Foodways are one of the most prevalant community-based art forms in the South. South Carolina history is strongly rooted in agriculture and food has long been an important aspect of economic and social life. From large rice plantations in the Lowcountry to family farms tucked in the hillsides of the Piedmont, food preparation was a large part of daily life. Parents taught children how to prepare vegetables and dress hogs. Different ethnic groups brought recipe variations with them when they settled throughout the state. Germans in the Midlands, French influences on the coast, and Scots-Irish in the Piedmont. More important, recipes synthesized African and Native American influences to create a wholly unique environment.
Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.
For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
Video
David Phillips, owner of Joy Drive-In in Gaffney, South Carolina, talks about enjoying has during the July 4th holiday.
Video
Kendrick and his son Blake discuss importance of hash tradition.
Video
Cecil Smith describes the responsibilities and schedule of the hash crews. Hashmaster Melvin Fouchee relates how he came to learn the recipe from Ike Berry.
Video
The Whetsell’s fix the puddin’ pot, the featured dish at the Indian Field Camp Meeting, held every year in St. George, SC.
Video
Southern food writer, John Egerton, goes to the St. Mary Magdalene Parish annual picnic. Burgoo is the iconic food at Catholic Parish picnics in Daviess County, KY.
Video
Vernon McQuire speaks on the process of butchering the hog and Darrin Williams, Huddie’s son, talks of his father’s cooking process.
Video
Teddy “Big T” Brown runs a successful barbecue business near his family home in Gadsden, SC.
Video
The puddin’ pot is served “cafeteria style” to local politicians and guests of the Indian Field Camp Meeting.
Video
James Workman and assistant James Dixon discuss different hash recipes.
Video
Willie Lee “Huddie” Williams and his hash cooking team add a series of ingredients to the famous Williams’ Family Reunion hash.
