People said he was different and possessed by a dream, but such comments did not deter David English Camak as he worked to fulfill his vision of a common school for textile mill workers. Using his considerable persuasive skills, Camak convinced prominent citizens of Spartanburg, South Carolina, to support the establishment of Textile Industrial Institute. The public is invited to a reception and signing for the new book Common Ties by Katherine Davis Cann from 2-5 pm Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Moore Building at Spartanburg Methodist College.

Common Ties is the story of that school from its establishment in 1911 through its time as Spartanburg Junior College and now Spartanburg Methodist College, a two-year liberal arts institution approaching its centennial. Cann, a professor of history at SMC, brings the school's rich and unique history to life through the voices of students and the countless men and women who gave their best to assure its future.

At 296 pages, the book is illustrated and fully indexed. It sells for $14.95 in paperback and will soon be available on this website.