If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of the Soda City’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.
1. The South Caroliniana Library was the first college library in the nation built as a separate building openedin 1840. The free-standing library was constructed at the University of South Carolina, and you can read the full history of the library here.
2. Columbia has star power as numerousathletes, actors, and authors hail from the capital city. This includes 2020 Masters Tournament champion Dustin Johnson, R&B singer Angie Stone, and Kristin Davis, known for her role as Charlotteon “Sex and the City.”
3. Lake Murray was built in the 1920s — and at the time — was the largest (50,000 acres)man-made lake in the country. The Saluda Dam (popularly known as the Lake Murray Dam) was also the largest earthen dam in the world when it was built.
4. Georgia O’Keeffe, a well-known modern artist of the 20th century, taught art at Columbia College in 1915. While there, she produced the charcoal sketches that found their way to Alfred Stieglitz — who took up promoting her art… and the rest is history.
5. 1,284. That’s how many toasters Kenneth Huggins has in the world’s largest collection which he stores in his home and a special-built storage house. Soda Citizens hold several world records in the Guinness Book of World Records, including the greatest distance catching a grape in the mouth.
DAZR with Vaugn Holmes Band and Jameson Tank | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $10 | Get ready to rock with this lineup featuring some of the best local bands from the Upstate and Athens, GA.
Half-Price Select Sushi & Martini Wednesdays | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 5-10 p.m. | SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar, 807 Gervais St., Ste. 103, Columbia | Wind down on Wednesday with half-off martinis and select sushi options.
Thursday, Dec. 1
Midlands Clay Arts Society Annual Holiday Sale | Thursday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic art at the 21st Annual Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden - Lights Before Christmas | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 9 | 5-9 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia | Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire, and be sure to wear your hat — it snows nightly at Riverbanks during the Lights Before Christmas.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | See over one million lights, experience themed areas, holiday shopping, great food, and see Santa at Segra Park at night.
Friday, Dec. 2
City of West Columbia Tree Lighting Ceremony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | City of West Columbia City Hall, 200 12th St., West Columbia | Let the Christmas fun begin in the City of West Columbia as the Mayor and Council light the City’s Christmas Tree at Town Hall.
Stagbriar, Lighthearted, Slow Funeral, Kat Gandy | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St, West Columbia | $15 | Columbia Americana band Stagbriar will headline the night and perform new songs off their upcoming album.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Santa Saturdays at the State Museum | Saturday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 10, Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $6.95-$8.95 | Santa will be at the museum to meet with guests and members so you can take holiday photos.*
Friday, Dec. 9
Kringle Holiday Village | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 5-9 p.m. | Fluor Field , 945 S Main St., Columbia | $0-$12 | Savor the season with a warm mug of glühwein or tasty beer and enjoy live holiday music from Upstate musicians, crafted goods from local artisans, kids activities + more. 🎅*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
What questions do you have for Prisma Health urogynecology experts? Here’s your chance to get the answers you’re looking for. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
Urinary incontinence in women is more common than you may think. With an estimated 25-45% of women experiencing this medical condition, many believe it is “just a part of normal aging” or a post-childbirth reality one has to simply accept.
This frequently means urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor conditionsremain untreated, all while interfering with daily life and being known to negatively impact emotional and social well-being.
In this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call, we’re connecting readers to Prisma Health urogynecologists who are here, on call, ready to answer your urinary incontinence + pelvic floor questions.
Think:
❓ What treatment options are available for urinary incontinence? ❓ Is it normal to leak urine when I cough or sneeze? ❓ Are there lifestyle changes I can make to manage urinary leakage? ❓ What is pelvic floor therapy and how will it help?
What do you want to ask? Submit your questions and we’ll share the physicians’ answers in the next few weeks.*
USC Foundationsis planning a new dormitory for 737 Gadsden St., next to Colonial Life Arena. Formerly a parking lot + intramural sports fields, the new dorm will have 938 beds + retail space and is projected to open in August 2025. 🏗️ (The State)
Biz
Jams + Stark — the company behind Colite City — partnered with The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to design the 155,000-sqft space. The new development aims to be similar to Atlanta’s popular Ponce City Market.
Show
Comedian + talk show host Bill Maher is coming to the Township Auditorium on Sun., Aug. 20. Similar to his HBO Show“Real Time with Bill Maher,” the comedian finds laughs talking about politics and popular culture. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. 🎫
Ranked
No. 26. That’s Cola’s ranking on RentCafe’s list of the top 50 cities for remote workers. The ranking considered 19 metrics in 150 cities, like the cost of living, rental demand, and the number of coworking spaces.
Cause
The South Carolina Independent Living Council (SCSILC) is looking for your help in making the lives of those with disabilities in SC better. Take this 10-minute confidential survey to help capture the needs and barriers experienced in the disability community.
Shop
The Columbia Music Festival Association (CMFA) and The Pastor’s Study (1633 Main St.) will host a mini craft and artists market in conjunction with the First Thursday on Main this week. Shop local and find unique holiday items created by a local artist.
Wellness
Many people are going keto, which has been hailed as a quick way to lose weight — but is the keto diet heart healthy? 🫀*
Home
Are you prepared for the future of air conditioning? Starting on Sat., Jan. 1, 2023, new minimum efficiency standards for split system air conditioners + heat pumps will go into effect. This means repairs on older units could get pricier as parts get phased out. Chat with Cool Care Heating & Air about upgrading your HVAC system sooner vs. later.*
Announced
Take your love for COLAtoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉
Travel
Did you know Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s (CAE) offers nonstop flights to Miami? Local influencer Ashley Elsey (@ashcaddsey) tried out the flight for us. Here’s a full recap of her trip + her recs to make the most of your own Miami trip. 🏝 *
Health
Open enrollment for individual and family health insurance is now. Enrollment events are happening this week at Mega Insurance at 1004 Cermack St. in Columbia on Fri., Dec. 2 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and HealthMarkets at The Flight Deck Shoppes at 109 Old Chapin Rd in Lexington on Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.*
Featured Space
The property at 1291 First St. South is now for sale via Trinity Partners. The 12,000-sqft building sits on a 1.21-acre site and is located in the Columbia Industrial Park (one mile from I-77 + six miles from I-26). Learn more + see the space.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Editor’s pick: 82-29. That was the score of the first organized baseball game ever played in Columbia in 1867. Obviously, this was before any mercy rules existed. The game took place on the University Green on Green Street, and the teams played for four hours. That’s over 27 runs an hour that fans got to enjoy.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read our recap of the Gamecocks’ 2022 football season, here.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.