White Oak

For the second time in a year, T. G. Patrick's store in White Oak, South Carolina, strongly suggested that I not sail by quite so fast. That is exactly what I was in the process of doing, by the way, until I saw the Christmas wreath.

Alone with the pines and a few lingering branches of autumn leaves, I stood and paid my respects, echoing the sentiments of the person (likely a member of the Patrick family) who cared enough to hang a bit of Christmas green on the door.

Cultural historians often refer to the small rural communities that formed in the late 1800's as trading centers. They were usually a cluster of residences and a church or two, centered around a general store, or a mill, or an agricultural warehouse of some sort that served the larger surrounding farmlands.

And while the traces of many of these places can still be seen today in larger towns that grew up around them, sometimes it is possible to take a drive down a quiet lane and see the bones of one still intact, much as it stood when it was the tiny beating heart of a community.

White Oak in Fairfield County, South Carolina, provides that glimpse. If you're scooting up or down Highway 321 on your way to somewhere more pressing, it is way too easy to glance at the simple sign that names the turn-off to the place and just keep rolling. If, on the other hand, you find yourself with an extra five or ten minutes - do yourself a favor and take the turn.

When you do, T.G. Patrick's General Store, pictured here, will be the first to say hello. Built by Patrick in 1876, it still stands, waiting expectantly for cars and customers that are long gone.

Across the road, the remnants of an old cotton warehouse keep it company. Continue on past the smaller McDowell's Store and the lane of oaks will soon reveal several fine old homes - built by the Patrick family - as well as a jewel box of a white frame church - all of them still very much lived in, loved, and cared for.

The entire grouping of structures received designation as an official Historic District in the 1980's, and rightfully so.

They stand for something important, telling the story of a day when strong families built strong communities, worked hard, and lived simply. Taking time to pay respects to that notion is worth a five minute detour any day of the week.

Photo by Beth Yarbrough.