Robin Lattimore will be at the Historical Museum in Columbus at 2:30 p.m. on November 9, to talk about his new book Rural Splendor: Plantation Houses of the Carolinas. There are five plantations in Polk County as well as the Four Columns Plantation in Campobello as well as other neighboring counties.

Lattimore comments on the architecture, symbolism and lore of each property. He places each plantation in its historical context and explains its design and decoration as well as its transformation or preservation through the years. Lattimore also tells stories of the families who played significant roles in the building, maintenance or restoration of these architectural treasurers.

Viewing these plantation houses as artifacts from an earlier age gives us a better understanding of the past and of the people who once resided here. They are indeed treasure troves of history waiting to be discovered by each new generation, says Lattimore.

Join the Polk County Historical Association to hear those stories. All are welcome.