When he returned to Aiken in 1978, he was home for good. He watched downtown revitalize and USC-Aiken sprout new programs and a planetarium. Inc. The latter will occupy one side of the center and draw experts in nuclear science and government from across the country. Newberry Street downtown is being transformed into a festival area. Programs to raze dilapidated homes and rebuild better ones are in place.
Many fine restaurants draw people from all over.
Later it became a health resort for tuberculosis sufferers, thanks to its 500-foot elevation. One was heiress Louise Hitchcock, who brought her husband, their horses and millionaire friends. Springtime is glorious. Azaleas cover the city, just in time for the Aiken Trials, a three-weekend serious horse races. It's one of the best times here.