The trip to Cheraw on December 5, 2010 was wonderful. We were a small but enthusiastic group and received a warm reception by the organizers. Cheraw is one of the oldest inland South Carolina communities and dates back to pre-revolutionary times. In the past it was a thriving agricultural area and, when “cotton was king” with large cotton fields nearby, became a large mill town and textile producer. It’s location. on the Pee Dee River made it a shipping center.
The homes on the tour were beautifully decorated and gave us many ideas. Both fresh and artificial arrangements were used in the host homes. The air smelled of Christmas with scented candles burning and the smells of hot apple cider and cinnamon in the air. Cynthia Eckerd made the arrangements for the tour and we thank Cynthia and Nancy Smith, whose knowledge of the town inspired the trip.
Cheraw is the childhood home of jazz great, Dizzy Gillespie and a bronze statue in the downtown area, commemorates this native son.
Garden Club of the Sandhills 