A lot of South Carolina towns sprung up around the railways. Although many of the railroad depots are no longer train stops, communities around the state have banded together to preserve these buildings. By repurposing the charming depots they are able to remember their town's history while providing new opportunities for present and future citizens and visitors.
Such is the case with the Historic Belton Train Depot. When it was built in 1910, it served more than 60 trains and trolleys. But by the 1960s, it was out of service entirely. It lay dormant for two decades, bu, after years of renovations, it was rededicated in 2007. Since then the Belton Train Depot has been home to two very different museums: The Ruth Drake Museum and the S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Ruth Drake Museum explores the agricultural, industrial and railroad history of Belton and the Upstate and provides genealogical resources for people who trace their family tree's roots to the area.
Next door, you'll find the S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame, which features tennis memorabilia donated by tennis players, coaches and professionals with connections to South Carolina, including three Wimbledon participants. The museum also displays portraits of tennis champions by artist Wayland Moore, a native of Belton, whose style has a great way of capturing the energy and action of the sports world.
Belton is also home to the Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival Week which showcases music and unique arts and crafts. For more information on this annual fesitaval go here.
I recommend calling to confirm days and hours of operation. The phone number for The Ruth Drake Museum is (864) 338-7541 and you can reach The S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame at (864) 338-7400. Find out more by visiting the Belton Area Museum Association webpage.
