by Leslie M. Koller
Telling a story steeped in history, a new book on Summerville’s Tea Farm garnered its inspiration from a beautiful plot of land, a doctor, a library, a horticultural historian, and a group of lifelong residents.
Nestled in the heart of Summerville is a plot of land so rich with history that a group of lifelong residents decided that its story could be shared. Thomas R. Dion, Walter M. Bailey Jr., and William L. Walker Jr. have researched and compiled over 100 years of history on the Pinehurst Tea Farm and its residents. This research will be published this summer as the book The Tea Farm, Her People and Her Town: Summerville, South Carolina.
They were inspired to tell this story after communicating with Lisa Hassell Tyler, a plant enthusiast and horticultural historian who asked about the history of the Tea Farm—a history that is found in bits and pieces all around the world. By bringing those pieces together, the Tea Farm helps connect the past to the present for the residents of Summerville and those who know us as “The Birthplace of Sweet Tea.”
In 1888, Dr. Charles Shepard created “Pinehurst” as the first commercially viable tea farm in America and changed the face of Summerville in the process. Shepard’s work brought visitors from around the world to the Flower Town in the Pines, including celebrities, dignitaries, and presidents. He cultivated tea plants, azaleas, and roses on his farm, making it a thing of beauty for all to see.
Dr. Shepard also spent time advocating for others in the community by helping to fund the local hospital and promoting education for all. In addition to regularly raising funds through the Tea Farm for The Timrod Library, which began in 1897, Dr. Shepard personally donated a set of encyclopedias and $100 toward the building of the library at 217 Central Avenue. The building was completed in 1915 and continues to serve the community to this day.
Tea production stopped after Dr. Shepard’s death, but the legacy of the Tea Farm remains. Over the years, the land passed through different people and different generations, but it always had a story to tell. And, lucky for us, many of those stories can now be found in one collection.
As Summerville grows, the desire to preserve its history grows. We can welcome the future and preserve the past – just ask the folks at the Timrod Library. The editors of The Tea Farm have partnered with The Timrod Library for the publication of their book, thus continuing Dr. Shepard’s legacy of promoting literacy and learning in Summerville. All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit The Timrod Library. Visit thetimrodlibrary.org to preorder your book today. AM
