Another kitschy but folksy side of the Pee Dee [1], the Button King Museum (55 Joe Dority Rd., www.scbuttonking.com [2], free) honors the life and art of the eponymous folk artist, whose real name is Dalton Stevens. His stock in trade is his passion—one might even say obsession—for attaching colorful, shiny buttons all over everything he owns, including his car and his piano.
Stevens says his hobby began as a response to insomnia, and has continued on as a life’s mission, documented in a number of media appearances that he has thoughtfully compiled onto DVDs available for sale, along with musical recordings of him playing his guitar and banjo (yup, both also covered with buttons). Admission’s free but donations are welcome and appreciated.
Getting to the Button King Museum is a little tricky. When near town, take Highway 34 west and then take a left onto Johnson’s Pond Road, looking for signage. After about a mile, take the fork to the right and turn onto Joe Dority Road. Look for the sign.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/south-carolina/columbia-and-the-midlands/the-pee-dee
[2] http://www.scbuttonking.com