The Old Woman Still Rocks at Hester Store
Hester Store is an old general store in Dacusville, near Easley. It was built in 1893 by Michael Washington Hester, and for many years, the spot served as a centerpiece of the community where people gathered to share stories. The premises were sold a few years ago and restored to their former glory, but I believe the store has closed permanently again.
Several paranormal rumors surround this place. According to Tally Johnson in the book “Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry” and other online sources, the old building is said to be haunted by a woman who can be seen sitting in a rocking chair in the window. One version claims that the mysterious ghostly woman is the ill-fated lover of a lynching victim, who is said to have hung in an old oak tree somewhere behind the building. Another victim says she is the mother of the victim.
I stopped by on January 7, 2023, and asked the people who worked there while it was open, and one of them also said that she had heard the story. This historical site needs a legend and lore marker placed in front of it.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Image By: John G. Clark Jr. (January 2023)
