The small town of Iva sits in Anderson County near the Abbeville County line. Unincorporated until 1904, it was settled in the late eighteenth century as Cook’s Station. The town, founded by Dr. Augustus Cook, was a shipping station for the Seaboard Railroad. When he discovered another community called Cook’s Station in South Carolina, Dr. Cook changed the town’s name to Iva in honor of his daughter, Iva Cook Bryson.
Iva thrived for a time with a textile mill and local businesses. Jackson Textile Mill, seen below, was built in 1905 by Thomas C. Jackson. The mill was a dependable source of income for Iva residents throughout much of the twentieth century, causing economic hardships when it closed in the early 1990s. Today, the mill buildings stand empty in the center of the small town.
Pictured below is the old Iva Drugstore, which was built in 1906. Unfortunately, time took its toll on the building and it was demolished in October 2009. Today residents of Iva enjoy nearby Lake Secession, and the town’s proximity to other bodies of water such as Lake Thurmond, Lake Russell, Lake Greenwood, and the Savannah River lend to its nickname, “The Gateway to the Freshwater Coast.”
Iva sponsors community events such as the Summer Nights annual concert series and Art Week each January. In April of 2015, Iva hosted the inaugural Spring and Garden Express, a flower and garden event for local green thumbs.
Historic Pictures of Jackson Mill in Iva
The following photos were graciously contributed to us from a private collector. The captions under each photo are what appeared on the back of each photograph to explain operations at Jackson Mills. These photos were thought to have been from the 1940s. One of the photographs had the name “Coxe High Grade Photography Greenville, SC” on the back.
Accompanying notation: “Blends (mixes) of fibers so stock will be more uniform”
Same as old spinning wheels but faster. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Lining fibers parallel similar to hand cards or curry comb for horses. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Condenses sliver and adds twist to give strength. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Transferring thread to larger packages. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Starching and sizing thread so it becomes harder to break. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Removes waste and makes a lap similar to that Grandmother used in quilts. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Removes waste and makes a lap similar to that Grandmother used in quilts. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Grading cloth. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
While this was not captioned, a man can be seen sweeping the floor © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Loading Bales. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Transferring thread to larger packs. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Bales are opened and allowed to fluff or bloom. © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
More Pictures of Iva
Reflections on Iva
Contributor Michael R. Bannister shares, “In the early 1900s, Dr. Ernest Watson opened this drugstore and sold family remedies, Nunnally’s candy, fancy stationary, and school supplies.”
I worked at Jackson Mill in the mid-sixties while still in high school at Crescent. I worked 2nd shift in the card room. Both of my parents worked there also. I noticed in several photos what looked like air conditioning duct work. Not there when I worked there!
Hello,
I just found out that my 4th great grandfather attended the Good Hope Church in the Pendleton District (so I assume the one in Iva) sometime before 1820. How would I go about finding out more about the church, or hopefully even finding church records?
Thank you!
Loralee Wellington
Hey, we saw that Good Hope Baptist in Iva has a website and a contact form. We recommend reaching out to them directly to inquire if they have access to church records and if not they may know who does. Hope this helps, here is the address: https://www.goodhopeiva.org/contact-1.
Grew up here on Rocky River Road. Love to go back and see the old town. Parents both worked at the mill!
We live outside of Iva and love this little town. All the new changes and businesses in the last ten years have made our little town even better.
I heard they’re cleaning up the town that I hope is being restored to its natural beauty. A friend told me many drugs and trap houses are still there. I am concerned because of purchasing a home.
Hopefully, the area Chamber of Commerce can help with your question: http://www.andersonscchamber.com/iva.html
Great site for those of us who were reared here!