“Building historic and genealogy links one page at a time.”
In 2013, when R&R began, it was imperative that the co-founders and other volunteers set the example. In doing so, the first sites built involved those with which we had historic ties. One of these was my great-grandfather’s farm west of Hickory Grove, S.C., near the Broad River. I actually knew little of the farm’s history but shared a few family images and contemporary photographs. It was not long before cousins and later strangers began submitting items of interest for inclusion. As a result of R&R, I have learned so much about my own family, because of the submissions of those relatives and allied families, from that community. I remain astonished at the level of input R&R receives and the connective tissues of our work.
In 2016, some 170,000 pages have been accessed and numerous comments generated. We don’t worry any longer over “not” receiving feedback or if there really is an audience for historic preservation. FYI – R&R has become one of the highest ranked preservation sites in 2016, with over 50,000 users in 2016. Clearly R&R has proven, there is a strong audience, appreciating the connectivity of history and genealogy to specific addresses.
So, my great-grandfather, Jonathan Buice, was married to a member of the Wilkerson family; they were prosperous solid Southern farmers. As my mother related, her grandfather Buice was a kindly Southern gentleman with impeccable manners. He taught his children to stand in the presence of their mother and never be seated at the table until she was. But what I have learned from those who have thus far shared with R&R, is that there was lots going on in the lives of this country family, far more than most would anticipate. For instance, they may not have had electricity or indoor plumbing but were well informed with the need to see their sons succeed. My grandfather, Wade S. Buice was highly educated at both Wofford’s Finishing School-College and the Wharton School of Business. His brothers were equally offered educational and business opportunities rarely provided or aspired to by that generation. One brother, Tom Buice became the general manager of Ivey’s Dept. Stores, after learning his trade, while working in both York and later Chester’s retail establishments. The family has often stated he worked for the Wylie, Roddey, and Agurs firm in Chester, and it was there that he me his wife.
Besides their educational expectations, this family farmed, cut timber, appears to have conducted some gold mining, had their own Wilkerson family school, had the Cook Hill school for African-American students constructed nearby and carried on a lively social life within Western York County’s social circle. What amazes me, is that little of this information had been passed down to me. It is interesting that the Buice site has been “corrected” twice when inappropriate information was initially offered. It didn’t take long for one or two of R&R’s users to issue a directive pointing out the mistakes. Just as Wikipedia depends of input from the public, so goes R&R, the Wikipedia of House History.
Related R&R pages:
My wife often asks the question, “Do people really understand the vast amount of data and links on R&R?” It seems recently the answer is indeed yes! Just in the past few weeks we have also been updating significant data, maps and photographs shared on Spartanburg County history. These records have assisted R&R in linking information to five other S.C. counties. So, in 2017 keep on commenting, correcting, questioning, and most of all sharing, because of your continued support, R&R has blossomed beyond expectations. Happy New Year!
Wade B. Fairey, Sr. Co-Founder
From the Porch – Blog @ RootsandRecall.com – 12.29 .16
