Simpsonville Mill By

History of the Mill  Founders: EF Woodside, President George Woodside, Office Manager  Date established: 1908  1908 Simpsonville came to be with a new life due to the opening of the mill.  1926 capacity of the mill doubled.  The mill produced blended and synthetic fabrics.  The mill closed it’s doors June  Simpsonville had first school in the county with 11 grades and fulltime music and vocational agriculture classes. Education was very important to Simpsonville residents.  Simpsonville was surrounded by one of the most successful and progressive agricultural sections in the country.  People in Simpsonville were of high society and many worked with the churches.  Residents were predominately Baptist.

Donald Odell “Red” Barbary  Red Barbary was born in Simpsonville June 20, He began working at the mill at the age of 18.  In his early 20’s he began playing baseball for the mill. His position was catcher  There is a book that has a chapter about him. It is titled, “The Catcher Who Pitched All Night.”  He pitched a 22 inning game.  He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball teams for all ages.  During an interview with his wife, she said,”He loved to see the smiles on kids faces.”  The ballpark in Simpsonville is named in his honor.  Red Barbary died September 27, 2003.

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