Margaret French McLean will be the topic of the next meeting of the Southeastern Genealogical Society on Sept. 13.
Blake Tyner will discuss the state’s little known first lady who spearheaded the restoration of the Governor’s Mansion. McLean was the wife of Gov. Angus Wilton McLean, an attorney and leader from Robeson County who went on to serve in President Woodrow Wilson’s administration. Mrs. McLean was a renowned hostess, and was known for welcoming everyone from Will Rogers and Orville Wright to the children of cotton mill workers. When Gov. McLean was elected, his wife was shocked by the condition of the mansion, and set about restoring the landmark and reopening it to the general public.
Tyner is an award winning author and historian. His works include Images of America: Robeson County and Robeson County in Vintage Postcards, both the result of his undergraduate work. Tyner is descended from some of the state’s earliest colonists, and a childhood love of history led him to delve into the State Archives at an early age.
The society meets at 2 p.m. at 623 Warrior Trail, Whiteville. The public is welcome.
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