Bethea Store and Post Office - Latta, SC, USA - U.S. Post Offices on Waymarking.com

A United States Post Office was authorized in May 1888. The first postmaster was Frank M. Monroe. The next postmaster was Robert R. Bethea. He was appointed by President Grover Cleveland. Of note is that he was African American and a prominent storekeeper in this small community.

A historical information board outside the store gives more on the story of the post office.

"In rural communities throughout the country, the local general store was the focal point of town activities. Not only did these stores serve to provide the necessities of life, they offered a gathering point for the exchange of information and more often than not where they would post and pick up their mail. The Bethea Store and Post Office was one such community center. The building has been restored through a grant provided by the Latta School District and furnished much the same way as it would have been during Robert Bethea's time. All items have been contributed or on loan from local citizens.

Robert Rose Bethea
Robert Rose Bethea was born in Marion County on May 14, 1858 and as an African American grew up in an era with one foot in the past and one with the potential for a bright future for someone willing to work hard and persevere. Bethea attended Marion County schools and tradition says he was an avid reader and strong believer in education. His beliefs in education and hard work were to lead him to a successful career as a local merchant and community leader. He was active with his church Weston Chapel and Masonic Lodge. It was because of this dedication to community that he was appointed by President Grover Cleveland to become Postmaster in July 1890. This was quite an honor for an African American in an era of growing Jim Crow legislation. Bethea ran the Post Office from this store on Main Street until February 1893."

Type of structure:: Forrner post office in a country store re-enter Zip Code here:: 000000 Current Status:: Former Historic Location

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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   12/23/2018 NCDaywalker visited it