Gamecocks and Lintheads

In the late nineteenth century, W.B. Smith Whaley, a man with a remarkably implausible name, built the Olympia Cotton Mill in Columbia, South Carolina. The mill became the foundation for the Whaley textile empire, whose employees were given the noble name of lintheads.

At the same time, Richard S. Whaley served as the first coach of the University of South Carolina football team, the Gamecocks.

"But wait " you say. "Who is this mysterious Richard S. Whaley? W. H. Whaley was the first USC coach."

Not so, according to author, linthead, and fanatical Gamecock supporter, Joby C. Castine. Castine cites reputable historical records suggesting W. H. Whaley is merely a presumptive phantom, a typo who never existed, but still managed to usurp Richard S. Whaley's rightful position.

Castine proves, with a deft sense of humor and a historian's eye, that the Olympia Mill Village and the Gamecocks are tied together by "the Linthead Link."