Photo by Anne Waits/Staff

Gabrielle Cooks, age 10, takes in "The American Diner" display at the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce.

JOHNSTON - The Peach Museum located in the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce in Johnston was the site Friday night of the opening reception of the Smithsonian Institute Exhibit, "Key Ingredients: American by Food."

Key Ingredients is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Humanities Council of South Carolina.

It is a year-long series of exhibits and public programs touring five South Carolina communities in 2008-2009. It also visited the 2008 South Carolina State Fair.

"Key Ingredients: America by Food explains the little known, the everyday, and the obvious through an entertaining and informative overview of our country's diverse regional cooking and eating traditions," said Donna Livingston, Chamber of Commerce director. "It investigates how culture, ethnicity, landscape and tradition influence foods and flavors we enjoy across the nation."

She added, "Key Ingredients underscores the contributions made by Native American cultures to our palate and eating habits. It also addresses the entrepreneurial spirit on which many food production industries are based, such as those of food pioneers Heinz, Campbell and Borden."

The exhibit was obtained through a grant program applied for with the South Carolina Humanities Council. Johnston was one of five towns selected.

"We're the next to the last stop," said Livingston. "It will go to Edisto next. We were very lucky to have gotten it here."

A small ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday night during which Randy Akers, executive director of the Humanities Council, and Ann Addy, marketing consultant with the Humanities Council, were recognized.

A large crowd enjoyed the exhibit and the food provided by local restaurants including Ten Governors Cafe', Park Row Market, Riley's on Main, Gary's Hamburgers, Subway, Amelia's, Papa's Pizza to Go, Jari's, No. 1 China and Sawyer Alley.

"It is delightful, very informative," said Gail Jackson of Edgefield. "II've enjoyed the reading and pictures as well. I especially enjoyed the picture of Betty Crocker in 1936 and the history of Borden's milk. I didn't know their break came when they provided milk to Union soldiers during the Civil War."

Barbara Stark said she enjoyed the portion depicting the history of diners.

"Some of it brings back a lot of memories," she said. "It reminds me of the lunch counters inside Woolworth's and other variety stores on Broad Street years ago."

Livingston welcomed everyone to stop by and see the exhibit which will be on display until March 1.
"Bring your favorite recipes," she said. "Bring some food for the local food bank, sit down and share your stories, laugh, and of course enjoy!"