We love our homes as much as our food in Charleston, South Carolina. Whether it’s the majestic architectural, rainbow of colors or inspiring gardens, Charleston is a living breathing museum and the houses are the cornerstone.
We wanted to share with you all some images of homes we recently found in our journeys.
Photo Credit: Mark A Leon
Khris Middleton has donated $1 million and his time to the Middleton Scholars program at his former high school, Porter-Gaud, in Charleston, S.C.
The program aims to increase diversity at the school by awarding scholarships to high-achieving underserved and minority students.
According to a Port of Call press release, a Folly Beach staple and French bistro are among the new additions to the Port of Call Food and Brew Hall adjacent to historic Charleston City Market.
The Artisan Dining Collection at 99 S. Market St. has added five new venues.
Here is an overview: Pineapple Hut, a Folly Beach favorite since 2019, recently joined the Port of Call Terrace, according to the press release. Their specialty Dole Whip can be served in a cup or bowl with fresh pineapple and is a dairy-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, low-fat, low-calorie, and vegan soft serve ice cream treat.A
Délicieux is a French bistro originally located in North Charleston offering freshly baked sandwiches, baked goods, quiches, coffee and more, according to the press release. Délicieux will be featured at the top of the Port of Call area. It is the creation of chef Bri Wilson from Brooklyn, New York.
Orchestrated by chef Jason De Souza, Taco Art is an authentic taqueria and will feature tacos, quesadillas, burritos and rice bowls, according to the release.
LowCo Seafood Shack is the manifestation of the former owners of Shem Creek’s The Shelter, who are converting their decades of experience in the Charleston food and beverage industry into a Lowcountry restaurant, the press release said. LowCo Seafood Shack serves fried seafood platters, Lowcountry cookery, shrimp and grits, boiled peanuts and local shrimp to peel and eat.
Pisco Mar is a Peruvian foodservice concept that will occupy Port of Call’s existing second floor, the press release said. It’s an intimate experience, curated by chef Esteban Delgado Diaz from Chiclayo, Peru, who recently relocated to the Lowcountry. Pisco Mar offers authentic Peruvian cuisine and cocktails, including ceviches, tiraditos, causas, empanadas, and arroz con pato, accompanied by pisco sours, chilcanos, Peruvian wines, and other pisco-based cocktails.
While Pineapple Hut, Délicieux and Taco Art have already opened their doors to customers, LowCo Seafood Shack and Pisco Mar are slated to make their Food and Brew Hall debuts later this fall, according to the press release.“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome these restaurants to Port of Call,” Ryan Kaufmann, co-owner of Port of Call Food and Brew Hall, said in the press release. “Our goal is to continue to strengthen Port of Call’s reputation as the provider of the highest concentration of diverse dining options in Charleston.”
With the launch of these new restaurants, the current residents, Bok Choy Boy, Iaca Bowls and Ren Osteria, are leaving the port of call area, according to the press release.Reach Jason at 864-568-7570.
Young people in rural and underserved South Carolina communities can now get connected — to technology, resources and training — thanks to a $5 million grant from Google.org to the National 4-H Council.
The grant is aimed at expanding computer science skills and education to underserved youth across the country and builds upon support from Google.org, which is Google’s philanthropic arm, of computer science in 4-H that has reached 1.4 million students since 2017.
“In South Carolina, we are thrilled to continue to support this great effort and appreciate the opportunity National 4-H Council and Google have provided,” said Ashley Burns, S.C. 4-H Youth Development assistant director.
Computer science (CS) skills are critical to sparking interest in STEM and promoting workforce development skills that all young people need, Burns said.
And S.C. 4-H has a wealth of experience doing just that, with previous and continuing work related to CS and computational thinking skills including the 4-H Journey to Mars program, independent CS activities, professional development and the 4-H Engineering Challenge.
“To date, we have served over 3,000 youth with our programs,” Burns said. “We look forward to making the most of this investment by continuing and expanding CS programming efforts and engaging with the new National 4-H Summit, Clover and PYD Academy experiences.”
With this new funding from Google, 4-H will increase the reach of the Computer Science Career Pathways program for students from rural and under-resourced communities who have had minimal CS education.
The new grant will also help teach young people through Clemson Cooperative Extension’s in-person 4-H programs and online resources. These resources will provide access to computer science education to youth nationwide, including six million 4-H’ers and more than 3,500 educators across the 4-H system anytime and anywhere.
This effort combines the reach and educational expertise of 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, and the power of Google’s computer science knowledge and innovation. Since its start, 1.4 million youth have participated in the program, with 65% living rurally, 56% of teen CS leaders being girls and 47% coming from racially diverse backgrounds.
Despite the demand for high-skilled computer science professionals, opportunities to access this education have been out of reach for youth from rural and other underserved communities, said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council.
“We are proud to continue this initiative with help from Google.org to make a real difference in the lives of young people who otherwise wouldn’t be given a chance to discover their interest in computer science. This program goes beyond preparing youth for future careers. Teaching computer science at a young age develops problem-solving skills and confidence, and most important, empowers young people to find their spark and passion that translates to success in life,” she said.
The Code.org Advocacy Coalition’s 2021 State of Computer Science Education report found that while 51% of public high schools in the United States offer computer science, rural schools, urban schools and schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students are less likely to offer CS education. Black, Hispanic and Native American students are also less likely to attend schools offering CS courses than white students.
Delivering free computer science education to underserved communities is part of 4-H’s mission to provide equitable access to skills that help young people create opportunity and maximize their potential. The program also offers training and capacity-building for educators, volunteers, professionals and even teen leaders to create their own curricula and reach more youth.
“We believe Google and other companies have a responsibility to help people get the skills they need to get a good job, start a new business, and provide a solid foundation for their families — no matter what their age or where they live,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet. “Computer science education is an important piece of this, and we look forward to working with our partners like 4-H to unleash the talent and drive of millions of people in communities across the US.”
This is the third grant Google.org has made in 4-H’s mission to reach and provide young people with opportunities in computer science education, totaling nearly $14 million since 2017. Google’s support will expand existing and bring new CS education programs to communities across Iowa, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Nebraska, and West Virginia. Read more about the initial grant that established the 4-H CS Pathway across 23 states.
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills.
4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices, including all 46 South Carolina counties. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries.
The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, twice as likely to make healthier choices, twice as likely to be civically active and twice as likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more about 4‑H at 4-H.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Over the next five months, they will participate in the Riley Institute’s award-winning Diversity Leaders Initiative before joining a network of more than 2,500 graduates across the state.
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Forty-three leaders from across the Lowcountry will have new tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina, gained through their participation in the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI).
These leaders, who are members of DLI’s 16th Lowcountry class, were selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by DLI alumni. They are uniquely positioned to create impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect the diverse demographics in South Carolina.
“In a time of significant social strife, leaders must come together to identify ways to unite communities to improve outcomes for all,” said Dr. Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. “The DLI experience will help them as they lead South Carolina toward a better tomorrow.”
DLI classes are facilitated by expert Juan Johnson, an independent consultant who was The Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever vice president for diversity strategy.
Over five months, the class will engage in intensive discussions and scenario analyses that allow them to openly examine sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion with fellow leaders, explore “blind spots,” and gain tools to develop strategies within their own organizations.
Class members also work together to develop capstone projects, partnering with nonprofit organizations to respond to real challenges and opportunities in their communities.
Graduates of DLI become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful cross-sector network of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.
“With more than 2,500 Riley Fellows statewide, the impact these tight-knit leaders have is amplified with the addition of every new class,” Gordon said. “It’s a special thing to witness them coming together to make South Carolina a better place to live and work for all its residents.”
Listed below are the participants of the fall 2022 Lowcountry DLI class. The full roster of program graduates can be found online at furman.edu/riley.
Fall 2022 Lowcountry class participants:
Robert Behre
Editorial Writer
The Post and Courier
Charleston
Evan Bromley
Attorney
Bromley Law Firm LLC
Bluffton
Monique Brown
Senior Corporate Counsel & Privacy Officer
Benefitfocus
Charleston
Mike Carter
CEO
eGroup
Mt. Pleasant
Sarah Castle
Director, Amazon Technical Academy
Amazon
Charleston
Melanie Colclough
Executive Director
South Carolina Arts Alliance
Summerville
Ana Corson
Contracts Administrator
Advanced Technology International
Summerville
Beverly Cowart
SVP Talent Solutions
South Carolina Ports Authority
Mt. Pleasant
Jamie DeMent
Talent and Strategic Initiatives
CRDA
North Charleston
Grayson Dorr
Investment Finance Manager
South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA)
Summerville
Oscar Douglas
Director of General Counsel Investigations
Charleston County School Distrct
Charleston
Gina Ellis-Strother
Chief Administration Officer
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
Charleston
Jerry Evans
Attorney
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC
Mt. Pleasant
Phil Ford
Public Relations and Proposal Development Officer
The Regional Medical Center
Orangeburg
Karel Givens
DBE Liaison Officer
Charleston County Aviation Authority
North Charleston
Emily Guerrero
Pro Bono Coordinator
Nelson Mullins
Charleston
Chris Harvey
Corporate Director of Operations
Charlestowne Hotels
Mt. Pleasant
Veronica Hemmingway
Southern Lowcountry Program Director, Grantmaking & Community Leadership
Coastal Community Foundation
North Charleston
Anita Huggins
Deputy Superintendent
Charleston County School Distrct
Charleston
Matt Johnson
Center Director, Beidler Forest Audubon Center
National Audubon Society
Harleyville
Blaik Keppler
Deputy Director, Marine Resources
SC Department of Natural Resources
Charleston
Kristen Lanier
Director
Berkeley County Economic Development
Moncks Corner
Lindsay Leonard
Senior Director, Government Operations
Boeing
North Charleston
J. Malik Lightbourne
Manager, Talent Management
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
Aiken
Tonya Matthews
President and CEO
International African American Museum
Charleston
Cindi May
Professor of Psychology
College of Charleston
Mt. Pleasant
Kylon Middleton
Pastor
Mount Zion AME Church
Charleston
Mitch Mitchell
Councilman
City of Beaufort
Beaufort
Kyra Morris
President
Morris Financial Concepts
Mt. Pleasant
Evelyn Oliveira
Associate Pastor
Circular Church
Charleston
Jennifer Owens
Associate General Counsel
Sonepar
Charleston
Beth Patrick
Vice Chancellor for Operations, Finance and IT
University of South Carolina Beaufort
Bluffton
Debbie Rice
Senior Philanthropic Specialist
Wells Fargo
Charleston
Mikell Richards
Regional Sales Manager
United Community Bank
Mt. Pleasant
Chris Richardson
General Counsel and COO
BDV Solutions, LLC
Greenville
Reeves Skeen
Area Executive
First Citizens Bank
Charleston
Dale Threatt-Taylor
Executive Director
The Nature Conservancy South Carolina
Mt. Pleasant
Julie Walker
President
J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation
Mt. Pleasant
Richard Waring
Attorney at law
Law Office of Richard Waring, LLC
Charleston
Richard Waring
Vice President and Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Charleston Chamber Foundation
North Charleston
Marty Watson
Chief Power Supply Officer
Santee Cooper
Moncks Corner
Holly Whitfield
Executive Director
Alliance for Full Acceptance
North Charleston
Karen Wrighten
Assistant Vice President/Campus Dean
Trident Technical College
Moncks Corner
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About the Riley Institute at Furman University
Furman University’s Richard W. Riley Institute advances social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond by building leadership for a diverse society, broadening student and community perspectives on critical issues, hosting expert speakers, supporting public education, and creating knowledge through community solutions-focused research. It is committed to nonpartisanship in all it does and to a rhetoric-free, facts-based approach to change.
Greatness can be defined by the three “I”s – independence, innovation, individualism.Activating the senses of creativity and igniting them with the risk of changing the way we think, greatness goes from an idea to a reality. That is what Redken Artist and Mount Pleasant Certified Color and Design Hair Specialist Laura Frazier brings to the Lowcountry.
Laura’s unique approach of bringing inner and outer beauty together as a composite extension of oneself has helped her to generate a local and national following.
Meeting Laura, for the first time, I saw an individual that bucked the trend of the traditional conservative Southern culture and is bringing something radical to this community. There was so much truth in that observation once I learned her story. Adopted at a very young age, Laura’s mother saw something special and encouraged a career in hair and since then Laura continues to exceed her own expectations and push to higher limits.
She may not have grown up with the fairy tale, but since moving to Charleston, proposed to at Angel Oak and married, Laura is finding happiness beyond her imagination in the Lowcountry. Now she is dedicating her happiness to giveback, helping women and men find their personal confidence and look.
During our talk, Laura’s shyness about herself was very evident, but her sheer passion and skill came out clearly in her smile and the stunning images she shared of her clients. Laura sees hair as the pinnacle of self. It defines the person, sets the tone for the complete self and allows for a level of expressionism that very few parts of the body can share.
Complete client satisfaction is why Laura continues to push herself to being the best she can be for herself and her clients. Here are a list of some of her many accomplishments.
Her accolades include:
It doesn’t stop here. Laura is in development of a client blog. Her goal is to feature the hair styling of her clients and align them with “What Makes Them Great”. This approach reinforces her commitment to her clients and soon she will share their beautiful stories with others.
Laura offers her services four days a week in Mount Pleasant and truly takes pride in her clients. While we sat over hot tea, a client and the parents of a client stopped over to the end of the bar specifically to talk to Laura. There was a family spirit in those interactions. That is a rare quality an done embraced in the Lowcountry.
If complete client commitment, excellence in trade, a family approach and a unique groundbreaking stylist are what you seek, Laura would love to hear from you.
Connect with Laura:
Official Website: www.laurafrazier.com
Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3RVWoxx
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hairzillaa
Mark Sanford served as U.S. Representative for South Carolina from 1995 to 2001 and from 2013 to 2019, and as governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011.
He is the author of “Two Roads Diverged: A Second Chance for the Republican Party, the Conservative Movement, the Nation ― and Ourselves.” The following interview was conducted by the Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on May 24, 2022.
It has been edited for clarity and length. This interview is being published as part of FRONTLINE’s Transparency Project, an effort to open up the source material behind our documentaries. Explore the transcript of this interview, and others, on the FRONTLINE website:
Official Interview Website and Transcript
There is no denying the eloquent beauty and historic solace of Charleston. That is why is has and continues to be one of the top destination wedding spots in the United States. That being said, there are so many details that go into the perfect wedding, from the Pinterest dream board to the caterers, flowers to music, location to bridesmaid dresses.
Fortunately, Charleston offers some of the best resources in the country. Here are some sites to help you prepare your perfect Charleston Wedding.
By Mark A. Leon
As I walked the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park pier last evening, I began to think about science and the truth seekers that lead the revolution of knowledge gathering. Their framework is very simple: seek answers to life’s most complex and challenging questions. The goliath of all questions that has riddled us all is the meaning of life and existence.
Where did we come from? Why are we here? What lies ahead after our organic body expires? We most likely will never know the absolute truth of what force led to this thing we know as the universe and our tiny piece of real estate, but we continue to search.
Over the millions of years of evolution, our bodies, our ability to think, our every-day tools have developed and adjusted, but one core value has remained with humanity; the ability to feel empathy and love.
What makes love so powerful and so unexplainable? It brings us to extreme levels of happiness and sadness. It makes us laugh and cry. It penetrates our bodies to the point of actual pain and ecstasy. Yet, it is completely unpredictable. Perhaps, you need to look at love as not an answer to be sought, but a guiding force in our journey.
As I walked the pier, with the final glimmer of sunlight reflecting off the harbor on onto my back, I saw couples holding hands, taking selfies, sitting on the rocking bench together, mothers and daughters holding hands, fathers giving son’s piggy back rides and all had the same common attributes of laughter, happiness and joy.
Just then, it hit me, the glue that keeps the wheels spinning on Charleston is the aphrodisiac in the air of love. It is the roots of our garden, the fuel that keeps this Southern flame alive.
Take away the mansions, the fancy restaurants, the church steeples, the scenic waterways and you are still left with a simple philosophy: “Be guided by the simplicity of love, find those that fulfill your need of community and embrace the nature wonders of home and there you are”. Charleston’s core mantra is love.
What brings couples from all over to pledge their eternal love on our beaches and churches?
What leads flocks to seek warmth under our sun?
What plants the idea to step back over two hundred years and let a horse guide you through the cobblestone roads?
What presence sends subliminal messages to kiss under the palmetto and frolic through Philadelphia Alley?
Why do you feel the need to dance on the sidewalk as a street performer serenades you or dine as the moon reflects off the harbor waters?
Love
We shower you with our Southern kindness, greetings of acceptance and acts of respect.
That is the pillar that can never be broken in Charleston. That is the life that we have chosen.
When I think of a word to best describe the Charleston experience, it is simple, “Love”.
Embrace the idea of love. Be kind, generous and hopeful.
Stay Connected with Charleston Daily
By Kathy Morrell Newman
HOWELL MORRELL AND MAMIE BOOZER – A CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY
My name is Kathy Morrell Newman. I live on top of Horrell Hill in a two-story Victorian-style home my Grandfather built for my Grandmother. Howell Morrell bought a tract of heart pine in the Congaree Swamp and sent it to Mr. Corley’s lumber mill in Lexington. He built the outbuildings out of the unfinished wood and the house from the finished wood. It was his wedding present to Mamie Boozer.
Mary (Mamie) Boozer and Howell Morrell were married December 26, 1906, six years after Mamie’s parents refused Howell’s request to court her and 2 months after Grandfather’s election to the SC Legislature.
In the fall of 1899 Howell had asked Mamie’s parents, Albert M. and Amanda Boozer, permission to court Mamie and been refused. Courtship is defined as a relationship that could lead to marriage. In that era, courting was usually approved by the parents and done at the lady’s home under supervision.
Their love story began in the fall of 1898 at the new Horrell Hill Elementary and High School when Mamie Boozer was named Assistant Principal and Teacher to Howell Morrell, principal. It was her first job since graduating from Columbia Female College(Columbia College). She grew up in downtown Columbia.
At the end of the school year, Howell asked Mamie if he could court her. She said yes, but her parents said “No!” and instructed Mamie to quit her job and move back home.
According to family legend, Mamie’s parents said she was a city girl, that she couldn’t live in the country and she couldn’t even cook. Grandfather’s famous reply: “I don’t want a cook, I want a wife.”
Albert Boozer was half right. Howell Morrell got a wife, never a cook. But she loved living on top of Horrell Hill in the country.
On December 11, 1933, 27 years later, Grandmother wrote:
“Heartsick and weary over the never-ending work in the kitchen, shutting my eyes and fleeing from it to sink into the depths of the big easy chair by the dining room fire. For a while, too tired to open my eyes or even think. Gradually the music of the radio soothing me and soon laughing heartily with the boys and their jokes and songs.” She was also known to call the stove the “black monster” and threatened to hid the pots and pans behind it. She usually had kitchen help, but this was 1933, often considered the worst year of the Great Depression.
But factors other than where Mamie would live and not being able to cook impacted her parent’s decision. First was the their family background and second their age difference. Howell was fourteen years older than Mamie. At that time, he as 39 and she was 25.
Grandmother grew up in Columbia on Plain Street -now Hampton St. Her father was a lawyer and clerk of the SC Supreme Court most of his career. Both he and his wife could trace their ancestors back to the early days of America. Grandmother and her two sisters attended Columbia Female College and her brother attended Yale and became a dentist. She was a pianist with a degree in music and was a favorite performer in Columbia musical events and concerts. Attending professional and local musical programs, theatre and lectures was part of the family’s daily life. Very importantly, Grandmother was very close to her parents. She would not marry without their consent.
Grandfather was raised on a farm in Dentsville (Blythewood), an area known for its poor soil and where farming was hard. When he was seven years old his father was killed in the Civil War. He was an only child and suddenly he was the man of the house, helping his mother eke out a living from their small farm. Sometimes farm chores took precedent over school attendance. It wasn’t until he was 19 and his mother remarried that he was free to pursue his dream of attending South Carolina College (USC) and becoming an educator. He was unprepared for the entrance exam and convinced a rural schoolmaster to let him sit in on classes in return for serving as caretaker for the schoolhouse. After a year, he took and passed the college’s entrance exam. He taught at several schools in SC before being recruited to oversee the building of Horrell Hill’s first community school and become its first principal.
AN UNDER-THE-WIRE COURTSHIP
Even though permission to court was denied, there was a courtship, perhaps best described as under-the-wire.
Letters were Howell and Mamie’s primary means of communication and social events or other community activities were their primary ways of seeing each other. And then there were the times they conspired for him to visit her home on the sly.
On January 12, 1895, Mamie wrote Howell:
Dear, I’m so afraid you misunderstood me to-night. When I shook my head, you looked so sad that it cut me to the heart, and I can’t get over it. I only meant that I could not arrange for you to visit me at my home tomorrow. Mama is not going away as she expected, and my sisters may come home tomorrow; so you see that it will not be possible. I shook my head , because I promised to let you know to-night whether you could come or not, and that was the only way I could do it. I intended writing you a note this afternoon, but had to rush my work to get out tonight and did not have time.
I know you will agree with me that it would not be prudent to come here to-morrow, under the circumstances. I want Cousin Henry to talk to Mamma first. I can’t imagine why he hasn’t written or done something, as he promised. I have watched for a letter every day, and am so disappointed. I have no right to ask you to wait any longer, but was depending on Cousin Henry’s help in setting things straight so much.
It breaks my heart to see you so miserable. When I think of what a hard time you have had all your life, and of how I am adding to your suffering every day, it seems as if it must kill me. God knows I would like to make you happy, and would rather die than send you away. Oh, indulge me a little longer!
Your Miserable,
M
Howell Morrell waited on his “Miserable M”.
It was a long and happy marriage. Within 9 years they had four children. Grandfather later retired from teaching and became a successful farmer. He terraced the “Hill” and grew different crops on each of the 6 terraces. He owned the cotton gin at the bottom of the hill and opened a community store on the corner of Horrrell Hill-Harmon Rd and Garners Ferry Rd.
On December 26, 1932, my grandparents celebrated their Silver Anniversary. He was 72 and she was 58. On December 26, 1933, Grandmother pasted two intertwined hearts in her diary and wrote: “Our Wedding Anniversary, hence the hearts. Wonderful memories of last year’s Silver Wedding Anniversary.”
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOOZER AND MORRELL HOMES
Grandmother was a lifetime diarist and all seven that have survived – her 1890-95 journal, her 1933 diary and five diaries from the 1940’s – reflect her love of Christmas. On September 12, 1942 she pasted a Henry Van Dyke prose poem entitled Keeping Christmas in her diary. She said she found it in the Progressive Farmer magazine and just had to keep it. A few lines:
It is a good thing to observe Christmas Day.
But there is a better thing than the observance of Christmas Day. It is keeping Christmas.
Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people and to remember what other people have done for you; …to stoop down and consider the needs and the desires of little children;… to remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old; …to look round you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness? Are you willing to do these things for even a day? Then you can keep Christmas. And if you can keep it a day, why not always?
No matter her age, Grandmother loved Christmas.
November 25, 1890, age 16
“One month until Christmas! How glorious! But I heard today that we would not have but three days holiday. I think that’s the meanest thing I ever heard of. I never have had less than a week. I earnestly hope that the report is a mistake.”
December 5, 1890
“Only three weeks until Christmas! How time flies. I am going to make this the very happiest Christmas I have ever spent. If it would only turn cold! I have some hopes for it; for the weather is very warm now, and if it will just turn cold again in time for Christmas.”
December 8, 1890
“Just now happened to glance out of the window and saw a boy pass with a bunch of mistletoe in his hand. How good it made me fell to think that Christmas is so near! Yesterday, as we were out walking, a carriage passed us loaded with holly boughs; and it looked so jolly that we just had to stand and stare.”
December 17, 1890
“Everything is lovely! Everything is pure white outside. Last night it sleeted a little and then froze hard; then when we awoke this morning, we found everything covered and it has continued to snow all day. It is simply beautiful. We have been nearly wild with delight all day. It has been intensely cold for about a week and we have been expecting this all the time. How glorious for it to come during the holidays! I have seen several sleighs pass and the air has been ringing with laughter and snowballs.”
November 25, 1890, age 16
“One month until Christmas! How glorious! But I heard today that we would not have but three days holiday. I think that’s the meanest thing I ever heard of. I never have had less than a week. I earnestly hope that the report is a mistake.”
December 5, 1890
“Only three weeks until Christmas! How time flies. I am going to make this the very happiest Christmas I have ever spent. If it would only turn cold! I have some hopes for it; for the weather is very warm now, and if it will just turn cold again in time for Christmas.”
December 8, 1890
“Just now happened to glance out of the window and saw a boy pass with a bunch of mistletoe in his hand. How good it made me fell to think that Christmas is so near! Yesterday, as we were out walking, a carriage passed us loaded with holly boughs; and it looked so jolly that we just had to stand and stare.”
December 17, 1890
“Everything is lovely! Everything is pure white outside. Last night it sleeted a little and then froze hard; then when we awoke this morning, we found everything covered and it has continued to snow all day. It is simply beautiful. We have been nearly wild with delight all day. It has been intensely cold for about a week and we have been expecting this all the time. How glorious for it to come during the holidays! I have seen several sleighs pass and the air has been ringing with laughter and snowballs.”
“This morning two girls and myself went out to see about gathering a Christmas present for our Sunday school teacher. We had to walk some distance to see some of the other girls and I don’t know when I have had more fun. We laughed, sliding along, ran, fell down and had fun in general.”
December 25, 1895, age 21
“Such a beautiful, balmy Christmas day! We have just returned from church and am sitting at my open window. The services were appropriate and interesting, led by our new pastor. Mr. W.W. Daniel, with whom we are charmed. We couldn’t feel solemn, though, with the sound of firecrackers out in the street and the many merry, smiling faces of some of our “boy” friends sitting near. After the service we had a merry little chant with “the boys”. We hung up our stockings as usual last night and received some very pretty and useful presents. I m trying my best to get hungry, but I m actually tired of good things already. I see Lena out in the yard busy with firecrackers and Papa helping. I must go too.”
December 14, 1933, age 58
“A day in town. Annual custom-we three sisters doing Christmas shopping together and such a happy time! They treating me to a “turkey lunch”-delicious. Wandered from one gaily decorated store to another, imbibing the Christmas spirit. The varicolored lights coming on at dusk, making a veritable fairyland. The Salvation Army with their Christmas music a fitting climax.”
December 25, 1933
“Shall I try to write about this blessed day, or should I just hold it against my heart ” the memory? Our darlings, little children again, untying their stockings. Ruth having bulging ones – mysteriously left at the door for us. Lavish gifts for each other and us on the lovely tree. Dinner-the boys almost unable to walk afterwards. Carols over the radio. My heart full tonight for my many blessings.”
December 25, 1944, age, age 70
“Wondrous Christmas Day! Up until long after midnight stuffing stockings and wrapping gifts. After breakfast this morning unloading our stockings as eagerly as children, but waiting until after dinner to open our regular gifts. And such a dinner! Getting full so quick and looking at the loaded table in despair. This afternoon a roomful of Ruth’s girlfriends with two soldiers from Congaree Air Base. ”
December 25, 1946, age 72
“How can I tell of this blessed day! One of the most glorious of my life! First of all, everybody half dressed examining their stockings, filled with sweets and jokes. Later, upstairs and down joining forces on dinner. Our table almost breaking down under the weight of good things. Later Santa Claus himself in full costume(whisper this as Toni had come in with Hanley.”(granddaughter and son) ” In common life known as Mr. Rawle, who handed out gifts that had been placed under the Christmas tree. At night, all around big bonfire shooting off fireworks with me in the car looking on. I’ve been dissolving into happy tears often during the day.”
Grandmother’s 1947 diary ended on June 15, 1947, 23 days after I was born in Greensboro, NC. We never met, but through her journals, I have listened to her say what she wants in whatever words she chose. And I have learned to love her.
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I am not a historian. My writings are one woman’s thoughts, opinions and historical facts as I know and understand them. Any omissions or errors are mine alone. I welcome your comments at kmorrellnewman@
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