From “Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection,” by Jeffery R. Willis
The dominance of the textile industry in the early years of the 20th century gave Greenville’s leaders some cause for concern. A welcome source of diversification came in 1917 with the founding of the Balentine Packing Company. William Hampton Balentine came to Greenville at the age of 20 from Laurens County and operated several meat markets. Since there was no meatpacking industry in the entire state, Balentine saw an opportunity. In the shadow of the Record Building on the south side of East Court Street, he began a packing company that became statewide in the distribution of meat products. The plant expanded in time to cover an entire block. By 1930, Balentine Packing Company had the capacity to slaughter 125 hogs an hour. Although W. H. Balentine died at the age of 49, he left an able wife and 11 children to carry on the business he founded. The logo of the company became an “aristocratic pig,” portrayed in an upright position sporting a monocle and top hat.
Today, where the Balentine Packing Company once stood, a parking lot and trees have taken its place. However, the John Wesley Methodist Church, seen next to the packing house in the old photo, remains on the corner of East Court and Spring streets.
