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_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Scholars Debate American History During Conference in Edgefield by Clint Bowie (published March 23, 2005) A group of about three dozen British historians flocked to Edgefield last week for a four-day conference that focused on nineteenth-century American history. While here, the visiting scholars debated topics that ranged from the esoteric (“The Speakership Contest of 1859”) to the proverbial (“Manifest Destiny”). During their brief stay, they also received a heaping dose of local history, however force-fed it may have been.
Though some may have questioned why Edgefield was chosen as the site of the conference, the program explained the town’s selection as follows: “The location of the conference in Edgefield will broaden understanding of the rich internal complexity of South Carolina and the particular importance of a region of the state that often took the lead at decisive moments in a dramatic and significant history.” On the BrANCH Web site’s description of the conference a quote is included from Charles Joyner, a Coastal Carolina professor and an honorary lifetime member of BrANCH. He had the following to say about Edgefield: “I usually take the position that any place that has been occupied by human beings is intrinsically as historical as any other place; but I don't think there can be any doubt that Edgefield is one of the most intrinsically interesting historical place anywhere around.” The four-day affair began with a reception Thursday at Oakley Park and continued that evening with a round-table discussion on Edgefield led by Bettis Rainsford, Vernon Burton (author of In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions: Family and Community in Edgefield, South Carolina and a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), and James Farmer (a professor at the University of South Carolina at Aiken). This discussion brought forth a number of interesting ideas about the study of history and, more specifically, the study of Edgefield history. Farmer posited that Edgefield has been so studied lately “because of something like a bandwagon effect for historians. When a place like Edgefield becomes popular and in vogue to study, other historians are naturally drawn to it as well.” Farmer went on to say, “Edgefield was a nineteenth-century place. Very little has happened since then.” Burton countered this by bringing up several examples of what he deemed historically-significant events that occurred in twentieth-century Edgefield. Scholars representing all stages in the academic career cycle, from graduate student to professor emeritus, presented papers during the conference. Papers covering similar topics were paired into sessions, which typically last for one and a half hours (30 minutes for each paper and then a 30-minute question-and-answer period). While all papers focused on nineteenth-century American history, there was a great variety and range in session topics: Edgefield District in Southern History; Complexities of Manifest Destiny; Democracy and the Democracy, Gender, Class and the Law; Perspectives on Reconstruction; Northern Concerns; Antebellum Politics; Confederate Nationalism; Edgefield District and Reconstruction; Planter Values; Marital Relations in Slavery; and Death in the Civil War. The local turnout – there were typically around a dozen Edgefield residents at each presentation – surprised the historians, many of whom stated that this was the first time they had witnessed such local participation at a conference. Carol Hardy Bryan, the vice president of the Old Edgefield District Genealogoical Society, attended most of the presentations. “I was glad I was able to participate,” she said. “I feel privileged to have participated in an event that I would normally not have had the chance to take part in. I enjoyed being with them and being in that atmosphere.” While she concedes that none of the presentations “grabbed” her, Bryan observed that “not everything that spreads your intelligence is necessarily enjoyed. The point wasn’t to entertain, it was to broaden your intellect ¬– and that happened for me.” On Saturday, Bryan attended a talk given by Owen Butler entitled Nativism, Unionism, and the Success of Southern Know-Nothings, 1854-55. “I had heard of the Know-Nothings before the conference,” Bryan said, “but I didn’t know much about them. That presentation has made me dive into my history books and find out more about that subject and how it relates to us.” School Board Votes in Favor or More Merriwether Reps by Suzanne Derrick (published March 23, 2004) The Edgefield County School Board was drawn into a heated discussion that ended with no negotiation toward compromise. The new redistricting map for the county elections of school board members went the way of the majority of community spokesmen attending, all representing the Merriwether area, and the way of the two authors of the map, boardmembers Scott Chitty and James Bibbs. Edgefield representative Brad Covar and Johnston Representative Andy Livingston were in the battle alone as they sought to discuss what they felt were inequities in the favored Map A. Chairman Sallie Cooks tried to bring the discussions to a conclusion by stating that “in every [conflict] someone is not going to be happy.” The unhappiness in this case is the loss of one of the board members in the new division. Edgefield and Johnston are split up and somehow brought together into one district, so that Livingston and Covar are left as competitors in future elections, if they choose to run. Livingston asked, “Is that no compromise?” The silence was the answer. No. There was the complaint on the side of the two authors of the accepted map that they were left to draw it up together with no help. Livingston stated that he, Chitty, and Bibbs met in his office early on to discuss the new challenge of redistricting. Livingston chose to use the old map on which he had worked (called Plan 2) and suggested that Chitty and Bibbs try their hand at one and then come back together. There was never another meeting called. The population numbers talked about were: Merriwether has about 9100 in population; the rest of the county has 13,000. Those who represented Merriwether pointed out that with “what is close to half the population,” they have only two representatives. Their need is for three. With the new redistricting, Merriwether will have three. Livingston pointed out that according to the Justice Department directive of the early 1970s there should be three white districts, three black, and one swing. It was not clear whether this directive was still in place, or partially so, but Covar noted, “The new plan has no toss up district.” The issue of the press getting the maps before the board had time to discuss them was pointed out, and understood, but not defended. Chitty issued the maps on Tuesday afternoon two weeks ago by email to the press. “This looks and smells like railroading,” said Livingston. Not attending the meeting was board member Mary Alice Jackson, whose husband is ill. Also, the attorney for the board, Greg Anderson, was out of town on business and not available for comment. The suggestion that the board have him available for comment was not favorably received. Bibbs commented that “we did the best we could with what we had.” He also noted that they needed “a little more help.” Another matter that the board heard through an intensive survey of numbers and statistics was the Restricted Fund Budget, discussed by Larry Derrick, Director of Fiscal Services. He noted the possible need for “another mill or two” to fund Fox Creek. He also noted that the economy is moving in a better direction after four years of struggle, and that more money may be coming from the state coffers. A more detailed accounting of his report may be carried later. Ms. Lure Captivates Audience and Sends Message of “Cure” by Suzanne Derrick (published March 23, 2004) Though there were empty seats in the STHS cafetorium, and though only six contestants were on hand to compete, the Ms. Lure contest, held this past Saturday evening, was both entertaining and purposeful, giving those who attended a good family-night-out, and one to be remembered.
The judges struggling with this decision were: James Courtney of the Edgefield School District; Nathaniel Haynes, Guidance Counselor at JET; and Adell Dobey, Edgefield County Sheriff. Assisting them with her accounting skills was the Edgefield County Treasurer Arlene Traxler. The answer to the struggle came in the form of a “winner ribbon” for every Ms. Lure contestant. Edweena “Boom Boom” Johnson (obvious to all how “she” acquired the nickname) won a ribbon for specifics about her anatomy. Sarina Brady, Tiffany Michelle Crim, Erriel Thomas and Stavanna Luttrull all were sporting a special ribbon when the winner was announced -- Ms. Lure of 2005. That ribbon went to the beauty in red, Jolene Smith. These men who chose to imitate the opposite sex in this most entertaining manner, and in so doing gave a great contribution to a worthy cause, were: Eddie Johnson, Joe Brady, Michael Crim, Joel Smith, Errol Thomas, and Steven Luttrull. Many others from the county participated in this event. Tina Frick directed the show, Marion Turner provided the music, and Sam Madison crooned to the lovely contestants in readying them for the finale. A host of others did artwork, decorated, and donated time and materials. A very special guest was Quandrifa Needaman (Patrick Murrell), Ms. Lure 2004, who strutted the stage in “her” last hurrah and spoke of her sadness at letting go the title. But, like several others on stage, she reminded the audience that they were there “fishing for a cure,” the theme of the evening – the cure for cancer was their underlying goal. All proceeds went to Relay For Life. | |||||||||||||||||||
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