Leo Redmond came full circle during his 24 year tenure as director of Cayce Historical Museum (CHM).

Now he’s giving a hand up to his successor, Jerry Kirkland.

Any number of artifacts could mark bullet points on a list of achievements Redmond has pushed through during the last two decades.

The most recent artifact is a 1936 firetruck Redmond and Kirkland are restoring.

The shiny red Oldsmobile was the first firetruck the municipality of Cayce ever purchased.

“We are returning it, as closely as possible, to its original condition, but it will be used to promote Cayce and the museum, so there are a few exceptions.”

Redmond said signage, for branding when the truck appears in parades and other civic events, is being added.

How is the firetruck a symbol of Redmond’s career?

Life reflects art

Like his early work for the museum, when he put in double the number of hours per week than an employee would, his dedicated work on the firetruck is being done on his own time.

His retirement was effective January 1. Working for the museum for free was an early habit he has returned to.

The REO firetruck (yes, there was an ‘80s rock band named REO Speedwagon) also is symbolic because Redmond’s father served as a firefighter on Columbia Army Air Base (CAAB) during WWII.

Under Redmond’s direction the museum interpreted life and work at CAAB, recently including a refurbished exhibit showcasing the Doolittle Raiders’ auspicious beginnings at the B-25 training center.

After the war the military facility returned to commercial status and now is Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

Redmond continues to praise the efforts of the late John Ellisor whose determination resulted in replicating the historic Cayce House, originally an 18th century trading post, and then for nearly a century the Cayce family’s private residence.

Construction of the replica Ellisor envisioned was based on a blueprint drawn from architectural research and now serves as the museum’s home – and its largest teaching aid.

To honor the Ellisor family, Redmond was inspired to follow the lead and research of long-time commissioner Mary Sharpe in the designing and establishment of a monument identifying Ellisor Hill, a community important in the development of Cayce.

“John Ellisor was descended from this earlier Ellisor,” Redmond explained.

When Redmond began as director in 1994, the house - still relatively new - was in good maintenance.

“As part of my preparation for retirement, we got some overdue painting done and some mechanical improvements taken care of so the new director could begin with the facility in good condition as it had been for me.”

Following a Legacy

Redmond followed the late historian Clayton Kleckley as director.

He said throughout all these years, Rachel Steen has been the museum’s right hand. “She put in place every system, every file, and has been an important part of every initiative we’ve taken on.”

Christmas season continues to be the museum’s most anticipated and best attended community event. Sharpe, a niece of John Ellisor, believes the opportunity to carry on beloved traditions makes the Christmas Open House and allied events perennially popular.

“From our last Christmas season, we passed on traditions by inviting school children to get involved in stringing popcorn for one of the trees and, as part of the decorations, we stuck stalks broken off of cotton plants, with white bolls still attached, into the tree limbs.”

Sharpe, who has served on the museum commission since its inception, said, “The children really enjoyed this activity.

Among museum artifact collections that help tell the story of the Cayce area are Native American finds, representing another circular connection for Redmond, a life-long collector.

“It’s no accident that Jerry (Kirkland) comes to the position so knowledgeable about relics and artifacts - Native American, as well as Revolutionary War and Civil War, for which he is widely-known in the collector community.”

Redmond said, “Jerry has been collecting those, especially in this area, for at least 25 years or more, in fact, we have often collected together.”

New perspective

Much of what the museum has always interpreted is now being seen in new light in the nearby 12,000 year History Park at Congaree Creek.

Material evidencing a continuum of human occupation - from pre-history through Native American periods, and including American Revolutionary War activities and Civil War earthworks – is on view at the museum, or is included in collections.

“Now that the history park is drawing attention and visitors, there is greater appreciation for the stories we have been telling all along.”

Redmond has much unfinished business where the history of Cayce is concerned and he says it’s a pleasure to continue working on it...in retirement.

Jerry Kirkland and Leo Redmond express appreciation to area businesses who have been supportive of the museum’s recent efforts.