An invitation to those who have an eye for the printed word

Join Oconee History Museum Saturday, October 8 at 2pm for the dedication of the John Ashton
Hester Exhibit Hall, recognizing long-time Editor of the Keowee Courier and local historian John
Ashton Hester. Ashton Hester served the Walhalla and Oconee County communities since
1969.
After graduating from the University of South Florida, Ashton Hester served honorably in the
Vietnam War before moving to Oconee County to become the Sports Editor for the Seneca
Journal. Ashton would go on to become the Editor for the Keowee Courier for 47 years,
documenting Oconee County’s history as it happened. During his career he received the honor
of being both the youngest newspaper editor and the oldest newspaper editor in South Carolina.
In retirement, Ashton has used his valuable knowledge to produce a series of books entitled
Looking Back compiling and curating local history from the Keowee Courier, which served
Oconee County from 1849 to 2019.
In recognition of his immense contributions to documenting local history and for his support of
Oconee History Museum, the Board of Directors and Staff will dedicate and name the Exhibit
Hall at Oconee History Museum for John Ashton Hester.
“Ashton has been an iconic figure in the local community, and he has worked tirelessly to report
and preserve the history of Oconee County. He is one-of-a-kind and we look forward to
recognizing his achievements and contributions in this very special way,” said Oconee History
Museum Director/Curator Leslie Hagerty.
Oconee History Museum invites the local community to attend the John Ashton Hester Exhibit
Hall dedication and naming.