CLIFTON and CONVERSE

Clifton and Converse were farming communities until the mills came to the area in 1881. Clifton was settled in the mid 1700s, about the same time as Glendale and Pacolet. It was known as Hurricane Shoals because of the swift flow of the river, and did not become Clifton until 1880.

Clifton had an iron works business, known as Hurricane Rolling Mill and Nail Works. The mill operated from 1834 until 1870.

In 1881, Dexter Converse built a mill at Converse and two more at Clifton. These mills were built beside the river because the swift water provided the power.

The mills furnished houses, schools, churches, stores, and employment for whole families. Everything they needed was right in the community.

In 1882, Clifton Mill built the first school similar to other schools of the time and was on the site of the present Clifton No. 1 First Baptist Church parsonage.

Following the construction of the mills, three more schools were built for these communities. These two-story buildings were used for other community activities—such as churches and lodges.

The schools had pot-bellied stoves for heat. The boys had to bring in the wood and build the fires. The floors were swept by the girls, who also had to clean the building. The children walked to school and brought their lunches.

In 1903, there was a terrible flood. After days of heavy rain, the Pacolet River overflowed. Many houses and buildings were washed away. The three mills were almost completely destroyed and more than fifty lives were lost. People were out of work and migrated to other mills to seek employment. In a year or so the mills were rebuilt. Houses were also rebuilt, and some existing homes were moved to higher ground.

In 1921, a new three-story school was built that consolidated Converse and the two Cliftons. This school had fourteen classrooms, an auditorium, steam heat, running water, bathrooms, and a janitor.

The first black school was located in a house close to the Pacolet River, between Clifton No. 1 and Converse.

The second black school was built about 1920, and had two teachers. This school was located west of the white Clifton Elementary School.

In the late 1960s integration began and the schools were consolidated.

In 1979, a new school was built to consolidate Clifton and Glendale. This new school is called Clifdale. (It’s our school!)

Clifdale Elementary School

Sources: Joyce Brown Personal Interview February 2001.

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