As We Climb the Mountain: Up the Winding Roadway...

Susan Story Speight has lived with her husband, Charlie, in the former Lions Cabin at Camp Skyuka for eight years. She grew up near the Smoky Mountains and was a faithful Girl Scout who couldn’t wait to get to camp every summer. Therefore, the prospect of living on White Oak Mountain at the old camp was an exciting idea when she and Charlie fortuitously discovered the cabin for sale. Of course, they also thought it would be the perfect spot for their combined six children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild to visit. She has continued the camp theme by allowing the kids to write on the wall in the bunk room just like the campers did! She had t-shirts made, too, and keeps lots of marshmallows on hand for roasting by the campfire. From the very beginning, Susan was fascinated with the history of the camp and envisioned writing the story. The idea took flight when the Spartanburg Herald Journal ran an article on her quest to find former campers and counselors. As a result, many campers contacted her with their stories and photographs. Lots of campers have also dropped by to reminisce. It was during her research that she uncovered the fact that the Skyuka Hotel was designed by her great-grandfather George F. Barber. A big surprise! The once popular hotel was torn down in the 1940s to make room for the Camp Skyuka dining hall. Prior to moving to Camp Skyuka, Susan lived in the Columbia, South Carolina, area, most recently in Batesburg-Leesville. She and her husband enjoy exploring antique stores and entertaining friends in their cozy mountain home. scspeight@windstream.net