A pictorial and narrative tour of a historic landmark at the center of the university's original campus
The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 on a modest parcel of land now called the Horseshoe. While the campus has grown well beyond its original borders, the oak-lined and gated historic Horseshoe remains the heart of campus life. At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe pays tribute to the handsome regency-style structure at the midpoint of the historic Horseshoe. Constructed in 1854 to house faculty families, then used for sororities, the residence ultimately became the official President's House in 1952. Through the stories and images in this beautiful book, Patricia Moore-Pastides provides a window into life at the University of South Carolina President's House from her perspective as First Lady.
Through these pages readers will discover the ways in which the house has become a central location for enriching and celebrating the university community. Beginning with Mrs. Russell's famous senior dinners in the 1950s, the tradition of entertaining continues. From small formal dinners to garden receptions for several hundred, the President's House is alive with celebration. A multitude of thoughtfully planned festivities embrace the entire university community, honoring students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, legislators, and national and international leaders.
At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe is the first book to feature the workings of the President's House and gardens. A pictorial tour through all the public rooms calls attention to the provenance of special antiques and works of art. Presidential events are described and illustrated in charming photographs, and delectable recipes and novel flower-arrangement ideas are shared.
Perhaps most compelling are the stories from family members who have lived in the President's House. Through interviews with wives and children—and in one case a grandchild—of former university presidents, readers are privy to their most vivid memories of life in the house and recollections of campus happenings. Experiencing the house as her home, Moore-Pastides shares highlights of her years as First Lady, including the most poignant times as well as the lighter moments.
From thieving pets to helpful ghosts, panty raids to Vietnam War protests, and visits from brownie scouts to Pope John Paul II, the tales shared here will warm the heart and in a few cases make readers laugh aloud. And the more than two hundred personal and archival images will reveal not only the evolution of this beautiful historic structure but also the people who made the house a home.
Patricia Moore-Pastides is the first lady of the University of South Carolina and an adjunct faculty member in the university's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, where she teaches the course "Healthy Mediterranean Cooking." Moore-Pastides holds a master of public health degree from Yale University and has served as a director and planner for several health-care organizations. She promotes health and wellness throughout the various USC campuses and the region. A member of the university's Board of Visitors, Moore-Pastides also serves on the McKissick Museum Advisory Board and the University of South Carolina Dance Board. She is a member of the Ex Libris Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, and Healthy Carolina. Her previous books include Greek Revival: Cooking for Life and Greek Revival from the Garden: Growing and Cooking for Life, both published by the University of South Carolina Press.
"The President's House as an historic Horseshoe structure is well documented, but little has been written about its role as a home. Patricia Moore-Pastides enriches the building's history by documenting the memories and experiences of the families who lived there."—Elizabeth Cassidy West, university archivist, South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina
"At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe gets to the essence of why historic houses matter. Patricia Moore-Pastides provides us not only with an incisive architectural and social history of the President's House, but through her words and deeds as First Lady, reveals what it truly means to make a house a home."—Margize Howell and Peter M. Kenny, co-presidents, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust
"The site of the President's House on the historic Horseshoe has been a faculty residence for more than two hundred years and home to the University's presidents since 1952. In this attractive publication, Patricia Moore-Pastides chronicles the many ways in which this venerable structure serves not just the University, but the greater South Carolina community."—Walter Edgar, author of South Carolina: A History
"From thieving pets to helpful ghosts, panty raids to Vietnam War protests, and visits from brownie scouts to Pope John Paul II, the tales shared here will warm the heart and in a few cases make readers laugh aloud. And the more than two hundred personal and archival images will reveal not only the evolution of this beautiful historic structure but also the people who made the house a home."—McCormick Messenger
