Chapin, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Chapin, also known as the capital of Lake Murray
, is a town located in Lexington County, South Carolina
. Chapin was founded by Martin Chapin in 1889. The following year, 1890, the railroad was built to connect Chapin to Columbia, South Carolina
and other major regions. The population of Chapin was 1,445 according to the 2010 census. The town government is set up in the Mayor-Council form and the current Chapin mayor is Stanley Shealy. Chapin has four public schools in the area; the first Chapin school was built in 1924. Lake Murray is the main attraction to Chapin, South Carolina and provides recreational boaters with water-related entertainment. Chapin also features many local known restaurants and shops.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), of which, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) of it is land and 0.55% is water.
While Chapin is a part of Lexington County, the creation of Lake Murray, South Carolina by the Dreher Shoals Dam cut Chapin off from the rest of the county, creating something of an exclave.
after marrying his wife Laura. After Martin Chapin and Laura Anne Benjamin were married on June 16, 1850. The married coupled moved to the south because of Martin’s health. He had a lung ailment and thought that moving south would help improve his lung condition. Martin Chapin and his wife were living in Columbia, South Carolina
when his doctor suggested he to move to the Piney Woods area. He bought property in this area, and over the years Martin Chapin bought 4,218 acres in Chapin. He built his Chapin home and the Chapin hotel in the 1880s along the new rail line that ran from Columbia, South Carolina
to Laurens, South Carolina
.The railroad provided a way to trade and transport goods to the capital city, Columbia, SC. Cotton and the lumber industry were flourishing with the railroad providing transportation . After Martin’s death on August 31, 1894 Laura Chapin sold their Chapin home and moved into the Chapin hotel.
On March 28, 1907, Job S. Wessinger, P.M. Frick, and J. S. Honeycut founded the Bank of Chapin. One year later the building for the bank was built. The bank was prospering with help from the railroad.
During World War I
, Chapin was doing well economically. The price of cotton
had risen and the farmers were making plenty of money. As a result, The Bank of Chapin was also thriving during this time. In addition, the first high school was built in 1924.
Slowly the businesses in Chapin were starting to experience hard times nearing the 1930s. On Thursday, October 15, 1931 the Bank of Chapin did not open, and like other banks around the world, the Bank of Chapin would not let allow customers to withdraw their money. Anybody who had money saved in the bank lost that money due to the crash of the stock market, later known as the start of the Great Depression
. Another disaster to hit Chapin was the building of the dam on the Saluda River
that would result in the building of a lake. This lake would take over most of the Chapin families’ farm and homeland. The building of the dam was started in 1927.
In the midst of the Great Depression Chapin started a recreational team sport of baseball. In 1935, the Dutch Fork League was formed where Chapin had its own team. This team helped the unemployed men occupy their time during these difficult times. These baseball games attracted thousands of people.
The midpoint in Chapin’s history is the 1940s. During this period Chapin grew through improvements on the school and opening new businesses. One new business that came to Chapin was filling stations. The next business was a cabinet shop called E. A. Frick and Son. Chapin also built paved roads, a baseball field and established the public library. In 1950 the first post office building was constructed, along with new telephone services.
The 1960s were about new and better services. Garbage collection was an issue in the 60s, so the town government bought land and built a landfill. Transportation was the next service provided by access to an interstate. On September 7, 1960 a section of the interstate was opened between Columbia and Pomaria, South Carolina. The interstate made Chapin more accessible. Streets in town were also improved. Another improvement of the 60s was the new water system. Later during 1965 a volunteer fire department was organized. Then in 1966, the town had its first ambulance. Chapin started also started growing in population as more people moved to Chapin in the 1960s.
During the 1970s new schools were built. Chapin football also became a community event because the school football team won two state championships in 1973 and 1974. Also in the 70s churches in the town of Chapin were growing by establishment of Chapin Baptist Church, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.
Chapin is the capital of Lake Murray. Chapin has grown from the development of Lake Murray because of increased property values and the recreational advantages of living on the lake.
The 2010 Census, records that Chapin has a population of 1,445 with 658 total housing units within town limits.
. Currently the Mayor of Chapin is Stan Shealy. The Mayor Pro Tem is Leland Teal, along with the council members who are Robbie Frick, Vivian Atkins, and Kay Hollis. Mayor Stan Shealy has been Chapin's mayor since 1981.
“Chapin, Dear Chapin” was composed by Helen Miller. This alma mater
is the same one used at Chapin High School today.
Chapin schools and churches were the center of life in town according to historian Addison Bostain. Chapin High School had 150 students enrolled in 1929 and the elementary school had 150 students. The school only housed 11 grades.
Chapin High School had been built in separate parts since 1924 and by 1940 the high school still did not have a gym. The school auditorium was home to both the theater and a basketball court
. The gymnasium
was not built until 1952. The Chapin community built the gym for less than $30,000 dollars.
The 12th grade was added to Chapin High School in 1948 as well as the first football team. The football team was a very expensive investment
, so in 1952 the Irmo and Chapin High School football teams were combined. Together they were known as the Flying Dutchmen football team. The teams separated again, and Chapin has had its own team since 1959.
In 1970 a new high school was built with much better facilities. The school had new labs, band, chorus, and physical educational areas. In addition to a new building, the Chapin football team became a powerhouse for football in state of South Carolina
. Cecil Woolbright became Chapin High School’s head football coach and athletic director
in 1968. The Chapin High School Eagles won two state championships and three conference titles in three years. This happened in 1973, 74 and 75, along with a 30 game winning streak.
A new elementary school opened in August of 1977. The school could house 840 children.
congregation. Another church for African Amercians was St. John's AME church, which is older than Mt. Zion, but the date is unknown. Much later in 1972 was the start of Chapin Baptist Church. Lake Murray Presbyterian Church was organized in 1974. Next to arrive in Chapin was St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
in 1977. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church was established in 1978.
. On September 21, 1927, work on the dam for the Saluda River
was started. The construction finished on the June 30, 1930. Chapin families who had lived on Chapin land for over 200 years had to sell and move to make room for the lake that was a result of the dam
. The lake was to spread between Dutch Fork and Chapin becoming 14 miles wide and 40 miles long.
The earthen dam stands over 200 feet tall and runs 1.5 miles across. Lake Murray
has over 500 miles of shoreline and covers approximately 50,000 acres. The dam itself takes up 99 acres.
The dam on Lake Murray has been through many changes since it was originally built in 1927. In 1943 three feet was added to the dam’s height to help flooding issues. Much later in the 1980s SCE&G added a sheet piling way on the lakeside of the highway again to help with flooding. This sheet piling way raised the height of the dam again.
The latest changes to the dam occurred in 2002 when the backup dam was built. The backup dam was built for more protection to withstand earthquakes. The backup dam is made of rock and concrete to withstand the weight of the water behind the dam if any damage were to occur to the existing dam.
Lake Murray is not only used to provide electrical power for surrounding areas, it brings fun boating activities to the town of Chapin. Lake Murray offers many different types of boating opportunities in addition to recreational areas. Today, the lake has recreational swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, and wake-boarding. The lake also holds fishing tournaments and is home to all kinds of wildlife. Lake Murray is known for its Purple Martins, Striped Bass
, and Great Blue Heron
.
and ending on Labor Day
. On Monday, the festival activities start off with a parade through town and often features local, state and sometimes national political candidates. After the parade there is a carnival, Chapin Idol, vendors, food, concerts, and a car show along the historic streets of downtown Chapin.
Lake Murray
Lake Murray may refer to:*Lake Murray , the largest lake in Papua New Guinea*Lake Murray , for a time the largest artificial lake in the world*Lake Murray , a lake and the oldest State Park in Oklahoma...
, is a town located in Lexington County, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. Chapin was founded by Martin Chapin in 1889. The following year, 1890, the railroad was built to connect Chapin to Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
and other major regions. The population of Chapin was 1,445 according to the 2010 census. The town government is set up in the Mayor-Council form and the current Chapin mayor is Stanley Shealy. Chapin has four public schools in the area; the first Chapin school was built in 1924. Lake Murray is the main attraction to Chapin, South Carolina and provides recreational boaters with water-related entertainment. Chapin also features many local known restaurants and shops.
Geography
Chapin is located at 34°9′57"N 81°20′50"W (34.165783, -81.347260).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), of which, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) of it is land and 0.55% is water.
While Chapin is a part of Lexington County, the creation of Lake Murray, South Carolina by the Dreher Shoals Dam cut Chapin off from the rest of the county, creating something of an exclave.
History
Chapin is named after Martin Chapin who traveled south from Cortland, New YorkCortland, New York
Cortland is a city in Cortland County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 18,740. It is the county seat of Cortland County.The City of Cortland, near the west border of the county, is surrounded by the Town of Cortlandville....
after marrying his wife Laura. After Martin Chapin and Laura Anne Benjamin were married on June 16, 1850. The married coupled moved to the south because of Martin’s health. He had a lung ailment and thought that moving south would help improve his lung condition. Martin Chapin and his wife were living in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
when his doctor suggested he to move to the Piney Woods area. He bought property in this area, and over the years Martin Chapin bought 4,218 acres in Chapin. He built his Chapin home and the Chapin hotel in the 1880s along the new rail line that ran from Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
to Laurens, South Carolina
Laurens, South Carolina
Laurens is a city in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 9,916 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Laurens County.-History:...
.The railroad provided a way to trade and transport goods to the capital city, Columbia, SC. Cotton and the lumber industry were flourishing with the railroad providing transportation . After Martin’s death on August 31, 1894 Laura Chapin sold their Chapin home and moved into the Chapin hotel.
On March 28, 1907, Job S. Wessinger, P.M. Frick, and J. S. Honeycut founded the Bank of Chapin. One year later the building for the bank was built. The bank was prospering with help from the railroad.
During World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, Chapin was doing well economically. The price of cotton
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
had risen and the farmers were making plenty of money. As a result, The Bank of Chapin was also thriving during this time. In addition, the first high school was built in 1924.
Slowly the businesses in Chapin were starting to experience hard times nearing the 1930s. On Thursday, October 15, 1931 the Bank of Chapin did not open, and like other banks around the world, the Bank of Chapin would not let allow customers to withdraw their money. Anybody who had money saved in the bank lost that money due to the crash of the stock market, later known as the start of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
. Another disaster to hit Chapin was the building of the dam on the Saluda River
Saluda River
The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 200 mi long, in northern and western South Carolina in the United States...
that would result in the building of a lake. This lake would take over most of the Chapin families’ farm and homeland. The building of the dam was started in 1927.
In the midst of the Great Depression Chapin started a recreational team sport of baseball. In 1935, the Dutch Fork League was formed where Chapin had its own team. This team helped the unemployed men occupy their time during these difficult times. These baseball games attracted thousands of people.
The midpoint in Chapin’s history is the 1940s. During this period Chapin grew through improvements on the school and opening new businesses. One new business that came to Chapin was filling stations. The next business was a cabinet shop called E. A. Frick and Son. Chapin also built paved roads, a baseball field and established the public library. In 1950 the first post office building was constructed, along with new telephone services.
The 1960s were about new and better services. Garbage collection was an issue in the 60s, so the town government bought land and built a landfill. Transportation was the next service provided by access to an interstate. On September 7, 1960 a section of the interstate was opened between Columbia and Pomaria, South Carolina. The interstate made Chapin more accessible. Streets in town were also improved. Another improvement of the 60s was the new water system. Later during 1965 a volunteer fire department was organized. Then in 1966, the town had its first ambulance. Chapin started also started growing in population as more people moved to Chapin in the 1960s.
During the 1970s new schools were built. Chapin football also became a community event because the school football team won two state championships in 1973 and 1974. Also in the 70s churches in the town of Chapin were growing by establishment of Chapin Baptist Church, St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.
Chapin is the capital of Lake Murray. Chapin has grown from the development of Lake Murray because of increased property values and the recreational advantages of living on the lake.
Demographics
According to the 2000 Census, the incorporated limits of the Town of Chapin had a population of 628. The census counted 249 occupied housing units within the town. Per capita income was $24,124. Median household income within the town limits was $48,750.The 2010 Census, records that Chapin has a population of 1,445 with 658 total housing units within town limits.
Town government
Chapin’s mayor and the town council run for a four-year term. The council has chosen a Mayor-Council form of government. This means that the mayor has more majority status than council members. Chapin's town government is made up of three council members, a mayor pro tem, and a mayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
. Currently the Mayor of Chapin is Stan Shealy. The Mayor Pro Tem is Leland Teal, along with the council members who are Robbie Frick, Vivian Atkins, and Kay Hollis. Mayor Stan Shealy has been Chapin's mayor since 1981.
History
In 1940 the mayor was S. J. Cannon. He served a one-year term along with officers W.W. Goza, H. E. Metts, Carl Shealy, and W. B. Fulmer. Other offices voted on during this election were town clerk and policeman. The next year, 1941, W. W. Goza was elected mayor and served until 1944. In 1944, J. L. Amick was elected mayor. Numerous others have served as mayor between J. L. Amick and Stan Shealy.Schools
History
The first school in Chapin was located in the Chapin house. In 1924 a high school was built out of concrete blocks and brick. In 1927 the school alma materAlma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
“Chapin, Dear Chapin” was composed by Helen Miller. This alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
is the same one used at Chapin High School today.
Chapin schools and churches were the center of life in town according to historian Addison Bostain. Chapin High School had 150 students enrolled in 1929 and the elementary school had 150 students. The school only housed 11 grades.
Chapin High School had been built in separate parts since 1924 and by 1940 the high school still did not have a gym. The school auditorium was home to both the theater and a basketball court
Basketball court
In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor with tiles at either end. In professional or organized basketball, especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a wood, often maple, and highly polished...
. The gymnasium
Gymnasium
Gymnasium may refer to:*Gymnasium , educational and sporting institution*Gymnasium , type of secondary school that prepares students for higher education**Gymnasium **Gymnasium...
was not built until 1952. The Chapin community built the gym for less than $30,000 dollars.
The 12th grade was added to Chapin High School in 1948 as well as the first football team. The football team was a very expensive investment
Investment
Investment has different meanings in finance and economics. Finance investment is putting money into something with the expectation of gain, that upon thorough analysis, has a high degree of security for the principal amount, as well as security of return, within an expected period of time...
, so in 1952 the Irmo and Chapin High School football teams were combined. Together they were known as the Flying Dutchmen football team. The teams separated again, and Chapin has had its own team since 1959.
In 1970 a new high school was built with much better facilities. The school had new labs, band, chorus, and physical educational areas. In addition to a new building, the Chapin football team became a powerhouse for football in state of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. Cecil Woolbright became Chapin High School’s head football coach and athletic director
Athletic director
An athletic director is an administrator at many American colleges and universities, as well as in larger high schools and middle schools, who oversees the work of coaches and related staff involved in intercollegiate or interscholastic athletic programs...
in 1968. The Chapin High School Eagles won two state championships and three conference titles in three years. This happened in 1973, 74 and 75, along with a 30 game winning streak.
A new elementary school opened in August of 1977. The school could house 840 children.
Churches
The first church established in Chapin was Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church in 1891. The Chapin Methodist Church was established in 1889, but was not within town limits until 1892. Again in 1892, Mt. Zion Baptist Church was started with an African AmericanAfrican American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
congregation. Another church for African Amercians was St. John's AME church, which is older than Mt. Zion, but the date is unknown. Much later in 1972 was the start of Chapin Baptist Church. Lake Murray Presbyterian Church was organized in 1974. Next to arrive in Chapin was St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church
An episcopal church has bishops in its organisational structure which is calledEpiscopal polityEpiscopal Church may refer to:Anglican Communion:...
in 1977. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church was established in 1978.
- Chapin Baptist Church
- Chapin Community Church
- Chapin Presbyterian Church
- Chapin United Methodist Church
- Lake Murray Presbyterian Church
- Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church
- Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
- St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
- St. John AME Church
- St. Peter Lutheran Church ELCA
Lake Murray
Chapin is often referred to as the capital of Lake MurrayLake Murray
Lake Murray may refer to:*Lake Murray , the largest lake in Papua New Guinea*Lake Murray , for a time the largest artificial lake in the world*Lake Murray , a lake and the oldest State Park in Oklahoma...
. On September 21, 1927, work on the dam for the Saluda River
Saluda River
The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 200 mi long, in northern and western South Carolina in the United States...
was started. The construction finished on the June 30, 1930. Chapin families who had lived on Chapin land for over 200 years had to sell and move to make room for the lake that was a result of the dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
. The lake was to spread between Dutch Fork and Chapin becoming 14 miles wide and 40 miles long.
The earthen dam stands over 200 feet tall and runs 1.5 miles across. Lake Murray
Lake Murray
Lake Murray may refer to:*Lake Murray , the largest lake in Papua New Guinea*Lake Murray , for a time the largest artificial lake in the world*Lake Murray , a lake and the oldest State Park in Oklahoma...
has over 500 miles of shoreline and covers approximately 50,000 acres. The dam itself takes up 99 acres.
The dam on Lake Murray has been through many changes since it was originally built in 1927. In 1943 three feet was added to the dam’s height to help flooding issues. Much later in the 1980s SCE&G added a sheet piling way on the lakeside of the highway again to help with flooding. This sheet piling way raised the height of the dam again.
The latest changes to the dam occurred in 2002 when the backup dam was built. The backup dam was built for more protection to withstand earthquakes. The backup dam is made of rock and concrete to withstand the weight of the water behind the dam if any damage were to occur to the existing dam.
Lake Murray is not only used to provide electrical power for surrounding areas, it brings fun boating activities to the town of Chapin. Lake Murray offers many different types of boating opportunities in addition to recreational areas. Today, the lake has recreational swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, and wake-boarding. The lake also holds fishing tournaments and is home to all kinds of wildlife. Lake Murray is known for its Purple Martins, Striped Bass
Striped bass
The striped bass is the state fish of Maryland, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and the state saltwater fish of New York, Virginia, and New Hampshire...
, and Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America as well as the West Indies and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to Europe, with records from Spain, the Azores and England...
.
Labor Day Festival
Chapin is home to the Chapin Labor Day Festival. The Chapin Labor Day Festival is held every year in the town of Chapin on Labor Day. The festival lasts for three days starting on the Saturday before Labor DayLabor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
and ending on Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
. On Monday, the festival activities start off with a parade through town and often features local, state and sometimes national political candidates. After the parade there is a carnival, Chapin Idol, vendors, food, concerts, and a car show along the historic streets of downtown Chapin.
Famous residents
- Iron and Wine, stage name of singer-songwriter Samuel Beam
- Stretch Arm StrongStretch Arm StrongStretch Arm Strong is a hardcore punk band from Chapin South Carolina, and the flagship band for We Put Out Records. They have been active since 1992. Several of the band members are outspoken Christians, but they prefer not to be classified as a Christian band in some cases. They do prefer to be...
, members of the hardcore punk band - Tammy Johns, Mrs. United States 2009
- Brittany Pjetraj, Miss Teen USA 2008Miss Teen USA 2008Miss Teen USA 2008, the 26th Miss Teen USA pageant, was held on August 16, 2008 at Grand Ballroom in the Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. This was the first Miss Teen USA pageant that was not televised, after Miss Universe Organization broadcast partner NBC failed to renew its contract,...
1st Runner-Up
grayStateIcon.jpg){kind=link}