Dillon (Florence: to live, safe, kindergarten)

[SXMGirl]

The only way to know if Dillon is for you is to spend some time there. My grandmother, who lived in Dillon her whole life, always said it was a place you wanted to get away from--not go to. People generally treat you the way you treat them. There are very few things to do there, so be prepared to be the main entertainment for your children. Salaries are low, jobs are scarce, and many stores have closed. Blue Laws, which are now unheard of in PA, are enforced. My suggestion is to take a family vacation to Myrtle Beach and spend several nights in Dillon. However, only make the reservation for one night. It will probably suffice.

[baylovers]

Dillon made the worst places to live in the US:

DILLON, S.C. — Look for “The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America” in a bookstore, and you’re likely to find it in the humor section.

But it is no joke to Todd Davis.

The thought of his town’s inclusion in the book rankles him.

Davis serves as mayor of this town of 7,300 people just across the line from Robeson County.

Dillon has long been known as the marriage capital of the East, where thousands of sweaty-palmed couples have said “I do” at quickie wedding chapels. It also lies a long rebel yell from South of the Border, that can’t-miss roadside attraction and rest stop that lures motorists off Interstate 95 with its compound of cheesy Pedro’s shops and multitude of back scratchers and hamburger hats and various other kitsch.
“He (he being David Gilmartin, the book’s writer) just didn’t do us any favors at all,” Davis said Tuesday. “You can damage a very small town in the textile belt.”

Inside Tiger Mart Store No. 1, Sgt. Tony Roberts of the Dillon Police Department said, “That was a raw deal. It did leave a bad taste in a couple of people’s mouths.”

In the book, Gilmartin lists Dillon among 50 cities and towns in the United States that he ranks from “truly miserable to just plain awful.” An additional 34 spots on the map receive “dishonorable mention.”

“Are they truly the very worst towns in America?” Gilmartin writes in the introduction. “Let’s just say that if you were to never step foot in any of them, well, you’d be all the better for it.”

“Dillon’s not the best,” Kathy Phillips said, “but it’s certainly not the worst.”

Late Tuesday morning, she sat with her 10-month-old, Kalee, inside Tom’s Barber Shop on Main Street. Her boyfriend, Billy Calder, needed a haircut.

When Kalee blurted out a flow of baby babble, the man next to Phillips quipped, “That’s her opinion.”

Phillips, who is 29 and unemployed, is a native. She likes Dillon. She has family and friends here. “Not much work,” she said, “but it’s home.”

A few seats down, a 60-year-old Dillon County fellow who wanted no mention of his name in a newspaper story said the town is no worse than anywhere else. Here, he said life is laid back.

“You don’t have to make an appointment to get a haircut,” he said, as he waited his turn for the barber chair. “Sort of like Andy Griffith.”

Once a thriving tobacco market, Dillon now nurtures “a vibrant textile industry,” according to Davis, its 42-year-old mayor.

Four years ago, the town launched a $2.2 million renovation of its downtown. Helping spruce things up are a new water park and a “mayor’s clock” that stands in front of a stone wall listing the town’s mayors.

The mayor’s lingering bitterness over Dillon’s ranking among the “Worst Places to Live” stems from a belief that it may cause damage to the town’s economic development. Dillon falls in an economically depressed county where jobs are scarce.

“We definitely would prefer not to be in a book in such a negative way,” said Johnnie Luehrs, who is president of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce. “I could name zillions of reasons why he (Gilmartin) would want to be in Dillon or Dillon County or Lake View.”

In the section on Dillon, Gilmartin largely takes a swipe at South of the Border:

“The town is trumpeted from miles away, its very existence granted more ad space than a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Why all the fuss? Because Dillon, erstwhile insignificant small town, is home to one of the country’s great tourist traps, the Hispanic-themed wonderland South of the Border, craptastic bargain theme park nonpareil.”

Actually, Dillon County is home to South of the Border. The town lies seven miles away.

“If he was singling out South of the Border, S.C., he shouldn’t have mentioned Dillon,” said Susanne Pelt, who handles public relations for the roadside attraction. “I think it’s unfair taking that stab at Dillon.”

Attempts to interview Gilmartin were unsuccessful.

Last month in a story in The Charlotte Observer, the author said Gilmartin was a pseudonym because he preferred to remain anonymous. Though he writes in his book that the park “blew my mind” as a child, he later came to see it as an insult to Hispanics that deserved mention in the book as one of the worst places in America.

“I don’t think we’re politically incorrect,” Pelt said. “We don’t try to make anyone feel bad. I think that’s more personal perception.”

Roberts of the Dillon Police Department said the book was the talk of the town when some of the locals first caught wind of it. But he doubts its long-term effects. “I’ve seen a ton of people leave Dillon,” he said, “but in 10 years, they’ll be back.”

[Dillongirl]

Originally Posted by baylovers

Dillon made the worst places to live in the US:

DILLON, S.C. — Look for “The Absolutely Worst Places to Live in America” in a bookstore, and you’re likely to find it in the humor section.

But it is no joke to Todd Davis.

The thought of his town’s inclusion in the book rankles him.

Davis serves as mayor of this town of 7,300 people just across the line from Robeson County.

Dillon has long been known as the marriage capital of the East, where thousands of sweaty-palmed couples have said “I do” at quickie wedding chapels. It also lies a long rebel yell from South of the Border, that can’t-miss roadside attraction and rest stop that lures motorists off Interstate 95 with its compound of cheesy Pedro’s shops and multitude of back scratchers and hamburger hats and various other kitsch.
“He (he being David Gilmartin, the book’s writer) just didn’t do us any favors at all,” Davis said Tuesday. “You can damage a very small town in the textile belt.”

Inside Tiger Mart Store No. 1, Sgt. Tony Roberts of the Dillon Police Department said, “That was a raw deal. It did leave a bad taste in a couple of people’s mouths.”

In the book, Gilmartin lists Dillon among 50 cities and towns in the United States that he ranks from “truly miserable to just plain awful.” An additional 34 spots on the map receive “dishonorable mention.”

“Are they truly the very worst towns in America?” Gilmartin writes in the introduction. “Let’s just say that if you were to never step foot in any of them, well, you’d be all the better for it.”

“Dillon’s not the best,” Kathy Phillips said, “but it’s certainly not the worst.”

Late Tuesday morning, she sat with her 10-month-old, Kalee, inside Tom’s Barber Shop on Main Street. Her boyfriend, Billy Calder, needed a haircut.

When Kalee blurted out a flow of baby babble, the man next to Phillips quipped, “That’s her opinion.”

Phillips, who is 29 and unemployed, is a native. She likes Dillon. She has family and friends here. “Not much work,” she said, “but it’s home.”

A few seats down, a 60-year-old Dillon County fellow who wanted no mention of his name in a newspaper story said the town is no worse than anywhere else. Here, he said life is laid back.

“You don’t have to make an appointment to get a haircut,” he said, as he waited his turn for the barber chair. “Sort of like Andy Griffith.”

Once a thriving tobacco market, Dillon now nurtures “a vibrant textile industry,” according to Davis, its 42-year-old mayor.

Four years ago, the town launched a $2.2 million renovation of its downtown. Helping spruce things up are a new water park and a “mayor’s clock” that stands in front of a stone wall listing the town’s mayors.

The mayor’s lingering bitterness over Dillon’s ranking among the “Worst Places to Live” stems from a belief that it may cause damage to the town’s economic development. Dillon falls in an economically depressed county where jobs are scarce.

“We definitely would prefer not to be in a book in such a negative way,” said Johnnie Luehrs, who is president of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce. “I could name zillions of reasons why he (Gilmartin) would want to be in Dillon or Dillon County or Lake View.”

In the section on Dillon, Gilmartin largely takes a swipe at South of the Border:

“The town is trumpeted from miles away, its very existence granted more ad space than a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Why all the fuss? Because Dillon, erstwhile insignificant small town, is home to one of the country’s great tourist traps, the Hispanic-themed wonderland South of the Border, craptastic bargain theme park nonpareil.”

Actually, Dillon County is home to South of the Border. The town lies seven miles away.

“If he was singling out South of the Border, S.C., he shouldn’t have mentioned Dillon,” said Susanne Pelt, who handles public relations for the roadside attraction. “I think it’s unfair taking that stab at Dillon.”

Attempts to interview Gilmartin were unsuccessful.

Last month in a story in The Charlotte Observer, the author said Gilmartin was a pseudonym because he preferred to remain anonymous. Though he writes in his book that the park “blew my mind” as a child, he later came to see it as an insult to Hispanics that deserved mention in the book as one of the worst places in America.

“I don’t think we’re politically incorrect,” Pelt said. “We don’t try to make anyone feel bad. I think that’s more personal perception.”

Roberts of the Dillon Police Department said the book was the talk of the town when some of the locals first caught wind of it. But he doubts its long-term effects. “I’ve seen a ton of people leave Dillon,” he said, “but in 10 years, they’ll be back.”

I have lived in Dillon all my life and cant imagine living anywhere else. Im 42 yrs old.
I live on the East side of town where the neighbors gather in the evening to chat and socialize and work in the yards.
Most of my neighbors mind their own business unless you need them and they come running. What more can you ask for?
As far as crime; well I can think of a few places I'd be scared to live and Dillon isnt one by far.
Ive never walked inside our local jail.Never had a speeding ticket.
The downtown revitalization was worth every dime.
Yes; businesses have left the Main st area but thats the case in Florence as well.
We are a growing community... Super Walmart coming soon..Lowes next on the agenda along with a few others.
I shop alot in Florence or Lumberton and eat there also. But its not like its hours away.. Not even 1 hr away.
This little town of ours does have a Mayberry atmosphere and I love it. I can travel anywhere I please with no problem.
Not the case in Florence or Myrtle Beach where the traffic will drive you nuts.
Great places to visit but not where I want to be.
I have heard lots of new comers say how much they enjoy the slow pace here as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a large town.
Restuarants; well there are a few nice places to eat and socialize. And many of our locals live for the next breakfast and lunch at the charcoal grill. To catch up on the events of the day..Little... but great food and great folks. Yes some of us use our southern slang and get laughed at because of it but guess what....its makes us unique not strange.
Schools... well not the best here by far,But we have a private school and latta is a few miles down the road where the academic scale is much higher.
Its all a matter of opinion and everyone has that right.
I read all the time letters from visitors or people that pass thru here and appreciate the hospitality from our locals when in need.
Churches... well you can take your pick here. We have some of them all. While not much activity for families here most of us get involved in our churches. What better place to hang out. Our activities are among our congregations.
Just sharing my opinion here.

[Dillongirl]

Let me ask a simple question here...What if more people would ask themselves "what do I have to offer to Dillon?"
Lifes greatest rewards come from giving not receiving.
So before you cat stones at our little community be fair and pat yourself on the back for contributing or slap your wrist for complaining about what wasnt given.

[mariekay69]

I lived in Dillion, went to school in Dillion, and left Dillion. The place was a hell hole when I grew up there and still is. It is never going to change because it is only a gas stop on the way to Myrtle Beach.

[Koch_and_Company]

I have read the posts here on the book "The absolute worst places to live" and feel I need to say something.

I lived in Dillon during my teen years. My family are long time residents of Dillon County and most still live there. I am proud of the fact that I experienced small town life during an important time in my life. But.... I am now going to voice my opinion.

I will try not generalize, for the sake that I believe most people are good, down deep. If not for a few people who may still be alive in Dillon, I don't know where I would be today. Special people touched my life and helped me to become what I am today. Well read, educated and creative.

As far as small towns go, Dillon has an environment all it's own. I have found that the "old southern" racist environment still flourishes. The town has always been divided into Who's is Who, Haves and Have nots, black, white and "them Indians". I have found people who are different are not accepted by the general population and are even shunned. I have seen people in Dillon terrorize others people endlessly, just because they are gay. The word "******" in most people is used like an every day description. It is a sick environment, that I know first hand. All I have to say is one name, and it brings back memories of this garbage. Clifford Hardy.

As far as education goes, Dillon County Schools are the worst. I am not saying that all teachers are bad, but out of ignorance of school board members and parents, nothing has improved since I was there 25 years ago. The education rate of the average student is horrible and unforgivable. I was blessed to have Roseanna King, Mrs. Braddy, Coach Reeves, Mrs. Parrot, Helen Culp and Emily Jacobs in my life. Other than that, no one stands out. These teachers were exceptional but most were useless, ignorant and cruel.

Football is a sport and should be treated as such. It is an activity and nothing more. It should not be the only thing to ignite a town. What happened to getting excited about education, music and achievements that don't include sports? An entire town will turn out for a game on Friday night, but no one shows up to read a book to a child. To be fair, it's not just Dillon, it is a problem in many cities. In a town of 6300 though, where everyone knows everyone, you think someone would encourage children to expect more. The tools are there, USE them. Your tax dollars pay for YOUR SCHOOLS. Avalon Academy should not be best education your child can achieve as an option. That school was built for people who could afford to keep their children "away" from blacks in the 60's. It's ugly, but true.

I remember when I lived there, college was out of the question for "someone like me". I wasn't in the right cliques, the right family, or lived on the right side of town. Most girls my age, looked forward to working in a mill with their parents and getting married. The only thing to do was cruise 301 and Main and watch fights and drink in the parking lot at Goodyear. The teen pregnancy rate is and was horrible and I would love to know what the STD rate is. I am sure it is off the charts, since no one ever leaves.

As for the comments that "DillonGirl" posted, I am glad you did. You showed a small town view on someone who has lived in the area many years. I have learned in my life though something more important to me. I don't have to sit in a restaurant with all the old farts hearing the daily gossip about who is sleeping with who and what other garbage is going on in town. What life is that? You are saying that what do other have to offer Dillon? Well in the Dillon mindset, you are typical of what others have to offer in town. Try reaching out to those in need. Drive over to Gordon Elementary and read a book to some kids. Get out of your comfort zone and help others.

As far as your comment about churches in the area. "We have some of them all"... Really? You have no clue! I live in a southern city of 1 million people and I have seen religions I never knew existed! It's cool. I thrive on diversity, even though I grew up in a closed minded hole with an education rate on the bottom of the barrel. You, like many others, need to get off your front porch, with your like neighbors and visit people NOT like you. Go to another church, eat at a different restaurant, experience life!

I have lived in a town of 436 residents in Tennessee and now in Kentucky. I have traveled all over this beautiful country. I tell my children stories about "back home" because no matter what, Dillon is back home to me. It's a love hate relationship I am glad my children didn't experience

But.... Living in Dillon is not living. I know first hand.

[awnmo2]

I was born and raised in Dillon, yes it is a small town, where everyone knows everyone, but it is not a bad place to live. My family is still there, I met the love of my life there and got married there. Dillon is no better than any other small town, but it is no worse...there is an old saying, "If you do not have anything nice to say, then you should not say anything at all" that is what the author of the book should have done,,,yes he was entitled to his opinion, but opinions are like butts everyone has one and some of them stink.

[Koch_and_Company]

"If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."

Hummmm.....

Well... I can see that Dillon County Education at it's best.

Here is what I have to say on that...

"Well behaved women rarely make history!"

I am,

An Opinionated and Happy Former Dillon Resident

[awnmo2]

Well Thank-You I will take that as a compliment instead of an opinion; after

all, I am a well-behaved, born and raised in Dillon County, educated in the

Dillon school system proud woman. Never forget that everyone starts out

somewhere in their lives, and where they start out makes them who they

are.

[dillonboy]

I grew up in Dillon, SC....I never felt as though I belonged there.
I was called names, mainly due to the fact I was small for my age.
It hurt me a great deal, being call names, by children of my own age.

I left September 8, 1982....

And never wanted to go back.

I agree, Dillon SC is a nice area to live.

But at the same time, it's full of Bible thumping people, who are in your face and destroy any one who has a different opinion. Or live style.

I have several cousins who only want to preach at me. Due to the fact of what they heard growing up. Plus the fact I live in Reno, NV now.

They never wanted to know me as a person.

Now that my Mom is ill and in a Nursing home.
I find myself torn between staying in Reno or moving back to Dillon to be near her in her failing health.