Nightlife on Church Street was abuzz with vibrant sights and sounds. Some remember it as comparable to the atmosphere of “Bourbon Street” in New Orleans – crowded, exciting and a little bit scary.

There were pool halls and juke joints in a festive environment. Bands of black performers on what was called “The Chitlin’ Circuit” are said to have included Church Street on their swings through the South. Rumors abound of visits by legendary soul singer James Brown.  Music and dancing spilled into the street, especially on the weekends when revelers from Clemson to Abbeville made the trek to one of Anderson’s premier tourist attractions.

When asked to describe the sounds on Church Street, beloved music teacher and church organist Miss Vermelle Williams turned to her keyboard to play a medley of a dirge, a hymn and lively jazz rift. This variety of music on Church Street inspired a generation of musicians. Foremost among them is Dr. George Leroy Starks, Jr., known as Starkie. A favorite son of Church Street, he became professor of musicology at Drexel University, cherishing a saxophone bought on Church Street during his childhood.

Church Street was home to a movie theater and at least two hotels. The Palace Hotel was owned and operated by Mrs. Josephine Allen Benson. She also offered the hotel as a boarding house for construction workers for whom she functioned as “manager, bouncer and policewoman.” As one of Church Street’s most colorful characters, Mrs. Benson notoriously donned a folded paper bag on her head as she welcomed patrons from hotel windows late into the night.

Beyond the festive façade, Church Street was also a key communication hub for the African-American community. It was where friends gathered to learn about social, political and economic activities.  As the Civil Rights era progressed, Church Street was an epicenter for information.