Highlights from the David Lindsay Pettus collection: 

In September 1960, Winthrop College along with the York County Historical Commission created a play depicting the history of the Catawba Indian Nation. Patterned after other historical dramas of the period it was a success. Surprisingly in this era of segregation, several Catawba Indians were asked to be part of the drama, although the majority of the cast were white.  

Title Page

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Cherokee Photographs from the Thomas J Blumer Collection

Folder 58:  Postcards from Cherokee Indian Reservation, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee, NC                                     (ca. 1955 – 1964).  Postcard of Soco Falls is from 1932. 

Cora Wahnetah holding a bowl with daughter Margaret Wahnetah 

Cora Wahnetah and Amanda Swimmer making pottery 

Cora Wahnetah was the wife of Sam Wahnetah. Sam was the grandson of Catawba potter Susannah Owl. Cora was the daughter of Cherokee potter Ella Arch. 

Soco Falls, 1932

In 1979 there were no federal or state recognised tribes or tribal groups within SC.  That was still several years in the future. An interesting photograph from 1979.  The chiefs of the Catawba, Edisto, Santee and Pee Dee Nations comprise this image.