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...]
Surviving the Winds of Change: Historic Scanlonville
For many people, a quiet drive along scenic Mathis Ferry Road is a welcome relief from the barrage of traffic on Highway 17. Decorated with centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the ride offers a dreamlike glimpse into the Mount Pleasant of yesteryear. The route also provides access to many neighborhoods, and one neighborhood in particular maintains its storied … [Read more...]
Franke at Seaside: Celebrating 25 Years in Mount Pleasant
Although Franke at Seaside has resided in Mount Pleasant for 25 years now, their history ..goes back much further – 25 years, in fact. Before they became a vibrant senior community in East Cooper, they were an assisted living facility located in downtown Charleston at the Adger House on Calhoun Street, called simply “The Franke Home.” The idea for the facility that would … [Read more...]
Stranger on the Beach: One Vacationer Encounters a Famous Sullivan’s Island Specter
As one of the most historic spots in the United States, East Cooper is known for its Southern hospitality and charm, and it’s also notorious for ghostly inhabitants who came but never left and allegedly take up residence amongst the living. Lowcountry tourists and locals alike line up for historical haunted tours in search of a good ghostly tale, oftentimes with the hopes to … [Read more...]
Remembering Hurricane Hugo
The Lowcountry is no stranger to hurricanes. From the time we began tracking hurricane statistics in 1851, Southeast South Carolina has seen 309 tropical cyclones, including 16 hurricanes which have made landfall in Charleston County – the most of any county in the area according to weather.gov. Even before hurricanes were formally named, our home had several recorded storms, … [Read more...]
Nightmare in McClellanville: Hurricane Hugo 1989
“We made it Evangeline. The worst is over.” These were the words that Thomas Williams spoke to his wife as he looked out the back door of his McClellanville home during the calm of Hugo’s eye. The view before him was pretty bad but it wasn’t devastating. For the most part, his house and the houses of his friends and relatives on DuPre street were in good shape. There was no … [Read more...]
A Town is Created Part 2 in 340 Years of Mount Pleasant History
As the new century unfolded, Mount Pleasant’s rural identity began a metamorphosis. The lone hamlet of Greenwich, once surrounded by .miles of woods and farmland, would be joined by three other small settlements. New industries would appear, and the harborside community would become a hub of activity. Greenwich Village had been established in 1765, with 50 waterfront acres … [Read more...]
Lucy’s Legacy: Remembering the Woman Who Shaped Education in Mount Pleasant
By Anne Shuler Toole Though small in stature, Lucy Garrett Beckham was larger than life. The impact she had on Mount Pleasant high schoolers over her tenure as Wando’s principal – and the resulting ripple effect on the town itself – is immeasurable. After all, people flock to areas known for good schools, and it’s evident that having her as a leader changed this town in many … [Read more...]
Continuing to Hold Water: The Heart, Soul and History of Shem Creek
This story originally appeared in an early Media Services publication. It has been edited for length and clarity. We hope you enjoy this look at Shem Creek’s history. -The Editors Shem Creek has always been a working creek. It fed the Sewee Indians and ferried the father of our country safely across the harbor. It powered sawmills and rice mills and pumped money into … [Read more...]