Simpsonville Mill

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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 1988. 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, 1920. 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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