Today, I am returning to Greenville, South Carolina, to explore some of the views I saw in and around its downtown.
This fountain around Poinsett's Spring was built to slake the thirst of travelers on a main road through what is now Greenville. This article explains that hundreds of people pass it daily without knowing what it is, but at least there is now a historical marker.
I never did investigate the bridge, though, which is the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. And, speaking of the Poinsett these structures were named after....
This is Joel Robert Poinsett, scientist and politician. If the name sounds familiar, the familiar Christmas plant the poinsettia is named after him. He was also our first Ambassador to Mexico and a Secretary of War.
Last but not least is this large cookie jar. I first learned about Byrd's cookies years ago when we first visited Savannah, Georgia, where the original store still is. Byrds has been expanding into other cities and has a store in downtown Greenville. Their cookies are small but full of flavor. I've been a fan since my first taste, and it was years since I had one. And yes, you can sample any flavor in the store. (No, I am not being paid for this endorsement. Just a fan of these cookies.)
One final picture. These papers were in various storefronts in downtown Greenville. This initiative is called "Keep Your Change To Be the Change" and addresses the growing problem of the unhoused in Greenville. The money donated through the QR code or the website goes to the City of Greenville, which, in turn, will donate various outreach organizations.
We may not want to think of this population, but it is part of the urban scene in many places, not just Greenville, and, unfortunately, it was visible the two times we visited the downtown.
"U" day in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme this year is: Exploring South Carolina and the Eastern United States.
...I'd like a cookie please.
ReplyDeleteLove the cookie jar! And now I know how poinsettias came to get their name!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting bits of history
ReplyDeleteWho knew that about the poinsetta????
ReplyDeleteI love the cookie jar!!
ReplyDeleteDonna McNicol - My A to Z Blogs
DB McNicol - Small Delights, Simple Pleasures, and Significant Memories
My Snap Memories - My Life in Black & White
I guess those cookies are local to that area. It takes time for brands to get established nation-wide.
ReplyDeleteI love the statue of Poinsett, from whence the plant/flower got its name. Thanks for that bit of botanical history.
ReplyDeleteGreat photography through your lens
ReplyDeleteI like that cookie jar! Thank you for the info on poinsettias, I never knew, or even thought to find out how it got its name. The QR code things sounds good in theory, but I wonder if it works in reality. I mean, how long does it take to reach those in need, when they may be hungry and in need right then. My city made a code making it illegal to pass things (money or drugs mostly I guess) out of your car to people, and there are signs at intersections.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I want to drink from Poinsett's Spring but very cool the fountain was provided for travelers.
ReplyDeleteI wondered at the name and then next minute you confirmed it...
ReplyDelete