Book proceeds go towards paying historic Gaston Livery Stable mortgage
Jan. 6—Community members have another way to support the restoration and protection of the county's historic Gaston Livery Stable.
All proceeds from Coleen Reed and Elliott Levy's co-written books, "Aiken County Jeopardy I" and "Aiken County Jeopardy II," go toward paying off the mortgage of the property where the livery stable stands. This mortgage is hoped to be paid off in full by the end of 2024.
Did You Know?
Before automobiles, livery stables rented out horses and carriages to people as a means of transportation.
"Aiken County Jeopardy II" was released in November 2023.
Volume two, like volume one, contains stories about significant people and places in the county. One notable entry talks about Wagener native Mabel T. Crawford, who served in the Navy during World War II and worked as a cryptographer.
Did You Know?
A cryptographer is someone who deciphers secret coded information.
Reed, who is president of the Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable (FGLS), is an advocate for the remembrance of history in all forms.
"We need people to understand that it is important to save these little tidbits," she said. "You don't have to like ... what happened in history, but people need to know the good, the bad and the ugly. And you don't tear it down because you don't like it. You teach about it."
Reed conducts tours of the full-service livery stable on the first and third Saturdays of each month. One of the first things she'll talk about is that the barn's U-shaped design is rare — it is one of only 12 of the same design in the United States.
The stable also had connections to the Winter Colony, a group of wealthy northerners who came down to Aiken in colder months to enjoy activities like horseback riding, hunting and playing polo.
"They were very busy here," noted Reed.
Reed said that she's always had a love for history, but got into studying Aiken's past around 2011 when the FGLS formed.
She said Aiken's history is interconnected.
"It's just like a puzzle being put together or weaving a blanket or patchwork quilt. The pieces start to fit together," she added.
According to Reed, all the work and money that has gone into the restoration project has been challenging but rewarding.
"Sometimes it costs more money to save history ... than it does to erase it," said Reed. "But it's worth saving."
Copies of the books can be purchased at Howell Printing, 345 Barnwell Ave. N.W., in Aiken.
If You Go
Tours are free and open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 am to 1 pm. Tours on alternative dates and hours are available by appointment only, which can be made by contacting Coleen Reed at 803-648-4123.
The stables are located at 1315 Richland Ave. E., in Aiken.
