Newspaper Clipping: Ella Jane Nesbitt, October 17, 2018
- Title
- Newspaper Clipping: Ella Jane Nesbitt, October 17, 2018
- Accession Number
- 2026.38.1.31
- Accession Date
- 16 June 2026
- Accession Creator
- Meadow Knapp
- Description
-
The Greer Citizen newspaper clipping of the remembrance service at Stomping Grounds for Ella Jane Nesbitt
Three photographs: Lisa Garland, Miss Ella Jane's Tuna Salad, and Dr. Norma Nesbitt Givens - Contributor
- Kaelyn Cashman
- Date
- October 17, 2018
- Storage Location
- Box 33, Folder #2
- Text
-
At Stomping Grounds
BY KARLYN CASHMAN
STAFF WRITER
Ella Jane Nesbitt made her mark on Greer.
The longtime owner of Nesbitt's Beauty Shop was the first African American to operate a business of this nature in Greer. The store opened in 1947 and continued on until Nes-bitt's retirement in 2011, when she was 90 years old.
"It wasn't just a beau-ty shop, it was a place to gather," her daughter, Dr. Norma Nesbitt Givens, re-marked.
Following her mother's passing, Givens wanted to do something to honor her mother. That's when she approached Stomping Grounds owner Lisa Gar-land, who routinely names menu items for prominent local fixtures.
"We've had a coffee shop for about seven years now," Garland said. "From the moment I came
KAELYN CASHMAN| THE GREER CITIZEN
Lisa Garland, Owner of Stomping Grounds, named her tuna salad special after Ella Jane Nesbitt.
to Greer. I always felt like Greer was home to me, even though I missed a lot of the stories from not growing up here.
"I guess I like to hear about people who've lived here their whole lives and the things that have gone on in Greer and that makes me feel more rooted here," she said, "so when I met Norma, I think we clicked instantly."
Givens asked Garland if a sandwich could be named for Nesbitt.
Miss Ella Jane's Tuna Salad
"Right away, she said yes," Givens said. "I was shocked."
"She didn't hesitate," she said. "That really made me feel good. I'm really grate-ful for this. This is another way to remember her (Ella
KAELYN CASHMAN | THE GREER CITIZEN
Dr. Norma Nesbitt Givens remembered her mother Ella Jane Nesbitt Friday at the Stomping Grounds on Trade Street.
Jane)."
The sandwich consists of one of Nesbitt's favorite foods.
"We have it on the menu (now)," Garland said. "It's called Miss Ella Jane's Tuna Salad."
"When you hear a daughter talk so highly of her mother, it's unbeliev-ably touching," she said. "I was so inspired to hear the story and know that she worked 70 years; she retired at age 90. That's incredible. We're delighted to have it on the menu."
Garland is also looking to hang a framed picture of Ella Jane Nesbitt at the Stomping Grounds, and relics of her hair products are going to be displayed in the Greer Heritage Mu-seum.
[email protected] | 877-2076
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