Beaufort Republican Women's Club

Approximately 28 members of the BRWC and the BFRM traveled to our state capital to view the governor’s mansion, and the capital building. Beaufort’s senator, Tom Davis, gave a highly informative and interesting talk on the status of some important issues on the floor. We also enjoyed a nice luncheon at the Palmetto Club. The mansion is the home of the presiding governor and family, and is replete with portraits of previous governors, exquisite décor and lovely southern antiques. The first spouse gets to choose the portrait that will be mounted in the sitting room immediately visible from the front door. First Lady Peggy McMaster chose Gov Nikki Haley, and her image is amazing. The wallpaper shown represents different aspects of American life. Multiple copies have been made using special plates - if you look closely, you can see the panel seams at approx. 2’ widths. It is estimated that each panel costs $180,000 - $200,000 now to reproduce. An identical scene is also in the White House. Rep. Shannon Erickson gave us a personal tour of the capital building, and Gov. McMaster just happened to be walking by - so we got a few pics with him. We also viewed the chambers of the House of Representatives, and Senate. The ceremonial mace in the House chambers is locked in a lit cabinet, and dates back to colonial South Carolina. The Senate chambers has a ceremonial sword, the original of which was stolen in 1941. On view is the third replacement, gifted by the Earl of Halifax. Rep. Shannon pointed out that this illustrates how the House can hold onto items of value, while the Senate tends to lose them.