Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie? Some folks prefer the convenience of streaming a flick at home, but to many there’s nothing like the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. Talk to some longtime residents of Mount Pleasant and you may hear them reminiscing about catching a show at the long-gone drive-in movie theater the Sea Breeze, nicknamed the “Mosquito Drive-in” … [Read more...]
The Fighting Lady: USS Yorktown Turns 80; Patriots Point Names First Lady
Mount Pleasant’s local historical treasure, the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, has plenty to celebrate. On April 15, the organization celebrated the 80th anniversary of the USS Yorktown’s commissioning in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1943 with its “The Fighting Lady Turns 80” event. The aircraft carrier was nicknamed “The Fighting Lady” by her crew during World War … [Read more...]
Town Spirit: Mount Pleasant Takes Home Third All-America City Award
Mount Pleasant Town Hall is buzzing with anticipation for plans and projects after securing a third All-America City Award. The town has now won the prestigious award three times (2010, and 2018) which is the most of any municipality in the Palmetto State. In early 2023, a team of town staff members began the lengthy process of applying for the designation while emphasizing … [Read more...]
Bust a Move: The Legislator Who Made the Shag the Official SC State Dance
Twenty-four states do their Promenades, Do-Si-Dos and Allemande Lefts with pride during their official state dance, the square dance. Wisconsinites claim the polka. Out in California it’s the West Coast Swing while the bayou country of Louisiana rocks with the Cajun Jig. North Carolina and Kentucky hit the dance floor for clogging while in Hawaii, of course, the official dance … [Read more...]
Attention, Class! Mount Pleasant Schools Seat Two New Principals
Chas Coker at Wando In a significant education development for the local school community, Chas Coker has been named the next principal of Wando High School. The announcement, made by the school district in early May, marks a new era for Wando. Coker, a highly respected and experienced leader, brings with him extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of education, … [Read more...]
Served & Protected Beloved: Longtime Mount Pleasant P.D. Officer Retires
At the age of 12, Mount Pleasant Police Department Captain Chip Googe already knew exactly what career he wanted to pursue when he grew up. Googe’s father worked for the Charleston County Police Department, eventually moving to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department. His uncle worked in law enforcement as well. Growing up around a family with law enforcement ties made an … [Read more...]
Power (Up) Lifting with Carl Ritchie
Charleston native Carl Ritchie has always lived a life of service. From the military to law enforcement to Mount Pleasant Town Council, everywhere he goes he tries to leave things better than he found them. Presently his focus is on the South Carolina Special Olympics Powerlifting team, where he’s using physical fitness and strength training to empower young athletes to succeed … [Read more...]
Autism and Man’s Best Friend: Our world is Coming Up Daisies
Autism. The word may invoke some preconceived notions and conjure up movie scenes ..from Tom Cruise’s “Rain Main.” But as ..a mother of a young adult on the spectrum, I’ll be the first to tell you, just like neurotypical kids are all different, so are neurodivergent ones. Sometimes my son Luke (19) — a brilliant classical guitarist, musician and techie — just like all of us, … [Read more...]
The Start of the Mount Pleasant Boom: Bayview Acres
Bayview Acres. The name itself is charming, and it was meant to be. In the early 20th century, Bayview Acres was created to lure city folks to the burgeoning suburban community of Mount Pleasant, an early piece of the puzzle that would grow into the modern metropolis we know and love today. In 1937, the town of Mount Pleasant launched a campaign to draw downtown Charleston … [Read more...]
A Blast from Our Past: Mount Pleasant Families Recite Memories of Growing Up in Town
Many families are drawn to Mount Pleasant because of its great schools, variety of sports activities, the wonderful neighborhoods, its lovely parks — the list goes on and on. But some families have known the charm of Mount Pleasant for generations, long before it grew into a bustling suburb approaching 100,000 residents. Anne DuPre Royall’s family is one. Her branch of … [Read more...]