SC Small Town Photo Contest

"While photographing the shrimp boats at Crosby's Seafood Market on the outskirts of Folly Beach, I noticed these two derelict boats in the marsh and quickly realized that their condition and position made for a much better photo."

"This old train station in Conway brings back memories of a time when the train was the most popular method of transportation."

"Bell Buoy Seafood served both locals and visitors of Edisto Beach with fresh seafood for over 40 years. Mr. Bell, the owner of Bell Buoy, also collected antique cars, fire engines, and tractors. From time to time he would park several vehicles on display outside for the visitors to admire while waiting for the day's fresh catch. Mr. Bell retired in 2003 – the business was closed and the building was subsequently torn down to make room for condos and a parking lot. Anyone that ever visited Edisto Beach prior to 2003 would remember Bell Buoy Seafood, Mr. Bell, and his interesting collection of cars, fire engines, tractors, and fresh seafood right off the boat."

"This photo was taken on a day where a friend and I set out to find the old Koger Plantation house in the the St George area. Naturally, we picked the most blistering day to go, but eventually found it and were not disappointed – our mission was complete."

"When thinking of Salem, the first things that usually come to mind are its two lakes, Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. Lake Jocassee is one of the most beautiful landmarks in these parts, but it hasn't always been the beautiful lake we know today. The Jocassee Valley was once home to the Cherokee Indians. The lake was named for an Indian princess who was said to have walked across its waters to reunite with the ghost of her lost love. The name Jocassee has an appropriate meaning – "The Place of the Lost One." In the mid 1960s, Duke Energy initiated the Keowee-Toxaway project. The flooding of the valley changed the landscape forever, but also created the beautiful lake our community enjoys today. Although Lake Jocassee is only a small part of what makes our town special, it is a popular destination for people throughout the Southeast."

"My husband loves trains, so we often stop the car when we see an old locomotive or rail yard for him to investigate. A few weeks ago we happened upon the tiny town of Miley and saw this old rail yard with the original passenger station, which was built for the residents of Hampton and Branchville. Although it's still intact, the passenger station is no longer used and serves only as a reminder of days gone by. The railroad operated from the late 1890s through the heyday of the 1920s. Today, the tracks are used to carry coal and kraft paper from Hampton to Canadys."