“Exploring South Carolina history – one link at a time….”
Ascertaining the number of individuals who use Roots and Recall regularly and repeatedly, is somewhat of a challenge. Google Analytics, our best tracker of this data, shows about 30% of the website’s traffic is repeat visitors; conducting research and navigating across assorted pages. Of this group we think about 1,500 use it for scholarly research, Southern queries and posting of new materials. This leaves thousands who visit the website by chance, are searching a specific topic, or perhaps using the TBHH codes in a store window. Non-regular visitors may not fully appreciate the extent to which you can easily explore an array of topics or be taken on a fascinating journey into our local history. So, the next time you visit this site and encounter a History Thread icon, select it and discover just how many linked doors open.
Repeat visitors will understand the linking function of the History Thread icons. However, some individuals may overlook the invitation to dive deeper into these links. The page on antebellum photographer John R. Schorb of York, S.C. is a prime example of just how one man’s influence and life can unfold as you continue exploring one page to another. He’s generally regarded as an excellent photographer who helped capture thousands of images for over fifty years. But dig a bit deeper into historical accounts and you’ll see a man whose impact was far greater- a traveler, teacher, chemist, and humanitarian. Select the three History Thread icons on his page and see just what all he was involved in, beyond his profession.
History Threads do far more than just link individuals, they connect data and information across family ties, geographic areas, and similar subject matter. Another R&R page worth exploring is that of the Moffett’s Store, located at what is today Richburg, S.C. Originally located at an important antebellum crossroads, the store flourished. But it soon became the training ground for young men who looked to go far beyond the country store’s surroundings. Two of the store’s young clerks went on to open massive mercantile businesses in both Chester and Rock Hill. Another of Chester’s young mercantile clerk’s, went on to forge the Ivey’s Department Store chain in Charlotte, N.C. Never underestimate the importance of these antebellum country stores and their impact on post Civil War recovery!
We encourage you to select our highlighted links as you are exploring R&R’s pages – you never know how far back into time your travels will take you!
A R&R NOTE: A longtime Roots and Recall supporter emailed last Thursday, giving thanks to those to work on the website. A recent post on our From the Porch blog had hit a personal nerve two weeks in a row, and he was appreciative that he had taken the time to read each. It is wonderful to hear that From the Porch continues to be received with enthusiasm and remains relevant. When the blog started we may have (incorrectly) predicted that the blog would peter out. Thankfully, that seems far from the case. I recall that when I reluctantly began this process, a young marketing executive in Columbia state shared with me, “Mr. Fairey just keep it simple and share your own thoughts- it will work.” Those of us who work on R&R as well as bring you the weekly blog, do indeed look forward to offering insights and information to encourage your participation in cultural and historic preservation!
From the Porch – Blog @ RootsandRecall.com – 7.20.17