Lake View Mill Pond, South Carolina

In collaboration with Dillon County Theatre Association in South Carolina, Liz Herlong's Broadcast Journalism student Becca Cox produced this story about the origins of the Lake View Mill Pond. She asks resident Gene Moody why it's named Lake View if there's no lake? The story also explores the beautiful scenery in the area and how it's changed through its history. Lake View High School aired a different segment about the area each Wednesday morning on the Gator TV Morning News broadcast as part of a series called, "Way Back Wednesdays."  It was created for Museum on Main Street's Stories: YES program.

Becca Cox: Lake View is a beautiful small town in southeastern Dillon County, South Carolina. So what lake lies in our town? There isn't one. However, you will find Lake View Millpond.

Gene Moody: [0:20] That's the first thing you see from Fairmont.

Becca Cox: [0:25] The Page's Millpond was originally called Ford's Mill in honor of Preserved "Zarv" Ford and his son Major William Ford. They constructed a dam here in 1782 which still stretches across their swamp. It once powered a gristmill and cotton gin. This property remained as the Fords' until 1873 when Joseph Nichols Page purchased it from his brother-in-law, Dr. C.T. Ford.

Becca Cox: [0:47] After his purchase, he renamed the cypress pond Page's Mill, built a second millhouse, and opened a large general store. In 1877, Page added a post office and became the first postmaster in the community. The area surrounding the mill was incorporated as Page's Mills in 1907. However, nine years later, the residents elected to change the town's name to Lake View.

Gene Moody: [1:11] Late '60s when we had that storm. Used to be another part to it, but it fell off when the storm washed it away. But that's when probably went to quit grinding corn down there.

Becca Cox: [1:51] The millhouse there today was the third to occupy the site, and it was built by B.P. Parish, Sr. in 1934. The town of Lake View has fortitude beyond any other town or city in South Carolina. This makes one wonder what wild gators lurk beneath the surface of this beautiful lake.

Becca Cox: [2:09] The millhouse may have changed over the years, but it still captures the eye of people passing by.

Becca Cox: [2:33] Lake View Millpond features 295 acres which includes a cypress swamp with two beautiful spillovers. The lake is only 60 of these acres, and although the mill no longer functions, it is an awesome spot to take photos.

Becca Cox: [2:50] Anyone passing through our special town needs to definitely make a stop to enjoy the beautiful lake view. The lighting and nature that surrounds is indescribable. Look closely, you might even catch a glimpse of our local high school's mascot, Swampy the wild gator.

Asset ID: 8554
Themes: Crossroads, small towns, history, natural history, water, waterways, tourism
Date recorded: 2019
Length of recording: 3:06 m
Related traveling exhibition: Crossroads: Change in Rural America
Sponsor or affiliated organization: Dillon County Theatre Association, Dillon, South Carolina
More information: https://museumonmainstreet.org/blog-node/south-carolina-students-kickstart-conversation-around-change