Dr. Hedy E. Lonero, artist and retired art educator, will describe her research and discoveries as she explored the history of the Earle’s Fort/Four Columns area. The four maps she created through this work will be part of her presentation Tuesday, Oct. 18 at noon in the Lanier Library.

This “microsociological history” documents events and people of the area where the North Pacolet River crosses the N.C./S.C. border and from Red Fox Road to I-26. The four poster-sized works display pictorially the periods of 1776-1815, 1815-1900, 1900-1970 and 1970-2010.
Each map is surrounded by hand-lettered text that tells the story of the genealogy and history of families from the area. Families included are the Earles, Mills, Hamptons, Landrums, Lees, Christophers, Princes, Slaters, Stotts and Jacksons, many of whose descendants still live in the area.
The point of view of the Cherokee Indian tribe before the Revolutionary War gives the back-story for the Hannon massacre. Other facts and events shown include the site of John Earle’s fort and the effect of the Civil War and the world wars on the local people and their land. Lesser known highlights include influence of the Red-Strings, gold mining, cotton growing and the railroad.
These works are available for viewing at many area libraries and a set can be ordered at the talk. Maps will be shown and described in detail at the Lanier Library by Lonero at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 18. All are welcome and the program is free.
– article submitted
by Faith Weathington