One of the oldest homes in Camden, Samuel Mathis purchased this lot in 1805 from Joseph Kershaw and the home was built by 1810. The home remained in the Mathis family until it was sold in 1850.
In 1977, caterer, bon vivant, and collector Jack Brantley purchased the home. Jack lived and operated his very successful catering business, Aberdeen Catery from this house until it was gifted to the city if Camden in September of 2021.
Aberdeen combines many of the original features with Jack’s love of beauty and opulence. Vibrant colors and elaborate moldings enhance his extensive collection of antiques and porcelains. Every piece in the home was either gifted to or purchased by Jack. His collection philosophy was very simple, “It is pretty. I like it. I will buy it.”
Generations of Camden residents remember Aberdeen as the most hospitable home in Camden. Jack never failed to open his doors for friends – and everyone was a friend. The Camden Archives and Museum and the City of Camden are proud to continue Jack’s tradition of hospitality by opening Aberdeen for guided tours.
Tours will be conducted Saturdays at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Guests should sign up for a tour through Eventbrite. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Due to the size of the home, groups of 10 or more will need to contact the Archives to make alternate arrangements.
In recent days, the Camden Police Department (CPD) has received an increase in reports from local businesses that have received fraudulent $100 bills. This issue not only affects the financial well-being of our businesses but also the trust and security of our entire community.
The CPD is calling on all residents and business owners to stay vigilant and informed about this growing threat. Here’s how you can help:
For Citizens:
1. Be Observant: When receiving change, especially in large denominations, take a moment to examine the bills. Familiarize yourself with the security features of genuine currency.
2. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive or witness someone attempting to use counterfeit currency, do not confront them. Instead, remember as many details as possible and report the incident to the CPD immediately.
3. Educate Others: Share information with friends and family about how to recognize counterfeit money and encourage them to report any suspicious activity.
For Business Owners:
1. Train Your Staff: Ensure your employees know how to identify counterfeit bills and understand the protocol for handling them.
2. Use Detection Tools: Consider implementing tools such as counterfeit detection pens and UV lights at your point of sale.
3. Verify Security Features: Instruct your team to check multiple security features on all high-denomination bills before accepting them.
4. Report Counterfeit Bills: If your business receives a counterfeit bill, do not return it to the person who handed it to you. Isolate the bill, document any relevant information about the individual who used it, and contact the CPD immediately.
The Camden Police Department is committed to the safety and security of our community. We are working diligently to investigate these incidents and take appropriate action. By staying informed, vigilant, and cooperative, we can work together to combat the spread of counterfeit currency in our community.
If you have any information about these incidents or need guidance on currency verification, please contact us.
For non-emergency calls, dial 803-425-6025. For emergencies, dial 911
The City of Camden’s Main Street Program will host a series of small business workshops in the coming weeks at the Camden branch of the Kershaw County Library. Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta, Director of Planning & Development Shawn Putnam, and representatives from the Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center will lead workshops for small business owners and any member of the public wishing to attend.
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays – January 9, January 23, February 6, February 27, March 5 and March 26 at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street.
January 9, 6:00-7:00 pm – Get Your Business Online – Still haven’t verified your small business with Google? Let’s get you online, so customers can find you! Whether you’re nervous about bringing your existing business online, or you’re just starting a business and want to know where to begin, this workshop will get you found on Google. You will also learn the benefits of owning a domain and how to get the most out of your online presence. This Grow with Google workshop is presented by Main Street Manager and Google Partner Kat Spadacenta. Please bring a laptop to this workshop.
January 23, 6:00-7:00 pm – Do I Need A Permit? – Learn what steps you need to take in order to open a brick and mortar business in Camden. From construction to sign permits, sidewalk encroachments and more, City of Camden Planning & Development Director Shawn Putnam and Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta will be on hand to guide you through the step-by-step process and answer specific questions. Registration recommended, but not required.
February 6, 6:00-7:00 pm – Learn the Basics of Google Ads – Learn how to reach more customers and grow your business through the help of Google Ads. In this hands on workshop, you will learn how to create and account and set up an ad campaign, write ads and refine keywords, and understand analytics to measure success. This Grow with Google workshop is presented by Main Street Manager and Google Partner Kat Spadacenta. Please bring a laptop to this workshop.
February 27, 6:00-7:00 pm – SBA Federal Contracting 101 – The federal government spends more than $500 billion annually on federal contracts and 23% must go to small businesses. Want to learn how you can be a part of that 23%? Join Angela Brewer, Business Opportunity Specialist with the SBA South Carolina District Office as she discusses federal contracting.
March 5, 6:00-7:00 pm – Let’s Start a Business – Do you have an idea for a business? Have a hobby or side venture that you think could be profitable? Or have you already launched your business, but still have questions about operations? Join Small Business Development Center presenter Bob Jones to learn the steps to starting a successful business. Find out what resources are available and what best practices to follow when starting a business. Registration recommended, but not required. Contact Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta, kspadacenta@camdensc.org or 803-549-5648.
March 26, 6:00-7:00 pm – Brownfields 101 – Learn what a brownfield is and how the City of is seeking public participation through its current Environmental Protection Agency grant to ensure that the community is given the opportunity and encouraged to identify potential brownfield sites and help determine their potential for redevelopment and reuse.
The project comprised of sewer line replacement and paving on Fair Street, between DeKalb and York Streets, has been delayed to due weather conditions. Crews have completed the replacement of the sewer line. Paving of Fair Stret will occur when daily temperatures reach recommended levels. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Camden City Council will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 5:30 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning updates to the City of Camden Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing will be held in Council chambers at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street.
The updates to the comprehensive plan were developed in compliance with the SC Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Enabling Act of 1994, as amended. The updated plan was recommended by the Planning Commission for adoption by City Council, pursuant to SC Code §6-29-530.
Copies of the proposed comprehensive plan are available for public review below and at City Hall.
Anyone having questions about the comprehensive plan, needing assistance due to sight impairment hearing impairment, or disability should contact Shawn Putnam at 803-432-2421 prior to the date of the meeting so that arrangements can be made to provide the specific assistance required.
