Flat Rock of the Old Time

"Cuthbert has tapped a rich vein of source material that surely will be a treasure trove to any local historians in the Flat Rock area."—The Journal of Southern History

"This collection of letters written from seasonal residents of Flat Rock to their friends and relatives in the Lowcountry presents new insights into the history and growth of the town. Current residents as well as descendants of the South Carolinians who began visiting Flat Rock in the early nineteenth century will find interesting and unusual information about the founding, growth, and history of the town from 1837 to 1939. The letters include comments about travel to Flat Rock by buggy, the arrival of the railroad, hunting and fishing stories, as well as intimate glimpses of the details of the lives of the letter writers. Bob Cuthbert did a masterful job of editing the letters and in addition has provided ample endnotes and explanations, maps, and an extensive index."—Harriott Cheves Leland, coauthor of French Santee: A Huguenot Settlement in Colonial South Carolina

"Flat Rock of the old time may no longer exist, but Robert Cuthbert has summoned it beautifully in this brilliantly edited and compulsively readable collection of letters that celebrates a lost time and place even as it laments their evanescence. A splendid performance."—Harlan M. Greene, head, Special Collections, Addlestone Library, College of Charleston

"When mosquitos ruled the lowcountry, the lucky ones in Flat Rock 'felt like walking for miles' in a 'perpetual laugh' because of the 'charming October [like] weather.' It's clear the cast of characters had talent for living and talent for writing! And, Robert's notes will forever help us untangle the web of Charleston families."—M. Tracey Todd, vice president and chief operating officer, Middleton Place Foundation