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Lowcountry

A Farewell Message From Charleston Stage Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Julian Wiles

April 30, 2023

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Dear Friends of Charleston Stage,

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

Lowcountry

Haunted Places in Charleston, South Carolina – New Video by The Speakeasy

April 29, 2023

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

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?

Enjoy this new video from The Speakeasy

Lowcountry

Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Wildlife Preserve provides absolute escapism

April 29, 2023

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

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:

Getting a little closer and a little more nervous

Beware of the creatures lurking in the swamp

caw11

Pack the kids or your special someone, put on some comfortable shoes and grab some water and make a day out at Caw Caw.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center Information Guide

Lowcountry

37 Southern Superstitions you may or may not have known

April 29, 2023

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

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.

Lowcountry

5 of the Oldest Church Congregations in Charleston, South Carolina

April 28, 2023

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

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.

Lowcountry

Top Ten Reasons Darius Rucker is Awesome

April 28, 2023

by Charleston Daily 3 Comments

By Mark A Leon

Why we love Darius Rucker:

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

Lowcountry

Charleston Spotlight: DuBose Heyward, writer/novelist behind the acclaimed “Porgy and Bess”

April 28, 2023

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

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.

Additional Resources

Spotlight on DuBose Heyward – University of Michigan

DuBose Heyward – My Hero Project

The Sensory Poetry of DuBose Heyward – Abbeville Institute

James & John's Islands, SC

8 Desirable Places around Charleston, South Carolina to Escape Life

April 28, 2023

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Minta Pavliscsak

Ever have one of “those” days? Sure you have; we all have. The type of day where you just want to be alone and escape life for a bit. Between work, school, family, friends, and the constant connection with technology, places where you can just be alone are difficult to come by.

However, as long as you do not check in on Facebook or Yelp when you get there, you can seclude yourself and escape life if you wish to do so. Turn off your phone, bring a book, magazine, your puppy, a notebook, or simply your own thoughts, take a few deep breaths and enjoy your solitude.

Here are a few of the best hidden places in Charleston to escape life, if only for a few minutes.

Folly Beach: You have a few options here. The best places to go to be alone with your thoughts are as far east as you can go on the island, and as far west as you can go. On the east end you will enjoy a scenic view of Morris Island Lighthouse. The far west end is a bit further of a walk, but totally worth it. The walk there is part of the destination itself.

Charleston Waterfront Park swings at night: There’s not a sound much more soothing than the sound of water, and when accompanied by the feeling of gently swinging back and forth under the moonlight, worries seem to melt away. Bring a comfy sweatshirt, even in summertime as it tends to get a little chilly.

Melton Peter Demetre Park (formally Sunrise Park): If you want a unique view of Charleston and the surrounding areas, here is your spot. Nestled deep within James Island, this is the perfect place to start your day or spend the afternoon in peacefulness. In the distance you can view the Cooper River Bridge or the church steeples of the peninsula.

Screenshot_2016-04-12-10-53-50-1-01 — Allan Park

Fishing and Crabbing Dock at James Island County Park: Even if there is someone fishing, they usually just nod to say hi and focus on catching a big one. The dock is large enough for you to have your own spot to yourself. Bring your fishing pole, crab net, or just sit and enjoy the view.

Allan Park: Located just off of Ashley Avenue near Hampton Park, Allan Park is a splendid half acre of tranquility. There is a large fountain in the center and plenty of grass for picnics. There are also benches around the fountain if a blanket is not your thing.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center: Located about sixteen miles from downtown Charleston, Caw Caw Interpretive Center has remained virtually untouched over the years. Once several rice plantations, it is now home to a multitude of wildlife which you can enjoy along over six miles of trails winding throughout swamplands, cypress trees and boardwalks.

Magnolia Cemetery: Not many people think “relaxing” when it comes to cemeteries, but trust us on this one. Magnolia Cemetery is located on the banks of the Cooper River and in our opinion has to be one of the most beautiful places one could spend their resting days. Taking a stroll through this 92 acre stretch of land can give a whole new meaning to “escaping life”.

MUSC Urban Farm: Right in the heart of the medical district off of Bee Street between Ashley and Courtenay is a safe haven. In the heart of this square escape is an educational community garden where you will find everything from lemons, to rosemary to sunflowers with free gardening and nature lessons weekly. Just outside the garden are open grassy areas and benches to relax, have a meal or just daydream. Also, enclosed in this area are stretching equipment to keep your body physically fit. This is a true mental and physical realm of health and solitude in the heart of the Charleston peninsula.

We know there are more, but we do not want to give away all of the secrets! If you have a favorite spot that you like to go to escape life and would like to share, please comment below.

Stay up to date at Charleston Daily

Lowcountry

Charleston, South Carolina History in Pictures – A Look Back

April 27, 2023

by Charleston Daily 7 Comments

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 — Tree Spirit Project 2011 – Preserve Angel Oak

73 Church Street (with rounded top door behind tree) – 1958

Bishop England Varsity High School Basketball Team – Charleston, SC

1961 Civil Rights Bus in Charleston assaulted

Easter 1960's Charleston, SC — 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

East Broad Street with a view of the Exchange Building & Custom House, Charleston, 1906

Lowcountry

Clemson University: Charlie Barker family’s generosity creates new Presidential Scholarship Endowment for underserved students

April 27, 2023

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

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

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