Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2021

53 www.MountPl easantPodcas t . com | www. ReadMPM. com | www. I LoveMountPl easant . com later transferred ownership to the state — at that time, the Charleston County school system would provide a teacher to any barrier island with at least five elementary-aged children. By virtue of living on a barrier island, the family was particularly vulnerable to squalls. Alice’s stories recounted one powerful storm that damaged most of the buildings on the island, including the lighthouse and living quarters. Alice’s memory was fuzzy regarding whether it was a hurricane, a tornado or just a nasty tempest. Regardless, what became evident by the 1930s was that the lighthouse was in trouble. The Morris Island Lighthouse, originally constructed 1,200 feet onshore, was standing precariously at the water’s edge. After Hecker’s and Davis’ families left, no other lighthouse keeper would set foot on Morris Island again. “They didn’t even know they were making history,” mused Violet. All of Hecker’s children are now deceased. Violet wishes the family could have recorded a more thorough account of the experience for posterity. “Time got away from us,” she lamented. “And then it was too late.” The Morris Island Lighthouse was automated on June 22, 1938. Historical records indicate that Hecker was transferred to another position within the lighthouse service. Then in 1956, with erosion imperiling Morris Island Lighthouse, the Coast Guard announced plans to build a new lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island and to deactivate Morris. The Morris Island Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1962 and replaced by the modern Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse — its official name is Charleston Light — which was commissioned on June 15, 1962. Its unique triangular design allows it to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 125 miles per hour. The new lighthouse also contained a modern luxury that helped keepers stay comfortable during the sweltering Lowcountry summers: air conditioning. Lighthouse keepers lived there until 1975, when it became fully automated. Much to her delight, Violet’s daughter’s and grandchildren’s curiosity has been piqued by the family’s upbringing on Morris Island. “They were very excited to learn the history,” enthused Violet. “They were very proud they had a grandma who grew up at a lighthouse.” For more in-depth reading, you can read historian and former Save the Light, Inc. Director Douglas Bostick’s book, “The Morris Island Lighthouse: Charleston’s Maritime Beacon.” Wi l l i am Hecker, a l ong wi th W.A. Dav i s , were the l as t two l i ghthouse keeper s to res i de on Mor r i s I s l and. For the Hecker and Davis children’s’ schooling, a teacher named Elma Bradham came by boat each Monday and stayed with the family all week. Photo cour t esy of Save the L i ght , I nc . Photo cour t esy of Save the L i ght , I nc . history Get the Best Solution for Your Home and Budget. Reliable, upfront service for your home’s A/C, heating, plumbing & gas Make Us Your 1st Choice! BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT 843-518-1479 1stChoiceforAC.com Photo by Stan Foxworthy