Greenville Struggles with Recovery After Tropical Storm Helene’s Devastation

Greenville Faces the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

In the charming city of Greenville, residents are picking up the pieces after Tropical Storm Helene made its way through just days after the local landmark, the Kilgore-Lewis House, experienced damage from a microburst. Karen Allen, the president of the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, reflects on the storm’s edge, saying, “That night, we lost power, and so we thought something was going on. We came in the next morning, and we had five big trees down.”

Kilgore-Lewis House: A Historical Treasure at Risk

The Kilgore-Lewis House, which is the headquarters for the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs and a beloved historical site, saw serious disruption. Debris and uprooted trees now dot the beautiful 5.4 acres that surround the property. The home, which recently underwent renovations, now faces yet another round of repairs as a fallen tree rests on the property’s natural artesian well—a water source that has served both Indigenous peoples and early settlers.

“Every animal, living creature, has used this water,” Allen mentioned, hinting at the well’s historical significance. The house and well, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are important symbols of the area’s past.

Getting Back to Normal

Despite the troubles, the Kilgore-Lewis House opened its doors back to the public on Thursday, October 10. “Everything is dead,” Allen expressed, emphasizing that while cleanup efforts are ongoing, the site is safe for visitors. “I said, ‘Well, I hope nobody tries to climb the trees, you know, but they’re not in any more danger at this point than before the storm.’” The City of Greenville will be assisting with the removal of the fallen trees, costing close to a staggering $100,000.

While some cleanup has begun, a few piles of debris still sit around the garden waiting to be handled. “Restoring the site to the haven it once was will be a challenge, but I’m certain it will be overcome within time,” Allen assured, looking forward to the future of this iconic location.

A Special Visit on the Horizon

Exciting news is on the horizon! The lone surviving granddaughter of a Kilgore-Lewis family member is planning to visit the site on Monday, October 21, bringing with her a ‘mystery gift’ from the home that her grandmother cherished. Allen expressed her anticipation, saying, “She has an item that was from the house when her grandmother lived there that she wants to donate.”

Pettigru Historic District: A Survey of Storm Damage

As one strolls through the Pettigru Historic District, the effects of Helene are unmistakable. Debris, fallen trees, and power lines litter the area. John Mussetto, who oversees a law office on Pettigru, shared that the storm caused a power outage which has rendered his business inoperable. “Spectrum has just given us the runaround. I can’t get a straight answer,” he lamented, showcasing the frustration many feel during these recovery periods.

Assessing Damages Elsewhere

Piles of debris line James Street as well, where a broken tree trunk emerged just outside the fence of the historic Earle Town House. Although it appears the home has remained undamaged, a full assessment is still necessary. Meanwhile, on Adams Mill Road in Simpsonville, damage was reported at Oakland Plantation as a large oak took down an outbuilding, leading to some irreversible losses.

Challenges at Paris Mountain State Park

Even Paris Mountain State Park is feeling the storm’s wrath. Currently closed to the public, the park is dealing with its own cleanup challenges—a multitude of trees and limbs lost to the winds. Repairs are underway, but officials are advising patience as cleanup continues. Sam Queen from South Carolina State Parks reassured, “When Paris Mountain reopens, it will still offer tranquility and natural beauty in Greenville’s backyard.”

As Greenville continues its journey to recovery, the spirit of resilience shines through as citizens come together to restore both historical landmarks and natural parks. The love for this city is evident as the community rallies to bring back the charm and tranquility that makes Greenville a unique and beautiful place to call home.