Roy Williams III was an icon on Sullivan’s Island. He knew the island frontwards and backwards, inside and out, top to bottom. Not only had Williams lived on the island longer than just about any other resident, but he also wrote extensively on its history and architecture. He was even known to offer occasional tours of the island by trolley. When the island’s historical … [Read more...]
Down On Main Street: A historic stroll down Coleman Boulevard
Coleman Boulevard is more than just a gateway to the beach. It’s Mount Pleasant’s Main Street, USA. It was where all the action began in the early 20th century and it remains the heart and soul of the town today. Coleman Boulevard was named after Mayor Francis Coleman, who steered the town through the rapid development of the 1950s and its transformation from a farming … [Read more...]
A Tribute to Thomasena Stokes-Marshall: Long Live the Fruit
The Mount Pleasant Senior Center. The East Cooper campus of Trident Technical College. The African American Historic Settlements Commission. These are just a few fixtures that enhance the daily lives of Mount Pleasant residents, and they were all made possible through the dogged efforts of a woman who has been called “a guiding light” throughout the community. Thomasena … [Read more...]
The New Praise House Park: Preserving Mount Pleasant History
Perhaps you’ve noticed it as you’ve turned off Highway 17 onto Mathis Ferry Road, just past the first traffic circle. More likely than not, you haven’t paid it much attention. But that’s about to change. The vacant, nondescript lot on the corner of 5th Avenue will soon become the site of a new park, and it won’t be just any park. This one will serve as a heritage memorial … [Read more...]
Mount Pleasant’s First African American Church: A Mystery, A Legacy
A major piece of Mount Pleasant’s history is found in the African American story. It’s among us today in the area’s sweetgrass baskets, gathering places like Six Mile Tavern and historic “settlement communities.” Gullah culture flavors the town at every corner. A historically spiritual group, at the center of it all, there is religion. It’s hard to pin down which was the … [Read more...]
Pinckney’s Passion Remembering Mount Pleasant’s First Airport
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and, for many residents, air travel is the way to go. In this area, Charleston International Airport is the obvious choice for most folks, but some utilize Mount Pleasant Regional Airport for small private jets and prop planes. Though that airport has been around for decades, it is not the town’s first. Seventy-five years ago, Mount … [Read more...]
A Memorable Mission: The Ballad of The Hunley Submarine
“Sullivan’s Island—A more comfortable place could not be found,” said Lt. George Dixon. Dixon was the commanding officer of the H.L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine whose base of operations was at Breach Inlet in 1864. The crew that worked on the submarine was based in Mount Pleasant. Including Dixon, the crew of eight traveled mainly by foot to work each day. These men … [Read more...]
Gone and Nearly Forgotten: East Cooper’s First Place of Worship
With many historic churches dotting the skyline, Charleston is often called the Holy City. People forget that there is a good share of picturesque old churches on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge as well: St. Andrew’s, Christ Church, St. Paul’s, Friendship AME, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian and more. But where was the very first place of worship east of the Cooper? The answer … [Read more...]
Honoring Thy Mother and Father: The History of Celebrating Parents
It’s the second Sunday of May. From New York to Los Angeles, from the beaches to the hills, from the smallest towns to the biggest metropolises, everyone in the nation is abuzz doing the same thing. They are emptying flower shops, lighting up cell phone towers and brunching over laughs about yesteryear. After all, celebrating Mother’s Day is as American as apple pie. Or is … [Read more...]
“Come to Mount Pleasant and Live!” The Growth of Charleston’s Neighboring Town
At the dawn of the 20th century, Mount Pleasant was a sleepy and somewhat isolated community. Businessmen went home for their midafternoon dinner and a nap afterward. When a local resident died, a messenger was sent by bicycle to deliver invitations to the funeral. The arrival of traveling medical shows, gypsies and the occasional organ grinder — with the requisite monkey in … [Read more...]