Community members now have an additional way to contribute to the restoration and protection of Aiken County's historic Gaston Livery Stable. The money earned from the co-authored books "Aiken County Jeopardy I" and "Aiken County Jeopardy II" by Coleen Reed and Elliott Levy will be used to pay off the mortgage on the property where the horse stable stands. The aim is to repay this loan entirely before the end of 2024.
Constructed in 1893, the Gaston Livery Stable was a complete horse service place in Aiken, SC. It played a crucial part in the city's transportation scene at the turn of the century and is noteworthy for its unique U-shaped brick design. The stable holds importance in horse-related and farming history. Even today, the barn maintains its historical character very well.
Released in November 2023, "Aiken County Jeopardy II" follows the footsteps of its predecessor by featuring stories about significant people and places in the county. One remarkable entry highlights Wagener native Mabel T. Crawford, a World War II Navy veteran and cryptographer.
As the president of the Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable (FGLS), Reed emphasizes the importance of preserving history in all its forms. She believes in the significance of saving historical details, even those that may be difficult to confront. Reed stresses the value of teaching about history's positive and challenging aspects rather than tearing it down.
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Reed conducts enlightening tours of the Gaston Livery Stable as an extension of her commitment. These tours are not just casual strolls through a historic place; they are intentional efforts to spark interest in history among visitors. She conducts tours of the full-service livery stable on the first and third Saturdays of each month. During these tours, Reed often discusses the unique U-shaped design of the barn, highlighting its rarity as one of only 12 of its kind in the United States.
The Gaston Livery Stable also has ties to the Winter Colony, a group of affluent northerners who frequented Aiken during colder months for horseback riding, hunting, and polo.
Reed expresses her passion for history, a journey that began around 2011 when the FGLS was formed. She describes Aiken's history as interconnected, likening it to putting together a puzzle, weaving a blanket, or creating a patchwork quilt where each piece contributes to the larger narrative.
Despite the challenges and financial commitments involved in the restoration project, Reed believes that saving history is worth the effort, even if it sometimes costs more than erasing it.
For those interested in supporting the cause, copies of the books can be purchased at Howell Printing, located at 345 Barnwell Ave. N.W., in Aiken. Every purchase contributes to the ongoing restoration and preservation of the historic Gaston Livery Stable.
Folks wanting to come can join free and public tours on the first and third Saturdays of every month, from 10 am until 1 pm. For tours on different dates or times, an appointment can be made by calling Reed at 803-648-4123.
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