MOUNTAIN REST, SOUTH CAROLINA
Hillbilly Day is a reflection and celebration of the character and culture of the Mountain Rest community – a community long characterized by a unique blend of Appalachian independence and Southern hospitality. Historically, Mountain Rest was known for being a waystation for tourists enroute to the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. In the early days these travelers journeyed by stagecoach, and many stayed overnight at the Russell House, which served as an inn from the 1860s to the 1950s. During the Great Depression of the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery and Oconee State Park bringing recreation, jobs, and new opportunities to Mountain Rest. Traditionally, residents of Mountain Rest were self-sufficient, fiercely independent, and intensely loyal to their community.
The Mountain Rest Community Club was organized in 1953 in the home of Fred Chastain, “to respond in any way for the betterment of the community and the fellowship of neighbors.” In 1964, after the closing of the Mountain Rest School, the Mountain Rest Community Club purchased the old school building and has resided there ever since. The facility has been used for many community activities, including covered dish suppers, clogging lessons, Civil Defense, voting, and space for other community organizations like The Etcetera Club.
On July 4, 1960, a community gathering featuring barbeque, music, games and dancing led to the establishment of an annual Hillbilly Day on July 4th every year thereafter.
Interview: Oliver Ridley
Anderson Independent Mail August 2, 1987
For a more intimate look into the dialect, culture, and lifestyle of Mountain Rest we invite you to listen to this oral history interview series with James Oliver Ridley, a lifelong resident of Mountain Rest. It was a point of pride that Oliver Ridley had never traveled further away from home 35 miles from home in Mountain Rest, and had never been to a town with more than 5,000 people.
Library of Congress – Interview Part 1 of 3
Library of Congress – Interview Part 2 of 3
Library of Congress – Interview Part 3 of 3 (transcript)
Map: Mountain Rest, South Carolina c.1984
Source: An Informal History of Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Edited by Dennis Duncan, Pauline Nicholson, Margaret Sue Queen, and Joe Wallace (copyright 1984)
Photo Gallery: Hillbilly Days
Hillbilly Day festivities have traditionally featured barbecue, clogging, bluegrass and old time music, and craft and pioneer demonstrations. The greased pole climb became an iconic part of Hillbilly Day as people competed to reach the cash prize nailed to the top. Children enjoyed chasing the greased pig and games like tug-o-war.
Click on the photo gallery below to view larger, full-size images as you scroll.
Photos and most captions provided by Mountain Rest Community Club.
Please do not use or reproduce images without permission.
Programs: Hillbilly Days
Flip through these program booklets and check out the activities, menus, and photos featured at earlier Hillbilly Days. Notice the use of the “hillbilly” dialect, costumes, and imagery.
Original program booklets provided by Mountain Rest Community Club.
Please do not use or reproduce images without permission.
1963 Hillbilly Day Program
1964 Hillbilly Day Program
1965 Hillbilly Day Program
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1966 Hillbilly Day Program
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1967 Hillbilly Day Program
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1968 Hillbilly Day Program
1969 Hillbilly Day Program
1970 Hillbilly Day Program
1971 Hillbilly Day Program
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Success: Southern Living
Experience Hillbilly Day for yourself to truly understand why we celebrate in Oconee.
Join us in Mountain Rest on July 4.
Click the bumper sticker above for more information.
THANK YOU!
Oconee History Museum would like to thank the wonderful people of the Mountain Rest Community Club for their assistance with this exhibit and digitization project!
Additional recognition and thanks to Josh Johnson (Lake Hartwell Country), Jennifer Moss (Oconee History Museum), Linda White (Oconee History Museum), and Leslie Hagerty (Oconee History Museum).
Funding for the Growth Grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
