Author tells story of county’s dynamic and colorful past

Mary Anne Hamblen provides a glimpse into a way of life long past in more than 200 vintage photographs in her book about Darlington County published by Arcadia Publishing.

The book hit stores Monday.

Hamblen has spent years studying, writing about and enjoying local Southern history. A true believer in the importance of local history, Hamblen said she was “thrilled to have the opportunity to research and chronicle a narrative of Darlington County in images.” And she hopes it will not only entertain her readers but also help preserve the county’s past for generations to come.

Highlights of Darlington County researched and recorded in the book include:

Previously unseen and unpublished historic photographs from the Darlington County Historical Commission; tidbits about the everyday people who have helped make Darlington County what it is today, many of whom are families and friends of residents today; a look at the county’s recreation, including hunting, fishing, swimming, picnics, fairs, Maypole dances and more; and represents many of the county’s hamlet and crossroads communities.

Hamblen is a freelance writer residing in Columbia. She is a graduate of Georgia State University with a master’s degree in history and a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in library and information science.

When asked where she got her inspiration for writing the book, Hamblen said, “I conducted a lot of historical research on the Pee Dee region of South Carolina while I worked for the Teaching American History in South Carolina project, a professional development program for social studies teachers based at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

Teachers in our program spent several hours in Darlington, S.C., searching local history to include in their lesson plans. I was struck by the incredible collection of documents and images in the Darlington County Historical Commission archives, and I knew there was more than enough material for a book. There is so much wonderful history in Darlington County just waiting to be made accessible to the general public. As the generations change, many stories will be lost unless they are documented and preserved for the historical record.”

Hamblen said she started her research with the history of South Carolina in general, relying heavily on the comprehensive works of Walter Edgar. She then found all of the secondary sources available on the Darlington County region. She also spoke with residents of all ages in the county to get their knowledge, memories and perspectives of life in the region. She visited each town in the county.

“Doris Gandy, director of the Darlington County Historical Commission archives, and Kay Williamson, archivist, were my lifelines throughout the research process. Their extensive knowledge of the county’s history and people and personal wisdom were vital,” she said.

Local residents will find the personal connections in the book and the images of the area’s residents throughout the eras interesting. They will enjoy seeing the places they pass everyday in the travels placed into historical context, Hamblen said. They will relive the hard times and the accomplishments Darlington County has experienced throughout the years.

“I hope the book will portray to readers how meaningful and important the history of Darlington County is to the state and never-ending zest for live that Darlingtonians display, then and now.”