GREATER EASLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Pickens County Produce was the first large establishment to be built on 123 Bypass.  Next came TG&Y in 1967, followed shortly thereafter by Belk/Simpson in the Town and Country Shopping Center. The race was on; both sides of 123 would explode with growth in the three decades to follow.  The businesses in the historic downtown struggled to keep up. The construction of Old Market Square would help, but most of the hustle, bustle had moved was now centered on 123 Bypass.

During the 1970's, The Chamber helped celebrate our country's 200th birthday in 1976 and, in 1974, the 100th anniversary of Pickens County. During those years, the Chamber offices were housed in the Jameson Building and, later, in the Wyatt House.

From about 1960 until 1984, the Chamber and the United Way worked out of the same office.  A secretary shared duties for the organizations until they outgrew one another.  Nancy Bagwell was secretary for both during the late 1970's and early 1980's. Times were lean; Bagwell used a manual typewriter perched on an old table top. There wasn't enough money for fuel oil - Bagwell stoked an open fire most winter days just to stay warm.

During those years, from 1960-1981, Bill Brothers was director of the Chamber of Commerce. At 21 years, he was the longest serving Chamber director.  Some months he didn't know if he would be paid or not. His jobs included everything but sweeping the streets!

One of the Chamber programs in the 1960's was placement of American flags in front of all downtown businesses at a cost of $5 per merchant.  A monthly Chamber newsletter was begun as well.  A couple of the hot issues at the time continue to this day: Chamber Presidents like Clyde Chapman wrestled with the debate of parallel versus angle parking on Main Street, as well as promoting local business. There was also some talk of moving the train depot; the depot wouldn't survive the next decade.  The Chamber published a booklet in those years entitled "Fifty Facts About Easley", complete with photos of area attractions and landmarks.

Of course, the Chamber never had an abundance of money.  Many years, board members would rely on the generosity of the McKissick family to get them through touch financial times.  E.S. McKissick would occasionally call and ask if the Chamber needed money. Regardless of the answer, he would invariably stop by at some point and donate a few hundred dollars.