
 herself with the co-operative movement for its marketing. The same 
 is true of cotton, in which crop only 17 counties in the State produced 
 a larger yield in 1920. This notwithstanding the fact that Dillon 
 County is one of the smallest counties in the State. 
 
 Between 1910-1920, Dillon County increased her corn production 
 by 389,083 bushels, or 84.3 per cent. Only three other counties 
 outranked us in this respect. During the same period our increase 
 of 109 per cent in number of cattle was greater than that of any 
 other county. In 1920 Dillon County led the State in the yield 
 per acre of sweet potatoes. The census of the same year gives 
 Dillon 24,257 aci-es of idle land. Forty counties had more. But 
 these idle acres at a conservative estimate are worth a half million 
 dollars; and they represent just that much dead capital. Neither 
 the owners of this land, the agriculture of the county, nor our busi- 
 ness men can afford a dead investment of this sort. 
 
 Dillon County Fair. 
 
 Some of Dillon's loyal citizens, realizing the need and benefits 
 to be derived from a coiinty fair, formed in 1920 the Dillon County 
 Fair Association, with a capital stock of $15,000 dollars, divided 
 into fifteen hundred shares with a par value of $10.00 each. 
 
 The business of the association is conducted by nineteen directors 
 who are members of the association, elected from the different 
 townships of the county. The officers of the association are : 
 President, Secretary and Treasurer, Secretary of Races, Executive 
 Committee, Board of Directors and Bureau of Information.
 
 74 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 County fairs act as reflectors or indexes of the sentiment of tlieir 
 communities. Tlie types of exliibits displayed and the character 
 of the fairs promoted advertise, either advantageously or disad- 
 vantageously, the interest people have in meeting the exigencies 
 of the situation. Fairs, therefore, are not only popular institutions 
 but are worth while institutions and should be maintained and 
 improved. 
 
 An authority on fairs in another state says that the county fair 
 should be repres-entative of the county and should as far as possible 
 give a fair idea of the resources and possibilities of its farming, mill- 
 ing, educational, and business advantages. The county fair is gener- 
 ally backed by the business men of the county seat where the fair is 
 held. They thinlv by drawing a crowd to town tlieir volume of trade 
 will be increased. But as a matter of fact the country people do not 
 buy much on fair days. They save their nickels for the many 
 attractions of the fair. The business men soon find that their plan 
 is not working, and they frequently give up the fair as a hopeless 
 venture. For this simi)le reason most of the county fairs have 
 failed. A few county fairs in the United States have lived for sixty 
 years or more. The fairs that have lived so long have never had 
 horse races, ferris wheels and the like. The value of a county 
 fair consists in its being able to show the products of the homes, 
 farms, mills, and factories of the county. The purpose of the county 
 fair is destroyed when the farm and factory exhibits are given 
 a place of minor importance, and various spectacular attractions 
 preoccupy the attention of the crowd. Here again the premium 
 list must be complete and prizes offered for strictly home products. 
 
 The people of Dillon usually put across what they undertake and 
 we believe the Dillon County Fair will stand the test of time. 
 
 County Federation of Women's Clubs. 
 
 The Dillon County Federation of Women's Clubs was organized 
 in November, 1915, at the court house in Dillon. The purpose of 
 this organization was to unite the clubwomen for greater service 
 to the homes, schools and communities throughout tlie county. 
 From the small begining of sixteen delegates representing as many 
 clubs it has grown to a membership of more than forty clubs with 
 an attendance of about five hundred. 
 
 This was the first county federation in the State to include all the 
 women's clubs, both falerated and unfederated. A number like it 
 have since been formed in other counties. 
 
 Among the goo<l results accomi)lished may be mentioned closer 
 co-operation between town .'ind rurnl women; iiiform;iti')ii ;nul in-
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 75 
 
 spiration gained from noted speakers on vital subjects; reports from 
 various clubs have been an incentive to greater efforts; it has been 
 instrumental in retaining the county Home Demonstration Agent; it 
 launche<I the movement lor the public health nurse, and has given 
 hearty supiJort to all undertakings of this kind for the good of 
 the county. 
 
 Tt is a member of the State Federation and has contributed 
 J)!l()() annually to the Loan Fund for the education cif worthy girls 
 who are not tiuancially able to get a college education. 
 
 Public Health Work. 
 
 Some of Dillon's progressive citizens, realizing the need and im- 
 portance of a county liealth unit, took a step towards establishing 
 this unit in 1921, when they employed Miss Cora B. McLeod as 
 county health nurse. It is impossible for her to do all of the work 
 there is to be done, but she is doing a great work, and we hope 
 the people who began this work will not give up until they have 
 a complete health unit, as exists in some of the other less pros- 
 perous counties in South Carolina. Our health is our most precious 
 heritage and anything we can do that will protect this heritage 
 is inestimable in value. 
 
 Miss McLeod spent her first four months working among the schools 
 of the county. The teachers showed great interest and were will- 
 ing and anxious to help her in any way possible. 
 
 During the first year twenty-three schools were inspected and 
 1631 children were examined for defects in eyes, ears, nose, throat 
 and teeth. Each child was also weighed and measuretl and com- 
 pai'ison made with the standards. If any defects were found the 
 child's parents were notified and urged to see their family physician 
 at once. 
 
 Here are some of the results of these examinations: 105 had 
 dental corrections made, 15 received medical treatment, 22 received 
 throat treatment, 22 had eye corrections made, and 2 entire schools 
 were vaccinated. 
 
 Statistics tell us that bad teeth may keep a child back six months 
 in his school work, and that diseased tonsils may keep him back 
 for a year or more, therefore, we can very easily see why it is 
 necessary for these corrections to be made, even if they did not harm 
 the child in any other way. 
 
 Her field work consisted of 054 visits, including nursing, instruc- 
 tional school, social service, sanitation inspections and conference 
 visits. Special attention is given to tuberculars, child hygiene and 
 pre-natal work.
 
 76 , Dillon County: Economic and Social 
 
 This work is financed co-operatively by the county and the Red 
 Cross. Miss McLeod has done a splendid work but "the fields are 
 white unto the harvest and the laborers few." We should not be 
 content until we have a full health unit. 
 
 At present there is only one county in the State that has fewer 
 deaths per 1,000 of population than Dillon. This is Colleton with 
 7.4. The rank for Dillon is 8.3 per 1,000. We should not be con- 
 tent short of first place in health work of all phases. A county 
 health unit will go a long way towards gaining this rank. 
 
 Home Demonstration Activities. 
 
 Dillon is one of hundreds of counties throughout our great country 
 having Home Demonstration Work. Home Demonstration Work 
 is the realization of a vision of Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, the great 
 agricultural philosopher. He first established demonstration work 
 for the boys. Having successfully started this work, ideas began 
 to take more definite form in his mind for work of a similar nature 
 with the girls. In an address before the State Teachers' Association 
 in South Carolina in 1907, Dr. Knapp said, "If much can be 
 done for boys to interest and instruct them in their life work, 
 more can be done for girls. Teach them to mend and sew and 
 cook ; how to 'doctor,' how to dress a wound or make a ligature, 
 how to adorn the simple home and make it appear like a palace; 
 how by simple arrangement the environment of the home can be 
 transformed into a place of beauty. In the United States the art of 
 cooking is mainly a lost art. There are communities where not to 
 be a dyspeptic is to be out of the fashion. If we could have 
 some le.ssons on how to live royally on a little, how to nourish 
 the body without poisoning the stomach, and how to balance a ration 
 for economic and healthful results, there would be a hopeful gain 
 in lessening the number of bankrupts by the kitchen route." 
 
 This vision began its reality in 11)10 when the first "Tomato 
 Club" was formed in Aiken County, South Carolina. From this 
 beginning Home Demonstration work has grown with leaps and 
 bounds until now its scope includes work in gardening, poultry 
 keeping, dairying, sewing, marketing, canning, food preparation, 
 household management, child welfare, nutrition, home furnishing 
 and beautifying the home grounds. 
 
 Home Demonstration Work in Dillon County during the past 
 year was conducted in general through the Girls' Home Demonstra- 
 tion Clubs, Girls' and Boys' Poultry Clubs and Home Demonstration 
 Clubs for the women. There were seven girls' clubs and seven 
 women's clubs. The girls' clul)s embraced canning and gardening,
 
 Dillon Coitnty: Economic and Social 77 
 
 sewins, eookiui,' and ixMilliy clubs. The girls' clubs were met month- 
 ly at the school iionscs by tlic cnniity IIoiiip Deiiioiistration worker, 
 Miss Etta Sue Sellers, and a rci^ular outlined course of study was 
 Idllowed. Quite a nuuilter received certificates on the year's work 
 which meant no less than a j^rade of 75 per cent. Tlie dub creed 
 shows the value of the girls' club work — "We believe in training the 
 liead to think, to plan, and to reason ; in training the hands to !>(» help- 
 ful, skillful and uselnl : in training the heart to he kind, syniiiallietic 
 and true; in caring lor t lie health to give us power to enjoy lile. to 
 resist disease and to make us more etficient." 
 
 Farm Demonstration Work. 
 
 The Agricultural Extension Service of South Carolina, with head- 
 quarters at Clemson College, was organized, and is now conducted 
 with the idea fixed in the minds of its members that tliei'e are 
 certain fundamental vital [irinciples in the economic production 
 of crops and the marketing and distribution of the same tliat nmst 
 of necessity be adhered to in a logical and systematic way. To 
 this end the Extension Service has outlined a clear an<l compre- 
 hensive policy. This policy indicates a clear understanding of wliat 
 is to be done. 
 
 1. Soil building through the use of legumes, cover crops, livestock 
 and crop rotation. 
 
 2. Skillful selection of jturebred seed. 
 
 3. Increasing and imiu'oving our livestock b,v the use of ])urebred 
 sires. 
 
 4. The growing of all food and feed crops on the farm for man 
 and beast. 
 
 5. After the above has been carried out, the economic production 
 for the market of sucli crovts and livestock as promise greatest 
 profit. 
 
 G. The close study and encouragement of co-operative marketing 
 associations for the scientific marketing of agricultural crops. 
 
 The farm demonstration work in Dillon County is lu'o.iected along 
 these lines and for many years now has been a most effective 
 agency in stimulating a safe and sane agricultural development 
 llii'oughout the county. 
 
 Transportation. 
 
 For a small rural county, Dillon is as well served by railroads 
 as any county in the South. The two main systems, the Atlantic 
 Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line, with their I)r;inches, give 
 every town and almost everv liandet giHxl transportation facilities.
 
 78 , Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 The people of Dillon County are beginning to realize the eco- 
 nomic and social necessity of good roads and to see that every dollar 
 invested in good roads is a dollar well invested. The excellent road 
 which traverses the county from the Marion County line to the 
 Marlboro County line taking in Latta, Dillon and Little Rock is 
 a case in point. No one can ride over this road without seeing 
 in it an evidence of Dillon County's progress. 
 
 Where We Lead. 
 
 There are only forty-six counties in South Carolina, and we 
 
 think it conservative to say Dillon County leads when there are 
 not over fifteen counties that make a better showing. The figures 
 
 are for 1920 except where otherwise indicated. Tlie rank of Dillon 
 is as follows : 
 
 1st — in per cent of one-teacher schools, 1!)21 .4 
 
 1st — in bushels of wheat raised per acre 13 
 
 2nd — in per capita crop values $219.1)5 
 
 2nd — in death rate per 1,000 of population (number).. 8.4 
 
 3rd — in bushels of oats, per capita 5.G 
 
 4tli — in per cent of mortgaged farms 3.4 
 
 4th — in amount spent in dollars for implements and 
 
 machinery on improved land per acre .^10.55 
 
 4th — in average property tax rate, mills 35.4 
 
 4th — in number of bushels increase in corn prcxluction 
 
 from 1910-1920 389,083 
 
 4th — in corn production in bushels per acre 21.7 
 
 4th — in per cent increase in corn production 1910-1920 84.3 
 
 4th — in tax rate per $100 assessed valuation, rate per $100 $3.53 
 
 5th — in average salaries paid white women teachers.... ."f 090.47 
 
 5th — in value of crops, per acre $48.00 
 
 (1th — in cotton production in pounds, per acre 299 
 
 Gth — in total tobacco production (pounds) 5,850,000 
 
 0th — in value of non food crops $11,085,104 
 
 7th — in number of iulial>itants per banlv 3,135 
 
 7th — in pi'oduction of oats in bushels per acre 22.5 
 
 7th — in tobacco production per acre (pounds) 650 
 
 7th — in per capita country wealth $872.50 
 
 8th — in per cent increase in taxable property, 1910-1920 76.05 
 9th — in per cai)ita investment in school pro])erty accord- 
 ing to enrollinent $35.07 
 
 9th — in homicides in South Carolina (number) 1 
 
 9th — in number of inhabitants per automobile 15.1 
 
 nth — ill rural poimlalidii jicr s(|uare mile 53.7
 
 Dillon County : Economic and .Social 79 
 
 llth — in per capita investment in school property $12.48 
 
 12tli — in bushels of corn, per capita 21.7 
 
 12th — in annual pork production, per capita, pounds 98.8 
 
 l."Uli — in per cent of farm land improved rjS.2 
 
 13th — in number of pounds of poultry, per person 10.3 
 
 loth — in value of all farm property $22,055,053 
 
 loth — in per cent of white population 4S.G
 
 X. 
 
 OUR PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTION 
 
 Edgar T. Thompson. 
 
 The object of this chapter is to try and furuisli the power "to 
 see ourselves as others see us." For it is most true that the in- 
 habitants of a community or county are oftentimes blind to what 
 is plainly evident to another who views the scene from afar. A 
 visitor is more keenly observant of the things in wliich the com- 
 munity fails to measure up than he is of what that community 
 ranks best In. The many reasons that we have to be proud of Dillon 
 have been pointed out and discussed in the preceding chapter. 
 We have now to gather up and present the vital defects in the 
 economic and social life of the county and, as for as that is 
 possible, to suggest remedies for them and to point the way 
 toward a better and greater county. 
 
 If Dillon County ranked first in everything there would be no 
 need for this survey, the purpose of whicli is to show our faults and 
 imperfections as well as our virtues. In many respects Dillon 
 ranks with the leading counties of the state but there are also 
 many things in which we are among those at the bottom of the 
 list. All our problems, then, are not solved ; nor can they be 
 solved without the cooperation of our business men and bankers, 
 our farmers, our teachers and religious leaders. It will require the 
 united efforts of all these to blot out our delinquencies and to 
 reach high levels in every particular. 
 
 A County- Wide Chamber of Commerce. 
 
 Where there are vital problems to be solved it is most important 
 that there .should be some organization whose purpose it is to solve 
 them. Where, there are exceptional features to be advertised 
 it is important that there should be some agency to advertise 
 them. Dillon County needs a county-wide Cnamber of Commerce. 
 We have no organization among our men which has for its 
 purpose the development and betterment of the county. A 
 most admirable work in regard to schools, health and civic 
 improvement is being done by the Dillon County Federation of 
 Women's Clubs, but this does not lessen the need for a men's
 
 Dillon County : Economic and Social 81 
 
 orgauization. The interest of our towns and our county are so 
 intermingled that the success or failure of one must affect the 
 other; hence we shall do well to develop a county unit feeling. A 
 County Clianiber of Commerce with city and farmer folk both 
 working together would do much to spread the doctrine of co- 
 operative ownership of the best farm machinery, diversification, 
 rotation, permanent pastures, improved livestock, winter cover crops 
 and many others. By co-operation something might be done to use 
 and build up our 24,257 idle acres. We have room for 1,017 neW 
 farm families on laud that needs to become productive. Many 
 other questions would arise to challenge the united thought and 
 effort of all. 
 
 Farm Tenancy. 
 
 The problem of farm tenancy has been discussed at length in 
 a previous chapter. There is only one remedy — a strict enforce- 
 ment of the compulsory school attendance law and a good public 
 school system. As a stepping stone to farm ownership tenancy 
 cannot be looked upon as an evil tendency, but when a tenant 
 uses rented land simply to earn a living year in and year out, en- 
 tertaining no hope of better tilings, it is an evil. The solution is. of 
 course, farm ownership, wherever possible, for whites who are 
 now tenant farmers. 
 
 Poor School Attendance. 
 
 Our rank in per cent of school attendance on enrollment is 
 deplorable. Of the forty-six counties in South Carolina, Dillon 
 County in 1920 made the poorest showing. This fact should stir 
 the interest of everyone who has at heart the efficiency and wel- 
 fare of the .schools in the county and should prompt those directly 
 concerned to improve the school attendance. When a prominent 
 progressive county like Dillon is at the bottom in any matter con- 
 nected with schools — the most important institutions of the county — 
 it is time for our people to insist on a strict enforcement of the 
 compulsory .school attendance law. Our poor showing is not wholly 
 ascribable to the coloi'ed children for an examination of the records 
 shows that the percentage of regular school attendance for white 
 children was 60.86 per cent and in this respect Dillon County 
 ranks 45th among the counties. 
 
 But we are proud to say that Dillon County has fewer one- 
 teacher schools than any other county of the state. The one- 
 teacher school is a listless, lifeless affair and the fewer there are 
 in any county the better.
 
 82 , Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 Illiteracy. 
 
 Nearly 11 out of every 100 white citizens of Dillon County are 
 unable to read or write their names. In this respect Dillon County 
 ranks 43rd among the counties. And there are only 4G. Illiteracy Is 
 truly Dillon County's greatest single problem. 
 
 The eleven white citizens mentioned above are sheer illiterates. 
 Besides these there are a great number of near-illiterates tho little 
 attention is given to them. This fact is appalling. The remedy, 
 of course, is education. The majority of our illiterates are of 
 such age that they can be educated in the public schools. But not 
 unless they attend them. Let us insist, then, upon the strict 
 enforcement of the compulsory attendance law. 
 
 In the same category with illiteracy falls our low rank in church 
 membership — only 60 per cent of our people ten years of age and 
 over are church members. Our rank here is 40tja among the counties. 
 The fact that forty out of every 100 of our citizens ten years of age 
 and over belong to no church whatever calls for some sane think- 
 ing by our churches of every name and faith. 
 
 An Ill-Balanced Farm System. 
 
 In per capita country wealth we rank 7th among tho counties 
 with $872.50 per individual. Nevertheless a great many of our 
 farmers are poor. They do not have the money with which to 
 buy improved farm implements for more extensive farming and 
 thereby lower the cost of production while increasing the volume 
 or farm products. Lack of ready cash in our country regions is 
 a cardinal deficiency. In order to have good roads, good schools, 
 good churches and fine farms we must have more money — far more 
 money than we now have. And yet we yearly send out of the 
 county large sums for imported food and feed supplies which can 
 be prod'Ucetl by our farmers at home. This drain on our money 
 resources makes us all just so much the poorer year by year — mer- 
 chants, farmers, and bankers alike. The solution is suggested by the 
 fact. We are enslaved by cotton and tobacco and neglectful of food 
 crops and livestock. There are no soils and seasons in the United 
 States better suited to foo<^l and feed production and livestock 
 farming. It is not impossible for us to produce the staple bread 
 and meat sujiplies we need for home consumption. 
 
 In 1920 Dillon County produced non-food crops to the value of 
 $11,685,104 compared with $2,377,620 for food crops when $4,841,498 
 was needed. In 1920 the wheat crop was only one-tenth of a bushel 
 per inhabitant, while four busliels per person per year are neetled.
 
 Dillon County: Economic and Social 83 
 
 Tweuty-nino (•(nuitii's li.-ivc m liotter rating than Dillon in this item. 
 The 102U census gives only 2,880 pounds as the total amount of our 
 hay and forage production. Our rank in this was 43rd. To properly 
 balance our farming system we must diversify our crops. 
 
 Co-operative Movements. 
 
 This an age of co-operation. It is the solution of many of 
 the farmer's problems as the 1-4,000 farmers' buying and selling 
 organizations in the United States bear witness. Co-operation is 
 not merely a profit-making thing and it is more than an agency 
 for protecting the farmer against exploitation ; still greater benefits 
 than these come to the co-operator. When the farmer joins a co- 
 operative society he pledges himself to promote the new social and 
 economic order toward which co-operation is aiming. 
 
 Co-operation has secured a firm hold in Dillon County. On May 
 1. 1022, 183 of our farmers had signed up 16.800 bales of cotton 
 to be marketed thru the South Carolina Co-operative Cotton Marget- 
 ing Association. In Marlboro County, 203 farmers signed up 37.105 
 bales. Most of the seven tobacco warehouses of the county belong 
 to the Tobacco Growers Cooperative Marketing Association. These 
 facts speak well for Dillon County. 
 
 Libraries. 
 
 There should be a library in every rural town. This library should 
 have relation to its community as a school or church has. It 
 should be an educational center. 
 
 It has been estimated that only about 5 per cent of our total 
 population ever read books and magazines and very few of these 
 come from rural communities. 
 
 Of the Latta library Mr. L. M. Bouknight. former superintendent 
 of the Latta schools, said, "As a center of community activities, 
 I thiiik our building functioned well worth consideration. The 
 general atmosphere was conducive to undertakings for the town 
 that could not have originated from any other center. I cannot 
 say too much for the Latta Library."' 
 
 Our towns could not take a more progressive step than for 
 each to erect a modern, well equipped library. Such a step would 
 be a partial remedy for our illiteracy problem. 
 
 Tax Reform. 
 
 Taxation is a state-wide problem and its solution must be state- 
 wide. But at the present time it is probably more acute in Dillon 
 County than in any other county in the State for two reasons.
 
 84 Dillon County : Economic and Social 
 
 First : Because the average property tax rate for this county 
 is higher thau tliat of auy other county. lu 1920 it shows 49.25 
 mills as against the state average of 37.60 mills. 
 
 Second : Because our county is distinctly a farmer's county. 
 And since 90 per cent of the State's revenue comes from the 
 general property tax and 65 per cent of this from country real 
 estate it is evident that the farmers of the State are bearing 
 the brunt of taxation. Intangible property in this State escaping 
 taxation amounts to $300,000,000. As compared with the larger and 
 richer counties there is very little property in Dillon County es- 
 caping taxation. Consequently this county and every other county 
 in which there is a small proportion of iutangib'e property is 
 bearing an unjust share of the tax burden of the State. 
 
 The remedy lies in the adoption of the program for tax reform 
 as outlined by the Joint Special Committee on Revenue and Taxa- 
 tion appointed by the General Assembly of 1020. This program 
 follows with the years moved up to apply to the next few years. 
 
 1. The adoption by the General .Assembly of 1923 of a Joint 
 Resolution submitting to the electors of the State amendments 
 to the present Constitution which would remove the general prop- 
 erty tax limitations. 
 
 2. The inauguration and prosecution of a state-wide campaign 
 of education and publicity to the end that the people of the state 
 may be fully informed upon the subject of taxation and in position 
 to pass intelligently upon the grave question before them. 
 
 3. The adoption by the peoi^le at the general election of 1924 
 of the constitutional amendments proposed by this General Assem- 
 bly. 
 
 4. The passage by the General Assembly of 1925 of an act pro- 
 viding the necessary special machinery for revaluing the property of 
 the State at full value and for making an accurate survey and in- 
 ventory of all other taxable resources of the State. 
 
 5. Upon the basis of the accurate data and statistics so produced 
 the enactment by the General Assembly of 1926 of a compulsory 
 revenue act combining into one harmonious whole a remodeled 
 property tax, the income tax, the business tax and the inheritance 
 tax. 
 
 The adoption of such a program as the above would go far toward 
 lifting a part of the burden of taxation from the farmers of Dillon 
 County and of the State and placing it upon the property which 
 is either very lightly taxed or escaping taxation entirely. Our 
 representatives in the General Assembly should insist upon its 
 adoption.
 
 • •»••>•■»..».■«-«-».•«.■>■.«..»•■< 
 
 j Carolina Milling Co., Inc. 
 
 Authorized Capital $ 1 60,000 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 HIGH GRADE CORN MEAL, 
 FLOUR AND MOLASSES FEEDS 
 
 DEALERS IN 
 
 SEED GRAIN AND HAY 
 
 DR. WADE STACKHOUSE, 
 
 President & Treasurer 
 
 M.S. STACKHOUSE, 
 
 Vice-President & Secretary 
 
 
 •
 
 i 
 
 Blum & Kornblut, Inc. 
 
 ISADORE BLUM, Pres. LEON KORNBLUT. Sec. & Treas. 
 
 Men's and Womens' Wear 
 Wholesale and Retail 
 
 Dillon County's Largest 
 Mercantile Establishment 
 
 Our buying power for six stores enables us 
 to give you better values for less money 
 
 STORES IN 
 
 DILLON CHERAW 
 
 LATTA TATUM 
 
 LAKE VIEW CHESTERFIELD 
 
 I "The Stores Dependable"
 
 i 
 
 Palmetto Hardware Co. 
 
 
 MORRIS PASS 
 
 DEPARTMENT STORE 
 
 Ladies' ana Gents' Outfitters 
 Dillon s Largest and Best Store 
 
 DILLON MULLINS 
 
 S. C. 
 
 PHONE 1707 I 
 
 DEALERS IN \ 
 
 Hardware, Tinware and Woodenware, Trucks, Automobiles, 
 
 Auto Supplies, Coffins and Caskets, Stoves and Ranges, Lime 
 
 and Cement, Paints and Oils, Imported China, Sporting 
 
 Goods and Farming Implements, 
 
 **The Store of Quality and Service" 
 DILLON, S. C. 
 
 McLaurin & Thompson 
 
 Wholesale Grocers 
 Hay, Grain and Provisions 
 
 A. A. C. Co. Fertilizers | 
 
 Dillon, S. C. { 
 
 J. P. McLaurin J. F. Thompson ;
 
 i f 
 
 Braddy- Wheeler Co., Inc. 
 HARDWARE 
 
 Lowe Bros. Paints and Oils, Fairbanks- Morse Engines, Home 
 
 Light and Water Plants, Emmerson-Branningham Farm 
 
 Machinery, Kitchen Stoves and Ranges, Red Top 
 
 Steel Posts, LotKs Hot-Blast Heaters, 
 
 SPORTING GOODS 
 
 Service and Satisfaction 
 
 L. C. BRADDY, Jr. W. B. WHEELER 
 
 DILLON, S. C. 
 
 Eugene C. Stanton 
 
 DILLON, S. C. 
 
 GENERAL INSURANCE 
 
 '"^he 'Progressive Jlgency" 
 
 We represent some of the oldest and largest companies, giv- * 
 ing you the most liberal policies and | 
 
 ? I 00 per cent protection 
 
 \ Office Phone 55 Residence Phone 155 
 
 1 I
 
 t ■ 
 
 t T 
 
 i /. M BRIDGMAN j 
 
 DILLON, S. C. I 
 
 PHOTOGRAPHER \ 
 
 ylgent For Singer Sewing Machines I 
 
 Yours For Good Service I 
 
 R. H. WIGGINS 
 
 Sales and Exchange Stables 
 
 Buggies — Harness — Wagons — Horses — Mules 
 
 We carry a full suppl}' of well known Visson wagons I 
 
 and Hackney buggies. Each of these makes is noted | 
 
 for its comfort and durability. f 
 
 We also carry a full line of horses and mules dur- f 
 
 ing the winter and spring seasons. * 
 
 LITTLE ROCK, S. C. 1 
 
 Herald Publishing Company 
 
 The completest Printing establishment in Eastern 
 South Carolina. We print everything from a visit- 
 ing card to a coupon bond. 
 
 Blank Books and Ruled Sheets. 
 
 Dillon, South Carolina 
 
 ..«.. ««#*.»..#..«..«. . .»..». .».»».*»**»^»..»-»
 
 ),•-•••••••-••••••••••■••-••••••••••>•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••»••••-•••• •••-••••••^•••.^••••••••••.•^•^••••.^ 
 
 t The Bank of Fork i 
 
 FORK, S. C. 
 
 Safe, Sound, Progressive, 
 Accommodating 
 
 We Solicit Your Patronage 
 
 L. M. ROGERS, • M. E. CARMICHAEL. 
 
 President Cashier 
 
 R. S. ROGERS. 
 I Vice-President 
 
 Palmetto Cash Grocery 
 
 DILLON, S. C. 
 Wholesale and Retail Grocers 
 
 I Farmer's Exchange 
 
 i 
 
 I Groceries — Feeds — Seeds — Distributors of Carolina 
 
 I Milling Company's Products — De Ijaval Cream 
 
 I Separators, Dealers in agricultural insecticides and 
 
 I dusting machines 
 
 Dr. Wade Stackhouse, Pres. W. J. Adams, Sec. & Treas. 
 
 ■•»••«-»-«'■»■■«>■•€"••••»•••
 
 ^^ ■>#..»..#. .*•.#• ■ »..»..»..»..«..»■»»«»♦«■»«•♦»»♦»'♦"•*»♦-♦ " ♦—»■*♦'•»•*♦-*♦**♦■*< 
 
 » 
 
 Economy Garage 
 
 Lake View, S. C. 
 
 Prompt and Courteous 
 
 Attention to Autoist 
 
 GAS AND OIL 
 
 Our Motto: "Service Which Satisfies" 
 We Solicit Your Patronage 
 
 C. E. FLOYD, Proprietor 
 
 Smith Drug Company, Inc. 
 
 E. P. SMITH, Sec'y & Treas. 
 
 "The Rexall Store' 
 
 Prescriptions. Drugs and Toilet Requisites, 
 Norris Exquisite Candies 
 Eastman Kodaks and Supplies, 
 Symphony LaAvn and other fine stationary. 
 Waterman and Parker Pens and Pencils, 
 A complete line of school Text books and supplies 
 I "The Store Your Doctor Eecommends" 
 
 I 
 
 LAKE VIEW, S. C. 
 
 I 
 
 !
 
 r' 
 
 »-♦•'»-»">'•»"»-*"«•••"•"» " »■• » '• 
 
 i 
 
 DILLON COUNTY WAREHOUSE AND 
 MARKETING CORPORATION 
 
 t 
 
 I Authorized Capital $100,000.00 
 
 { BESTJACILITIES FOR STORAGE 
 
 t Directors : OF 
 
 I Dr. J. H. David COTTON 
 
 I R. S. Eogers c • i .. .• .• 
 
 T ° , special attention given to mar- 
 
 i W. H. Smith keting cotton. Protects jthe 
 
 J. R. Regan farmer's interests. « 
 
 I L. Cottingham t. L. MANNING, 
 
 i A. V. Bethea President 
 
 i H. M. Rogers DR. J. H. DAVID, 
 
 ? rp T TVT • ™ Vice-President 
 
 ^ T.V ;x^T ""^ L. COTTINGHAM, 
 
 W. W. Evans Sec, Treas., &:Gen., Mgr. 
 
 Evan's Pharmacy 
 
 s The Rexall Store | 
 
 I ? 
 
 Prescriptions, Drugs, and Toilet Requisites. | 
 
 Kodaks and Supplies. I 
 
 Nunnally's Fine Candies. I 
 
 Symphony Lawn and other fine Stationery. I 
 
 Ice Cream and Soda, i 
 Parker and Waterman Pens and Pencils 
 Prescriptions filled b}^ licensed Pharmacists. 
 
 We cordially invite you to our store . 
 
 "The Right Drug Store'' j 
 
 Phone 46 Dillon, S. C. \
 
 Smith-Major Co. 
 
 Wholesale Groceries 
 Hardware, Coffins and Caskets 
 
 IVe Lead the Leaders 
 
 1801-1922 
 
 University of South Carolina 
 
 Columbia, S. C. 
 
 The University offers courses leading to the following degrees: 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 1 . School of Arts and Sciences, A. B., and B. S. t 
 
 J 2. School of Education, A. B. t 
 
 I 3. Graduate School, A. M. I 
 
 f 4. School of Engineering, C. E. | 
 
 I 5. School of Law, LL. B., 3 year course, 5 Professors. i 
 
 I 6. School of Business Administration. 
 
 I 
 
 i Next Session Begins September 20, 1922 
 
 I FOR INFORMATION. WRITE 
 
 DR. W. S. CURRELL, President. 
 COLUMBIA. S. C. 
 
 « » » t tt-t-* -*-*--*--*--*■■* -*-*--*-^-^-*— *—*-*--*--*- T--"^-^-*—*-*- T *ttTTt t t t«»g »
 
 
 I 
 
 The Southern Cotton Oil Co. i 
 
 Manufacturers 
 Cotton Seed Products High Grade Fertilizers I 
 
 DILLON MILL 
 
 W. E. CALDWELL, Manager 
 
 The Only Cotton Seed Oil Mill in Dillion \ 
 
 County 
 
 Operates an Eight Gin Modern Ginnery at Dillon 
 
 Operates a Four Gin Modern Ginnery at Little RocI^, 
 5 Miles From Dillon 
 
 DISTRICT OFFICE, 
 
 Columbia, S. C. 
 
 C. FITZSIMONS, 
 
 District Manager 
 
 C. C. FISHBURNE, 
 
 Ass't Dist. Mgr. 
 
 I 
 
 UNIVERSITY ot CALihUKi>»iA 
 
 AT 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 LIBRARY
 
 The Bank of Lake View 
 
 Lake View, S. C. 
 
 Capital Stock $50,000.00 
 
 Surplus - - $25,000.00 
 
 I 
 
 I A Safe and Sane Bank 
 
 • 
 
 1 Run on Strict Banking Principles 
 
 Depositor}^ of Dillon County Funds 
 
 We Invite Your Business I 
 
 # • 
 
 t I 
 
 I R. S. ROGERS. W. M. GADDY. | 
 
 • President Cashier f 
 
 i L. M. OLIVER, R. E. PACE, I 
 
 i Vice-President Asst. Cashier I 
 
 1 ^ f
 
 
 The First National Bank 
 
 Dillon, S. C. 
 CAPITAL $100,000 
 
 The only National Bank in Dillon County. 
 
 The only bank in the county holding 
 membership in the great Federal Reserve 
 System. 
 
 This Bank, is the Depository 
 For This Publication 
 
 Watch The First National- --Its Coming 
 
 E. T. ELLIOT, 
 
 Chairman of Board 
 
 A. B. JORDAN. 
 
 Vice-President 
 
 R. S. ROGERS. 
 
 President 
 
 F. M. FITTS, 
 
 Cashi 
 
 ler 
 
 TBIOTATICO.. OOLCHBIA. S. 0. 
 
 ►•■•••«4