Hell Hole History Series

Reservations are required for every event in the series. Call 843-567-4480 or email hellholecenter@ palmettoconservation.org. Each event will begin at 2:30 pm at the Palmetto Trail Hell Hole Outdoor Center at St. Stephen on SC Hwy 45 in St. Stephen and will be followed by a short trip to various points of interest. Travel will be by personal car. Bring your own chair for each event.

Introduction to Hell Hole When: Sunday, Oct 12, 2008 Details: Only requirement is to bring your own chair, so to sit a spell as author, William Dennis Shuler, takes you back in those days when men made corn whiskey for a living, and recalls the depression years, when jobs were scarce. Dennis refreshes the older generation's memories and gives younger people an insight into how people lived during those times. Dennis is the author of two books, which are receiving national attention and are selling well at local

businesses. His first book, The Ole Days in

Berkeley County, SC, was published in 2002 and

his second book, Short Stories About Life In

Berkeley County, SC, has been published since 2007.

Shuler's books are a collection of heart- warming stories from people's everyday lives long ago in Berkeley County. He cheerfully describes those days through his writing of people's experiences. Dennis was born in Shulerville, S.C. and talks in his books about one section of Berkeley County referred to as "Hell Hole." Let him explain why he thinks you will find some of the best people in the world in Hell Hole, South Carolina. If more information is needed, don't forget to bring a chair and join Dennis for a fun event as he tells stories, most of which are factual, but with a little fiction in there.

Francis Marion When: Sunday, Oct 19, 2008 Details: Dr. Christine Swager, educator, author, lecturer and consultant, will deliver a talk about General Francis Marion. Dr. Swager draws from extensive basic research to bring new insight to the man. The talk will be followed by a trip to Marion's Tomb.

Historic Pineville When: Sunday, Oct 26, 2008 Details: Warner Montgomery, writer, researcher and publisher of The Columbia Star, will deliver a talk about the old historic pineland village of Pineville. Dr. Montgomery has done extensive research on the history of the area and will show pictures of the old historic district and the area. The talk will be followed by a trip to Historic Pineville District and Keith Gourdin will lead a walk- about of the area.

Botanists of St. Johns Berkeley When: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 Details: Dr. Richard Porcher, botanist, professor, and author, will deliver a talk about local plants and the early botanists of St. John's Berkeley Parish. The talk will be followed by a trip to Thomas Walter's Tomb and the ruins of the Old Santee Canal.

Directions: Hell Hole Outdoor center is located on S.C. 45 in St. Stephen at the railroad track.