Gene Atkinson

Interesting and Influential People of Orangeburg (Sc) Gene Atkinson

Did you know that Clemson University's glorious football program was started by Orangeburg native Walter Riggs in 1896? Or that the 1998 Nobel Prize for Medicine was won by Dr. Robert Furchgott, who graduated from Orangeburg High School, where he played on the state championship football team? Four of South Carolina's Mothers of the Year have come from Orangeburg, and Dr. Clemmie Webber went on to be the National Mother of the Year in 1983. Who could forget Mrs. Willie Berry's famous "Apple Stickies" she served at her fabulous restaurant, Berry's on the Hill? Do you remember Skip Mutch, who taught over ten thousand people how to swim at the Edisto River swimming area? Did you know that Dr. Hilla Sheriff has been referred to as the "Grand Dame of South Carolina Public Health," as she did more than anyone to improve our state's public health? All of these stories and more are featured in this fascinating collection by local historian Gene Atkinson.