A local publication initiative spanning a half century has just released a new anniversary Blythewood Scrapbook . Now in its third printing, the 140–page paperback stays true to its original intention, to have native daughters tell Blythewood’s story.

The first version commemorated America’s bicentennial in 1976. The original text was revised to mark the 40th anniversary of the Blythewood Garden Club, the book’s publishers. The third version, for the 50th anniversary, also covers area garden tours.

The folksy streetscape on the cover is a reproduction of a painting done by the late James T. Abell when he was in his 70s. Abell, a Blythewood native and self–taught artist, depicted the old railroad depot, the Hoffman and Wood houses, the popular Blane’s store, and the town’s icon, the water tank.

The book begins with the town’s history and provides information about local government, schools, churches, and other community services. More than a dozen local personalities get cameo treatments, and families of longstanding are profiled. Some of the most notable homes in the area are detailed, and neighboring Cedar Creek is portrayed in its own section.

The miscellaneous section contains some rural legends. Contributing editors apologize for not being able to include everything and everyone, but take pride in being able to include some of the town’s newcomers who have only resided in Blythewood for three decades or more.

The editors of Blythewood Scrapbook , define the little history as covering a large portion of Upper Richland County, almost from the Broad River on the west, to the Kershaw County line on the east, north to the Fairfield County line, and south to State Park.

Blythewood Scrapbook is available in area bookstores and from garden club members. For more information, email Nettasmail@aol.com.