A tribute to the "Mayor of Five Points"
Murdoch Finlayson
contributed by: John Wrisley
from the Columbia Star
Columbia, South Carolina
June 27, 2008
http://www.thecolumbiastar.com/news/2008/0627/society/026.html
He was the courtly white- haired gentleman who ambled through Five Points several times a week dressed always in jacket and necktie. His gait slowed when he reached his 90s, and he carried an umbrella which he used as a cane. J. Murdoch Finlayson was laid to rest at the old St. David Cemetery in his native Cheraw just before noon on June 19, 2008. He would have been 97 in November.
Murdoch was informally known as the "Mayor of Five Points," and he had a sharp eye for the loose change people tend to scatter in their wake. He was by no means in need of this "found money," but his early career in the days of the Great Depression taught him the knack of frugality. He graduated from USC's School of Commerce in 1935 and paid his way through school with several jobs, among them- an amending clerk in the S.C. Senate.
Prior to World War II Finlayson worked for the new Tennessee Valley Authority. Then he got into the thick of things in the Navy in the war, from the North African shores in 1943 to the D- Day landings at Normandy in June, 1944.
He returned to his life as a man of business after the war and eventually retired to his house on Duncan street upon retirement. His saunters were longer than most people knew, for he usually walked from his home and back again. He never owned a driver's license and relied on buses or family when he wished to go further a- field.
On his 93rd birthday a friend gave him a 1911 dime. (The year of his birth.) "Murdoch," said the friend, "I found this today on the street at Five Points. I was walking in your territory, so I really think it belongs to you!" Finlayson did not question the report but happily accepted the coin to add to his collection of "found money."
His many area friends will appreciate the thoughtfulness of his family who buried him with coins in his pocket and his trusty cane/ umbrella at his side. Rest in peace Mr. Finlayson! You'll be missed.
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2 comments:
God bless him, Dave. You know, I once lived in Columbia, SC. (1994-1996). I remember one summer I was there there was a jaywalking law strictly enforced in 5-points . Tickets were given and all!!
Patti W.
Columbia, SC is a beautiful city. Our entire family of eight used to cram into the stationwagon drive there at least once a year. As Martha Stewart would say, "good times."
Gina, Katie, Kelsey and I took time to drive down and park in the five points area - just to walk the points in memory of Murdoch. Not many students during that time of day and we took some photos by the fountain and had a Starbucks iced coffee. It was late in the day and most of the shops were closed. We'll be back.
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