TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHRONICLE, we are bringing back our all-time favorite articles. Enjoy our most delightful articles from the past half-century!
Meet the Authors
We would like to take this opportunity in the anniversary edition to allow you, the reader, to meet our team: Eliza Cook, Jane Allen, Milton Hucklebee, Achilles Davenport and Margaret Cogdell. Read on to learn more about the writers behind your favorite articles of the Chronicle.
Meet...
Eliza Cook (Sarah Anania)
Born and raised on an island near Charleston, Eliza was fascinated by news even as a young girl. Growing up in a small town, she constantly waited for her chance to read the adult's newspapers and learn about what was going on in the world around her. She preferred spending her young days writing at the beach and transforming the 'adult' stories and politics she had read about into more kid-friendly terms. Eliza found a passion early on in life for both news and writing, one that has stayed with her and later transformed into a passion for the truth. This is her 25th year working for the Charleston Chronicle, starting off as an intern and later graduated into a full-time writer. She covers both national and regional affairs and is best known for her work as the not-so-anonymous 'Gossip Gertie.'
Favorite part of your job? Writing my Gossip Gertie columns, always a breath of fresh air.
Favorite piece of work? Probably my column on the Peggy Eaton Affair, it was really interesting to look into the truths and falsehoods from the here-say
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? I have deeply accepted that things are not always as they seem. In my personal life, I have learned to search for 'truths'- in people, in situations, in any activity. It has really helped me grow as a person in general, and see things for what they actually are.
What would people be surprised to know? I actually would not call myself a 'gossiper' in real life, I am obsessed with the life of a President, and I hope to go into politics full time at some point.
Jane Allen (Juliana Sandford)
Jane had no idea that she would find a career in writing. Raised on the South Carolina coast, Jane developed a sense of place and a deep appreciation for both the ocean and nature. From a young age, she kept nature journals as a form of self expression. Jane had a natural aptitude for writing, and when her tutor and her mother discovered these journals, they encouraged her to apply the skill in a practical sense. Jane has now been writing for the Chronicle for nine years. She serves as a coeditor, writes her own articles, and compiles "Letter to the Editor" pieces on specific topics. When not writing, Jane can be found back on the coast, taking a much needed break from the frenzied American political sphere.
Favorite part of your job? Being able to write on a variety of subjects and also the collaborative nature of the Chronicle.
Favorite piece of work? My article and compilation regarding reform movements. The "Letter to the Editor" pieces have so much emotion, and it is always interesting to see others' perspectives.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? Other people have interesting viewpoints, as each person is in such a different situation and has had such different experiences. We can learn from everyone we meet. I have learned to listen and to hear others' stories, and it has allowed me to learn so much about myself and the world around me.
What would people by surprised to know? Most of my drafts of my articles are covered in sketches. I usually can't keep myself from drawing in some way or another.
Margaret Cogdell (Maria Jovin)
Born on a farm right outside Charleston, Margaret grew up knowing that one day she would become a writer. When she was younger and her many siblings were out climbing trees and riding horses, little peggy could be found sitting out on the porch swing with a notebook and pen. Her writing would reach anywhere from short stories to poems. However, her favorite pieces were always the ones reporting the adventures that her siblings had during the day, such as when her sister Anna fell out of the apple tree, because of a broken branch, and broke her leg. As she created more and more of these reports, Margaret realized exactly what she wanted to do in life, and through hard work she was able to achieve her life long dream of writing for a newspaper.
Favorite part of your job? Getting to report the events that are going on in the country, and expressing my opinion about them.
Favorite piece of work? I consider my interview with the Chief of the Cherokee Tribe my finest piece. I really feel that I uncovered something new and original about the Cherokee tribe. Also my excursion to Georgia was very adventurous.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? That you should always express what you believe. It may not be the popular opinion, but honesty is essential to writing a great article.
What would people by surprised to know? I love to sing. My family always joked that if I didn't make it as a writer, I could make it as a singer.
Milton Hucklebee (Jack Mathieson)
He was Born on the Hucklebee plantation just outside of Charleston in 1780. The Hucklebee plantation is one of the largest tobacco plantations in South Carolina. While there, Milton was educated by the best tutors and he developed a close relationship with some of the slaves. This is what led to Milton wanting to become a writer to voice his strong opinions on slavery. Milton attended the College of William and Mary where he studied journalism. right after he graduated, Milton went to work for the young Charleston Chronicle. He worked as a writer for nearly forty years and retired at the age of 65. Milton was on of the Chronicles most loyal writers and helped make the newspaper what it is today.
Favorite part of your job? Voicing my opinions on controversial issues and seeing them printed the next day.
Favorite piece of work? I was very invested on my piece about slavery but I also liked writing my article on dueling.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? I learned that no matter how hard things get and how bleak the future looks, things will always come together in the end.
What would people by surprised to know? I published a novel about a dog living on a southern plantation and its relationship with the slaves and its owners. It was based on my dog growing up, Henry
Achilles Davenport (Jack Fako)
Born to a poor, hardworking farming family, Achilles grew up with a rifle in one hand and a sickle in the other. He grew up south of Charleston hunting and fishing and helping his father on the farm. At the age of 18 Achilles left his family's farm to join the navy. He joined Oliver Perry during the War of 1812 and sailed on his vessel in the Battle of Lake Erie where he was wounded and honorably discharged. He decided to become a writer for a living, after keeping a journal during his sailing days and finding he quite enjoyed it. Achilles joined the Charleston Chronicle and has written for them for 22 years. He writes mainly political pieces on the national and regional level.
Favorite part of your job? Exposing the truth and the lies that come with our nation's political system. I cherish my responsibility to make sure the common man has a say in this hectic nation.
Favorite piece of work? Probably my article on the Panama Congress. It was a good example of my effort to make sure the yeoman is heard.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? Trust nothing that you cannot verify yourself. This world is a deceiving place and I have learned to not trust it, whether that is a good policy or not, I have yet to know.
What would people by surprised to know? I love poetry. People are always surprised to know this because they always see me as this rough and tumble veteran. But I love the beauty of words and appreciate the emotion they can evoke. I may have a hard shell, but there is still a little bit of softness in this old sailor's soul.
Meet...
Eliza Cook (Sarah Anania)
Born and raised on an island near Charleston, Eliza was fascinated by news even as a young girl. Growing up in a small town, she constantly waited for her chance to read the adult's newspapers and learn about what was going on in the world around her. She preferred spending her young days writing at the beach and transforming the 'adult' stories and politics she had read about into more kid-friendly terms. Eliza found a passion early on in life for both news and writing, one that has stayed with her and later transformed into a passion for the truth. This is her 25th year working for the Charleston Chronicle, starting off as an intern and later graduated into a full-time writer. She covers both national and regional affairs and is best known for her work as the not-so-anonymous 'Gossip Gertie.'
Favorite part of your job? Writing my Gossip Gertie columns, always a breath of fresh air.
Favorite piece of work? Probably my column on the Peggy Eaton Affair, it was really interesting to look into the truths and falsehoods from the here-say
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? I have deeply accepted that things are not always as they seem. In my personal life, I have learned to search for 'truths'- in people, in situations, in any activity. It has really helped me grow as a person in general, and see things for what they actually are.
What would people be surprised to know? I actually would not call myself a 'gossiper' in real life, I am obsessed with the life of a President, and I hope to go into politics full time at some point.
Jane Allen (Juliana Sandford)
Jane had no idea that she would find a career in writing. Raised on the South Carolina coast, Jane developed a sense of place and a deep appreciation for both the ocean and nature. From a young age, she kept nature journals as a form of self expression. Jane had a natural aptitude for writing, and when her tutor and her mother discovered these journals, they encouraged her to apply the skill in a practical sense. Jane has now been writing for the Chronicle for nine years. She serves as a coeditor, writes her own articles, and compiles "Letter to the Editor" pieces on specific topics. When not writing, Jane can be found back on the coast, taking a much needed break from the frenzied American political sphere.
Favorite part of your job? Being able to write on a variety of subjects and also the collaborative nature of the Chronicle.
Favorite piece of work? My article and compilation regarding reform movements. The "Letter to the Editor" pieces have so much emotion, and it is always interesting to see others' perspectives.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? Other people have interesting viewpoints, as each person is in such a different situation and has had such different experiences. We can learn from everyone we meet. I have learned to listen and to hear others' stories, and it has allowed me to learn so much about myself and the world around me.
What would people by surprised to know? Most of my drafts of my articles are covered in sketches. I usually can't keep myself from drawing in some way or another.
Margaret Cogdell (Maria Jovin)
Born on a farm right outside Charleston, Margaret grew up knowing that one day she would become a writer. When she was younger and her many siblings were out climbing trees and riding horses, little peggy could be found sitting out on the porch swing with a notebook and pen. Her writing would reach anywhere from short stories to poems. However, her favorite pieces were always the ones reporting the adventures that her siblings had during the day, such as when her sister Anna fell out of the apple tree, because of a broken branch, and broke her leg. As she created more and more of these reports, Margaret realized exactly what she wanted to do in life, and through hard work she was able to achieve her life long dream of writing for a newspaper.
Favorite part of your job? Getting to report the events that are going on in the country, and expressing my opinion about them.
Favorite piece of work? I consider my interview with the Chief of the Cherokee Tribe my finest piece. I really feel that I uncovered something new and original about the Cherokee tribe. Also my excursion to Georgia was very adventurous.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? That you should always express what you believe. It may not be the popular opinion, but honesty is essential to writing a great article.
What would people by surprised to know? I love to sing. My family always joked that if I didn't make it as a writer, I could make it as a singer.
Milton Hucklebee (Jack Mathieson)
He was Born on the Hucklebee plantation just outside of Charleston in 1780. The Hucklebee plantation is one of the largest tobacco plantations in South Carolina. While there, Milton was educated by the best tutors and he developed a close relationship with some of the slaves. This is what led to Milton wanting to become a writer to voice his strong opinions on slavery. Milton attended the College of William and Mary where he studied journalism. right after he graduated, Milton went to work for the young Charleston Chronicle. He worked as a writer for nearly forty years and retired at the age of 65. Milton was on of the Chronicles most loyal writers and helped make the newspaper what it is today.
Favorite part of your job? Voicing my opinions on controversial issues and seeing them printed the next day.
Favorite piece of work? I was very invested on my piece about slavery but I also liked writing my article on dueling.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? I learned that no matter how hard things get and how bleak the future looks, things will always come together in the end.
What would people by surprised to know? I published a novel about a dog living on a southern plantation and its relationship with the slaves and its owners. It was based on my dog growing up, Henry
Achilles Davenport (Jack Fako)
Born to a poor, hardworking farming family, Achilles grew up with a rifle in one hand and a sickle in the other. He grew up south of Charleston hunting and fishing and helping his father on the farm. At the age of 18 Achilles left his family's farm to join the navy. He joined Oliver Perry during the War of 1812 and sailed on his vessel in the Battle of Lake Erie where he was wounded and honorably discharged. He decided to become a writer for a living, after keeping a journal during his sailing days and finding he quite enjoyed it. Achilles joined the Charleston Chronicle and has written for them for 22 years. He writes mainly political pieces on the national and regional level.
Favorite part of your job? Exposing the truth and the lies that come with our nation's political system. I cherish my responsibility to make sure the common man has a say in this hectic nation.
Favorite piece of work? Probably my article on the Panama Congress. It was a good example of my effort to make sure the yeoman is heard.
What have you learned from working for a newspaper? Trust nothing that you cannot verify yourself. This world is a deceiving place and I have learned to not trust it, whether that is a good policy or not, I have yet to know.
What would people by surprised to know? I love poetry. People are always surprised to know this because they always see me as this rough and tumble veteran. But I love the beauty of words and appreciate the emotion they can evoke. I may have a hard shell, but there is still a little bit of softness in this old sailor's soul.
ACROSS
1. head of the Cherokee tribe, who is strongly opposed to relocation
9. what Jackson vetoed in order to make sure the wealthy was not getting special treatment
12. a religious group part of the Whig party that wants to control the people through religion
13. a system in which people are treated as property
14. the most controversial of the reform movements that swept the country in the early 1800s
15. common name for the political scandal in the election of 1824
DOWN
2. invented by John Deere to make farming tough soil easier
3. the woman whose ‘secrets’ broke up an entire cabinet
4. a congress created by Simon bolivar to unite all the american countries in trade and defense, the U.S. Delegation arrive late and missed the congress
5. The 4 million people that came to the United States between 1830-1850 escaping their home countries to search for new lives and opportunities
6. law that required the purchase of all federal lands to be made in specie (gold and silver)
7. when a president replaces government jobs with people of his party; often biased appointments
8. act passed in 1830 that caused thousands of Native Americans to leave their eastern territory and migrate west of the Mississippi River
9. a system in which people are treated as property
10. when a state declares a federal law to be void
Answer Key:
1. head of the Cherokee tribe, who is strongly opposed to relocation
9. what Jackson vetoed in order to make sure the wealthy was not getting special treatment
12. a religious group part of the Whig party that wants to control the people through religion
13. a system in which people are treated as property
14. the most controversial of the reform movements that swept the country in the early 1800s
15. common name for the political scandal in the election of 1824
DOWN
2. invented by John Deere to make farming tough soil easier
3. the woman whose ‘secrets’ broke up an entire cabinet
4. a congress created by Simon bolivar to unite all the american countries in trade and defense, the U.S. Delegation arrive late and missed the congress
5. The 4 million people that came to the United States between 1830-1850 escaping their home countries to search for new lives and opportunities
6. law that required the purchase of all federal lands to be made in specie (gold and silver)
7. when a president replaces government jobs with people of his party; often biased appointments
8. act passed in 1830 that caused thousands of Native Americans to leave their eastern territory and migrate west of the Mississippi River
9. a system in which people are treated as property
10. when a state declares a federal law to be void
Answer Key: