Unearthing a Piece of Aynor History

A Fresh Look for a Familiar Building

Anyone who has driven through downtown Aynor recently has likely noticed the beautifully renovated building across from Anderson Brothers Bank.The transformation was completed by Hardee Family Holdings, owned by brothers Trent and Craig Hardee, who purchased the property and gave the longtime downtown structure a fresh new look inside and out.

Their investment has breathed new life into a building that has been part of Aynor’s story for generations while helping preserve an important piece of the town’s character.

An Unexpected Discovery

During work on the property, an unexpected discovery was made beside the building—a large piece of coal buried in the ground.

While it may not seem significant at first glance, the find offered a glimpse into a different era of downtown Aynor and the people who worked there.

Remembering Western Auto

Many longtime residents will remember the building as the former Western Auto, operated by Duane Lewis and his parents. For years, the store served the community and was a familiar stop for local families.

Before modern heating systems became commonplace, businesses often relied on coal-burning stoves to stay warm during the winter months. The piece of coal discovered during the renovation likely dates back to that time and somehow remained buried beside the building for decades.

Connecting Past and Present

It’s a small discovery, but one that provides a tangible connection to everyday life in Aynor’s past. Long before central heating and modern conveniences, local business owners depended on simple methods to keep their stores comfortable for customers and employees.

Today, the building begins a new chapter while still carrying pieces of its history. The completed renovation has preserved an important part of downtown while preparing it for the future.

More Than a Building

As Aynor continues to grow, projects like this remind us of the value of preserving the places that tell our story. Sometimes history is found in old photographs. Sometimes it’s found in memories shared by longtime residents.

And sometimes, it’s found one shovel full of dirt at a time.