In this segment of Palmetto Places, Joanna Angle takes us to beautiful Conway. The town had been laid out in 1732 and called Kingston in honor of England's King George II. In 1801, the Kingston district was renamed in honor of Brigadier General Peter Horry, who commanded the state militia during the American Revolution. The first resident political power was Robert Conway, who succeeded Peter Horry as militia leader and then was elected to the General Assembly. Due to a bit of conniving on the part of Robert Conway, the county came to bear his name.
Initially, Conway was very isolated and the people who lived there were mostly subsistence farmers. Businessman F. G. Burroughs began timbering the swamp, buying and clearing land and laying railroad tracks to the Sea. Products such as timber, turpentine, tar, and pitch became the leading industry in Conway and provided Horry with its first viable industry.
The Waccamaw River's Beauty and History are part of the downtown revitalization effort. Downtown is considered the heart of Conway and Greg Martin discusses the revitalization of the historic district and the history of some of its cherished buildings and landmarks, including the blackjack cypress clock tower in the town square.
Joanna next takes us to the shop of renowned luthier Jennings Chestnut, noted for his exceptional mandolins. A beloved member of the musical community, Chestnut organized bluegrass music festivals which brought in musicians from all over the state.
From there, we visit Conway's oldest citizens, its 200 large oak trees followed up with a brief history of Mary Brookman Beaty, also known as "the Queen of Conway."
Palmetto Places explored the architectural and cultural heritage of South Carolina's small towns and countryside. Host Joanna Angle explores historic houses, public buildings, and country stores, and talks with local artists, painters, sculptors, weavers, writers, storytellers, and musicians.
Side Notes:
- Watch Our Town: Conway
- Jennings Chestnut relates how he was first introduced to bluegrass music. ETV's Digital Traditions
- Jennings Chestnut dies February 14, 2010 Obituary
- Conway Ghost Walk and the ghost story of Brookie Beaty.
- Conway’s oldest thoroughfare is the deep, rich, black water of the beautiful Waccamaw River. Along the riverfront, you can enjoy taking a stroll on the Riverwalk or visit Riverfront Park at the Conway Marina.
