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Friday, March 29, 2024 - 01:59 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Located on Grounds of Parisview Baptist Church

Bleacher---Front

The Union Bleachery was one of the leading textile mills in Greenville County from 1902 until it closed its doors in 2003. Most of the mill’s employees lived in the mill village on the hill above the mill off what is now Highway 253 north of Greenville.

Former employees of the mill remember that the village was a close-knit community. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and draft age men went to war, the community shared their joy and grief.

To honor the more than 300 Union Bleachery men who served their country during the war, a large bronze plaque bearing the names of those who served was mounted prominently on a base by the street in front of the plant. A star was placed by the names of eleven men killed in battle.

A fire destroyed much of the old factory building in recent years and the memorial to those who served stood alone before the ruins.

Peggy Carson Foster and the Union Bleachery Historical Society initiated plans to move the memorial to a new site on the grounds of Parisview Baptist Church, a block away from the original site.

They sold personalized brick to pave a memorial walkway leading to the memorial.

A cool November breeze from the west lifted the American flag on a flagpole presented by Greg Harrison as it was raised by Boy Scout Troop 282 during presentation of the colors.

Two World War II veterans, Harold Hawkins and J. Benson Waldrop, whose names are on the memorial plaque, were able to attend the dedication. Both men are in their late eighties.

Joe “Butch” Patterson, who grew up on the mill hill, welcomed the gathered crowd and recognized special guests.

The Textile Heritage Society Chorale, directed by Judy Edwards, sang The National Anthem and God Bless America.

Following remarks by The Honorable Dwight Loftis and Billy Moody, former personnel manager of Union Bleachery, Peggy Carson Foster directed the unveiling of the World War II Memorial and dedication of the Memorial Walkway.

The Invocation was presented by Martin L. Robinson, Chaplain, Union Bleachery Historical Society, and the Benediction was by Don Harkins, Chairman, Greenville Textile Heritage Society.

 

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