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.

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Hwy 34 VFD Hash | Digital Traditions 1
Hwy 34 VFD Hash | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Grades: Higher Education

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.
Making Puddin' Pot | Digital Traditions 1
Making Puddin' Pot | Digital Traditions
Episode 1

Video

Grades: Higher Education

The Whetsell’s fix the puddin’ pot, the featured dish at the Indian Field Camp Meeting, held every year in St. George, SC.
Hash Ingredients | Digital Traditions 2
Hash Ingredients | Digital Traditions
Episode 2

Video

Grades: Higher Education

Willie Lee “Huddie” Williams and his hash cooking team add a series of ingredients to the famous Williams’ Family Reunion hash.
Hash Delivery | Digital Traditions 4
Hash Delivery | Digital Traditions
Episode 4

Video

Grades: Higher Education

Cecil Smith of the Hwy 34 VFD delivers hash to neighbor Kevin Flick, who discusses hash as a South Carolina tradition.
Mr. B's BBQ | Digital Traditions 4
Mr. B's BBQ | Digital Traditions
Episode 4

Video

Grades: Higher Education

Co-owners Brantley Beach and Steve Jackson discuss the hash recipe in their restaurant on Johns Island, SC.
Origins of Burgoo | Digital Traditions 4
Origins of Burgoo | Digital Traditions
Episode 4

Video

Grades: Higher Education

Project advisor Jay Williams reads from the book “Tale of the Elk”. Williams organized and developed the exhibit “Southern Stews” in 2001.