Simpsonville Mill

1. SimpsonvilleMill By

2. History of the Mill • Founders: EF Woodside, President George Woodside, Office Manager • Date established: 1908 • 1908 Simpsonville came to be with a new life due to the opening of the mill. • 1926 capacity of the mill doubled. • The mill produced blended and synthetic fabrics. • The mill closed it’s doors June 1988. • Simpsonville had first school in the county with 11 grades and fulltime music and vocational agriculture classes. Education was very important to Simpsonville residents. • Simpsonville was surrounded by one of the most successful and progressive agricultural sections in the country. • People in Simpsonville were of high society and many worked with the churches . • Residents were predominately Baptist.

6. Donald Odell “Red” Barbary • Red Barbary was born in Simpsonville June 20, 1920. He began working at the mill at the age of 18. • In his early 20’s he began playing baseball for the mill. His position was catcher • There is a book that has a chapter about him. It is titled, “The Catcher Who Pitched All Night.” • He pitched a 22 inning game. • He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball teams for all ages. • During an interview with his wife, she said,”He loved to see the smiles on kids faces.” • The ballpark in Simpsonville is named in his honor. • Red Barbary died September 27, 2003.

7. Photo Gallery