AIKEN --- After 30 years in the area, Tom Mack has compiled his fond memories of art, landmarks and culture in a book, Circling the Savannah: Cultural Landmarks of the Central Savannah River Area.
The University of South Carolina Aiken English professor's 128-page book was released Nov. 9, and today he will sign copies and talk about some of the area's highlights.
Dr. Mack moved to Aiken in 1976 to teach at English at USC Aiken. His specialty is 19th-century American literature, art and history. The area's rich culture and history inspired him to begin writing a weekly column in the Aiken Standard about 20 years ago. "Those columns have garnered more attention, so I decided to create my first volume of many to answer those reader requests," he said.
The chairman of the USC Aiken English Department took all 50 photos in the paperback himself to help capture the historic landmarks and people of the area.
"I'm originally from outside eastern Philadelphia, but I have loved exploring the local area and learning more about my adopted home," he said.
The book includes anecdotes about such landmarks as Aiken's Winter Colony, Barnwell's sundial and Woodrow Wilson's boyhood home in Augusta, he said. It also includes insights about artists and writers who grew up in the area.
Aiken-born Gamel Woolsey, a 20th-century poet, is among those featured. Her descendants still live in her Aiken County home, Breeze Hill Plantation. She was known nationally for her unorthodox love life and literary works, Dr. Mack said.
Reach Stephanie Toone at (803) 648-1395 ext. 110, or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tom Mack will sign copies of his book, Circling the Savannah: Cultural Landmarks of the Central Savannah River Area
WHEN: 2 p.m.
WHERE: Aiken County Library, 314 Chesterfield St.
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