The Spring Meeting of the Edgefield County Historical Society will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Curryton Academy Park in the Meriwether section of Edgefield County.
“Our park has one of the most magnificent magnolia trees in South Carolina, if not in the nation. Curryton Academy was located here from 1854 until 1892 when the buildings burned. Many prominent families in the Meriwether section, including the Curry, Meriwether, Butler, Shaw and Hammond families, were involved in the founding of this school and their children were educated there. Curryton Academy was widely recognized as one of the finest schools in this region,” according to a news release from the historical society.
The organization has made considerable improvements to the park, including getting professional help to ensure the health of the Curryton Magnolia, landscaping the site and erecting fencing around property., the release continued.
Prior to the spring meeting, members will put up interpretive signage telling the story of the Academy and the magnolia tree.
The society will publish a comprehensive history booklet telling of the founding and operation of the Academy.
“We are very proud to have led the effort to preserve this magnificent magnolia tree and to commemorate this school which played an important part in the history of our county,” the release said.
Society members will host a reception under the tree at the meeting’s conclusion.
The meeting is open to the public. The park is located on Annison Point Court off of Mealing Road.
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