Must See Videos from the Charleston, SC Archives

Sometimes we are lucky to uncover some rare footage of Charleston yesteryear.  We have a few great looks back at the way Charleston used to be.

Sit back in this virtual time machine and enjoy some footage from the treasure chest of the Charleston historic archives.

Budweiser Clydesdales – Charleston, SC 1957

Sara Byrne and Nessa K in Charleston, SC – Sullivan’s Island (Music Video)

Charleston, SC Snow – 1973 (Super 8)

WXTC Charleston, SC (Light Rock) – Donna McCoy (1986)

WXTC Charleston, SC (Light Rock) – Mark Cardnella (1985)

Hurricane Hugo – Wrath to Restoration – Charleston, SC (1989)

Hurricane Hugo – The Morning After News Charleston, SC – 1989

South Carolina 1950’s

Charleston, SC Historic Flooding – October 3, 2015

Charleston, South Carolina 1964

We hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane.

Iconic Historic Images of Charleston, South Carolina

Robert Frank Iconic Image of 1950's Charleston
Robert Frank Iconic Image of 1950’s Charleston

The passion for Charleston history has inspired us to do another installment of historic Charleston, SC images.  We have searched far and wide to show the people, architecture and lifestyle of Charleston through the years and your enthusiasm to absorb, remember and share has been overwhelming.  Please enjoy these prints that take us through the years.  Some memories fond, some heartbreaking, but all memorable.

Charleston, Through the Years – A Visionary Look Back

Charleston Market circa 1906
Charleston Market circa 1906

 

1914 Charleston Police Station Postcard
1914 Charleston Police Station Postcard

 

Print advertisement for sale of slaves
Print advertisement for sale of slaves

 

Drayton Hall 1869
Drayton Hall 1869

 

King Street 1907 Postcard
King Street 1907 Postcard

 

Vendue Range 1865
Vendue Range 1865

 

1915 - Children playing in flooded streets
1915 – Children playing in flooded streets

 

Fire scarred Mills House - 1865
Fire scarred Mills House – 1865

 

4th of July 1937 Folly Beach
4th of July 1937 Folly Beach

 

Physicians and Surgeons Hospital 1886 Charleston
Physicians and Surgeons Hospital 1886 Charleston

 

Post Fort Sumter Attack
Post Fort Sumter Attack

 

African American Family 1938
African American Family 1938

 

Gene Wilson Miss Charleston 1958
Gene Wilson Miss Charleston 1958

 

Charleston child 1950
Charleston child 1950

 

Cannon Street YMCA 1955 - Watching a game
Cannon Street YMCA 1955 – Watching a game

 

Aftermath of 1938 tournedos in Charleston
Aftermath of 1938 tornados in Charleston

 

Feb 18 1965 - Surrender of Charleston
Feb 18 1865 – Surrender of Charleston

 

Never forget our past

PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2017 Reports Reveals A Great Deal About Charleston Market

PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has released its 2017 Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report for 2017 for the United States/Canada and it reveals a very telling story for Charleston and its housing markets.

PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2017 Full Report

The report defines the future of Charleston, SC real estate, saying:

“Charleston, South Carolina, could be considered an emerging 18-hour city with an economy that is firing on all cylinders going into 2017. Strong demographic growth, the expansion of manufacturing facilities, improved transportation and logistics access, and a growing tech services industry are all driving the Charleston economy. Population and household growth is projected to be strong in 2017. In addition, Charleston is becoming a preferred destination for college graduates between the ages of 25 to 34. The younger well-educated workforce is facilitating the growth of Charleston’s expanding tech base. High-tech employment is projected to expand at a faster pace than the national average in 2017. On the manufacturing front, one automaker is starting a major expansion while another is opening a new production facility. Auto production activity could lead to an influx of new parts suppliers locating in the region. Finally, the Port of Charleston should benefit from the Panama Canal expansion. Planned capital expenditures at the port will improve the competitiveness of the operation and further establish Charleston’s reputation as a logistics hub.”

State of Charleston, SC Real Estate

This report indicates that there is an increased demand for investment in Charleston real estate and the potential for a huge upside in 2017.  For overall real estate prospects in 2017, Charleston, SC is ranked #31 in the nation.  Charleston is ranked #2 behind Raleigh, NC home building prospects in 2017.  Investor demand, which is an indicator of the interest investors have in the future prospects of development in a region has Charleston #14.

 

 

Charleston Buy, Sell, Hold Recommendations

The full report contains an in-depth analysis on pricing, population and other key census indicators.

 

What Charleston is Thankful for in 2016

Charleston, we asked and here is what you are thankful for at the start of this holiday season…

-“Family.”

-“Thankful I’m a teacher and can still make a difference in the world of a child.”

-“Family and beauty of Charleston and its people.”

-“Fish fingers and custard.”

-“My work ethic.”

-“My friends and family, opportunity, and beauty.”

-“Generosity of friends and family, and that this baby seems to be developing well.”

-“Time off with family.”

-“Sanity.”Thanksgiving People Table

-“Life. Family. Friendship. Health.”

-“Nap time!”

-“Thankful when nothing is left unsaid.”

-“Family.”

-“Home, health, family, experience.”

-“That I wake up each morning to a new day.”

-“Wine and ice cream.”

-“To have friends and family that I can count on.”

-“Healthy kids, affectionate pets, loyal and loving friends, and the respect of my parents.”

-“Wonderfully, amazing friends who love me for me.”

-“2016 is almost over.”

-“God, my family and friends.”

-“Three children, Alyssa, Kyle, and Blake and for their strength and perseverance. Beyond blessed.”

-“A new start at a new life.”

-“Indoor plumbing…and soft toilet paper.”

-“Family.”

-“Still breathing.”

-“To be able to watch the sunrise.”

-“The relationship with my family.”

-“Family.”

-“Coffee, so I am able to wake up early to catch my flight to visit friends and family for Thanksgiving.”

-“To be alive for the holidays.” #CancerStrong

-“Family, good health and America.”

-“The time that we did have together.”

-“Supportive family and friends, a new career that I love, and health.”

-“The immense amount of love I’m surrounded by with my Charleston family…especially when so far from my actual family.”

-“Selfless friends who spend their time helping me fix my truck.”

-“Family, friends, good health, salt water, diet green tea and that I can smile every day.”

-“Family.”

Princess Diana is given credit for the saying “Family is the most important thing in the world,” however we have known this for centuries. Given how our hearts’ shine, it is no surprise that family appears as a reoccurring value amongst Charlestonians.


Happy Thanksgiving,
from our family to yours

Getting to Know Philadelphia Alley

 

SONY DSC

By Minta Pavliscsak

If there is one thing Charleston, South Carolina will never be lacking, it is charm. In historic downtown Charleston, every street, store front, restaurant, park, and even alleyway has a way to make you point and say “awe”. Then, as if an automatic response, your camera is out taking pictures before you even realize it.

Follow us as we take a stroll down Philadelphia Alley and see alleyways as only Charleston knows how to do them.

 

 

This charming alley can be found between Queen Street and Cumberland Street. Often overlooked, Philadelphia Alley is one of the many hidden treasures Charleston offers. Dating back to 1776, Cow’s Alley as it was originally called, was access to rental homes behind Francis Kinloch’s house. He renamed it Kinloch’s Court after he widened it.

SONY DSC

 

This alley has seen two fires in its lifetime, including the infamous fire of 1796, and another in 1810. Holding true to its name, The City of Brotherly Love stood by Charleston’s side by donating financially to aid in rebuilding this area in 1811.

 

What a more proper thank you than to forever give this beautiful strip of canopy covered, cobblestone refuge from the heat during the summer months, and the best place to listen to the bells of St. Phillips Church the honor of the name Philadelphia Alley.

 

Many locals refer to this passageway as Dueler’s Alley. Back when gentleman settled their disputes with pistols twenty-one paces away, this alley was the perfect setting in Charleston to do so. One of the most famous stories is of one man’s love and what he did to prove said love. Dr. Joseph Brown Ladd, known as the whistling doctor would eventually meet his demise as a result of a duel with Ralph Isaacs in 1786.

 

Many local ghost tour companies will tell the tale of the Whistling Doctor, and some Charlestonians have even said to have heard faint whistling while walking down the alley alone. Today you will find a tranquil, picturesque setting where each person you meet will pass you by with a friendly smile and nod. So as Robert Frost first suggest, take the road less traveled and be sure to explore Charleston’s only Philadelphia Alley.

 

 

 

 

 

East Side Charleston: Where the Deep Roots of Community Live

By Mark A. Leon
By Mark A. Leon

“Philip Simmons is a poet of ironwork. His ability to endow raw iron with pure lyricism is known and admired throughout, not only in South Carolina, but as evidenced by his many honors and awards, he is recognized in all of America.”– John Paul Huguley:  Founder, School of the Building Arts (now the American College of the Building Arts)

Philip Simmons (1912 – 2009)

Philip Simmons is one of the most celebrated blacksmiths of the 20th century.  Born in the Wando area of Daniel Island, his influence on Charleston and the country is a symbol of the structural bond the East Side has.  That influence is readily seen in the streets and parks of the East Side.

His legacy is a reminder of the importance the East Side has in the Charleston diverse and evolving cultural ecosystem.  As I walked the streets of the East Side, I saw faces on a fences in a photographic expose entitled East Siders Matter:  Faces of a Neighborhood in Transition.  As I looked deep into the eyes of the portraits I saw pain and hope.  I saw a neighborhood rich in history, solidified by a common struggle and strong in faith.

The East Side is a proud neighborhood with a supportive foundation and like the work of a professional blacksmith, is rooted with strength and the commitment that it will remain for a very long time.

As I walked the streets on Sunday morning, watching the churches fill up, the residents sitting on their steps talking, dogs out with their owners and a moment of solace in the air, I saw an area that is overflowing with pride.

Take a walk with me and see the inner beauty of the East Side of Charleston.

Philip Simmons lives on in the street art

The Simmons Park offers a safe haven for children and adults to play.

A community struggling for identity stands strong

The lines of life in their faces show hope, promise and love.

East Siders even find art and beauty in waste.

The legacy of Philip Simmons lives on forever.

Everyone is welcome on the East Side.

Time to relax with a good book on the porch.

Growth local produce in the Community Center Garden.

The garden is supported proudly by the Boys and Girls Club.

Stop on in for a little local soul food.

The children are our future.

If you need your hair done, come to Julia’s.

If you want to witness true humanity, go to the park that bares the statue of Philip Simmons on Sunday at 12:30 and observe the Pot Luck Homeless lunch.  In fact, come a little early and donate your time to help become closer to the community.

The East Side is a small and proud neighborhood, where you can go to the Palace Hotel Bar and see Shepard Fairey spin on DJ, have a bite of soul food to eat at Hannibal’s Kitchen, check out a band at The Royal American or attend a service with the locals.  It is filled with wonderful and caring people.  Take a trip off the beaten path and spend some time on the East Side.

 

Speakers Needed for AGA Charleston, SC Chapter (Government Accounting and Ethics)

Calling all Public Speakers! Do you or someone you know have a professional point to share in the world of Government Accounting or Ethics? AGA Charleston Chapter is looking for well qualified speakers willing to share their expertise and help our members earn Continuing Education Units for their varied professional certifications. If you are interested, PM us here, or email us at agacharleston@gmail.com

Mission:

The AGA Charleston, SC Chapter serves local, state, and federal government professionals in the Charleston area. We foster learning, leadership, certification and collaboration for professionals committed to advancing government accountability.

Association of Government Agencies – Charleston, SC Chapter Official Website

National AGA Website

Why I Like Charleston – Perspective of a 6-year-old

My name is Danny and I am six years old.  I love my mommy and daddy and live in a nice house with a dog and a fence.  We also have a cat named Pete, but he doesn’t like people.

I like Charleston, that is my home.  I have trouble spelling it, but Mommy says I will learn soon.  In the Summer, I like to play in the fountain and watch the sailboats in the water.  I love watching the fish in the fish tanks and the big bear bones.  I used to be scared of the bears and dinosaurs, but I am brave now.

If I am nice, I get a moon pie when we walk around.  I love moon pies and ice cream and skipping on the bumpy roads.

I also love horses.  When they come down the street, I scream and laugh and sometimes when they stop, they let me pet them.  They are so soft.  Then dad gets all talkie and starts telling me about people that lived here a long time ago.

We also like to walk down some of my favorite streets with the pretty trees above and count all the numbers on the houses.  We also do I Spy for angel figures.

On Saturdays, we go to the park so I can play on the giant slide and listen to the music.  We walk the dog and mommy and daddy buy all our veggies.  Yucky, but they bride me with a waffle stick.  It works until I have to eat veggies later that night.

On special days, we go to the beach.  I love the beach.  Love, love, love.  I run in the water and run out and dig holes in the sand.  I can stay there forever.

Certain days a year, Daddy remembers grandpa and his time wearing a uniform.  We go to the big boat on the harbor and look at all the pictures and play on the big planes.  I love the planes.  I feel like I am in space.

At night, Daddy likes to take me fishing under the big bridge.  I think he likes it more than me, but we do catch a lot of smelly fishes.  Not as good as peanut butter and jelly, but I can get used to it.  On the way home, we put the top down and I get to scream as we cross the giant bridge.

On Sunday’s we go to church.  I don’t really get a lot of what they say, but everyone dresses so nice and I get to wear my bowtie.  Mommy helps me put it on.  I don’t like the bells.  They are loud.  I do like the singing.

Mommy and Daddy say they are thankful we live in a safe place.  Soon I will have a little brother or sister.  I hope I get to take them to all my favorite places.

Tips for Holiday Time Fitness from O2 Senior Fitness Director

“A lot of clients go into the holidays resigned to possibly putting on a few pounds.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and the right attitude, anybody can stay merry and light.”
Prath Burton, Senior Fitness Director, O2 Fitness Clubs

 

Prath Burton, Senior Fitness Director, for O2 Fitness Clubs shares five tips for holiday fitness.

1. PREPARATION IS KEY:  Establish holiday obstacles (the pies!) and
goals, such as maintaining your current weight, before jumping into
those holiday treats.

2. EAT, PAPA, EAT! (ON A NORMAL SCHEDULE):  Santa is at his best when
he sticks to a holiday eating plan and you are too. Don’t try to make up
for future indulging by skipping meals. This only causes greater hunger
and overeating.

3. SWEAT BEFORE YOU GET STUFFED:  Here’s a quick workout to try before
a big meal: 3 Rounds of 5 burpees, 20 pushups, 30 squats, 40 crunches,
60 second plank. Now pass the (reasonable amount) of gravy.

4. GO AHEAD AND BURN THE TURKEY:  Only 10 minutes a day of activity,
like the circuit above, has been shown to help increase overall calorie
burn. Even a quick walk is worth something – and it comes with the added
bonus of getting you out of awkward conversations with your in-laws._

5. JUST RELAX:  The holidays can cause stress, whether it’s family,
travel or worrying about destroying your hard work in the gym. Relax and
enjoy the holiday by preparing, being mindful of portions and being
thankful!

Great advice to take into the holiday season.

Will There Be a Cheesecake Factory on King Street?

By Mark A. Leon

Now that I have your attention….

  • An unnamed source has indicated that there is discussion to potentially open a Cheesecake Factory in the old King Street Grille on King Street
  • Whole Foods has resumed discussions to occupy the Morris Sokol Building
  • By this time next year, we can be walking down the East Coast version of Rodeo Drive, Miracle Mile or New York’s 5th Avenue which will include: Williams-Sonoma, Forever 21, Apple Store, Urban Outfitters, 5 Guys Burgers, Chipotle, H&M, Moe’s Southwestern, Starbucks, Louis Vitton, Sperry, Victoria’s Secret, Cynthia Rowley, West Elm, Godiva as well as a number of hospitality groups that own a cluster of restaurants controlling the pricing.
  • Huber Street has a new housing development and Palmetto Brewery will soon become future homes.
  • Across from Joe Riley Stadium will house a new self sustaining mini-city
  • With the new Home team BBQ and Lewis BBQ in Upper Charleston East Side, some have deemed this the new Avondale

Times are changing in Charleston…..

Here are a few articles to help us see the reality of Charleston, South Carolina

Is This The End of the Holy City?

Is the Delicate Charleston Ecosystem in Jeopardy?

Charleston, SC – Welcome to the Dumping Ground

I Have a Charleston Dream

Save Charleston

The Folly Road Conundrum

Let us not lose where we came from.  Embrace and conserve the beauty.

New Development on Huger Street
New Development on Huger Street

We would love to see a city where we focus on cleansing the city parks and streets, increasing our emphasis on the environment with stronger recycling practices, a mass transit program that citizens can embrace and affordable housing that creates a city of balance.

This city is showing tremendous signs of a thriving technology sector, continuing growth in the entrepreneurial space (Food Trucks) and indications of an expansion of culture with our arts, writing and design skills.

Something has been happening and if this continues, we will increases in the areas we don’t want to see (violence, traffic, quality, infrastructure and prices).  We have a civic responsibility as citizens to be heard.  Take the time and show how much you care for Charleston.

Historic Westside Neighborhood House
Historic Westside Neighborhood House