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| Taco Bell Classic
Spring Valley HS, Columbia SC
April 10-11, 2009
an NSSF select meet
Donna on the Side
by Donna Dye
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The Scene
| Welcome to the "Old South" and the Taco Bell Classic. The old south is an expression meant to identify an area of the US, as well as, to describe a lifestyle in the southern states. Generally, the "Old South" means the states that were part of the original 13 colonies (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware and Georgia). To some, the term is controversial because it is identified with slavery and racism. However, to others it means a way of life that includes a slower pace, courtesies, niceties, comfort, good southern home cooking and deference toward women.
South Carolina is nicknamed the "Palmetto State," a nickname taken from the Saba Palmetto, which is the official tree of South Carolina. While the tree is native to the coastal area, it is very prominent throughout the state and is the focus of the state flag.
South Carolina is steeped in history, starting as one of the original 13 colonies, development of plantation farming, growth of Charleston into a port and government city, declaration with the confederacy, site of the start of the Civil War, site along Sherman's March to the sea, election of Strom Thurmond (only senator to reach the age of 100 while still in office and who's statue stands stand just outside the capital building), and on into the 21 century where today it is a thriving state.
Until 1786, Charleston was capital of South Carolina. Wanting to move the capital inland and to a more central location, the South Carolina General Assembly created Columbia and made it the capital of the state. At the time, the Columbia area was a settlement around Congarees, a frontier fort. From Columbia the state grew outward and very important to the development of the state.
The capitol building has had a rocky history but now sits in the heart of the city and in middle of a park-like area surrounded by monuments and wonderful foliage.
South Carolina enjoys temperate winters and hot and humid summers. In April, the dogwood trees and azalea bushes rule in the warm spring days. But with the spring comes the storms which we managed to duck on Friday. And then Saturday was a lovely, balmy day.
| | | | | | South Carolina State Capitol Building
|  |  | | | | Monument to the South Carolina Generals
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The azeleas blooming under the huge live oaks and other trees on the capitol grounds.
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While the downtown and historic areas of the city are being refurbished and brought into the 21 century, the area has its share of classic period homes and buildings.
Hampton-Preston Mansion
One of Columbia's oldest remaining historic houses. It was home to Hampton and Preston elite planter-class families.
| | | | | Robert Mills House
One of only five National Historic Landmarks within Columbia | | | | Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
This is a church with a long history in South Carolina.
A historical cemetery covered by live oaks and tall conifers sits next to the cathedral
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Columbia is also home to the University of South Carolina. The university was founded in 1801 and became a symbol of the South prior to the civil war since its graduates were in the leadership of the secession from the Union. After the Civil War, the college lacked direction. In the 1950's it became part of the South Carolina System, which is a group of eight campuses and it began to flourish providing educational opportunites to South Carolinians. The University is consists of over 359 acres in the heart of Columbia. Today there are almost 27,500 students. It offers about 350 programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from fourteen degree-granting colleges and schools
The campus has a lovely open area (The Horseshoe) flanked by old buildings, most of which are used as housing for students.
| | | | | The "Horseshoe" is often used for relaxation and study groups.
| | | | Springtime brings vists by would be students.
| | | | The Thomas Cooper Library
| | | | World War Memorial built in 1935 is now the University's Publication Offices.
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There are many things to see and do in Columbia including, Columbia Museum of Art, Congaree National Park, EdVenture Children's Museum, Finley Park, Governor's Mansion, the five national historic houses, Koger Center, Lake Murray, Newberry Opera House, Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden, South Carolina Philharmonic, South Carolina State Museum, and more. But those places must await another visit.
Now, onto the Meet.
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