GAFFNEY SC

 

The South is rich with small towns, all seemingly with their own history and quirks. My camera without fail always pulls me out to see them. Some surprise and some disappoint, but are always interesting.

I really didn’t expect much when I headed to Gaffney, traveling up US Route 29. After all how much could expect from a town where Wikipedia lists the most notable person as a fictional one. Yes, Frank Underwood the President in “The House of Cards” claimed he hailed from there. The show features a few scenes from the town when he went back to visit. 

The town surprised me though. The colorful heritage building and mix of people out about trying to make it or start a new life. The Auto Detail person Terry who was trying to save enough money to have his own building. He had a winning smile and would get there someday I knew. The Museum and library still anchoring important places. Life still thick and rich here.

The town like so many started to fade away when Interstate 85 passed it by. Still the classic old buildings and enterprising people gave hope. And hope is where the angels are.

Even with hope though, it’s clear you can stay too long in one place. Many here had done that, playing out the cards they had dealt without finding a winning pot. They needed to move on leaving the remaining seeds to sprout again. 

After wandering the town, my camera full of shots, I turned back onto Route 29. I ask myself, Would I come back? Well there was Harolds Cafe, a dinner founded in 1932, full of characters, and featured on the Food Network. The food, wonderful. I had not tasted all the diners menu or town yet. Yes, I would be back.