Alcolu, census-designated place in Clarendon County, South Carolina
Alcolu is an unincorporated community in Clarendon County, South Carolina, located about 5 miles north of the larger town of Manning. The settlement spans a bit more than 4 and a half square miles and consists of simple homes with front gardens arranged around former mill facilities.
Alcolu was established in the late 1880s as a company town for a timber mill founded by D.W. Alderman. The settlement changed hands several times, was acquired by Georgia-Pacific in 1968, and operated the mill until its closure in 2000.
The name Alcolu combines the initials of founder D.W. Alderman, his friend Coldwell, and his daughter Lulu. The quiet streets and simple homes with front gardens reflect the layout of a working community where residents maintain local traditions and know each other.
Alcolu sits close to Interstate 95, making it easy to drive to larger towns like Manning, Sumter, and Florence for shopping and services. Visitors should bring a car, as most stores and facilities are located in the surrounding communities.
In its early days, the company used special metal coins called babbits marked with the letter A that workers could only spend at the company store. This unique currency was designed to keep workers tied to the mill and the town.
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