Eutaw Plantation was built by William Sinkler at the time of his marriage in 1808 on the bluff of the creek flowing from Eutaw Springs. The east wing was added in 1820, the west wing in 1838. The wide piazza runs around the front and both wings. Eutaw was the headquarters for US General Hartwell during the Civil War. The home was demolished in 1939 and is now beneath Lake Marion. Pineville was an isolated community between 1790 and 1860. Charleston was 50 miles away by road or water, Georgetown even farther, Columbia at least a day. The Huguenot planters, though connected intellectually and economically with the great financial houses of New England and Europe, were cut off from world commerce most of the year. During the heat of the summer, however, many left Pineville and visited their sons who were studying at Oxford, The Sorbonne, or Harvard.

The planter families could entertain with the best of families in Charleston, London, or Philadelphia, but at home their life was much more simple. The women shunned bonnets, corsets, and bustles for white or gray cotton dresses. The men exchanged their top hats, stiff collars, and cravats for straw hats and leather breeches.

Guests were always welcomed, but only as far as the piazza. Night visits were common since everyone worked during the daylight hours. A fire, lightwood or pinestraw, was kept burning in the swept dirt front yard of the house. This custom, adopted from the African slaves, provided light for conversation and smoke to repel the insects. Servants would light the fires, but the children would take great pride in keeping them going.

The conversation broke into three groups - men, ladies, and children. The men chatted about world affairs and farm activities while they sipped Madeira wine or homemade whiskey and puffed on cigars or pipes. Domestic affairs were the topic of discussion among the ladies. Tea and cakes satisfied their appetites.

At 10 o'clock, the evening visit came to an end. The servants, knowing the socializing was done, lighted the lanterns and assisted the gentlemen and ladies to their carriages.

A gig is a light, two- wheeled carriage pulled by one horse such as the one shown here. They were popular in antebellum Pineville. Riding parties were a source of great pleasure, especially for those of courting age. A plantation master, seeing love in the air, would send out an invitation to the young people of Pineville for an afternoon of riding. The young men would invite their favorite ladyfriend for the event. They would show up in their gig at the appointed time dressed in comfortable clothes. The more adventurous couples would arrive on horseback.

Sometimes a course would be marked through the fields and forests, but most times only the final destination would be given. There was no better amusement in those days than a ride in the country with a lovely belle or a handsome beau, stopping occasionally for a sweetcake, a cup of tea, and a bit of flirting. Unannounced, but always expected, was a dance at the end of the ride.

The most amorous young beau took advantage of the situation to serenade his young lady. In those days, this was a proven way to show affection, to compliment your lover, and to display your tonsorial talents. It was also a way to lay the foundation for a proposal of marriage.

(Next week: A Pineville wedding)