The History of Church Street

Church Street

Those who remember the uniqueness of Church Street describe it with wit and charm, even as they rue the circumstances that necessitated its existence and led to its extinction. After the Civil War ended in 1865, during the Reconstruction period, many states – including South Carolina – passed a set of laws known as “The Black Code” or “Jim Crow Laws” specifically designed to repress black people. The harsh realities of these laws kept African Americans from fully participating in economic, social and political systems. During this bleak time, the entrepreneurs on Church Street found a way to flourish, creating their own vibrant economy in a tight-knit business community.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, civil rights legislation led to the repeal of these draconian laws and to desegregation. As integration progressed, those who previously supported the businesses on Church Street exercised their option to patronize “white-owned” businesses. This led to hard times for businesses on Church Street as their customer base splintered.

During the 1970s, the viability of the area waned. The buildings were razed for a parking lot at the end of the decade. Some businesses were relocated with the assistance of the City of Anderson, but most simply closed. As the businesses disappeared, an effort led by “The Black Pioneers” called to honor Church Street so that its historic and economic contribution to Anderson would not be forgotten.  “The Black Pioneers” were a group of former business owners, their family members and patrons who held Church Street dear. Their sentiment captured the attention of City leaders and the seeds of the Church Street Heritage Project were sown. A monument to honor the era was placed on the site when the parking lot opened in 1982.

“The work ethic was wonderful. There was a great sense of pride. They were well-respected and looked up to. They knew they were providing a service – a place where we could go in and sit down and have a meal. The Ess-Tee Café was really some place to be.”
Dr. Beatrice Thompson
Dr. Beatrice Thompson
“When I was a child, my father took me to Church Street to inspire me. Many of the business people were college graduates and had children who attended colleges all over the east coast. A prominent businessman named W. I. Peek is a good example. He owned a restaurant and a funeral home and was an icon on Church Street. He helped me and lots of other young men from Anderson to attend Tuskegee Institute.”
Mr. Al Norris
Mr. Al Norris
“Church Street had a great impact. It showed us about the initiative to own something. It was hard for blacks to get a bank loan back then, so it was hard to get established. It was something to look at that showed the value of hard work.”
mary frances Wardlaw
Mrs. Mary Frances Wardlaw
“The fish sandwiches were the best. They were fried mullet served between two pieces of white bread. You could get one for about 10 cents and if you were lucky, you got a piece with a tail on it.”
Mr. Frank Mauldin
Mr. Frank Mauldin