THE STORY
Reported Haunting
A longstanding Hartsville-area legend says Old Man Joe died after crashing into Big Beaverdam Creek. Local tradition says visitors who call to him with a lighter may hear someone running through the creek toward the bridge.
One of the best-known local legends around Hartsville centers on the Big Beaverdam Creek bridge along Sanders Road. According to the story, Old Man Joe was riding down the dirt road while trying to light his pipe. After dropping his lighter, he leaned down to retrieve it, lost control, and crashed into the creek, where he was killed. Visitors traditionally park near the bridge, roll up the windows, lock the doors, place their keys on the hood of the vehicle, and step outside. They then strike a lighter three times while repeating, "Old Man Joe, I got a light for your pipe!" After the third call, many claim to hear the sound of someone running through the creek toward them. Although there is little historical documentation supporting the tale, the legend has been passed among local residents for generations.