Judy Hubbard is overwhelmed by Ellen MacLauchlin’s memories of Old Shandon. Editor’s note: The Old Shandon Centennial Celebration held October 2 was a grand success. Guests were treated to trolley tours, walking tours, antique cars, choir concerts, historic presentations, and free popcorn and lemonade.

The celebration was opened by Pat Hubbard, president of the Old Shandon Neighborhood Association. Mayor Bob Coble welcomed the guests on behalf of the City of Columbia and Councilwoman Anne Sinclair.

Ellen MacLauchlin gave a brief talk (published here), then Natalie Smith Shuford cut the centennial cake which was shared with everyone.

Old Shandon’s birthday cake Sponsors for the celebration were the Devine Street Association, The Columbia Star , Semaphore, Fast Forward CTC, HoFP Gallery, Birds On A Wire, and the City of Columbia. Donors and service providers were Columbia Historic Foundation, Maple Street Southern Methodist Church, Bethel AME Church, Columbia Fire Department Station 9, Columbia Mounted Patrol, Sandlapper Antique Auto Club, Model A Club, Model T Club, Imaging Technologies, The Carmen Nylund Foundation, and The State Newspaper.

Natalie Smith Shuford cuts Old Shandon’s birthday cake.

By Ellen MacLauchlin

This is a grand day and it is wonderful to see so many of you.

Change is everywhere, and change is good. Just look around and you’ll see changes in people, neighborhoods, attitudes, and thinking. If we have had the privilege of growing up in a safe and loving home and in a neighborhood that is loving and safe, we are truly fortunate. And I think this is what we have in Shandon.

Someone has said, “It takes a heap of loving to make a house a home. It also takes a heap of planning to organize a centennial celebration, and we are so grateful to these neighbors for getting this done.

We all will agree we have done a heap of living in Old Shandon, and would not take anything for it. Friendship and sharing are prevalent here.

Maple Street United Methodist Church has opened its doors for us today. Don’t forget to see the continuous autographic display made up of your pictures and treasures. And Bethel AME Church is ready to present a concert.

Oh, the memories that come to mind:

Shandon Baptist Church was the first to have air–conditioning. My dad went to Shandon Presbyterian on Sunday morning and Shandon Baptist on Sunday night!

The 700 block of Woodrow was closed on Friday afternoon for skating. Today the 2700 of Preston is closed for our Centennial Celebration. See, some things do not change!

Do any of you remember The Fix–It Shop on Devine Street? Mr. Fix–It could repair anything. I think his name was Mr. Carson, and he taught woodworking at Hand. To have this kind of service near by again would be great.

There are very few people here today who can remember farther back than I, but I know no one has happier memories.

Have a great day!