Explore the unique culture of Columbia, SC

The curated articles about Columbia, SC, highlight its unique community features. The narratives capture both historical landmarks and vibrant cultural elements that define the city. Articles explore diverse aspects like local clubs, signature foods and iconic tailgates, all contributing to the city's distinct character.

A story about the Cockaboose Corp. delves into a unique homeowners association that governs tailgating railcars, emphasizing the group's role in preserving tradition. Another article features the Associated Model Railroads of Columbia, showcasing a beloved pastime and its passionate enthusiasts despite the city's common traffic woes caused by trains.

In another piece, Columbia's iconic clocks receive attention as a dedicated caretaker maintains these historic timepieces, ensuring they mark the city's progression through time. Meanwhile, Columbia's love for a signature sandwich style, emblematic of local delis like Groucho’s and Andy’s, reflects the city's culinary culture and the personal touch of longstanding family businesses.

Read the stories below.

The STP Dipper, from Groucho’s Deli, left, and the Andy’s Special from Andy’s Deli are variations on a sandwich found at many restaurants in Columbia. The sandwich features turkey, roast beef, Swiss cheese and bacon bits. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 1: ‘ICONIC’ FOR OUR LOCAL DELIS: WHY COLUMBIA’S SO IN LOVE WITH THIS SIGNATURE SANDWICH

You know it. You love it. It’s *our* special Columbia sandwich. “I believe it’s a sandwich for any time. You could have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You could have it in good times or bad.” | Published May 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Sophia Catharine Nance died on January 24, 1853. She was buried in a cast-iron casket with a port hole so admirers could see her face. The casket and others are buried under the Washington Street United Methodist Church. Shot on 5/17/02 Tracy Glantz/The State 920-2030

NO. 2: SC WOMAN’S RARE COFFIN LETS YOU SEE HER INSIDE. SO WHY CAN’T ANYONE VIEW IT ANYMORE?

A viewing window in her casket was meant to keep Sophie Nance visible for all time. But an accident caused the Columbia woman to be sealed away. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bristow Marchant

Tim Sease is a professional clock maker who has been winding and maintaining the historic clock at Sylvan’s Jewelers on Columbia’s Main Street since about 1974. The four-sided clock dates back to 1911. It replaced a two-sided clock that was earlier installed. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 3: COLUMBIA HAS TWO ICONIC CLOCKS DOWNTOWN. THIS MAN HAS BEEN CARING FOR THEM FOR 50 YEARS

“A lot of people associate you with the clock.” | Published August 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes

Steve Clary, from left, Tom Davant, Kim Devant and Paul Eskridge celebrate as USC scores a touchdown against LSU on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. Tom Davant said he had not been inside the stadium to watch a game in six years. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 4: THE COCKABOOSE CORP. IS THE COOLEST HOA EVER — AND IT’LL THROW A YELLOW FLAG IF NEEDED

Yes, South Carolina’s famous Cockabooses have their own homeowners association with some similar, and very different, rules as your own HOA. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jordan Kaye

A model of an Amtrak train, designed to be similar to the Silver Star and Floridian trains that go through Columbia, at the Associated Model Railroads of Columbia, a club that meets Thursdays at 1800 Lincoln Street in Columbia, South Carolina, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 5: COLUMBIA OFTEN CURSES TRAINS FOR JAMMING TRAFFIC. MEET THE CLUB WHO LOVES THEM

Columbia’s Associated Model Railroad club celebrates little engines that still capture the imagination. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.