Ben and Ted's Excellent Adventure at Folly Beach
Two surprise guests caused a stir at the TAH Midyear Retreat at Folly Beach. Shortly after Dr. Larry Nelson's opening remarks, soft strains of colonial chamber music could be heard from the hall. As attendees turned to discern the source of this sound, Benjamin Franklin strode into the room. After taking special pains to introduce himself to the ladies present, the honorable Mr. Franklin sat down for an informal cup of tea. Mr. Franklin took the opportunity of his visit to share a behind the scenes look at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Mr. Franklin provided observations of several of the key players of the convention, and gave his opinions of the strengths and weaknesses of the document they produced.
Shortly after lunch, a second prominent visitor arrived, President Theodore Roosevelt. Teddy appeared fresh and fit from his practice of the strenuous life, and seemed ready to charge up San Juan Hill a second time. President Roosevelt related his thoughts concerning his upbringing and entrance into politics, the Progressive movement, his involvement with the Panama Canal, the importance of civic duty, and the proper role of men and women in American society.
The attendance of these distinguished guests was made possible by their close friendship with Dr. Ed Beardsley of the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Beardsley partnered with TAH this past summer, and invited his friends to attend the retreat at Folly Beach.