BY JOLIE BROOKS, CHS JUNIOR
PHOTO BY LAKE WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Lake Wylie, SC - To most of us, Lake Wylie has always been Lake Wylie, but before its naming in 1960, the area was called the Catawba River and was commonly referred to as “The River.” Throughout the early 1900’s there were multiple textile mills in the surrounding area that were run by electricity produced by generators that were powered by steam. Many wondered if there was a cheaper method to produce electricity by utilizing falling water. Dr. Gil Wylie, a doctor who majored in engineering in college, was one man who had the education and financial resources to be able to complete this concept. Dr. Gil Wylie and his brother Dr. Robert Wylie met civil engineers William Whitner and Frank Whitner, and together constructed the first dam on the Catawba River at India Hook Shoals. That dam was destroyed in a flood in 1901, causing the Whitner brothers to withdraw from the project because of the expense of rebuilding. The Wylie brothers could not finance the rebuilding themselves, so they held on to the project, hoping to sell it for a profit. Dr. Gil Wylie decided to return to New York to practice medicine as the project floundered here. Then, while in New York, Dr. Wylie treated a patient with a foot problem. His name was James Buchanan Duke, and Dr. Wylie turned to him for the additional funding for the dam. Mr. Duke and Dr. Wylie then joined forces to rebuild the dam. The reconstruction was finished by 1904, and the hydroelectric station started operating. Unfortunately, this only lasted a little over a decade because the dam was destroyed again in the Great Flood of 1916. A new facility was built in 1924 that expanded the lake to its current size, making it one of the oldest man-made lakes in the Carolina area. Dr. Gil Wylie went on to become a president of the Southern Power Company. Dr. Wylie and Mr. Duke partnered once again to merge the Southern Power Company with the Duke Power Company in 1927, making Lake Wylie's hydroelectric station a part of Duke Energy. The lake would eventually be named Lake Wylie in honor of the man who first had the idea to construct the dam and bring hydroelectric power to the area.
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Ray BeeBe, a former Clover Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) participant and current Air Force pilot, worked with The Roaring Eagle to share his experience and give advice from his years of experience. In reflecting on a myriad of life experiences, a standout moment for the Beebe was his freshman year when an unforgettable trip allowed him to soar through the skies aboard a C-17 airplane in Charleston, SC. The thrill of that airborne experience left a permanent mark on his memory.
BeeBe attributes a significant part of his success to the adoption of core values from the Air Force, mirrored by the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)—Integrity, Service, and Excellence. According to Beebe, “Integrity means doing the right thing all the time, not just at work. Excellence means always giving your best. If you adopt those two values, it’s really hard to totally fail". Embracing these principles not only during high school but throughout adulthood has proven to be a guiding force both professionally and personally. The impact of these values is evident in milestones such as securing an AFROTC scholarship, completing his degree, competing for a pilot slot, and eventually receiving his initial Air Force assignment post-pilot training. The emphasis on these values created a foundation that propelled him forward in the ever-changing world of aviation. AFJROTC played an unexpected role as an early leadership trial. Leading the cadet wing during Beebe’s senior year revealed the challenges of working with peers, a skill that would prove crucial in the following stages of his career. This experience, combined with his college years, provided a unique foundation for collaboration and teamwork essential during pilot training and his early assignments in Charleston. A key figure in his journey is Major (Ret.) Brian Batson, Beebe’s mentor since the first day of class. Batson's guidance, leadership, and charismatic introduction to the Air Force left a persisting impression, inspiring a deep desire to be part of something greater. BeeBe shared, “ I will be forever grateful for his guidance and mentorship. I would not be where I am today without his help.” Reflecting on his initial reluctance toward AFJROTC, Beebe offers advice to prospective participants: give it a shot. Despite initial resistance, he now finds humor in the twist of fate that led them to become an Air Force pilot. He said, “You will have experiences in JROTC that you will not have anywhere else". Importantly, he stresses that JROTC is not solely for those with military aspirations—it offers a foundation for success in any profession. BeeBe's advice to AFJROTC participants echoes the theme of commitment and engagement. Beyond completing it for credits or social reasons, active involvement, adoption of Air Force core values, and surpassing minimum expectations expose individuals to additional opportunities, knowledge, and wisdom—preparing them comprehensively for the professional world that lies ahead. Ray Beebe’s journey from AFJROTC participant to Air Force pilot stands as a testament to the transformative power of values, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities. BY DIANA BRAKEFIELD, CHS SOPHOMORE
PHOTOS BY ALICIA GRIFFITH, CLOVER MAIN STREET DIRECTOR Various global cultures hold positive views of a simple clover. Some believe clover leaves symbolize faith, hope, and love, while others associate finding a fourth leaf with good luck. As we think about Clover, our small, charming South Carolina town, we naturally consider the history and origins of the name it bears. According to Alicia Griffith, Main Street Director, Clover, as we know it today, wasn't always this way. Once, it was merely a train stop nestled between what's now York, South Carolina, and Gastonia, North Carolina. Those railroad tracks were laid down in 1876, and steam engines from the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad regularly paused here to refill their water tanks from a substantial 5,000-gallon reservoir. But over time, things changed. By 1887, homes and businesses started appearing, and the town was officially incorporated under the name "Clover." But the big question remains: Why the name "Clover"? The story behind the name refers to the water tower by the tracks, vital for those steam engines. A lush clover patch thrived around its base, becoming so famous that train conductors fondly referred to the stop as "Clover Patch." Hence, "Clover" becoming the town's name was not just fitting but natural. Clover Centennial Park sits at the intersection of Main and Kings Mountain Street. It was a gift to the town, dedicated to becoming a park in honor of its centennial in 1987. The park's standout feature is a mural that tells the story of how Clover started as a stop on the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad. In this park, there's a special treasure called the Centennial Time Capsule. It holds things from 1987 and was buried in the park on Dec. 20, 1987. Plans are to open it in the year 2037. Now, let's fast forward to today. Plans for renovating Centennial Park are underway, aiming to make downtown Clover even better. Alicia Griffith spoke with The Roaring Eagle staff and provided insight into those plans. She stated, “The suggested plans would include making the space open with seating, sunshades, and a possible mini stage complete with a selfie spot.” Wall planters will add a touch of beauty to the area, creating a welcoming place to gather. But here's the thing – these plans need approval from the Town Council. They'll finalize the plans and present them to the Council for a vote, probably within the next year or two. “In the meantime, we are working with small business owners and offering Main Street Grants as well as workshops and educational quarterly meetings. We are celebrating new businesses opening and have two coffee shops slated to open by the end of the year,” continued Ms. Griffith. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend small business events on the first Saturday in October and November. Additionally, mark your calendars for December 2, when Santa Claus will be available for photos during the Clover Holiday on Main event! We know The Roaring Eagle staff will be there! |
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