- [Narrator] 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.
- That's the first thing you see from Fairmont.
- [Narrator] 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.
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.
- 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.
(gentle piano music)
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.
The millhouse may have changed over the years,
but it still captures the eye of people passing by.
(soft music)
- [Narrator] 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.
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.