Aiken Celebrates Its Heritage and Recognizes Local Leaders
Sunny Skies and Community Spirit Shine at Aiken Senior Men’s Club Meeting
On a lovely December 11 afternoon, the charming city of Aiken welcomed members of the Aiken Senior Men’s Club to their monthly luncheon at Woodside Country Club. With sun and clouds mixing in the sky and temperatures hovering around a pleasant 61 degrees, the atmosphere was just right for camaraderie, celebration, and an insightful presentation.
Honoring the Past and Present
This gathering was particularly special as it featured a remarkable talk by Linda Johnson, a passionate historian who currently serves as a docent at the Aiken County Historical Museum and holds the position of president at the Historic Aiken Foundation. Linda’s presentation focused on the influential women of Aiken’s Winter Colony, bringing to light the significant roles they played in shaping the community we cherish today.
Throughout her engaging talk, Linda honored a number of trailblazing women who left their mark on Aiken’s history:
- Celestine Eustis – A key figure in the building of St. Mary’s Chapel and in creating Aiken’s scenic parkways.
- Louise Eustis Hitchcock – Known for establishing the Aiken Hunt and founding Aiken Prep School, she played a crucial role in the local equestrian scene.
- Marie Eustis Hofmann – This dynamic woman married renowned pianist Josef Hofmann and went on to found the Fermata School.
- Hope Goddard Iselin – A pioneering spirit who was the first woman to compete in the America’s Cup Race and also initiated Aiken’s first hospital.
- Eulalie Salley – A prominent suffragette and South Carolina’s first female Realtor who championed women’s rights.
- Marilyn Riviere – An accomplished pilot and co-founder of Whirly Girls, a network for female helicopter pilots, she played a crucial role in revitalizing The Alley and supporting the Aiken Steeplechase.
- Claudia Lea Phelps – An influential figure in the establishment of the Westies dog breed, who also contributed to the growth of Rose Hill Estate.
Celebrating Community Service
Alongside this enlightening history lesson, the meeting also served as an opportunity to recognize exceptional community leaders. Eric Foreman, whose dedication often goes unnoticed, was awarded the 2024 Man of the Year title for his unwavering support of the Aiken Senior Men’s Club. This recognition reflects the spirit of community service that thrives within the organization.
Join the Celebration
The Aiken Senior Men’s Club isn’t just about honoring the past; it’s an active group that fosters friendship and support among its members. They meet every third Wednesday of the month at Woodside Country Club, enjoying lunch and programs that often feature distinguished speakers from Aiken County. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the club, a testament to its enduring legacy.
For those interested in being a part of this vibrant community, membership opportunities are still available! Reach out to Rick Endler at 803-640-1289 or shoot him an email at afendler@bellsouth.net to learn how to join the Aiken Senior Men’s Club.
As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear that Aiken’s past is filled with remarkable women whose contributions continue to inspire. And with dedicated members like Eric Foreman, the future looks just as bright for this wonderful city!
