Today, on my last official day as Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Charleston Stage, I want to thank all of you for your tremendous support of me and Charleston Stage at the Historic Dock Street Theatre these past 45 years. With your support, we have produced over 300 productions and played to millions of theatergoers from all over the world. Along the way, we have provided performances and educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of young people throughout the Lowcountry.
None of this would have been possible without you filling our seats, donating generously, and responding enthusiastically. You have helped this great city produce the great theatre it deserves. As we conclude our 45th Anniversary Season with Once On This Island today, I congratulate all of you for making this theatrical magic happen.
I am excited about the leadership of Artistic Director, Marybeth Clark, and new Managing Director, Frank Mack, who will be guiding Charleston Stage into the future, joined by an incredibly talented production and administration staff of 37 theatre professionals. I look forward to accompanying you in the audience to enjoy the amazing shows they will be bringing to the Dock Street Theatre stage for seasons to come.
I will also be back next February as Guest Director of The Trip to Bountiful as I take on my new role as Founder and Director Emeritus.
Once again, thank you for your 45 years of wonderful support.
Julian Wiles Charleston Stage Founder and Director Emeritus
From historic military forts whose halls are wandered by the spirits of long-dead soldiers, to graveyards where chilling ghostly manifestations roam amongst the rows of markers. Are you sure you’re ready to brave some of the most haunted places in Charleston, South Carolina?
Less than 30 minutes outside of the Charleston city limits is a wildlife escape. From the sounds of the birds to the slither of snakes to the restful ominous stare of the alligators, Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Wildlife Preserve is a categorical natural wonder. From the rice fields to the swamps, each path introduces you to a new segment of the ecosystem. With miles of pathway, you can lose yourself in this park system.
We warn you not to go alone. There is calming silence throughout, so when the sound of a bird echos, a sea creature lurks from the swamp or squirrels hop from tree to tree you may get a little shocked. At times, the sounds of the birds resembled instruments being tuned up for an orchestra performance. As we walked the grassy path, we encountered five alligators, two snakes crossing the walk way, heron, cardinals and so much more.
From swampland and forests that provide shelter from the scorching sun to open skies and rice fields all around, Caw Caw is educational, healthy and full of natural wonder.
It truly summarizes the authenticity of the Lowcountry from its early nature roots. Pay close attention to the aging and decay of trees, many of which are hundreds of years old.
For $2.00 a person, you cannot beat this bargain. They do cater to tours as we were fortunate to see a group of bird watchers all decked out in their binoculars.
Come with us and see for yourself through these images we captured in our two hour excursion:
Clear open skies for miles
Reflections in the water
Resting gator
Getting a little closer and a little more nervous
Snakes crossed our path
Large gator taking in the sun
Rice fields
Waterfowl area
A nice rest after a long walk
Walkway for all the eye can see
Ready for the swamp boardwalk?
Beware of the creatures lurking in the swamp
Which path to follow?
Pack the kids or your special someone, put on some comfortable shoes and grab some water and make a day out at Caw Caw.
Have you ever been curious about some superstitions that either have origins in the South or became a part of Southern folklore? Well here are a few. If you know of any you have grown up with, share in the comments
Southern Superstitions
If someone rests his foot on your chair while gambling, it’s bad luck. If anyone attempts this, you must challenge them to a gunfight.
If you are fishing, don’t stop to count how many fish you have caught that day because you will not catch anymore.
It’s bad luck to light three cigarettes with the same match.
If you bite your tongue while eating, you recently told a lie.
A knife placed under a bed during childbirth will ease the mother’s labor pains.
If bees create a hive on your roof, your house may burn down soon.
To wear new clothes on Easter Sunday will bring good luck.
The “playoff beard” ensures a sports team good luck as long as the players and fans do not shave until the team is eliminated or has won.
A horseshoe hung in a bedroom will keep nightmares away.
Pick a dandelion that has “gone to seed”, the white ones, and blow on it. Count the remaining seeds on the dandelion and that is how many children you will have.
Cutting your fingernails on a Friday or Sunday will bring bad luck.
A woman struggling to conceive can find success after hugging a pregnant woman.
A wedding ring dropped during the ceremony will bring bad luck. If a ring is dropped, the couple should not pick it up, but the person performing the ceremony should.
If a ferret, stoat or weasel jumps over the belly of a pregnant woman, the child will be born with a birthmark.
If a cow lifts its tail, rain is coming.
When you move, never take your broom with you. Buy a new one.
A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after it has had a sliced removed from it.
Rub a penny on a wart and it will disappear.
If your friend gives you a knife, you should give him a coin and your friendship will last forever. If not, it will be severed.
If you kill a bee that is entering your home, it will bring bad luck.
Cut an apple in half and count the seeds to see how many children you will have.
If a girl sees a sparrow on Valentine’s Day she will marry a poor man and be happy; however, if she sees a goldfinch she will marry a millionaire.
When eating cherries, keep the pits. Line them up, count them and recite: tinker, tailor, soldier, rich man, poor man, beggar man, their, doctor, lawyer, Indian Chief. When you reach the last pip, you’ll know your husband’s occupation.
If an unborn child kicks the left hand side of the womb, it is a boy.
Keeping a hat on the bed causes bad luck.
Don’t eat both ends of a loaf of bread.
Don’t cut a baby’s hair before his/her first birthday.
Eating cabbage and/or black eye peas on New Year’s Day will bring good luck/health.
Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.
If your ear itches, someone is talking about you.
Sleep with a mirror under your pillow and you will see your future husband.
Dreaming of fish means someone is pregnant.
It is bad luck to wash laundry on New Year’s Day
If someone takes your picture, they are capturing part of your soul.
If a picture of a person falls off a wall, it is a sign of death.
Never buy your boyfriend or husband shoes as a gift, because he will walk out of your life with them.
Charleston, SC is home to many historic churches (donning the name the “Holy City), some of which date back to the colonial era. Here are some of the oldest churches in Charleston, South Carolina:
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church – Established in 1680, St. Philip’s is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Charleston. The current building was constructed in 1835.
First Baptist Church – Founded in 1682, First Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist congregation in the southern United States. The current building dates back to 1822.
Circular Congregational Church – The congregation was established in 1681, and the current building was constructed in 1891. The church features unique circular architecture and is located in the historic district of Charleston.
French Huguenot Church – The French Huguenot Church was established in 1681 by French Protestants who fled religious persecution in France. The current building was constructed in 1845.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – While the congregation was established in 1751, the current building dates back to 1761. St. Michael’s is known for its beautiful architecture and historic significance.
These are just a few examples of the oldest churches in Charleston, which are also among the most historic and significant buildings in the city.
He does his own grocery shopping – That is a true down to Earth Southern gentleman and hard working man.
The Dolphins finally stopped making him cry after a 9-8 winning season.
He successfully took a great pop career with the Blowfish and crossed over to become an incredibly successful country artist.
His devotion to charity and causes is a symbol of his incredible generosity (Watch this video and I dare you not to cry).
He managed to make it mandatory for every local live performer to include a version of Wagon Wheel in their set list.
He is claustrophobic. Yes, the man that plays in front of thousands nightly has claustrophia.
He does some of the most amazing duets in the world
In 2009, Darius become the first African American artist to win the CMA Best New Artist Award
Darius Rucker has three wonderful children that find most of what his does uncool, but one of their favorite things is when he drops them off at school on his tour bus. If he is heading out on a road tour, he will plan the departure during the time he drops off his children and they love it.
He reads comic books, wants to meet Denzel Washington and Paul McCartney and owns and wears Kiss pajamas.
A BIG #11
He does free concerts for his family and friends in Charleston.
There are so many more and for these and other reasons we will keep singing Hold My Hand, Time and Come Back Song
Dubose Heyward once described himself as a “synthetic Charlestonian.” Having been part French Huguenot and part English Cavalier, he was a direct descendant of South Carolina’s Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Born in Charleston in 1885, he was a major part of the Southern Literary Renaissance and wrote extensive poetry and fiction.
DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the son of a lawyer and a homemaker and grew up in a middle-class family. Heyward attended the College of Charleston, where he developed an interest in literature and writing.
After graduating from college, Heyward worked as a journalist for several years. He wrote for newspapers in Charleston and New York City, where he moved in 1913. In New York, Heyward became involved in the literary and cultural scene of the city, which included writers such as Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.
Heyward’s first novel, “Porgy,” was published in 1925. The novel was set in Charleston and told the story of a disabled beggar named Porgy and his relationship with a woman named Bess. The novel was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into the opera “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin.
Heyward went on to write several other novels and poetry, including “Mamba’s Daughters” (1929) and “Angel” (1926). He also wrote several plays, including “Mamba’s Daughters,” which was based on his novel of the same name.
In addition to his writing, Heyward was also involved in the Civil Rights movement. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked to promote racial equality.
Heyward died in 1940 at the age of 54. His work continues to be celebrated and studied today, particularly his novel “Porgy,” which remains a classic of American literature.
It is often said, a picture tells a thousand words. Some of these images really paint a vivid picture of the trials, tribulations and celebrations of our Lowcountry past. Some will bring you to levels of emotion both good and bad. Sit back and remember to never forget our past.
From Civil Rights to military; academics to activism; or just a day at the beach.
Enjoy this wild journey into Charleston’s past.
Tree Spirit Project 2011 – Preserve Angel Oak
73 Church Street (with rounded top door behind tree) – 1958
Early Mobile Free Library
Bishop England Varsity High School Basketball Team – Charleston, SC
!950’s South Carolina MapPost Earthquake Charleston 1886
Early South Carolina Currency
Folly Beach Barracks – 1946
Broad and Meeting Streets Traffic
Folly Beach Postcard
Charleston March 1969
Charleston Hospital Strike Article
Folly Beach Pier – 1937
1976 Charleston
Roadside Sweetgrass Basket Sales
1961 at Albemarle Elementary School
Fort Sumter Stamp 1961
The C-141 Starlifter
1961 Civil Rights Bus in Charleston assaulted
Charleston Submarine Base 1960
Easter 1960’s Charleston, SC
Broad Street, 1911. Notice the signs for Follin Bros. tobacconists (with the famous wooden Indian) and Henry Plenge’s (the P has fallen from the sign) Pharmacy at 8 Broad
“Folly Beach July 4, 1921.” three unidentified beach goers in front of their car on the beach at Folly. They are all wearing bathing suits and the women are wearing stockings and hats. The date and location listed above are hand written on the back. Source: The Charleston Museum
Old market house (Public Market), Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, circa 1906
Corner of Fishburne St and St Philips intersection in 1944.
W.A. Jessen’s liquor store, corner of Congress and Rutledge in 1940’s. This location is now a lawyer’s office.
This is circa early 1940s postcard published by Martschink Sales Co.
Hasell Street, Charleston SC, ca. 1900 – 1910
Charleston, SC 1910
East Broad Street with a view of the Exchange Building & Custom House, Charleston, 1906
Charles and Susan Barker of Virginia Beach, Virginia, are deeply committed to improving the lives of those in their community and believe that education holds the power to transform lives and make dreams become realities. When their daughter Alexis “Lexie” became a Clemson Tiger, they, too, joined the Clemson Family and looked for ways to contribute and add to the student experience.
Driven by their firm belief in advancing the welfare and accomplishments of future generations, the Barkers, together with their daughter Lexie, have generously donated their time and resources to help students and further the University mission and have become Clemson University’s newest Academic Cornerstone Partner with a $2.5 million gift to establish the Charlie, Suzie and Lexie Barker ’20 Presidential Scholarship Endowment. In addition to the scholarship, their gift is in support of ClemsonLIFE and as the first pillar donor in support of the construction of the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel.
“The Barker family continues to demonstrate that they are ALL IN for Clemson University. Through the establishment of the Charlie, Suzie and Lexie Barker ’20 Presidential Scholarship Endowment, the Barkers are creating paths to education for many of our top students from Virginia Beach and students from An Achievable Dream Academy. This gift will transform the lives of future Tigers for years to come and is a testament to the Barker family’s commitment to education and the Clemson community.” – CLEMSON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT JIM CLEMENTS
With this Presidential Scholarship Endowment, the Barker family has created a direct path from the University to academically talented students who have graduated from An Achievable Dream Academy of Virginia Beach. An Achievable Dream is a nonprofit, nationally recognized K-12 program dedicated to providing promising students with the same opportunities as their peers regardless of their economic circumstances. Their vision, to “bring equity to education by providing opportunities for success in school and life,” guides them to partner with community leaders and organizations to ensure their students have equal opportunities to reach their academic goals.
“On behalf of the faculty, staff, board and students at An Achievable Dream, we extend our gratitude to the Barker family for their unwavering commitment to education and our Dreamers. There is such a need for our community leaders to collaborate with organizations to provide the tools and resources for deserving students to receive a quality education,” said President and CEO Lee Vreeland, EdD, of An Achievable Dream. “The Charlie, Suzie and Lexie Barker ’20 Presidential Scholarship Endowment will provide an amazing opportunity for our students to attend Clemson University, an esteemed place of learning and a leading public research institution. The scholarship will make a profound impact for years to come on the lives of our students.”
Clemson University Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke expressed his thanks to the Barker family and said this gift will transform the aspirations of Clemson Experience-seeking students from mere dreams into attainable goals.
“We are deeply grateful to Charlie, Suzie and Lexie for their commitment to Clemson and for creating a way for some of the best and brightest students in the Virginia Beach area to become future alumni,” said O’Rourke. “The Barker gift will help turn the hopes of every student who dreams of the Clemson Experience from a dream into an achievable reality.”
With over 50 years of experience in the automotive industry, Charles Barker serves as chairman of Charles Barker Holdings, which consists of automobile dealerships and real estate holdings. Throughout his professional career, he has endeavored to provide valuable service to his industry and communities. He currently serves on the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, the advisory board of directors for the Virginia Beach Foundation and the board of an Achievable Dream Academy in Virginia Beach.
With a major focus on youth, he merged his community involvement with his passion for education. In addition to chairing the An Achievable Dream Academy board, he resides on Clemson University’s Committee for Philanthropy and the President’s Advisory Board.
“Being the chair of the An Achievable Dream Academy board in Virginia Beach has been a source of immense pride for me. This organization offers crucial resources, services and development opportunities to students who might otherwise be left behind. In addition, I am deeply proud of my family’s connection to Clemson University. This scholarship connects the two, making it particularly meaningful for me. Our family hopes others will be inspired to expand the Clemson Family.” – CHARLES BARKER
Defense Engineering Services (DES), a governmental engineering company, today announced plans to expand its Charleston County operations. The company’s $2.5 million investment will create 45 new jobs.
Founded in 2013, DES is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that provides high-value engineering and manufacturing services for the aerospace and defense industry. The company works to solve problems on high-performance systems involving mechanical and electrical engineering, testing and evaluation, design and systems engineering, and survivability engineering. DES services the U.S. Department of Defense through vehicle systems integration, automotive design, survivability solutions, reverse engineering and obsolescence issues, while also serving the U.S. Army with medical training systems and innovative armor.
Located at 6920 Weber Blvd., Suite 300 in North Charleston, DES’ new facility will accommodate manufacturing space for large scale projects and add manufacturing capabilities to its prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) shop. The approximately 53,000-square-foot facility will allow the company to continue offering quality solutions guided by technical excellence through mechanical and electrical engineering, research and development, analysis, test support, prototyping and LRIP.
The expansion will be complete in May 2023, and operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the DES team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project.
QUOTES
“DES is excited to expand our engineering and prototype manufacturing operations in Charleston County. Operations have grown year over year for a decade. This growth can be attributed to the business-friendly environment and technically capable workforce of South Carolina and Charleston County.” -Defense Engineering Services Managing Principals Bob Cole and Greg Gordon
“We are fully committed to supporting our existing businesses, and we are thrilled to see DES’ announcement that will bring more than 45 jobs to Charleston County. We look forward to further strengthening our long-standing partnership with them in the years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Announcements like this showcase the valued companies that support our aerospace and defense industry. Congratulations to DES on its Charleston County expansion, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth within our borders.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Charleston County is fortunate to have DES as part of our growing innovative ecosystem. Our strong workforce and key connections to the defense industry continue to provide the perfect environment for DES to prosper.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
Defense Engineering Services (DES) is expanding its Charleston County operations.
The company’s $2.5 million investment will create 45 new jobs.
DES is a governmental engineering company.
Located at 6920 Weber Blvd., Suite 300 in North Charleston, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the DES team should visit the company’s careers page.
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