Westminster Area Historic Preservation Society (WAHPS)

WAHPS has many projects throughout the year in order to raise money to help preserve the wonderful history of Westminter, South Carolina.

Many of the projects in recent years are described below.

Christmas Bazaar 2009
WAHPS again joined with the Westminster Area Chamber of Commerce to host the 3rd annual Christmas Bazaar. The Bazaar was Saturday, December 5th, and was a huge success. Thanks to all who participated. We appreciate you!

Christmas Tour of Homes 2009
WAHPS again joined with the Westminster Area Chamber of Commerce to host the 3rd annual Christmas Tour of Homes. The Tour was Sunday, December 6th, from 1pm to 5pm. The newly renovated depot in Westminster was the starting point, and the Westminster Methodist Church was also on the tour. There were five additional stops on the tour, all residential homes in the Westminster area. Tickets were $10. Thanks to all of those who allowed us to tour their beautifully decorated homes, and thanks to all of those who participated in the tour. Our fundraisers could not be a success without your generous support!

WAHPS Annual Meeting 2009
October 26, 2009, WAHPS held their fourth annual membership meeting at the Harper Farm on Shady Way Lane. Dinner was prepared by some of the ladies and grilled by some of the men in WAHPS, were served to the approximately 50 people present, including both members and potential members. They celebrated the accomplishments of WAHPS' fourth year of historic preservation and fundraising activities, and they anticipated an exciting 2010. Deanna DeFoor reminded the group of the fundraising success over the past year and she reflected back on the many successful past projects sponsored and co-sponsored by WAHPS.

Apple Festival Bazaar 2009
WAHPS sponsored the 3rd annual Arts and Antiques Bazaar during the SC Apple Festival. The festival was on Main Street, in downtown Westminster, September 11th and 12th. Thanks to Chris Cleveland for letting us borrow Bill's building again!! Twenty-four vendors/groups set up in the building. WAHPS sponsored apple again, as this is a big hit with visitors to the festival. Thanks to Nathan Gambrell for letting us borrow straw for the photo setup. 

Apple Festival Crafts Bazaar
Friday, September 5, 2008, and Saturday, September 6, 2008, WAHPS sponsored the 2nd annual Arts and Antiques Bazaar during the SC Apple Festival.  Several arts and antiques vendors, local artists and craftsmen sold their merchandise. WAHPS sponsored apple photos again, as this is a big hit with visitors to the festival. The Bazaar was held at the former Bill’s store during regular festival hours.  All proceeds went towards the WAHPS organization. Additionally, WAHPS sold a reprinted edition of Service Record Book of Men and Women of Westminster, South Carolina and Community at the Arts and Antiques Bazaar during the Apple Festival. The original book was published by the VFW Post No. 6738, a group that no longer has a charter.  The book contains the photographs of George Campbell, Furman King, Claude Knox, William C. Shirley, Jr. and Luna Wilson, all from the Westminster area and listed as “Gold Star Boys” because they died in the military conflict.  The book also contains the pictures and World War II service record accounts for 57 other service men of the Westminster area. It is estimated that the book was published about 1948, although no actual date is given in the original edition.  The book also contains a collection of about 30 advertisements from Westminster area merchants of the 1940’s. Because WAHPS recognizes that all Westminster area men and women who served in WWII are not included in the original edition, another more complete edition is planned for the fall of 2009.  Area citizens can submit a picture of a WWII veteran family member (in uniform) for the 2009 edition.  Information sheets explaining the submission process will be available in the Westminster News.

WAHPS hosted Music on Main on Thursday, September 4, 2008.  WAHPS and the OHC sponsored the first JAMbalaya from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Eddie Martin’s World Famous Jambalaya was served with bread, a drink and fried apple pies - $6 in advance, $7 at the door.  Mike Eades and the Battle Creek Boys provided free bluegrass entertainment.

Mayors: (left to right) Derek Hodgin, Dr. H.E. Findley, Dr. Garland Johnson, Ed Watkins, and Cecil Sandifer



Foothill Ramblers

Jane Suttles

In December 2007, WAHPS hosted the first annual Christmas Tour of Homes.  The event was a great success with around 100 or more people visiting the homes.  This was a great event that showed people from everywhere the uniqueness and history of Westminter!  Stops along the tour included the homes of Deanna DeFoor, Rick and Denise McCormick, Marilyn Jones, and Jimmy and Sandra Powell. Also on the tour were Magnolia Manor and the oldest church in Westminster, Westminster Presbyterian.

Also in the holiday season of 2007, WAHPS also hosted a Breakfast with Santa for children, and the first annual Christmas Craft Bazaar.

All proceeds for these events went to help pay off the contents purchased from the England Store.

In October 2007, WAHPS held their second annual membership meeting at the home of R.T and Stephanie Harris.  R.T. was the president of WAHPS at the time.  The dinner was  prepared by some of the ladies in WAHPS and was enjoyed by all.

In September 2007, WAHPS organized a Craft Bazaar that was held during the Apple Festival.  Several local antique vendors were at the Bazaar and many people enjoyed what the Bazaar offered.  This was another great event that helped WAHPS raise money! 

In June 2007, WAHPS hosted a Bluegrass Fundraiser at West-Oak High School.  Tickets were 10 dollars for the concert and 7 dollars for the BBQ Dinner.  The bands that performed were:  Tugalo Holler and Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys.  There was a great crowd in attendance and the event helped WAHPS raise money for the cause of preserving Westminster's history.

The bands playing together

In October 2006, WAHPS held their first annual membership meeting. The meeting was at the Harper House, formerly the residence of Sidney and Murrell Harper.  The Harpers’ daughters prepared the delicious dinner for the members. Billy Wallace, owner of Oconee Bells (located on Main Street in Westminster), provided the dessert, pictured here. The cake is a replica of the Westminster Depot.