Did you know that M. Judson Booksellers is named after a (very impressive) woman?

Mary Camilla Judson was a woman to be reckoned with in Greenville back in the day. After not being able to attend Yale due to being a woman (more about her family + backstory here), she moved to Greenville in 1857 + became the first woman principal at the Greenville Female College (later part of Furman University). She taught nearly every single class, from English composition and literature to physics and calisthenics (a class that raised a few eyebrows back in the day).

There she began the Judson Literary Society – a women's lit + debate club – and helped open a library on campus, which was later named in her honor. After retiring at 83, she continued to live at the college until her death in 1920. She is buried in Springwood Cemetery.

Mary Camilla Judson | photo by A. Warlick

M. Judson named their bookstore after her (their “patron saint” and spirit animal, if you will) when they opened in July 2015 in the historic Greenville County Courthouse (130 South Main St.). Built in 1918, the building served as the county’s courthouse until 1950 when the court was moved to a new building, and the Family Court of Greenville County remained there until 1991. The building’s architecture is early 20th century Beaux Arts style – the only building of its kind in Greenville County.

The independent literary hub offers a selection of well-curated books + funky goods from across S.C. and beyond. They host events, are home to a cult-favorite book club, and even have book subscription service for out-of-town fans called The Letterbox.

M. Judson offers tons of local books and gifts | photo by S. Tallman

What’s your favorite book you’ve picked up from M. Judson? We’re collecting your recommendations to include in tomorrow’s newsletter. Let us know by emailing us. Ⓟ