If you are from the Lowcountry, you know of the great food and coastal ambiance of Bowens Island Restaurant. It is undeniable that the freshest seafood is right off the boat and here in the Charleston area, we take pride in that. Bowen’s Island is not only known for great local seafood, but their contributions to the community, offering its open atmosphere for local area fund raisers, is legendary. This establishment is a foundation in Charleston and one of the iconic places that defines the small town coastal appeal that we have come to know and love.
From its memorable entrance sign, the rocky roadway filled with pot holes, mounds of oyster shells, rustic building and stunning skyline, the Bowens Island Experience truly is that, an experience. Tip: If you want to make a trip over, come for the food, but stay for the sunset. Don’t forget to order the Frogmore Stew and hushpuppies.
Quiet Sunrise at Bowens Island
So we decided to watch the sun rise on this morning and capture of some the beautiful sites all around.
Come with us as we take in the sunrise together at Bowens Island Restaurant.
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.
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.
For those on the path of Folly Road (You know who you are fellow James Islanders, Folly Beach residents, West Ashley and peninsula dwellers), the idea of Folly Road during beach season is a thought we try very hard to avoid. At times, the road more closely resembles a parking lot than a roadway. Yet, in the last three years a transition has occurred and one that has shaken up the locals.
With the increased housing development of James Island and John’s Island, traffic has gone from seasonal to all year long. Here is what has been happening because of the increased traffic pressure:
The light at the corner of the James Island Connector and Folly Road can back cars up as much as seven plus lights on the connector during peak beach season and daily rush hour. This is causing some drivers to make a right onto Folly and doing an illegal U-Turn in the middle of the road.
The light at Folly Road and Ellis is causing a three or four light backup to turn left due to Lowe’s, IHOP, Wells Fargo and the Peninsula Condominiums. Some are turning right into Harris Teeter and then pulling an illegal U-Turn to take the light across Folly Road.
The construction on the approval circle at the intersection of Camp and Folly is causing nightly delays.
The increased traffic is hurting the roadway infrastructure resulting in more untreated potholes.
Traffic on parallel road, Riverland Avenue is seeing increased pressure and volume.
Businesses are suffering due to the increased challenges of making turns on Folly Road.
Within 3 miles, there are 10 bars and 6 restaurants with full liquor licenses. This easy accessibility to alcohol coupled with careless driving to avoid parking lot type conditions has increased the number of Folly Road related accidents. Without the budget to increase the police presence, this trend may continue.
Now, we need to look at future state. We estimate that there will be 4.5 to 4.9 million tourists in Charleston in 2016. Hotel development is at an unstoppable period of expansion. That is a fact.
Now let us think like a tourist. When we look for hotels, we look at mile proximity to our destination. Folly Road on James Island sits at 3 – 10 miles from downtown Charleston and 0 – 10 miles from Folly Beach.
When does the hotel development begin? It is a realistic future state that we cannot ignore. Is the new Camp and Folly round about (circle) a way to alleviate the traffic issues, or a preliminary requirement to pave the way for hotel development? We are not here to speculate or assume anything. This is a trend that has been developing for several years and thus we cannot ignore a probability of future hospitality on Folly Road.
How do we work to rectify this Folly Road conundrum?
Improve the timing of the lights to provide more time for turn lanes.
Improve the bike lane situation to give more safe options for alternative transportation.
Ensure hotel development is held back.
Minimize new housing development moving forward
Closer monitoring of key spots on Folly Road to deter illegal driving behavior.
Will this solve everything? Most likely not, but these few necessary steps can ensure the safety of our citizens and provide a better quality of life on Folly Road and surrounding areas.
Victor Johnson is a singer/songwriter based in Bend, Oregon who as written a song called “Black Sun” to honor the victims of the AME Emanuel Church shooting in Charleston.
In his own words, “I was already extremely upset about what had happened, then
when I saw social media seeming to focus on everything except the
victims themselves, I wanted to write something for them to honor their
beauty, and bring the focus back to them. This resulted in the song,
Black Sun.”
Victor has written several other songs inspired by victims of violence –
Rain Makes the Flowers Grow was written for a child from the Sandy Hook
School and Kingdoms honors the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
These songs are part of a CD I released in Oct 2015, Beautiful Things.
The title track I wrote about surviving a relationship with domestic
abuse.
On Nov 14th, after a writer for the Huffington Post suggested he write a
song for France, “J’adore la France” was composed in 2 hours as memorial to
the victims of the attack – https://youtu.be/–2Sex9YbMs.
He recently did research on Pearl Harbor and wrote “Sweet December Day” to recognize the
75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and will be performing
this as part of my set, opening for Leon Russell on Dec 7 at the Tower
Theatre in Bend. The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors will
be playing the song the same week at their annual conference on Oahu.
Victor believes that it is a good thing to mourn those we have lost, and
allow that process to breathe freely.
“I kinda wish I was cool….Well If you’re looking for an answer it’s gonna be found on your own. And if you’re looking for disaster you’ll find it not being alone” Johnny Delaware – Charleston Singer/Songwriter
Hidden behind the Southern class, slow spinning fans cooling the hot humid air, historic cobblestone roads and plantation mansions, pleasant palmetto landscape, whispering sails on the harbor and traditional polite demeanor lies a part of Charleston sweating in color and life. It is a canvas of creativity, individualism and an expressive independence you might find in the urban havens of New York and Los Angeles. It is a place where fashion reigns high, sangria flows into the soul and social and economic status have no place. This is the part of Charleston you need to know about.
In a Charleston minute, you will feel something rich and rewarding. In a Charleston minute, you will find a friend in a corner you never thought to look. In a Charleston minute, you will share a story with a homeless man and forget they will be sleeping under the stars later on.
This is one of those stories.
It was a perfect autumn Saturday in Charleston.
Spring Street was alive with its eccentric population. Still considered taboo by some and a thriving cultural awakening to others, you can always count on a unique sighting at each street corner. From Wild Flour bakery to Sweet Radish to cans of malt liquor and cigarettes, Spring Street has an iconic feel no matter what side you are on. On this morning, Red Rose Vintage Clothing, who shares a space with Wine Awesomeness, was hosting a Sangria and Vintage Clothing Sale. At 9:30 in the morning, what better time to discover yourself in outfits that transcend the ticking clock and indulge in a fruity alcoholic delight.
Several outfits later behind a single black curtain and slimming mirror and a number of toasts to warm weather, wonderful friends and moments you never want to end, we had to depart. Not without a smile and gracious thank you for the owner Amy Rose.
I returned several hours later, at the request of Amy Rose to share more sangria. It was refreshing and the sun was still shining.
As I returned, I saw two girls leaning against the brick wall, with their trendy sunglasses, shirts and leggings and a look that screamed, “It will be alright. It will all be alright.” Kayleigh, with her tights, short skirt, hat, glasses, short hair and freckles stole the introduction as if she walked straight off the set of Perks of Being a Wallflower. It didn’t take more than a few minutes to determine we would be BFF’s and eternal intellectual enemies for life. As the best friend of Amy Rose, the two perpetrated the perfect odd ball relationship with one as the conservative business woman knee deep in business best practice books and the other the self proclaimed wild girl. The third was a new addition to girls gone wine. Lucia was found on the street wearing long black leggings and at that point enjoying a number of cocktails. She was very proud of her boyfriend, local singer/songwriter Johnny Delaware as well as being a talented keyboardist. After she changed and prettied herself up, she pranced out the door to Spring Street in her 3 inch heels and happily walked home. We are sure later on she would lay in bed and be serenaded by her boyfriend and an acoustic guitar.
While taking in the sun in the outdoor patio area with a slight elevation made perfect for the setting of a band and dance party, we were greeted by an artist who designs and sketches names in 3D. Whether he was homeless would not be determined. We offered the gift of wine and company. He declined as he had no money, but money would not be accepted here. While he showed his works to Amy Rose, I examined Elton John vinyl and discussed the virtues of music, clothing and dreams.
We live in a different time, a post 9/11 time, where skepticism and fear play in the back of our minds. Apps track the activity of your children, cars are made with more safety features than ever before, schools require ID to enter and cyber stalking and bullying is an every day issue. We live in a different time. Life wasn’t always that way. There was a time when kids would go to the malt shop for a shake and fries and flirt playfully across the counter, curfews were understood, not enforced and youth was about candy, crushes and football games.
There was a time, when safety and crime were reference points in a history book and reserved only for the “big city”. Small town Americe and suburbs led a life of simplicity and comfort. Every store was your own personal Cheers where everyone knew your name and knew your family. It was always about community. Neighbors helping neighbors and everyone had an open door.
In the heart of old Mount Pleasant, there is still such a place. Since 1938, residents of Mount Pleasant has entered this small intimate family pharmacy for drugs, supplies, toys, advice, soda pop, milkshakes and burgers. Before school, after school, a mid day snack or a toothache, Pitt Street Pharmacy has been the neighborhood stop for generations.
Today, that small town family friendly appeal remains where you can get coffee for 50 cents, a large milkshake with real ice cream for $3.25 or an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich for $2.50. It is a place where the traditional values of medicine and family remain.
Let’s walk together on these checkered tiles and for a moment remember those simpler, safer times when community, strong morals and smiles were they way we lived.
Welcome to Pitt Street Pharmacy
Would you like a seat at the counter?
Maybe you want to etch the name of your sweetheart in the counter top.
Hope you brought spare change. You won’t need much more.
How about an old fashioned soda pop for $1.25
Gumdrops or hard candy to compliment
Maybe jelly beans are more your speed
Look at the old Campbell’s Soup display
Or the classic burger and fries
Coca Cola is timeless
The owners support local teams and businesses but they are very Clemson
Should pick up school supplies while I am here
And homemade jam
The simplicity of the drug section. So easy to find what I need
Original industrialized ingenuity
Wonderful display of old pharmacy memorabilia
If you have never experienced Pitt Street Pharmacy, come for the milkshake and burger, but stay for the ambiance and experience of it all.
I spent most of my youth and young adult life just outside of New York City or “The City” as we knew it. I worked there and gathered a number of memorable stories over the years. Now I call Charleston home for a good part of the last eight years. To most, the differences between Charleston and New York are very simple. New York bore itself into an industrial haven of opportunity, prosperity, diversity and financial strength. From intellectuals to capitalists, NY has defined itself in fashion, finance, architecture, arts and small business opportunity. It is the land of opportunity with the Statue of Liberty as the cornerstone of entrance.
Charleston took a different path. Its foundations were laid on the principles of farming, historic preservation, hospitality and small intimate community with generations of wealthy land owners donning the streets and buildings of this quiet city of cobblestone roads and church steeples.
Times are now changing. New York continues to reinvent itself in a slow mature sustainable manner. Charleston, on the other hand, is converting to what some are calling the East Coast Silicon Valley, homes and hotels are the forefront of development, the culinary arts have taken on a life of their own and growth has hit record numbers.
Two weeks ago, Bill Murray was a guest bartender in Brooklyn, NY. For those that remember, Bill Murray made his start on the humble streets of New York along with Belushi, Curtain, Aykroyd, Murphy, Sandler and more. After each live performance the cast would go to a small club in the West Village. The club is still there with Christmas lights around the entrance situated on an unassuming street block. That club still stands as well as the reminder that New York and Charleston both stand for acceptance and love, but show it in different ways.
Now that these two cities are moving in different directions, are they all that different? Let’s take a look
Hospitality – Charleston is known for friendliness and hospitality. Saying hello to strangers and neighbors is a way of life. Servers not only take your order, but converse and get to know you. It is a happy and humble culture. In New York, pedestrians are glued to their headsets, eye contact is few and far between, cashiers rush you through the line and horns honk like a symphony. Maybe we have to look deeper to understand. I was in a small stationary store purchasing postcards. When I walked to the counter, the shop owner stopped what he was doing and took my money. He was quiet, but polite and very courteous. He didn’t smile or try to get to know me, but he showed all the respect I needed with excellent customer service. Sometimes a perception and a reality are very different.
Deep Roots of Acceptance – The country and world stood proud as Charleston retaliated from the devastating events at Mother Emmanuel with a show of solidarity and non-violent measures. Even today, in the wake of Charlotte, NC, comparisons are being made to Charleston’s peaceful approach. As I walked through the campus of NYU and sat on the grass in Washington Square Park, I was surrounded by diversity and individualism. Homeless playing chess with students, acrobatics and yoga, musicians playing Jazz, diverse couples laying on the grass and an overall feeling of unification. New York is a melting pot and one that has found a place of balance and unity. Later that afternoon, I stumbled on a pick-up basketball game. As the players cursed over fouls, businessmen looked on and enjoyed the free entertainment. No matter what the score was at the end, all the players exchanged hugs and handshakes.
Festivals – Charleston is a festival haven. We thrive, unite and rejoice in our festivals. New York does as well. The difference is that New York is so expansive, it is difficult to find them as easily as our small community. The 92nd Street Festival extends 16 blocks on Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side, while at the same time the famed San Gennaro Italian Festival is filled with song, dance and food on Mulberry Street in Little Italy over four miles away. Though the set up and themes may differ, the common front of community and celebration remains.
Natural esthetics – We are not here to compare acres or quality of natural land between Charleston and New York. The land allocation will not allow for apples to apples comparison. New York and Charleston both embrace the need to recharge and public parks both are a vital part of the make-up of each region. Whether it is Marion Square or Central Park, the need to grass and flowers in the center of concrete jungles is critical to life balance.
Bridges – We are both proud to say we have some of the most iconic bridges in the United States. Between the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and George Washington, these two port cities have something very special to be proud of.
Staying Connected – Offering WIFI in the public spaces is one area that Charleston has taken the lead. Offering free WIFI in the county parks is an innovative way to get the community to be outdoors and give back. New York offers patches of free WIFI including Washington Square Park, but they are not quite there for the entire parks system.
Embracing History – Both New York and Charleston offer rich experiences including carriage rides and historic tours. This country would not exist today if not for the brave settlers that took a tremendous risk for an unknown. Through their courage, we have established a foundation of freedom. Both the North and South along the Eastern seaboard played and continue to play a critical role in maintaining these freedoms and remembering how we got here.
Food – This debate can go on for hours and hours. Who has more Michelin restaurants, who has more quality chefs, how has more eclectic food offerings? Who offers the most unique dining experience? There is no reason to dive into this black hole, because there is no winner. We retract. The true winners are the guests who have embraced both cities for its culinary achievements.
Mass Transit – The edge must go to our friends in the North. New York, though there is no time of day where there isn’t traffic, has created an above and below ground mass transit system that others around the world have emulated. We can get there Charleston and we need to.
Affordability of Entrance – We are fortunate in Charleston to have no tolls. Very fortunate. Whether you travel between New Jersey and New York, Staten Island and New York, Long Island to New York through the Midtown tunnel, you will be paying between $8.00 – $16.00 to enter and in some cases leave Manhattan. It is costly and we should be thankful we are not at that point.
Theater – Charleston has created a proud family of live performance art from Threshold to Charleston Stage, Footlight to Woolfe Street. I have witnessed some of the most amazing theater I have ever seen. The quality of acting in this area is overwhelming. That message needs to get out more. Patrons and community members need to know the quality of the arts here in Charleston. The redesign of the Gaillard is a strong stepping stone in the right direction. New York is Broadway and Broadway is world class live performance art. We have potential to achieve.
Family – Believe it or not, I think this may be one of the strongest connections these two areas have. New York and Charleston embrace family. We have beautiful suburban communities in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Summerville, James Island, Daniel Island and John’s Island. New York has Long Island and Staten Island. Charleston peninsula is growing into a metro haven with a focus on safety. Whether parents and children play in the park or run on the concrete streets, family is still a foundation of values and comfort. This is one thing we should both be very proud of.
Beaches – Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach – Our three coastal salvations. Long Island Sound and Rockaway Beach. Are ours easier to get to? Yes (though some may argue Folly Road and IOP Connector can be nightmares). Do we offer more beachfront? Yes. Still, beaches are a big part of the culture of both. Plus, New Yorkers can go to the Jersey shore and gamble in Atlantic City.
Day Trips – In this case, Charleston is a victim of land distribution. We have opportunities to go to Beaufort, Santee, Columbia, Savannah and Myrtle Beach, but the proximity of available day trips is limited in comparison to New York. The tight land formations of the New England and Mid-Atlantic states allow for daytrips to Boston, Providence, Mystic, CT, Hamptons, Jersey Shore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Kilington, VT and so much more.
There are fourteen comparisons between New York and Charleston; two cities built around different cultures and early country development moral and political values. Today, those separation points are a little more blurred and it turns out we have more in common than we thought.
In a day and age where breaking up via text is as acceptable as Urban Dictionary definitions, the desire to embrace the essential impact of the written word is becoming more important. Today, we express emotion through emoticons and acronyms; rely on the smartphone over the pen and celebrate the value of connection with gifs and jpgs. The evolution of mankind and its infatuation with mobile technology has damaged the roots of humanity and its yearning for connection.
As I completed a seven-page letter to Beth, who currently is about to enter her third year in the Peace Corps in Africa, I reflected back on two years of global letter writing, with each letter bringing a bigger smile than the last. Don’t get me wrong, we both have WhatsApp and Facebook and know very well in the four weeks of transit, will age the relevance of the letter, but the connection is still felt along with the emotions built into each correspondence.
I want us to take a step back to a time when the pen was magical and the ability to express oneself in words changed lives. The following excerpts are from letters written several years ago, that pitted the depths of human emotion and effectively changed lives.
Original Hand Written Letter Excerpts:
“No words over a telephone could communicate what I have to say so I’ll have to rely on written words, which seem to be more effective in our relationship. The letters you sent me were beautiful and plentiful. They surpassed any gift I have received yet. The first one showed you are a true friend. The birthday greeting followed by good advice and a boost to my ego was very much appreciated. In a word, thanks. I needed to hear some of the things you said. Coming from you, they were even more meaningful to me.” – Raquel
“Remember when I said that there are very few people in the world who I identify with and that you were one of them? I honestly meant that and not just in the sense that you challenge me. I am glad we met and happy to have you in my life (even if it is a little more dramatic now). I hope you have the best birthday and that you get all you hope for. Did I mention I also find you incredibly attractive (I know, I’m being high school)” – Lorie
“There are too many things in the world that suck and you are one of them. It is sad to say, but it is true. You suck because of the way you act. Everything else about you is fine except when it comes to your attitude and your pride. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, yeah you must have. Everyone on this floor has been making fun of the immature way you act. You are a great person and fun to be with until I get to know you. Don’t get me wrong. If you want to be friends, it is okay by me, but I know it will never be the same. I will never try to get close to you again. One just fails in doing so. You are so closed. You are like an asymptote. People get closer and closer to you, but they never reach you. Why couldn’t you talk to me?” – Raquel
“I meant what I said this morning that no one has made me feel special in a long time. You don’t know how much it means to me when you do the little things, like saying “Thanks for going out last night for dinner”. People can buy all the gifts in the world, but it doesn’t even come close to how I feel when I know you think about me.” – Amy
“If you are reading this then I have already said good-bye. I can’t be friends with someone I don’t trust. I do love you still and I have for a long time. I mean these words. I have tried to stop. I am writing this now because I cried all the way down here and I will cry all the way home. Losing you is one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time. As the tears streak down my cheeks and the rain falls on the window, I think of all the memories.” – Kimberly
“Each day with you is a tender moment that fills my heart with joy and each passing thought of you still makes me believe – makes me believe in all the things that I could not comprehend before I met you. I know that words never amount to much. Words come and go and we always speak of our thoughts on a passing whim. I cannot say anything or do anything that will change the way you feel, but what I feel is so strong – strong enough that each morning I awake and thank God I was given the chance to feel a love that no words, no song, no man or woman can ever describe. I will hold the thought of you in my heart and soul – And I will carry your name with me forever.” – Hope
“I feel safety when I’m in your arms, like the entire army from hell couldn’t come close to me when I’m there. The softness and passion in your kisses seem to lift me from the Earth, melting the rest of the world away and leaving only you and I to swirl around in the clouds of ecstasy. The heat of your body next to mine, the feel of your hands on my skin and in my hair, the way your eyes sparkle when you say something clever… These are the things that caused me to drop my guard with you even though my situation basically doomed us from the beginning. The way you seem to always be right, the way I don’t care when I’m wrong, how you laugh when you really think something is funny – and when you think it’s not. These are some of the things that ultimately lead me to love you. I don’t expect anything from you or out of “us”. I don’t need you to love me back, I don’t need any promises or favors…All I need is for you to know how I feel. Nothing more, nothing less. Simple isn’t it?!?” – Summer
“Your letter was amazingly, awesomely, wonderfully great. I was smiling and laughing out loud the entire time I read it. The people around me thought I was crazy (oh no! Now they know the truth about me.) I got my Cosmopolitan magazine on my lap, some Juicy Fruit gum that Amanda gave me and the Walkman which I didn’t put on yet. I wanted to write before we took off because I’m afraid I’ll get dizzy if I write while the plane is moving. I want to tell you how great it is for me to have finally found some true, great friends like you and Rock. I really appreciate all that you do for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much better you always manage to make me feel.” – Stacey
“Once upon a time I gave my heart to you. You kept it for a while. Then you began to nurture it. That part of my heart began to grow like the most beautiful, yet delicate flower. There were not only fragrant petals, but thorns. The thorns began to hurt. You took that piece of my heart and began to play with it as a kitten does a ball of string. I let you because I loved you. You began to give me back my heart. So I gave you a piece of my soul. You will have that forever. Now you choose to nurture neither my gifts, my heart nor my soul, but they are yours. I have them to you unconditionally, selflessly and forever. I love you for you. For your spirit and for your love of life.” Kimberly
“It’s a very serious thing for me and I’m sorry to do this, but I need time. I’m not asking for forever, just a couple of days. I need it and I’m sorry for that, but I have to do this. I need to not see you for a couple of days. I need this. You said that you knew your feelings for me for sure when you were not around me and I’m not saying that’s what I need because I know that I have strong feelings for you. If I don’t take a couple of days or so from us, I feel that I will run from you and I don’t want to do that.” – Casey
As you can see from these excepts, the power of the written word can penetrate the soul with fulfillment or pierce the heart. It can bring you to your highest point or lowest and everything in between.
That is one of the greatest losses with the onset of the mobile culture and one we cannot afford to lose.
You find the most unexpected treasures when you aren’t even looking.
My first indication, when I found The Polygon 1969 Porter-Guad School Yearbook was, why would anyone throw this away? Had someone passed away? Did they not want to think back on the past? So many questions, ran through my mind. In the end, I saw a 100 plus page look at Charleston’s history.
We imagine many of these faces still reside and have been contributing members of the community and for that we thank you. As we thumbed through the pages, we were astonished at the level of education of the faculty, the reminders of youth and the trends of almost 50 years ago, that we look back upon now fondly.
Take a seat and let us walk you through a moment 47 year ago, when a ground of young adults had their whole lives to look forward to. From the hair, to the sense of camaraderie, Porter-Gaud reminds us that school is a valued part of our lives.
Maybe you might see a familiar face or two along the way.
The Polygon 1969 – Porter-Gaud School Yearbook – Charleston, South Carolina
Look at the quality of that cover
A little wear over the years
Does the faculty room ever change?
We always remember the dedication – The one that inspired so many
Back then we put home addresses on the senior profiles
Turns out Mr. Clean is from Charleston
Let us never forget the jocks
And the cheerleaders that loved them
A fine lineup of faculty
Let us not forget the little tots.
Smile!! You are a candid moment
Religious Life was a part of the daily routine
Miss Polygon and Miss Runner Up – Rumor is: Miss Polygon resides on Sullivan’s Island
A censored pic slipped in.
Juniors are waiting in the wings.
Girls, take your pick
Some happy underclassman
This was the group to be seen with.
This is the way a football coach should look
A rugged wrestlers
Look at the extra-curricular activities. If he doesn’t manage a hedge fund now…
We had to include “Lumberjack” Jackson
Of course we have “Hebrew”
We hope you enjoyed this look back. Now it is time to enter the time machine and return to present time.
I have your attention. If nothing else, some pleasant reading for a Sunday. There are statistics for everything. Some based on research, some speculation and often times both. We have heard that 40, 45, 55 and up to 70 people a day are moving to the Charleston area. Bazinga!!! That is an influx. Especially considering most of historic Charleston is below sea level. There has been high praise for this little piece of paradise, but this is an article to open your eyes and offer the counter point: Why you shouldn’t move to Charleston.
Top Reasons You Shouldn’t Move to Charleston
Taxation – Taxation in Charleston County can put quite a burden on your pocketbook or wallet. Restaurant food tax stands at 10.5%, restaurant alcohol tax is 15% and taxation on necessities such as clothes will run you 8.5%. If you have the kids or want a nice romantic evening out, you will be paying quite a bit extra to enjoy those luxuries or the basic life necessities.
Racial inequality – You will get many opinions on this one and many may not even acknowledge it as an issue. Some may be so frustrated that they won’t read this section of the article. The bottom line is that there is a racial separation point in Charleston. Whether it is location, economics, crime or lifestyle, it exists. Next time there is a major crime in Charleston, listen in on the debate. I am certain, one of the first statements will be whether it was a black on white or black on black crime.
Historic aesthetics are dying – Known for its historic church steeples, the Holy City has been a haven for history buffs, romantics and fans of true Southern hospitality. You don’t have to be an urban planner to see the infrastructure of our historic downtown is changing. With the growth of restaurants overpowering the establishment, old fixtures, such as Morris Sokol going to the waste side after 94 years and corporate entities becoming a common place at every turn, Charleston is changing. Within the next few months, there will be seven Starbucks in historic Charleston. At the corner of Calhoun and King Streets, you will find Carolina Ale House, Walgreens, Five Guys Burgers, Chipotle, Starbucks and Moe’s (and one corner is a park). It is one digital billboard from being a mini Times Square.
Heat and Humidity – This year the Farmer’s Almanac predicts that the Southeast will have an unusually warm winter. In seven years, Charleston has seen snow twice. Since April, it feels like we have had 130 plus days of 80 to 100+ degree temperatures. Add on the clingy humidity, obnoxious bugs we call neighbors and high UV sun exposure and for many you have an unbearable Summer season (even part of Spring and Autumn). The heat and humidity is an acquired taste. Learn about it first and really determine if this is what you want year round.
Cost of Living – Housing prices are high. It is a seller’s market. I am not talking foreclosures in less than stellar neighborhoods. The large management groups will take those over once those neighborhoods are cleaned up. I am talking residential home buying. If you have studied housing markets in the past, this is a perfect case study. The speed of growth over the last 7 years has been tremendous. When will the bubble burst? I know a great deal that hope it does not ever. It will. Be patient. Monitor the housing trends, but be aware, your new home may begin to “lose” value in the next few years. Also, look at the cost of goods compared to the average per capita income of the region and state. We are a bit unbalanced. (Cost of Living in Charleston)
Unpredictable weather – To the east, clouds, thunder and lightning; to the west, blue skies. As a convertible owner, weather can be a friend and a brutal enemy. Expect the unexpected. Of course, we are a hurricane spot. Though we have not had a major since 1989, the threat and the affects have been experienced here in Charleston.
Poor Driving – If you like people that don’t use blinkers, drive and text, roll through stop signs, stop and go traffic at any point in the day, hesitant drivers and high risk of road and highway accidents, then yes, Charleston is for you. Spend a few days driving through downtown, West Ashley, James Island, Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant and really experience the true Charleston driving experience. (Letter to Charleston Drivers)
Construction issues – It is abundant and not going away anytime soon. Go to Spring Street, Lockwood, Cooper River Bridge, Cross town, James Island Connector, Folly Road and a number of other areas in the city limits area and you will see constant construction. Some projects may go on for months or longer.
Jobs and Education – I am happy to report that the growth of the tech sector and the expanding world of Boeing has added a number of key jobs in this community taking us out of the old hospitality and sales culture, but there is still room for growth and still some challenges faced by many to find strong career opportunities. Also, South Carolina traditionally ranks in the bottom 10% – 15% in academics. Research your schools first before making a decision to choose a certain district. (Charleston Education System)
by 
On 
By Mark A. Leon
Homeless playing chess with students, acrobatics and yoga, musicians playing Jazz, diverse couples laying on the grass and an overall feeling of unification. New York is a melting pot and one that has found a place of balance and unity. Later that afternoon, I stumbled on a pick-up basketball game. As the players cursed over fouls, businessmen looked on and enjoyed the free entertainment. No matter what the score was at the end, all the players exchanged hugs and handshakes.
and below ground mass transit system that others around the world have emulated. We can get there Charleston and we need to.
was crazy (oh no! Now they know the truth about me.) I got my Cosmopolitan magazine on my lap, some Juicy Fruit gum that Amanda gave me and the Walkman which I didn’t put on yet. I wanted to write before we took off because I’m afraid I’ll get dizzy if I write while the plane is moving. I want to tell you how great it is for me to have finally found some true, great friends like you and Rock. I really appreciate all that you do for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much better you always manage to make me feel.” – Stacey
Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant and really experience the true Charleston driving experience. (