About Anderson County, SC

The SC Department of Natural Resources released 125,000 bluegill fingerlings yesterday into Broadway Lake in Anderson County. The bluegill, which averaged about 1-inch in length, were in excellent condition when released into the lake.

The DNR is also checking into possibly obtaining some redear sunfish fingerlings for Broadway Lake. Also they are planning on releasing approximately 15,000 largemouth bass fingerlings in spring 2010.

So it sounds like there will be some pretty good fishing on Broadway Lake next year. If you would like to find out about homes for sale on Broadway Lake or any of the other lakes in Anderson, Oconee or Pickens counties please contact me.

f you are looking for a cheap way to entertain yourself then I suggest checking out the Anderson City Fire Department Museum located at 400 S McDufie St in Anderson. Admission is FREE! I stopped by today to get some pictures for this blog entry and was amazed by the many different vehicles and fire fighting equipment from years ago. I really suggest that you take the time to stop by and check it out.

The city of Anderson was incorporated in 1826 but did not have anything more than a bucket brigade until 1885 when the city purchased a used Steamer. Before that they were using sheer physical effort with bucket brigades and devices such as this hand pulled hose cart below.

In 1915 the fire department was reorganized, and the town hired a full-time crew, adding its first motorized pumper from Seagraves. My pictures cannot do justice to these amazing and historic vehicles. Other amazing fire fighting equipment from the past that you can see at the Anderson City Fire Department Museum include:

A 1880s Horsedrawn Fire Fighting Wagon

1911 American LaFrance Hose & Chemical Truck

1915 Seagrave Motor Pumping Engine

1919 Seagrave Motor Pumping Engine

The museum also features other antique fire fighting equipment. One of the most amazing things is the fire fighter's helmet that was partially melted by the heat from a fire, which of course was being worn by one of these brave firefighters during a heroic battle with a fire!

Imagine Jumping out of Burning Building Years Ago

Actual Ticker Tape Predecessor to the High Tech 911 Systems of Today

The current Main Fire Station, where the Museum is located, was built in 1985. The building has been called one of the finest in the state and is surely a source of pride for all the residents of Anderson. Without a doubt, it is something that everyone should take the time to see for themselves. And if you, or a member of your family has any firefighting memorabilia from the city of Anderson, please consider making a gift to this fine museum!

The Anderson City Fire Department Museum is open Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM and by appointment and can be reached at (864) 231-2256

Sunday, Nov. 29

With the Holiday season upon us it is time again for the “Anderson Toy Parade”! The 29th annual Jack Hurley ANDERSON TOY PARADE will once again conclude at the Civic Center of Anderson parking lot on Sunday, Nov. 29.

The event will help underprivileged children wake up to find a toy from Santa on Christmas morning! The Toy Parade will start at 2 p.m. in the White Jones Hardware parking lot on South Main Street, and will conclude at the Civic Center of Anderson parking lot later in the afternoon. Spectators are also encouraged to donate a toy! The parade will travel down Main Street, then turn onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., and then Camson Road before entering the Civic Center parking lot.

The toys will be collected in the parking lot of the Civic Center and donated to the Department of Social Services. To enter, bring at least one toy for a child age 10-and-under. Only licensed motorcycle riders and vehicles are permitted (age 16-up). The motorcycles will ride two abreast, and no passing is allowed.

The event, dedicated to the memory of Charles and Diane Bolt, is being sponsored by the Confederates Motorcycle Club & Friends, and the Independent-Mail.

For more information, call Donna Cole at Stoney’s Mufflers at 225-7856.

Well the former President might also have a problem if he lived in Starr or Iva in Anderson County SC since there are areas that do not have public water available to fill the pool. Maybe that is about to change since Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District has been selected to receive a $3.2 million loan and a $2.7 million grant to provide new water system to more than 400 residents of Anderson County. The new system will replace individual wells - many with poor water quality. The new water system will allow for better fire protection services and economic development opportunities for the community.

This money is coming from the $117.3 million in water and environmental project loans and grants that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today . You can see the article here.

I have had many buyers that loved a property but once they found out there was not public water available they said they did not want the property. And I cannot blame them because my home had a well when I bought it. Notice that key word: had.

I hooked up to public water when my well went out because it was so much cheaper than another well. And I wonder how many people have not thought about the value that will be added to their property just by having public water. Or thought about the value of having both public water for your home and a well to use for washing the car, watering the garden and even filling a pool if it is filtered correctly. Because believe me that buyers think about well water versus public water. And it may mean the difference between selling or not.

It has been almost a month ago that I blogged about the possible closing of the post office in Anderson SC. But I am glad to report that the South Anderson branch post office has been removed from a list of branches being considered for closing by the United States Postal Service!

I do not understand how or why this post office was selected, but now the point seems to be moot. The important thing is this very important decision will mean so much to the residents of the south side of Anderson.

With my office just down the street from this post office on S Main Street in Anderson, it would have been an inconvenience for me. But for the older people that live on this side of town, it would have meant a trip to the other side of town. Instead of being able to walk to the post office, many would have been forced to drive or take the bus just to go to the post office. Not very green is it?

I am sure you have seen the recent news about how much money the post office lost in the past year. But closing post offices will not help them to make more money. Intelligent business decision are needed to increase revenues and cut costs. Not shutting down the cornerstone of a community!

Hold your horses and stop the presses because today the Independent is saying they may still close the post office here. Upated : 11-24-09