Historically Speaking Fall 2023

VOLUME

64 ISSUE No. 01

Historically Speaking FALL 2023

A NEWSLETTER OF HISTORIC COLUMBIA

From the

PRESIDENT

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s we reflect on accomplishments from the 202223 fiscal year, we have much to celebrate:

n The public is returning en masse to Historic Columbia (HC) events, programs, and tours, and staff are finding new avenues of access and engagement—through new technologies and creative partnerships. n We completed the year with the largest operating budget in HC’s history. Thanks to increased support from the City of Columbia and Richland County as well as donations from the corporate and private sectors, we ended the year with a $2.34 million-dollar operating budget. n With grant support from the Richland County Kim Crafton Conservation Commission and time investment from over President 100 community members, HC finalized a new master plan Historic Columbia for interpretation at the Robert Mills House. As we approach Board of Trustees the 200th anniversary of the construction of this National Historic Landmark, we look forward to introducing an interpretation that will allow us to tell more complex stories in dynamic and engaging ways.

In addition to the great work of the organization this year, I want to acknowledge that this marks the completion of Robin Waites’ 20th year at the helm of HC. When she joined HC in 2002, no one could imagine how her leadership would transform this organization. In September, she informed the board that this year will be her last. Robin will be retiring from Historic Columbia in June 2024.

For two decades, Robin has been a guiding force at HC, leading the organization with unwavering dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to preserving the rich history of Columbia. Under her guidance, HC has flourished, becoming a vital institution that connects the past and the present. As she embarks on a well-deserved retirement from her work at HC, we wish to spend this year celebrating the lasting impact of her tenure as Executive Director.

One of the hallmarks of Robin’s leadership has been her commitment to inclusivity. She has understood the importance of acknowledging the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped Columbia’s history and has worked to make strides in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of these underrepresented communities. You will see this commitment displayed in the work of the Columbia Canopy Project, Kugels & Collards, and Building Richland County—all featured in this annual report.

As we celebrate Robin’s remarkable career, we also look ahead to the bright future of HC, knowing that the organization is well equipped to continue its important mission, thanks in large part to the vision and persistence of this remarkable leader. Please join me in congratulating Robin on an extraordinary 20-year journey of preserving and sharing Columbia’s history. She assures us she will be found at many HC events post-retirement—as the organization’s number one advocate, we know she’s not going far!

To our members and friends of HC—we invite you to join us this year in supporting HC’s work, so that Robin’s final year with us will also be her best!

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HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

Historically Speaking FALL 2023 Volume 64 | Issue 01 President Kim Crafton 1st Vice President Doug Quackenbush Past President Gina Lesslie Treasurer Rodrick Shiver Secretary Carroll Heyward

Historic Columbia preserves places and shares complex stories from the past that connect us in the present and inspire our future.

In This Issue 4 The More, the Merrier 4 Rentals Revenue Breaks Records 5 Palladium Makes an Impact 5 Volunteer Engagement is Valued 6 Unveiling HC’s Digital Collection 8 Research Reboot 10 Kugels & Collards Released 12 Join HC in Preserving a National Landmark 14 Building Richland County 14 Coming Attractions 15 Garden Renovation Update 16 Collections Spotlight On the cover Clockwise from top left: Unveiling of historical marker at the USC Horseshoe, January 2023; HC members on an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Kensington Mansion, May 2023; volunteers enjoy a performance at the 44th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture, September 2022; storytelling at the Robert Mills House during Richland Library’s Augusta Baker’s Dozen event, April 2023.

Board of Trustees Board of Trustees Kim Crafton, President Doug Quackenbush, 1st Vice President Rodrick Shiver, Treasurer Carroll Heyward, Secretary Ex-Officio Members Gretchen Barron, Richland County Liaison Lauren Elliott, HCAC Chair Hardy Childers, Palladium Chair Gina Lesslie, Past President

At-Large Members Lisa Burden Mary Elam Lura Folline Alex Guzman April Hames Cory Manning Ty Patterson Donna Polk Todd Shaw Gwendolyn Thurmond

HC Advisory Council Lauren Elliott, Chair David Bornemann Jim Byrum Ann Cameron Frank Cason Patrick Cleary Beryl Dakers Jessica Elfenbein Monya Havekost Kathy Hogan

Ann Holtschlag Michelle Hurley-Johnson Olivia Hyatt Gloria James Brian Johnston Richard Linden Andrew Lucas Betsy McDonald Todd Miller Stuart Moore

Kathy Norton Debbie Parker-Douglas Jeff Payne C.D. Rhodes III Henry Roe Cleve Walker Cal Watson Aaron West Toni Wilson

Total Operating Income ......................2,338,658

Elizabeth Johnson, Education Assistant

Operating Expenses Program Expenses .............................. 1,596,008 General Supporting ................................ 366,594 Fund-Raising Expense .......................... 348,211

Katharine Allen, Director of Outreach & Engagement

Rachel Gregor, Collections Manager

Margaret Bauknight, Development Coordinator

Chris Mathis, Head Gardener

Catherine Beltran, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

JoCora Moore, Community Engagement Coordinator

Emily Brown, Director of Marketing & Communications

Jeffrey Richardson, Director of Operations Carmen Sangster, Education Manager John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Daisha Calhoun, Rentals Coordinator

Rebecca Townsend, Horticulturist

Stella Cobbs, Visitor Experience Associate

Autumn Thoele, Rentals Office Assistant

Emily Folk, Visitor Engagement Associate

Rachel Ward, Collections Assistant

Eric Friendly, Curator of History

Rebecca Woodruff, Research Coordinator

Debbie Giles, Business Manager

Historic Columbia’s Statement of Activities for the year ending on June 30, 2023.

Kevin Jennings, Director of Buildings

Joe Glenn, Facilities Assistant

Nathan Brown, Office Manager & Executive Assistant

2022-23 Financial Statement

Rebecca Jacobson, Director of Development

Robin Waites, Executive Director

Heather Bacon-Rogers, Visitor Experience Manager

Hardy Childers, President Andrew Rogerson, Vice President Ari Robbins, Secretary Kyle Alston Witt Bauknight Austin Blackwell Russell Cox Michael Edmonson Furman Fortner Chandler Garnett Caroline Jackson Kelsey Kenney Matthew Morrison Shannon Petrone Sarah Seegars Lesley Smith Abi Snyder Jaime Walvoord Nell Warthen Patrick Cleary, ex-officio

Operating Income City of Columbia .................................... 768,000 Richland County ..................................... 541,810 Individual/Corporate Donations ......... 410,637 Grants ......................................................... 46,788 Assets Released from Restriction .......... 134,708 Rental ....................................................... 146,992 Tours/Public Programs .......................... 102,256 Other .........................................................187,460

Staff

Jake Armstrong, Gardener

Palladium Board of Directors

Total Operating Expense .................... 2,310,813 Non-Operating ....................................... 20,862 Net Operating ............................................ 27,845 Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets ........ 48,707 Increase in Donor Restricted Net Assets ................................................... -3,762 Increase in Net Assets .............................. 44,954 Net Assets, beginning of year ......... 2,945,010 Net Assets, end of year ...................... 2,993,710

HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

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Fiscal Year in Review

A YEAR OF GROWTH THE MORE, THE MERRIER

By EMILY BROWN Director of Marketing & Communications

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significant way in which Historic Columbia (HC) fulfills its mission of preserving places and sharing complex stories from the past is by creating experiences and hosting events that bring context to the present through history. In addition to offering historic house museum tours every Wednesday-Sunday, HC hosted 76 public programs in 2022-23, introducing the complexities of Columbia’s history to nearly 21,000 attendees.

Among the most popular programs were the Behind-the-Scenes Tours of The Babcock (Bull Street District), Peak Drift Brewing Co. (Columbia’s North Main area), Kensington Mansion (Eastover in Richland County), 5th and Sloan (formerly Rosewood Church), and 1218 Taylor Street (Downtown Columbia).

These programs provided exclusive access to rehabilitation projects and offered a unique way for people to support our mission. HC’s membership supported these programs in droves, selling out tickets before they

opened to the public. Your attendance and engagement brings HC’s mission to life!

Other key programs would not have been possible without our wonderful partners.

Events such as Concerts in the Gardens with the SC Philharmonic and Columbia Conversations with USC’s History Center offered the opportunity to invite new and different audiences to engage with HC’s properties and stories. With your support, these events reached maximum capacity and helped meet and exceed revenue goals.

Program attendance for FY2023 grew 28% over FY2022, and we look forward to continued growth this year. As a current member of HC, you’re the first to know about upcoming offerings. Be sure to read our e-newsletters and check our website or social media channels to stay connected to all HC has to offer. It is our hope that HC events continue to educate and inspire, leaving attendees with a respect for what makes Columbia unique and an awareness that our communities are interconnected. We hope you will join us for an upcoming program soon!

Professor David Shields and Chef Kevin Mitchell present “A Talk and Tasting,” held at the Boyd Horticultural Center Greenhouse, February 2023.

76 20,914 EVENTS

ATTENDEES

28% increase over FY2022

RENTALS RECORD RECORD-BREAKING REVENUE

By DAISHA CALHOUN Rentals Coordinator

Allen/Malloy wedding held at the Hampton-Preston Gardens. Credit: Jessica Hunt Photography.

125 34 $146,952 BOOKINGS

RENTAL INCOME

WEDDINGS

30% increase over FY2022 19% above budgeted revenue goal 4

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early beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the success of Historic Columbia’s event rentals in 202223! Over 13,500 attendees gathered at our historic homes and gardens to celebrate special occasions this year—from weddings and rehearsal dinners, to bridal and baby showers, to large events, festivals, and fundraisers, to photoshoots and business meetings. Set amid historic backdrops and picturesque gardens, our properties continued to be coveted locations to celebrate all of life’s special moments.

Rental income allows HC to further its mission of preserving

important links to our past for future generations to understand the lives of those who came before them.

With assistance from our marketing team, we worked to streamline our event rental booking process this year, making gathering information easier for event planners, hosts, and HC staff alike. With these enhancements, plus the addition of the Boyd Horticultural Center Greenhouse to our rental offerings, we were able to host an unprecedented number of events, bringing in a recordamount of revenue to benefit our organization. To learn more about hosting your next special event at one of our properties, please visit historiccolumbia.org/rentals.

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: PALLADIUM MEMBERS ARE MAKING AN IMPACT

By REBECCA JACOBSON Director of Development

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alladium Membership refers to our affiliate group of “young and young-at-heart” professionals who are passionate about historic preservation and enjoy opportunities to socialize and network with a like-minded community of enthusiasts. Our highly engaged Palladium board spearheads planning for two key fundraisers, the Silent Auction and the Palladium Tour, as well as the wildly popular Renovation Rodeos.

Palladium has become so popular that the greatest membership growth in all levels this past year was in Palladium, including doubling the number of members who added Palladium to their membership. Robin Waites describes Palladium’s significance to HC as “a key feature that allows us to capitalize on the community’s interest in historic preservation through both fun public programs and philanthropy. Palladium’s strength lies in the volunteer board members who work tirelessly on events and serve as advocates among their peers in the region.”

Palladium membership is available to anyone with just a $25 add-on to

any membership level and includes the following benefits: n Discounts on advance tickets to Palladium-sponsored events, including the annual Palladium Silent Auction: Bidding & Barbeque and the Palladium Tour, where attendees view multiple homes showcasing a particular architectural aesthetic. n Free admission to the quarterly Renovation Rodeos. n Leadership opportunities for Palladium board members. n Networking opportunities at all events.

Hardy Childers, outgoing Palladium board chair, says he sees Palladium as “Historic Columbia Plus. It’s for those of us who want to do more and have access to even more Historic Columbia events.

As chair this past year, I was most proud of the success of the Palladium Tour in Melrose Heights that drew over 300 attendees and raised record proceeds for Historic Columbia.”

Thank you to our Palladium members for your support, engagement, and contribution to Historic Columbia; you are indeed making a difference!

And thank you to all of our members, both individual and corporate, we couldn’t do what we do without you.

Palladium board members at the Palladium Tour in Melrose Heights, April 2023.

$92,225 CONTRIBUTED TO OPERATING BUDGET

BY PALLADIUM EVENTS & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT in FY2023

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT IS VALUED BEYOND MEASURE

By HEATHER BACON-ROGERS Visitor Experience Manager

HC’s mission to nurture, support, and promote the preservation of Columbia’s architectural and cultural heritage is a labor of love that extends far beyond its staff. It is the collective effort of HC’s volunteers that breathes life into its mission and ensures that the stories of our past continue to educate, inspire, and captivate future generations. FY2023 was a year full of activity for the HC volunteer program. Serving as interpretive guides, garden volunteers, curatorial assistants, special event assistants, board members, and advisory council members, these Margaret Woodrum, Joyce Laval, Walker Covin, and Caroline Gibbes potting plants with HC remarkable individuals invested horticulturalist Rebecca Townsend in preparation for the Spring Plant Sale, April 2023. their time, energy, and talents into safeguarding the vibrant tapestry of our city’s and county’s history.

Thank you, volunteers, for your unwavering dedication to HC!

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VOLUNTEERS

2,641 $83,984

SERVICE HOURS

VALUE

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Out of the Box

UNVEILING HISTORIC COLUMBIA’S DIGITAL COLLECTION

By RACHEL GREGOR Collections Manager

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n August 2022, I joined the team at Historic Columbia (HC) as the Collections Manager. This newly revived position entails numerous responsibilities, all of which center on the care for and research of the collection, as well as maintaining and updating all the paperwork that accompanies it. One of the best tools to manage these tasks is a collections management software (CMS), which acts as a biography of a museum’s collection. It allows staff to look up an object’s condition, measurements, provenance, and age without ever physically touching or seeing the object.

Furthermore, staff can track how many times the object has been relocated within the many buildings HC manages, how many times it’s been on display—either in an HC museum or on loan to another institution—and any other relevant information regarding the care it needs. While this information can be (and once was) tracked

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with pen and paper or through a never-ending spreadsheet, the use of a CMS makes collections care more efficient and accurate. And, as much of this information is now cloud-based, the general public is now able to learn more about HC’s collection through a smart phone or desktop beginning this month.

For the past year, I have photographed, researched, cross-referenced past records, and inventoried our full object collection in anticipation of sharing it online. To prepare for the launch, I, along with collections assistant Rachel Ward, have manually transitioned from our former, outdated software to a new, modern CMS called CatalogIt. Debuting this fall are a selection of 40 objects held within HC’s permanent collection. Many are currently on display, but several remain in collections storage and are rarely, if ever, viewed by the public. The initial selection of objects, much like the overall collection at HC, varies by medium, age, size, and association to Richland County.

Among these 40 objects, online visitors will

HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

An important step in digitizing Historic Columbia’s collection is to take high-quality photos of all objects, large and small. Object photography requires both care and attention to details that the average eye doesn’t see. Rachel Gregor and collections assistant Rachel Ward take and edit anywhere from 1-10 photographs per object.

find the first-ever object accessioned into HC’s collection, a first-edition of Statistics of South Carolina (1826) by Robert Mills, as well as an object acquired just this June, a $5 banknote from the Commercial Bank of Columbia (1854).

There are many reasons to digitize HC’s collection—online catalogs are a way to source new loans, learn new interpretive techniques, showcase to the public the full extent of our collection, or simply to learn more about a specific object via insights shared from other experts. An online collection also expands access beyond what is already on display. This is vital, as HC’s house museums currently allow approximately 50% of the collection to be displayed. While this is much higher than the often-cited national figure of 8%, it still means that more than 1,000 objects sit, sight unseen, for years at a time. Over time, our growing, cloud-based collection will rectify this through the creation of virtual exhibitions.

However, HC primarily views our online collection as an additional way to share the

complex stories of people and organizations from Columbia and Richland County. Although HC does this work every day through its tours, programs, and many partnerships, the individual objects within the collection hold unique references to the past, and these stories often simply cannot fit within the time constraints of a tour. To enhance our visitors’ experience, QR codes will soon be accessible in every house museum. For the first time, visitors interested in learning the purpose of that peculiar long fork in the provisions room of the Robert Mills House or who a want a closer look at the calendar hanging in the Chicora College exhibit in the Hampton-Preston Mansion can do so via their phones.

No museum collection is complete. While we actively search for additions to our collection at auction houses, you may find you have a piece of history—like a stereograph

by W.A. Reckling—in your own home. HC’s online catalog will allow everyone, everywhere to see what objects we are collecting and hopefully encourage related donations.

Our hope with this launch is that more people will interact with HC’s collection and choose to support our mission in other ways, including making a trip to one of our museums to see these objects in person. In the meantime, HC’s collections staff strives to be a resource to visitors and other institutions by providing additional information about our objects through research requests and loans.

We hope that you and others who share your passion for preserving our past will aid us in growing the collection through donations, with the newfound knowledge that these objects will no longer be hidden away. We now invite you to “Explore the Collection” via the link below. Continue to visit our website often, as we will be adding objects each month.

Stereograph of the Women’s Lunatic Asylum (No. 61) - “Popular Series of Southern Views.”

Historic Columbia collection, HCF 2016.5.1.

HOW TO ACCESS HC’S ONLINE COLLECTION n Visit historiccolumbia.org/collection and click “Explore the Collection.” Browse the object photographs for something that piques your interest and click to learn more, OR type in a keyword in the search bar. Words like Chicora, Hampton, bottle, and painting will all return results! n The online database will include key aspects about HC’s objects, including their size, medium, physical description, and interpretative information. n Our team is diligent in maintaining information that is up to date and accurate. If you have additional information about an object in our collection, please contact a member of the collections staff. n HC plans to add a QR feature to each house museum this fiscal year so that you can learn even more about the objects you see on your tour. n We encourage you to check back often to see new additions published monthly.

Learn more at: historiccolumbia.org/collection

THANK YOU

Collections Committee!

As with any major database transfer, there have been some roadblocks over the last year. Thank you to HC’s Collections Committee, a group of community members with a background in and/or passion for our historic house museums and material culture, for their guidance and expertise during this process. If you are interested in volunteering on the committee, please contact collections manager Rachel Gregor.

Historic Columbia’s 2022-23 Collections Committee: Rodger Stroup (chair), Janice Bowman, Lana Burgess, Fritz Hamer, Cory Manning, Jeffery Payne, Patricia Shandor, and Amber Waterstradt.

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Research Reboot

HC EXPANDS ACCESS TO LOCAL HISTORY WITH UPDATED RESEARCH WEBSITE

Oak Read High Rise, 1968. Russell Maxey Ph Collection, Richland Library, Columbia, S.C.

By ERIC FRIENDLY Curator of History

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istoric Columbia’s research and interpretation team spent FY2023 participating in community initiatives, fielding research inquiries, and preserving and sharing stories about Columbia and Richland County. Over the past year, we tackled several research projects that illuminate important parts of Columbia and Richland County’s history that had yet to be explored. Among these projects are the Columbia Housing Heritage Trail, which explores the history of public housing in the capital city; People, Not Patients, which uncovers the stories of individuals treated at the former South Carolina Lunatic Asylum; and the Columbia Canopy Project, which shares the histories of 23 historically marginalized communities in Columbia and honors their leaders.

In addition to providing unprecedented

new discoveries and interpretive content, the research team also partnered with HC’s marketing team to revamp the research section of historiccolumbia.org to better share its important findings. Showcasing HC’s research projects online not only enhances accessibility to information about the history of Columbia and Richland County, but also promotes transparency, collaboration, and long-term preservation of historical knowledge.

Meaningful community partnerships allowed HC to expand its research project portfolio using new online platforms like ArcGIS StoryMaps. By incorporating multimedia elements like videos and interactive maps, history is brought to life, providing a more engaging and interactive presentation of research.

This annual report will introduce you to key projects completed in 2022-23. We invite you to learn more about each project on our updated research portfolio website.

Map of Columbia, S.C. & Vicinity, 1928. Cour Richland Library, Columbia, S.C.

Babcock Building, 1905. Russell Maxey Photo Collection, Richland Library, Columbia, S.C.

Courtesy Brookland-Lakeview Empowermen West Columbia, S.C.

Learn more at: historiccolumbia.org/research-portfolio

YOU ARE INVITED!

Columbia Canopy Project Launch Celebration

Friday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. | Drew Park (2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia)

To commemorate the launch of the Columbia Canopy Project, please join Historic Columbia and Columbia Green for a celebration including a short program, wayside signage unveiling, and refreshments.

This event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us! Learn more and register today:

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historiccolumbia.org/ccp

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nt Center,

Columbia Housing Heritage Trail Historic Columbia was engaged as a preservation consultant by Columbia Housing to research, interpret, and disseminate the history of the Columbia Housing Authority.

Deliverables included an ArcGIS StoryMaps online tour, interpretive signage placed near current and former Columbia Housing sites, and future interpretive signage planned for the Columbia Housing headquarters. This history offers insights into the broader context of public housing in the United States, examining social, economic, architectural, and racial influences from the Great Depression era to the present day.

Elmwood Park Online Tour The Elmwood Park Online Tour, sponsored by the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association and Richland County Conservation Commission, launched in May 2023.

Through ArcGIS StoryMaps, users trace the evolution of Columbia’s early 20th-century suburb of Elmwood Park from its establishment in 1904 through its growth into what today is one of the capital city’s most architecturally intact historic neighborhoods.

Viewing profiles adjust for cell phone, tablet, and desktop access, offering flexibility in the experience.

People, Not Patients In partnership with Able South Carolina and funded in part by South Carolina Humanities, Historic Columbia explored the lives of those treated at the former South Carolina Lunatic Asylum (1828-1896). Research pulled from the asylum’s administrative records, gravesites, newspapers, and census data to illuminate the stories of the people who passed through the hospital’s gate on Bull Street. The goal was to recenter individuals in the stories we share about Bull Street, and in doing so, destigmatize disabilities of all kinds. Phase I included the creation of ten patient biographies using ArcGIS StoryMaps, with the goal of adding more in time.

Lakeview School Landmark Lakeview High School served as Lexington County’s sole public high school for Black students from the 1920s until its closure in 1968 during the desegregation era. In partnership with Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) personnel and Lakeview High School alumni, Historic Columbia served as preservation consultant to prepare and submit the former equalization school, which houses BLEC today, for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places These efforts culminated on January 31, 2023, when the Department of the Interior officially entered the property into the National Register of Historic Places.

Columbia Canopy Project Columbia Canopy Project commemorates the leaders of Columbia’s historically marginalized communities and addresses the impacts of structural racism through neighborhood histories and memorial trees. To achieve this end, HC produced longform narratives on the history of each community participating in the project, many of which have never been researched. To supplement these narratives, Columbia Green planted trees in participating communities to memorialize their individual leaders and provide a place of natural beauty for neighbors to enjoy. Wayside signs and an accompanying website detailing the history of each community will debut December 1. You are invited to join us at the launch celebration! Details at left.

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Kugels & Collards

PRESERVING AND SHARING STORIES OF FOOD, FAMILY, AND TRADITION IN JEWISH SOUTH CAROLINA

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istoric Columbia (HC), in partnership with the College of Charleston’s Jewish Heritage Collection, the Jewish Community Center and Columbia Jewish Federation, the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina and the Richland County Library, established the Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative (CJHI) in 2014—a multi-discipline project, which documents, celebrates, and increases awareness of local Jewish history, heritage, and culture.

By the end of 2016, HC’s CJHI had completed several major projects: the installation of three historical markers, the publication of a walking tour in both print and web formats, and the transfer of nearly 50 new oral histories to the College of Charleston’s Jewish Heritage Collection. The steering committee could have concluded its work with these achievements—the initiative had surpassed its initial goals and received several major accolades, including one for heritage tourism awarded by South Carolina’s state preservation office. Instead, committee members began looking for new, dynamic ways to share Jewish history, and in turn expose new audiences to Jewish family stories in Columbia and beyond.

A potential path forward emerged in January 2017, when Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey approached HC staff with an intriguing idea: use food as a lens by which to share stories of the past. Rachel and Lyssa reasoned that many family stories, although replete with details about businesses, achievements, and relationships, are often deemed by their memory keepers as “not historic,” or perhaps not of interest to the general public. Perhaps, contended Rachel and Lyssa, by asking that an individual share the story behind a beloved family recipe (along with the recipe, of course), CJHI would gain both new participants, and a new audience.

But first, the project needed a name and a platform. What started as “Knishes, Kugels & Collards” was quickly shortened to just “Kugels & Collards,” a nod to the easy co-existence of these two foods on the Southern Jewish table, itself “symbolic of the intertwining of our food cultures.” The planned format, a food blog, would allow for quick posting and access to a broad, internetbased community of foodies on various social media platforms.

By KATHARINE ALLEN Director of Outreach & Engagement and EMILY BROWN Director of Marketing & Communications

Kugels & Collards is not a typical cookbook; rather it is a collection of essays and family recipes from 69 contributors— Jewish and non-Jewish, White and Black, women and men— whose culinary memories are firmly rooted in the Palmetto State. From a Lithuanian kugel recipe that made its way to South Carolina, to flanken soup cooked for carnival workers at the South Carolina State Fair, to the southern fried chicken that graced Shabbat meals, tales of food and family fill the pages of Kugels & Collards. A collection of essays and recipes from families who arrived in Charleston in 1791 to today, this book is a poignant— and delicious—compendium of South Carolina Jewish life, from the Lowcountry to the Upstate, revealed through the voices of its community. Food is used as a lens on the South Carolina Jewish experience. Sabbath dinner brisket and kugel, chopped liver variations, Thanksgiving corn pie and collards, and heirloom pound cakes made for special occasions fill the pages of the book.

“We have learned that food provokes strong memories, uncovers little known histories, and brings forth voices silenced in the past,” writes authors Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey.

Throughout this project, several common themes emerged for the authors: food provokes strong memories, uncovers little known histories, and brings forth voices silenced in the past.

Delicious aromas, the taste of a special spice, a treasured china pattern used for a holiday dinner—all can elicit feelings and take us back to a particular moment in time.

Through Rachel and Lyssa’s diligence, over the first four years, Kugels & Collards published 50 stories with accompanying recipes.

And, just in time for the blog’s fourth anniversary, Rachel and Lyssa were able to announce a book deal with the University of South Carolina Press. The book came together during the pandemic, when the pair conducted interviews with Jewish families across the state over Zoom, collecting memories to include alongside family recipes, just as they had on the blog. Nearly six years later, Kugels & Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina was published August 29.

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HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey, authors of Kugels & Collards and founding members of CJHI. Credit: Rachel Barnett

Kugels & Collards not only honors these memories, but also looks to the future, where food will surely continue to be a source of connection, understanding, and joy for the people of South Carolina and beyond. You can learn more information about the project, and read all archived blog posts featuring essays, recipes, and photos at kugelsandcollards.org. The food blog is still actively managed by HC.

Photos featured in Kugels & Collards. Credit: Forrest Clonts

HC’s mission is to preserve places and share complex stories from the past ​that connect us in the present ​and inspire our future.

The hope is the recipes and memories collected, preserved, and shared by CJHI will inspire readers to explore their own culinary and family histories.

Although the co-authors spearheaded gathering and sharing these stories, they say the book does not belong to them. Rather, it belongs to the partners and contributors to the project. As such, the co-authors have generously offered all book royalties to further the Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative’s goals. To support HC’s continued efforts to research and amplify Columbia’s Jewish history, please donate to CJHI at historiccolumbia.org/support.

Savor the

STORIES

Kugels and Collards is on sale now at the Historic Columbia gift shop, local book retailers, and everywhere books are sold online.

All proceeds benefit Historic Columbia’s Jewish Heritage Initiative.

Sink your teeth into a copy today!

Visit Kugels & Collards online at kugelsandcollards.org t

HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

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Join Us in Preserving a National Landmark WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE ROBERT MILLS HOUSE

By JOHN SHERRER Director of Preservation

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ver the last 60+ years, Historic Columbia has assumed the important responsibility of caring for some of the most significant historic sites in the Midlands on behalf of the City of Columbia and Richland County and setting THE example of best practices in historic preservation. This year we need your help!

The Robert Mills House is a unique place, and its preservation is intertwined with the identity of Historic Columbia. In 1961, a group of local preservationists came together to save the Robert Mills House from demolition.

Their efforts not only retained what would become one of only five National Historic Landmark properties in the capital city, but also set the foundation for the establishment of Historic Columbia.

As the Robert Mills House stands on the cusp of its 200th anniversary, we return our attention to its ongoing preservation. Supporting this year’s Annual Fund invites the public to, once again, be a part of this effort. Capital improvements that will take place quite literally will be “bricks and mortar” preservation in practice. In full, the scope of this latest work includes: n On the brick foundation, non-breathable paint that traps moisture will be removed and replaced with a breathable, natural lime wash. n Historically accurate, low-fired, soft brick will replace broken, spalled, and powdering masonry. n Carpentry work on the rear porch will involve replacing deteriorated stair treads, risers, and some decking that suffers from major wood rot. n Windows requiring exterior attention will be scraped, primed, and repainted. Inside, new UV-light-blocking film will be applied to all windows, whose current film has failed after two decades of service. This move will ensure the preservation of artifacts within the building while limiting solar gain, which when coupled with the installation of insulation within the attic, will improve the overall visitor experience.

By supporting this year’s Annual Fund, you not only ensure the HC can maintain this iconic historic site, you also empower the organization in its efforts to preserve other key places, districts, and stories that are central to interpreting our shared past.

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HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

Robert Mills House, north elevation, general conditions.

FUNDING NEED Please take a moment to consider how you can support this critical capital project whose foundational goals will preserve the building to which Historic Columbia owes its very founding.

With your help, Historic Columbia can return this National Historic Landmark to the vision of our nation’s first federal architect, Robert Mills.

$125,000

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Project Costs

$90,000

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Appeal Goal

$35,000

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Preservation Grant (requiring

matching funds)

Deteriorating conditions found within the ground level go far beyond simply aesthetic problems, as brick spall and flaking elastomeric paint are evidence of rising damp being trapped within the foundation’s low-fired, porous masonry.

Two generations ago, the United States Department of the Interior bestowed upon the Robert Mills House its most prestigious accolade.

It’s time for us in this generation to meet the standards befitting the care of this historic resource.

Severe wood deterioration led Historic Columbia to block public access to the building’s south porch to ensure the safety of visitors and staff alike.

Annual Fund

SPOTLIGHT

Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization working to preserve and protect the history of our region for generations to come. We are asking you—our longtime friends and supporters—to extend the legacy of the leaders who raised funds in 1961 to save the Robert Mills House from demolition. Using best practices, the historic landmark will be restored to pristine condition. Gifts of all sizes help us achieve our goal of preservation, education, and advocacy. You can support the 2023-24 Annual Fund by submitting the enclosed envelope or donating at the link below. Thank you for investing in Columbia’s past, present, and future!

historiccolumbia.org/annualfund

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HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

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Building Richland County

RESEARCH TEAM CATALOGS BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE OF RICHLAND COUNTY; ADDS 300 WAYPOINTS IN FY2023

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uilding Richland County (BRC) is an interactive, geographic database of Richland County’s historic places and districts developed by Historic Columbia. Free to the public and regularly updated, BRC allows researchers, historic preservationists, property owners, community groups, and tourists to better understand the built environment and architectural history of Richland County. New sites are added weekly, so check back often for updated waypoints and information about Richland County’s historic places and districts.

Access the Database

Scan the QR code to access Building Richland County. The geographic database of Richland County’s historic places and districts can be searched by many parameters. It is designed to be intuitive, so we invite you to explore its various features.

Learn more at: buildingrichlandcounty.org Historical photos of the Babcock Building (1905) and the Columbia Mills Building (1895), both featured in Building Richland County.

Coming ATTRACTIONS

Oct. 25: Trunk or Treat

Nov. 4: Bulb Bonanza!

Dec. 9: Candlelight Tours

Grab your costume and join HC for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience. Community members and local organizations throughout Columbia will meet in the parking lot of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters!

Awards and prizes will be offered for the best costume and best decorated trunk.

Join us for a lively morning of all things bulbs!

Columbia-grown horticulturists Jenks Farmer and Jim Martin have envisioned, planted, and enlivened more public spaces in the state than any other duo.

Since their passions for spring bulbs vary wildly, you’ll get a morning full of fun and diverse bulb lessons. Books and bulbs will be available for sale.

Join us for a special holiday evening touring the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills House by candlelight. Learn about traditions of the past as musicians play selections from the 19th century. Tickets include entry to both house museums and our Holiday Vendor Market, as well as a children’s activity area with free, takeaway crafts for your tree and home.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Robert Mills House & Gardens

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9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Robert Mills Carriage House

HISTORIC COLUMBIA | NEWSLETTER

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Robert Mills House and Gardens

Garden Renovations Update

GARDENS OF WOODROW WILSON FAMILY HOME BENEFIT FROM FY2023 ANNUAL FUND

By JEFFREY RICHARDSON Director of Operations

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hanks to the generosity of Historic Columbia’s (HC) annual fund donors, the Gardens at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home experienced historically significant renovations during 2022-23. The original gardens reportedly were designed under the influence of Jessie Wilson, President Wilson’s mother. Like other landscapes of the period, the garden would have been divided into the formal, decorative front yard and the working back yard, filled with vegetables and cut flower beds for interior decoration. Aided by Saluda Hill Landscapes, the HC grounds team made the following renovations this year informed by the historic usage of the property: n An underutilized gravel lot was replaced with a lush lawn and long, meandering paths, allowing for movement along both sides of the house and among the vegetable and flower beds. This gorgeous outdoor entertaining space will be available for facility rentals beginning in Spring 2024. n A hedge of ten tea olives was planted on the property. A 1938 article reports that Wilson wore a sprig of the olive tree from his family’s Columbia garden during both his inauguration and burial.

An earlier article, also published in The State, corroborates that Wilson did indeed wear floral adornments from Columbia at his funeral, including magnolia leaves from his family’s home. n Overgrown ivy on the Hampton Street side of the property was removed and replaced with a drift of 160 Hydrangea macrophylla, generously donated by Spring Meadow Nursery based in Grand Haven, MI. Also referred to as “French hydrangea,” this Asian species gained nationwide popularity during the Victorian era and would have likely appeared in the front garden. n A cut flower bed was planted where the working back yard would have been located historically. This garden was funded by a generous donation from Brittany, Hardy, and Elise Childers in honor of Greta Bickley. This bed will grow and change over time, allowing fresh flowers to seasonally adorn this property.

These aesthetically appealing and historically informed changes have immediately made the Gardens of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home more attractive and usable for special events, rentals, and daily tours. As these plantings mature over time, the gardens will develop into the ideal picture of a Victorian suburban property, the beauty of which will allow Historic Columbia to delve further into the complex story of its past.

Before

After

Before

After

Underutilized gravel lot in back garden.

Overgrown ivy under the colonnade of Magnolia grandiflora on Hampton Street entrance.

Back garden with fresh sod, new plant installation around fence, and extended meandering pathways.

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Saluda Hill Landscapes removed ivy and grounds team installed 160 Hydrangea macrophylla, courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery based in Grand Haven, MI.

1601 Richland Street

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Columbia, SC 29201

Collections SPOTLIGHT Columbia native Julia Rush Fisher Bachman (1834-1915) painted this near replica of John James Audubon’s (17851851) “Wild Turkey,” notable for being the first illustration in his seminal work The Birds of America. To complete his groundbreaking folio and several other works, Audubon partnered with Julia’s father-in-law, John Bachman (17901874), who performed ornithological research, and her stepmother-in-law, Maria Martin (1796-1863), who drafted the background illustrations for many of Audubon’s drawings.

Julia likely translated the “Wild Turkey” engraving into oil while living in the Fisher-Bachman House, formerly located at 1615 Hampton Street with her husband, William K. Bachman (1830-1901), and her in-laws sometime before the Civil War. “Wild Turkey,” reproduced in oil by Julia Rush Fisher Bachman, circa 1860.

Historic Columbia collection, HCF 00.285.1

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www.historiccolumbia.org

NONPROFIT ORG USPOSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT #1000