Harold's Country Club, renowned for its unique interior collectibles, genuine auto parts décor, and down-home Southern cooking, is a beloved spot among local residents. Over the years, it has even attracted famous visitors to the Lowcountry, including movie producer Joel Silver, who often stops by when he visits his Lowcountry retreat, Auldbrass Plantation, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Several years ago, Silver asked Harold to visit the plantation to show Martha Stewart how to fry a turkey - but that’s a story for another time!
Harold shared a special friendship with Joel Silver, the owner of Auldbrass Plantation. When in town, Joel would regularly come to Harold’s on Sundays for coffee. Recently, Joel’s wife mentioned to Mary, Harold’s widow, that Joel misses Harold greatly and talks about him almost every day.
In 1994, Dennis Hopper directed the movie Chasers, which was filmed at Harold's garage, transforming it into a “bikers' bar” for the occasion. The business temporarily closed to accommodate the filming. More recently, in 2015, students from the Savannah College of Art and Design spent several days filming an original movie at Harold's.
Harold’s Country Club features lunchroom-style seating in the former garage area, adorned with fascinating collectibles. Located in the small town of Yemassee, South Carolina, near I-95 exit 38 where Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, and Colleton Counties meet, it is just a short drive from Beaufort, Hilton Head, Ridgeland, Hampton, and Walterboro. Harold's has been highlighted in numerous local and national publications, including Charleston, Coastal Living, Esquire, and Southern Living magazines.
This family-run establishment has always served as a gathering place for the community. Originally built in the 1930s as a Chevrolet dealership, Harold Peeples purchased it in 1973, operating it as an old-fashioned garage and gas station. In the late 1970s, friends and neighbors began gathering for covered dish suppers on Thursday nights. As this tradition grew, Harold took on the cooking, charging a small fee to cover expenses. Eventually, Friday wings and Saturday steaks were added to the menu.
Often, cars had to be moved out of the garage to set up tables and chairs. The garage features a “stage” seating area because Harold chose to build over the “grease rack” (car lift) instead of removing it. As the garage gradually evolved into a bar and restaurant, remnants like radiator hoses and fan belts adorned the walls. However, a major fire on May 9, 1999, destroyed the entire bar area. Despite being under-insured, Harold was determined to rebuild, and friends contributed various items to help restore the unique décor. A newly completed room for extra seating and private parties became the new bar, allowing Harold’s to resume operations within a week, though it took two weeks before meals could be prepared. After missing the first Thursday potluck, Harold received requests from customers wanting to bring covered dishes for everyone to share a meal.
Harold was a lifelong baseball and softball enthusiast, serving as a player, coach, umpire, and supporter. When the local school ball field was no longer available to the local softball team, Harold led a group to form the Yemassee Athletic Association, purchasing land and building a ball field across the road from his business, then known as Peeples Service Station. After the games, announcer Charles Jackson would say, “Now, let’s all go over to Harold’s Country Club for a cool one.” This catchy phrase led to the business being affectionately called Harold’s Country Club. On June 4, 2011, the ball field was named ‘The Harold Peeples’ Athletic Park” in his honor.
Harold’s Country Club is open Thursday through Saturday, with additional hours for private parties. The establishment still sells fishing bait and tackle. Although Harold Peeples passed away in 2003, the legacy of Harold’s Country Club continues through his family. His nephew, Ronald Murdaugh, has been involved since the beginning, and Harold’s widow, Mary Peeples, remains active in the business alongside his grandson, Bobby Bunton, who fondly recalls learning to cook steaks from his Pappy. Harold's children, Harold Peeples, Jr. (Red) and Joyce Bunton, assist their mother, with Estelle Roseneau serving as the general manager.
Harold treated everyone equally—rich or poor—and went out of his way to help friends and strangers alike, including stranded motorists. His goal was for everyone to have a good time, but he also established rules; anyone causing trouble would be banned “for life and a day.” Yet, even those individuals were welcome back after offering a sincere apology.
