After our stop in Greenville our search of South Carolina self-taught artists took us to an area that I believe really captures the small town feel. You know that kind of place where everyone knows everybody, as well as their personal business, people spend time out on their front porches in the afternoon, everyone goes to the same school next to the old church, and the houses come up no more than waist high. Well if you've never experienced that exact “small town” feel it may be time for you to make a trip to Tiny Town in Easley, SC.
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| One of the original buildings of Tiny Town |
Co-creator Ollie Jennings always dreamed of living in a little log cabin one day but as she grew up she came to the realization that this fantasy wasn't exactly feasible. Not ready to give on the idea of her dream home Ollie asked her husband Perry Jennings if he would make her a replica of an old log-cabin style church she saw during a vacation. Perry agreed and built a 4ft tall model log cabin church in their front yard. However, instead of quenching Ollie's desire the church only fueled her log cabin fever inspiring the husband to build an entire village of log buildings.
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| Town's church and the very first building of Tiny Town |
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| Blacksmith's shop in Tiny Town |
Since its start in the 1970's Tiny Town has grown substantially. It now hosts more than 30 buildings ranging in style and design from the originals log cabins, built by Mr. Jennings, to the more modern versions built of plywood, vinyl siding, roofs of shingle or tin. Maintained by their daughter, Pat Kelly, Tiny Town has become a must-stop Christmas tradition for locals in Easley. Though we arrived somewhat after the holiday season Kelly was still able to give us a complete tour with much of the Christmas decorations still up behind the tarps and sheets that keep the displays from aging in the summer sun. Everything from toy car displays to stable yards, manger scenes, dolls, trains, McDonald's Happy Meal stowaways, and of course jolly of St. Nick himself fill the new house-like display cases where they radiate Christmas cheer. And if the smiling figurines and glowing Christmas lights weren't enough to warm your heart there is a huge bonfire pit where you can thaw out your toes and roast marshmallows. Kelly claims in years past their registry has shown 5000 visitors in one season alone that braved the cold to check out this Tiny Christmas Town.
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| Pat Kelly next to the town's gazebo |
This coming Christmas season don't be a Scrooge. Instead, come and celebrate the season with the decked halls of Tiny Town. Kelly starts preparing in September for the big opening Thanksgiving night. The display is open to the public from then until New Years Day free of charge, donations are accepted. Just head to 555 Latham Rd., Easley, SC 29640 from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. If you want to call ahead the number is (864) 859-7335 or (864) 905-7798. If you are interested now and worried about waiting till the next Christmas season feel free to check out this video about the founder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-nSeZRnz4.
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| A look inside the McDonalds themed display house |
Until next time,
-Nathan
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