From 164 King Street

This week, we honor the life of longtime friend of the Library, Ann Boatwright Igoe, who passed away in December. In 2019, she and her late husband, Harold “Skipper” E. Igoe Jr., gifted to theLibrary Society – and you, our members – a stunning collection of Elizabethan-era portraits and books.  The Igoe Shakespeare Collection is the crown jewel of our holdings – perfectly complementing, enhancing, and reviving something that our early members found essential; theLibrary Society was among the first American cultural repositories to collect the works of William Shakespeare, with his name first appearing in our 1770 catalog.    

Born in the tiny town of Darlington, S.C., Ann felt that she didn’t have the same exposure to art as people living in bigger cities, commenting that she wanted young people to be able to see “real objects” in our state. A poet and artist herself, Ann was largely responsible for ensuring that Skipper’s collection remained in Charleston, divided between the Library Society and the College of Charleston.    

Determined to overcome the challenging circumstances of her youth, Ann was voted “Most Witty,” becoming a strong and vibrant student, going on to Coker College, and achieving a class presidency. Her lifelong interests were wide: she loved art, tennis, poetry, and dance, pursuing each with passion and drive. She wrote beautiful, melancholic poetry and also taught a popular movement class at the YMCA on George Street.  

While successfully raising her two children, she would also sculpt, sketch, and paint in a variety of mediums, producing an impressive body of work. Known for her sense of humor, generosity, and loyalty, Ann attracted many friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. Inquisitive by nature, it is not surprising that she was also a prolific letter-writer and conversationalist.   

From her early days with Skipper, here at 164 King attending meetings of the Poetry Society, through to a magnificent celebration here in the Igoe Shakespeare Library on her 90th birthday in October, Ann’s delightful spirit thrives at the Library Society. She will be dearly missed!  

We were fortunate to capture some of Ann’s wit in an oral history interview a few years ago. Thanks to Elsa McDowell for this fun chat with one of the Library’s most beloved members. 

Enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones, and stay warm. 

The CLS Team