Dot Jackson Receives Order of the Silver Crescent

Dot Jackson has made her living with words, first as a prize-winning journalist, then as a prize-winning novelist.

On Sunday, Jackson received some special words from Gov. Nikki Haley – and one of the state’s highest honors.

Sen. Larry Martin and Rep. Davey Hiott presented Jackson with the Order of the Silver Crescent.

Jackson was surprised with the honor during the annual Book and Author Fair at Table Rock State Park, an event put on by the park and the Birchwood Center for Arts and Folk Life. Jackson is one of the founders of the Birchwood Center.

“What did I do?” Jackson asked as organizers of the surprise asked everyone to gather round.

Martin told her he was there on behalf of Gov. Haley to express appreciation for the “outstanding job you’ve done over the years as an author, as a writer, newspaper reporter - ”

“Something’s up, something’s up, when a politician tells you this,” Jackson interrupted, drawing laughs from the audience.

“We told the governor how fond we were of you and what a great job you’ve done, like I said, as a newspaper person, writer, novelist, Birchwood Center founder and a host of other things,” Martin said.

Rep. Davey Hiott addressed Jackson personally before he read aloud Gov. Haley’s letter to her.

“I’m 53 years old, Dot,” Hiott said. “Growing up in the newspaper business, I heard of Dot Jackson all my life. You were a close friend of my grandmother Hiotts, who spoke very highly of you, many times, through your newspaper writings. I’ve known of you all my life and every minute’s been special to me. I appreciate what you’ve meant to me and my family.”

The governor said she was writing to Jackson, “in recognition of your lifelong service to the people of Pickens County, South Carolina.”

“I am pleased to award you the Order of the Silver Crescent,” Haley wrote.  “While it would be easy to point to specific accomplishments that merit this honor, you have demonstrated a high level of commitment throughout your life bring enormous credit to you and your community.

“Your journalistic contributions have touched the lives of thousands of readers and will have a positive impact for years to come,” she said. “South Carolina is

On behalf of the people of the Palmetto State, thank you for upholding the highest ideals of service and leadership in all that you do. “

“In recognition of the dedication, commitment and leadership for the benefit of South Carolina and her citizens, I do hereby confer on Dorothea Jackson the Order of the Silver Crescent,” Martin said.

“That is the sweetest thing,” Jackson said. “My mama and daddy were both raised in Pickens County, like their mama and daddy. I waited 54 years to get back here and I don’t think I could be pulled up – my roots are just right down to China. I’m so happy to be where I’m at home.”

Artist Marge Schaefer, who helped organized the surprise for Jackson, had one more in store for her.

Schaefer said the Birchwood Center’s Linda Bowie had sent her a picture of Dot taken at her last birthday.

“I have painted your portrait and here it is,” Schaefer said.

“It’d better be better than I look,” Jackson said with a grin.

“It’s my hope that in presenting this portrait to the Birchwood Center and its board, that one day, when (the center) is finished, this will be hung in a big prominent place, so that nobody will ever forget this wonderful lady,” Schaefer said.