Bethea Store and Post Office - Latta, SC, USA - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

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."

Source: (visit link)

Street address: 110 N Mauldin St Latta, SC 29565 County / Borough / Parish: Dillon Year listed: 1984 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Postmaster Bethea was a prominent African American that was appointed to his position in the post office in his store. Periods of significance: 1890-1930 Historic function: commercial Current function: multi resource Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 1: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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