Back to birth of the nation

Life in Colonial America comes alive
as Ninety Six marks anniversary of siege

May 21, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

NINETY SIX — Walking amid living history, Ninety Six Historic Site visitors on Saturday knew precisely what it was like to live at the birth of their nation.
They strolled under bright blue skies, which just hours before were streaked with lightning and rain, on the paths of history that commemorated the 225th anniversary of The Siege of Ninety Six. The historic site has dubbed the two-day anniversary program “Struggle for the Star.”
“I’m honored to be here,” said musician John McGaw, of Thomson, Ga. “It’s a great event.”
McGaw retired Friday from his elementary music teaching job. He delighted the fluid crowd moving in and out of the historic site’s gift shop with melodies from the hammer dulcimer. The authentic reproduction of the Colonial instrument is the forerunner of the modern piano.
The instrument is played by patterns, similar to what a person learns touch-typing on a computer keyboard. The player doesn’t have to look at the strings once he learns the patterns, McGaw said. Also, the hammer can act as drumsticks for a distinctive sound, not available from the piano.
Now that he’s retired, McGaw said he plans to record a definitive collection of dulcimer music and will continue to experiment with the instrument’s jazz applications. “When there are kids in the crowd, I let them play it,” he said. “When you look at history, most of the developments were first for war, second for music.”
It was fitting, then, that war and music converged in this place a few miles from the present town of Ninety Six, which itself conducted a two-day festival in conjunction with Star Fort’s anniversary.
It’s a place when Colonial forces were defeated — their 28-day siege did not dislodge heavily fortified British forces from the strategic outpost. But after General Nathaniel Greene’s forces left, the British left, too, a month later in a retreat to Charleston.
That scenario was what Colonial and British re-enactors came to this place on this weekend to remember. It was the reason for a keynote speech and special commemorative wreath-laying ceremony staged by Daughters, Sons and Children of the American Revolution.
Activities continue today with the park open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and the living history camps available for visitors to inspect from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Many of the re-enactors and encampment participants are camping at the historic site for the weekend.
Walter Allen, of Clinton, has a surveying display at the encampment of the Musgrove Mill Militia & Company.
Other displays at the group’s encampment are Colonial children’s games, silk worms, woodcrafts taxidermy and cooking, which on Saturday included Brunswick stew and apple pie.
Allen said surveying, which began in ancient Egypt, came to America by Europeans who used “meets and bounds” to determine property lines.
“One of the main reasons people came to the New World was the prospect of owning their own land,” he said. “To own it, the land first had to have a value; to have a value it had to be surveyed.”
After the Revolutionary War, the fledging nation had a huge war debt to pay, and it was determined that as a money-raising method the lands of the West would be sold. To be sold, the lands had to be surveyed, and Allen said a marker stands today on the west bank of the Ohio River at Liverpool, Pa., where the beginnings of the geographic western United States are.
Surveying today uses lasers but many of the basic principles are the same as from Colonial times, Allen said. Of course, today’s surveying for the most part is not considered a hazardous duty. In Colonial times, though, when surveyors were going through forests, they cut down trees that were in their way. The Native Americans, coming upon these cleared areas, didn’t know what they were, but realized the areas were man-made.
“When (Native Americans) realized that men were cutting the trees to survey and sell their land,” Allen said, “the surveyors became targets so they had to take along their Brown Bettys (rifles).”
Soaking up the living history and educational opportunities of the weekend experience at Star Fort, an abundance of young people were in the encampments as re-enactors and among those strolling the paths of history.
James Guirau came from Columbia with a group, Trailblazers of the YMCA, to spend time with son Michael and daughter Laura. The Trailblazers group encourages one-on-one time between children and their dads — if the dad can’t go on an excursion, the kid doesn’t go either. Sometimes there are whole family events, and moms get to come along.
Twelve Trailblazers from Columbia were at Star Fort Saturday.
“We had to come, this is one of our shorter trips,” Guirau said. “We normally do one camping trip a month. We’re camping at Lake Greenwood. Rustic, no bathrooms.”

Heritage, heartache come to life in Ninety Six

Native American legacy, slavery re-enactment
move some to tears, hugs at festival kickoff

May 21, 2006

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

NINETY SIX — Clyde Weigel was moved by what he witnessed.
Native American women singing of the legacy of their Cherokee people made Weigel stop the program.
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” he said, “but I just want to say to you, I apologize for what my ancestors did to your people.”
Speaking to the three women who had just performed three songs from their Cherokee heritage, each recounting what they said was the pain and hope representative of all Native Americans, Weigel said he had to confess, as a Christian, to the sins of his forefathers.
“We had a Reconciliation (white to black last year in Abbeville) and we need to apologize to you,” he said to Twin Eagles Child, Raven and Blue Spirit Woman (their Cherokee names). All three women were moved to tears, and each hugged and talked to Weigel, telling him he was forgiven.
It would be the first of two emotional experiences for a small band of audience members in The Depot for Friday night’s kickoff of three days of festivities in Ninety Six.
This weekend is the 225th anniversary of The Siege of Ninety Six at the national historic site, and the town planned events Friday and today in observance of the anniversary. Activities at Ninety Six National Historic Site are today and Sunday.
The Cherokee women sang the Cherokee national anthem, to the tune of “Amazing Grace,” and other selections of their heritage.
Dressed in authentic Cherokee clothing, they discussed their travels and work on behalf of the Reedy River Intertribal Council to keep Native American history alive. They travel today to Greenville to represent Native American soldiers in the armed forces parade, and they have gone to Georgia, Oklahoma and Mississippi for other programs.
Then, in another performance that moved some to tears, dramatic Colonial-era re-enactor Kitty Evans took the audience into the slave trade, seen through the eyes of an African girl. She also recounted the bravery of blacks who fought for the Colonists against the British during the Revolutionary War.
“As an African-American, hold your head up. They didn’t want you to learn, but someone in your family survived,” her character said, breaking into song. “Someday I will be free from the troubles of the world. I know that I will see my Lord.”
After her performance, Evans asked the audience to pray for her. “I’m 67. I’m a retired teacher. I never thought the Lord would lead me on the path he has led me,” she said. “I will let all who will listen know, we were here.”
“We are blessed to be citizens of Ninety Six,” said Charlie Harts, who runs the town’s visitors center, which was dedicated in a lunch-time program on Friday. “Those who came tonight received a blessing.”
Today’s activities for the townwide festival begin at 7 a.m. with yard sales and continue with an antique tractor and car show in the town park and a classic car show in the visitors center parking lot, both starting at 9 a.m. Professional wrestling will be from 2-4 p.m. on The Square, and “96 A Story To Tell,” narrative walking tours of locations in town also will be from 2-4 p.m. Rounding out festivities will be a 7 p.m. performance by The GreenWood Winds.
The Taste of Ninety Six, special menus selections at the town’s restaurants, continues all day, along with merchants’ activities. And at St. Paul United Methodist Church, there’s a pig pickin’ with all the trimmings.
The National Park Service, Department of the Interior, has a full slate of anniversary activities scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. All activities at Ninety Six National Historic Site are free.

Todd Nelson Ellis Sr.

DONALDS — Todd Nelson Ellis Sr., of 738 Ellis Road, died Saturday, May 20, 2006 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Richie Funeral Home, Abbeville.

Milford Leo Glassburn

PLUM BRANCH — Milford Leo Glassburn, 80, of Thunderbird Boat Club, died Saturday, May 20, 2006 at his home.
The family at the home.
Services will be announced by Strom Funeral Home, McCormick.

Barbara Goldman

GREENWOOD — Barbara Pitts Goldman, 72, resident of 211 Pitts Circle, widow of Boyce Richard Goldman, died May 20, 2006 at her home.
Born in Greenwood County, January 23, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Clinton Bishop, Jr. and Lena Lewis Pitts. She was a member of Harris Baptist Church, the TEL Sunday School Class and the JOY Group of the church.
Surviving are two daughters, Karen G. and husband Chris Hudson and Tina G. Boatwright, all of Greenwood, a sister, Joan P. Hawkins of N. Augusta and two grandsons, Bruce Hudson and Caleb Boatwright, both of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Monday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frank Thomas and Rev. John Abrams officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Dickey, Wayne “Buddy” Simmons, Danny Bell, Darby Bell, Tony Bell and Steve Rhodes. The family is at the home on Pitts Circle and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Harris Baptist Church, 300 Center Street, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Goldman family.
PAID OBITUARY

Barbara LaFountain

Barbara Elaine Scott LaFountain, 47, of 114-A Halcyon Court, wife of Barry LaFountain, died Friday, May 19, 2006.
The family is at the home of her mother, Helen Evans, 303 Nicholson Drive, Hodges.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.

Harvey Pressley Nave

UNION — Harvey Pressley Nave, 76, husband of Irene Estes Nave, died Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Wallace Thomson Hospital after an extended illness.
Born in Morgan County, Ala., he was a son of the late Charles Holland and Genner Owen Nave. He was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean conflict and retired from the City of Union Utilities Department. He was a member of Philippi Baptist Church, American Legion-Union Post 22 and Woodman of the World.
Survivors include his wife of Union; a son; John Nave of Greenwood, a daughter; Mrs. Jason (Joy) Smith of Union, a grandson; two brothers, Thomas Nave and Leldon Nave, both of Union; two sisters, Mrs. Harold (Virginia) Callahan of Hartselle, Ala., and Mrs. David (Norma) Miley of Spartanburg.
Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Philippi Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Brad Goodale and Brandon Bailey. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 6:30-8 tonight at Holcombe Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Philippi Baptist Church Building Fund, 327 Philippi Church Road, Union, SC 29379 or Meals on Wheels, c/o Monty Lancaster, Arthur State Bank, 100 E. Main St., Union, SC 29379.
The family is at the home.
S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holcombefuneralhomes.com

Helen Robinson

WARE SHOALS — Helen Finley Robinson, 86, wife of Kay Robinson, of 32 N. Greenwood Ave., died Friday, May 19, 2006 at Hospice House, Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence Newton and Mary Etta Ridge Finley. She was a member of Ware Shoals First Baptist Church and retired from Riegel Textile Corp.
Survivors include her husband of the home and a brother, Lawrence W. “Bud” Finley of Ware Shoals.
Services are 4 p.m. today at Ware Shoals First Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Leon Jones. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are James “Conkie” Gordon, Steve Gordon, Harold Kay, Morris Ridge, Buddy Ray Ridge and David Dawkins.
Honorary escorts are members of Mary Martha Sunday School Class.
Visitation is 2:30-4 today in the church social hall.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

Oscar Settles

Services for Oscar Settles are 2:30 Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Willie S. Harrison. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are friends of the family.
Visitation is at the home, 865 Bowie St.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net

Furman Sims

Services for Furman Sims, of 612 Lindsey Ave., are 1 p.m. Wednesday at Springfield Baptist Church, Highway 25 South, Edgefield, conducted by the Rev. Craig Myers. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are members of Brewer High School Class of 1965 and friends of the family. Visitation is Tuesday evening at the home of a brother, Calvin Sims, 702 Holloway St. and the home of former wife, Barbara Jean Sims, 202 Matthews Ave., Promised Land.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Coline K. Zellars

WARE SHOALS — Coline Kelley Zellars, 75, of Highway 252, widow of Robert Louis Zellars Sr., died Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
Born in Lincolnton, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Lucy Robinson Kelley Madison. She was the founder of Church of God of Prophecy in the Shady Grove Community.
Survivors include a son, Robert Louis Zellars Jr. of Conway; three daughters, Christella Zellars of Donalds, Brenda Z. Enwright of Ware Shoals and Gail Z. Johnson of the home; two brothers, William Madison of Lincolnton and Elder Robert Madison of Bay Shore, N.Y.; a sister, Lillie Clark of Atlanta; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Services are 1 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Grove CME Church, Lincolnton. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are nephews, and flower bearers are nieces.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Church of God of Prophecy, Shady Grove. Wake services are at 7.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service is in charge.

Observations ...
... and other reflections

May 21, 2006

Mean-spirited politics is a turn-off. That’s true in South Carolina as it is all over, really. Voters are simply getting fed up with incessant partisan bickering and finger-pointing. It’s hard to find a time when Democrats and Republicans aren’t at each other’s throats.
It used to be that it was all politics. Now, though, it gets personal and voters are tired of it.
Under the circumstances, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of these disenchanted voters got together and formed another political party. Some churches have split. Why not politics?

* * * * *

A lot of laws are passed by Congress. In fact, the American people are subjected to so many different laws, by Congress and the state Legislature, that it’s hard to keep up with them all.
It’s a good bet that would change for the better, though, if members of Congress had to abide by all of the laws they pass that apply to their constituents but not to them.

* * * * *

It doesn’t matter to some critics that many military leaders have given distinguished service to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Now, with the controversy continuing over the appointment of an Air Force general to head that agency, a Greenwood reader offered a pertinent and clarifying point. That is, the American people, in their wisdom, have elected a number of military men to the presidency. It was, in fact, one of them - Dwight Eisenhower - who warned against the possible negative influence on our government - and people - by the “military-industrial complex.”

* * * * *

Most South Carolinians, it appears, frown on the thought of not singing the national anthem in English. That came up recently when the Star Spangled Banner had some of its words changed and was sung in Spanish.

Imagine how it would be if the anthem were sung in every language represented in the “melting pot” that is the United States. What would feelings be like if it were sung in the Iranian language - Farsi - or Russian, for example?

* * * * *

Every time some step is taken to control our nation’s borders and to try to solve the immigration problem that continues to grow year by year, thousands take to the streets to protest.

That naturally makes you wonder what part of illegal they don’t understand.