Azalea Magazine Summer 2021 by AZALEA Magazine

A DESIGNER RETURNS A HISTORIC HOME TO ITS ORIGINAL GLORY

ONE WRITER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK TO SUMMER / WORDS OF WISDOM THE TRANSFORMATION OF A VACANT STORE FRONT INTO A NOSTALGIC CANDY SHOP

Table Talk A dining room with the perfect pairing of classic and modern pg. 44

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

In the heart of Downtown Summerville, comes a new place to gather. Welcome to The Azalea. Inspired by the signature style of Azalea Magazine, craft cocktails by professional mixologists, specialty curated wines, and a selection of local craft beers offer uptown sophistication just around the corner. The bar’s historic location and unique urban garden give The Azalea a flavor that is quintessentially Summerville. Opening this Fall, The Azalea raises a bar that is a reflection of the fascinating people and places of the town it calls home. Look for more information coming soon.

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

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features azalea m ag a z i n e

summer 2021

58 SOUTHERN SANCTUARY

In bequeathing his beloved South Carolina land to Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Eugene duPont III created a permanent home for wildlife management research and education.

Southern Beauty A magnolia in bloom at Nemours Wildlife Foundation

WAITING FOR T H E W AT S O N S

DESTINY BY DESIGN

For the Watson family it is the perfect house— and for the house on South Main Street, the Watsons are the perfect family.

Her grandmother laid the groundwork for the path she would take. Amber Hoover Bennett, with the help of family and friends, has followed that path her whole life, leading up to what is now her dream home.

contents summer 2021

25 COLUMNS 29 Natural Woman by Susan Frampton

08 Editor’s Letter 12 Contributors FIELD GUIDE 13 The Pool 14 Wisdom 16 History 19 Culture SOUTHERN LIFE 21 Southern Spotlight - Design 25 Southern Spotlight - Food

33 Kids These Days by Tara Bailey 37 Life & Faith by Lili Hiser

THE VILLAGE POET 64 And This, Gershwin for a Summer Day

One the Cover: The Watsons re-fashioned an old work table into the ultimate meal-time gathering piece. photo by Dottie Rizzo 8

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

editor's letter

Cheers to You Over the past eleven years, we've learned a lot—it's been like a master's class on the community we love and call home. Before introducing you to the people and places that make life here so appealing, we have the opportunity to really get to know them. Where does the artist get her inspiration? What motivates the conservationist to dedicate his life to protect a single species? How does the historic home tell the stories of generations? What makes the recipe so historically significant? Can we find the real story hiding amongst the others? Discovering the answers to these questions has prompted many more and led to incredible stories we are honored to tell in Azalea Magazine's signature style. This fall, you'll find that we've stayed true when we open the doors to a historic building on Downtown Summerville's Cedar Street where a new and different experience awaits. THE AZALEA Bar & Garden will reflect the community that has given us so many gifts. Inspired by all of you, this craft cocktail bar will feature all the classics, original craft cocktails, and a curated selection of unique wines and local beers. THE AZALEA will be a place to gather, to meet, to relax, to celebrate. We'll be hard at work this summer, paying attention to every detail, from the antique French cafe chairs and vintage oak pews to a sophisticated bourbon selection, and music sure to be the soundtrack to countless conversations. We look forward to welcoming you to THE AZALEA Bar & Garden. Cheers!

Will Rizzo Editor In Chief

REVOLUTIONARY WAR VISITOR CENTER CAMDEN, SC

PASSION. COURAGE. LIBERTY.

Discover how South Carolina’s quest for independence turned the tide of the American Revolution. With the ﬁrst permanent exhibit of its kind, the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden tells the powerful story of the Southern Campaign and the valiant patriots with their hearts set on liberty.

Open Summer

2021

SimplyRevolutionary.com

It’s a big world out there… are you protected? We provide concierge insurance services for high value homeowners and business owners in Summerville, Nexton, Del Web, Carnes Crossroads and Cane Bay. Visit us today at our Summerville office (upstairs in Town Square), one of three Taylor Agency locations serving the Lowcountry.

Will Rizzo Editor in Chief will@azaleamag.com Dottie Rizzo Managing Editor dottie@azaleamag.com Susan Frampton Senior Editor Sara Frampton Copy Editor

www.tayloragency.com

Leslie Phinney, Personal 843.762.3372 Buck Inabinet, Commercial 843.762.3373

Jessica Maier Style Editor Contributors Tara Bailey Eliza Chapman Bailey Diane Frankenberger Lili Hiser Ellen Hyatt Jessy Devereaux Mitcham Advertising Inquiries Susie Wimberly susie@azaleamag.com 843.568.7830

Azalea Market Listings Angela Dooney angelamdooney@gmail.com 843.343.7561

Subscribe *Available for $16.99 a year (4 Issues). Visit azaleamag.com for details.

Azalea Magazine

P.O. Box 475 Summerville, SC 29484 info@azaleamag.com www.azaleamag.com 843.478.7717

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

H O M E S A R E J U S T T H E S TA R T

A NEW WAY TO LOWCOUNTRY

Three distinctive villages, trails, parks, shops, eateries and all sorts of new homes from the upper $200s to $600+ N E X T O N .C O M

V I S I T U S AT T H E I N F O C O T TA G E

116 Clearblue Loop, Summerville, SC 29486

REALTORS

Newland is the largest private developer of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com

©2021 Nexton. All Rights Reserved. Nexton is a trademark of NASH Nexton, LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. NASH Nexton, LLC (“Fee Owner”) is the owner and developer of the Nexton Community (“Community”). Certain homebuilders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities are building homes in the Community (“Builder(s)”). Fee Owner has retained Newland Communities solely as the property manager for the Community. Prices, specifications, details, and availability of a Builder’s new homes are subject to change without notice. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

Today Pinewood. Tomorrow the world.

contributors

Pinewood students in Pre-K3 through Grade 12 learn and grow by applying the School’s core values of risk, truth, and exploration. Whether in the classroom, hydroponics lab, athletic arena, or on the stage; our students are nurtured, enriched, and encouraged to thrive.

SUSAN FRAMPTON Writer & Editor

JESSY DEVEREAUX MITCHAM Writer

TARA BAILEY Writer

Never dreaming that anyone would read her ramblings, Susan Frampton scribbled her way through two wildly different careers before accidently becoming a writer. These days, when away from the keyboard, she follows the antics of her accident-prone husband, nurses pine-cone-swallowing wiener dogs, reads late into the night, and counts her many blessings.

Jessy is a writer and veterinary technician that was born and raised in Summerville. She enjoys spending her free time with her two children, Scarlett and Finn, exploring the outdoors, kayaking in the Lowcountry, and takes every opportunity to escape to the mountains with her family.

Tara Bailey lives in Summerville with her husband and three daughters, assuming the one in college comes home to visit. She has worked as a naturalist, a teacher, a writer, and an editor, balancing her love of the outdoors with her compulsion to alter sentences. She enjoys natural history, horror movies, and reads anything in print.

Dedicated to Excellence in Pre-K3 through Grade 12 • • • • • • • •

College preparatory curriculum IDEA Lab (STEM) program Visual & performing arts Smaller class sizes Interscholastic athletic teams Community engagement opportunities Enrichment classes & clubs Character & leadership development

Schedule a visit today: 843.873.1643, ext. 2023 pinewoodprep.com DSS Licensing No.: 23156

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

LILI HISER Writer

JESSICA MAIER Style Editor

ELIZA CHAPMAN BAILEY Writer

Lili Gresham Hiser was born in Charleston, SC and raised in both the Lowcountry and Central Florida. She invested more than ten years of service in the nonprofit/higher education sector and many years as Communication Studies adjunct faculty. She and her husband enjoy reexperiencing life in the South through the eyes of their young children.

Jessica Maier, a professional interior designer with a passion for elegantly simple spaces, lives in Summerville with her husband, new baby, and her trusty companion Rabbit the dog. She spends an inordinate amount of time preparing, eating, and talking about food. When she isn't up to her elbows in a new recipe—a daily occurrence—she's outside moving her body and enjoying the sunshine as she either hikes, runs, or paddle boards her way around the Lowcountry.

A Lowcountry Native, Eliza grew up up in Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. She currently resides in Summerville with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. An Elementary School Media Specialist in N.Charleston, Eliza has a BS in political Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of SC. In her spare time, she enjoys pretending to be an artist, jewelry maker and furniture refinisher.

A B R I E F L O O K at L O C A L C U L T U R E

The Pool

One of the South's favorite summer-time escapes

The first known record of people swimming for recreation dates back to Egypt in 2500 BC

The oldest known concrete swimming pool was built in Texas in 1915

Home swimming pools became popular after World War II, thanks to Hollywood

There are more than 10 million residential pools in the United States

field guide

Editor's Note We are constantly inundated with advice—a lot of it from people we don't even know. In many ways, we have lost the treasures of gaining wisdom from those who have come before us. Thankfully, I haven't. Ms. Diane Frankenberger, is that constant in my life—always there to offer a nugget of wisdom that she has acquired throughout her life. In this new column, I have asked Diane to share some of those gems with us. My hope is that they are as valuable to you as they have been for me.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Not-So-Random Revolation Words of wisdom can come at any time, and live long enough to guide many generations The book of Job has a beautiful chapter in it: chapter 28. Job is talking about people looking for wisdom and understanding. To me, the chapter reads like a poem. The passage questions if wisdom is in the sky or buried in the earth; questioning again and again where it may be found, until at last the Lord God speaks and says to the human race, "The fear of the Lord is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding.” It's that exciting time of year when graduations and weddings are happening, and part of these celebrations is the practice of gift giving. I started giving handmade cards or books that had a few (possibly wise) thoughts in them instead of the more traditional gifts. The folks who have received these little “books of wisdom” said they were perfect. I encourage you to try it for yourself! While shopping at The Pig one day (that’s our Southern hometown grocery store, for you

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

newcomers), I was a bit downhearted. Someone near and dear to me had let me down…they didn't do what they had promised to do. So while shopping, the Lord spoke to me. For real. And this is what He said…'There are no silk blouses at the Piggly Wiggly'. No burning bush appeared on aisle B, but these words got my attention just the same. And, I got it! I understood it perfectly: Don't look or expect something where it isn't. The employees at The Pig had not moved the silk blouses, and they had not run out….they DID NOT have them. Period! People or places can't give what they don't have. In other words, have realistic expectations! The message I got that day at the Pig was a revelation in the truest sense of the word's meaning, and folks, I’m here to tell you that many more revelations followed. I began collecting these insights, these words of wisdom, much like

DIANE FRANKENBERGER

Diane Frankenberger is owner of People, Places & Quilts and a community activist. Describing herself as “older for sure, and a somewhat wise woman,” Diane says she tries to learn lessons the first time around, "because you will keep getting the same lesson until you learn it!” Diane is the proud great granddaughter of Moses Frankenberger, who she says "came to this country in the 1840's and sold goods from a push cart and then finished up as a well known philanthropist with a 9 story department store. My English teacher would have red marks all through this sentence. But maybe I wanted to be a dangling participle rather than a shop owner?” Diane is a well-respected figure in the Summerville community for her no-nonsense but kind attitude, creative mind, and community stewardship.

stamps or baseball cards. Some of my favorites:

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303 South Main St. Summerville, SC (843) 873-4040 / jamesadyal.com

Dorchester Memory Gardens Mausoleum • Cremation Gardens • Urn Niches Beautifully landscaped and perpetual care.

"Know what poison ivy looks like.” This is figurative and literal: poor choices have consequences!

11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-8080 dorchestermemorygardens.com

"Everybody's got tomatoes in August.” Relax, there is enough to go around.

Lowcountry Monuments

“Not everybody can or ought to sing in the choir or play pro ball.” Knowing who and what we are saves energy and disappointment. Words of wisdom, encouragement and love last longer than a car or silver mug. But then again, you could write the words on a car or silver mug! Whatever you do, think it through, and know where it comes from. AM

Offering a wide variety of marble, stone, and bronze memorials accepted in all area cemeteries. We can also provide many statuary options for private garden or cemetery display.

11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-2016 lowcountrymonuments.com

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

field guide

H ISTORY

A Southern Experience Berkeley County is famous for its Revolutionary War connections, not only serving as the setting for 32 of the war’s over 200 battle sites in South Carolina, but also two prominent military leaders: General Francis Marion and General William Moultrie. June 25, 2021 / 8:30am - 3:00pm Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust will be hosting a tour exploring the Patriot victories and defeats on Berkeley County battlefields. For more information, visit www.lordberkeley.org/battlefields

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

The Liberty Trail Rembering the heroic Southern Campaigns of the Revolutionary War

Many historians consider the Revolutionary War to have been decided in the swamps, fields, woods and mountains of the South, won by the resilience and determination of Continental soldiers and Patriot militia. Although the full story of the Southern Campaigns is not widely known, the events of 1779-1782 in the Carolinas directly led to an American victory in the war. We call this history The Liberty Trail. Soon, The Liberty Trail will be a unified path of preservation and interpretation across South Carolina, telling this remarkable story. These important battlefields, still largely unspoiled, deserve to be preserved. That’s why the American Battlefield Trust has partnered with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust to accomplish these goals. More than 200 battles and skirmishes occurred in South Carolina during the war. Working with a panel of historians and archaeologists to select the most significant of these actions, we have developed plans to form The Liberty Trail, an innovative driving route designed to connect these battlefields and tell the captivating and inspiring stories of this transformative chapter of American history. The American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust are now working toward the launch of the initial phase of The Liberty Trail. www.battlefields.org

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

. THE MOST CHARMING TOWN in the SOUTH .

Summerville is directly positioned at the heart of the most beloved attractions in the Lowcountry. Its small town-atmosphere and proximity to Charleston and the beaches makes Summerville the perfect home base for all your adventures . visitsummerville.com

AT THE HEART of it ALL

C ULTURE

Porch Stroll This neighborhood and community event will offer eight different porches where attendees can sit and sip iced tea on some of Summerville’s most beautiful Southern porches. The locations include: Flowertown Bed & Breakfast, Chick Inn On Main, Magnolia Suites, Coburn-Hutchinson House, Timrod Library, Linwood Inn, Caroline's Bed & Breakfast, and Flowertown Charm. June 12th, 2021 10am - 2pm Tickets are $30 Rain or Shine

field guide

The Porch Parade In celebration of National Iced Tea Day, the Summerville Bed and Breakfast Association will host the first inaugural Porch Stroll on June 12, 2021 from 10am to 2pm. With expected Summerville Southern hospitality, each of the eight hosts will offer unique delectables and experiences including strolling through historic gardens, farm animal snuggles, live music and artwork by local artists available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the Timrod Library. For tickets, visit www.visitsummerville.com

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Relief Is Right

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L I F E & C U L T U R E from O U R L I T T L E S L I C E of T H E S O U T H

the southern

Morning Glory Michelle and Charlie in the kitchen

Listening for the Melody

Like a composer turning a melody into a great symphony, professional designer and artist Michelle Woolley Sauter creates timeless, balanced, and thoughtful harmony. by Susan Frampton

Featuring Listening for the Melody pg. 21 / Sweet Talk pg. 25 / Natural Woman pg. 29 / Kids These Days pg. 33 / Life & Faith pg. 37 Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Listening for the Melody Continued

he rhythmic clatter of the train's twice-a-day runs and the peal of church bells has become the soundtrack of designer and artist Michelle Woolley Sauter's life. In the historic Coburn Hutchinson House on East Richardson Avenue, just off Main Street, Sauter is seated at an elegantly rustic table. "It really isn't a disturbance," she says of the sounds. In fact, they are among the many things that attracted her and her husband, Brian, to Summerville. Relocating two and a half years ago from Raleigh, NC, the couple had always been drawn to the area. "We vacationed down here, and that's how we discovered this incredible jewel," she says of the renovated Historic Landmark building that is now home to One Coast Design. "When Brian had the opportunity to work with a company here, we took it."

Restoring and reusing the original materials whenever possible delivered a tribute to the home's 1859 construction and a beautiful feather in Summerville's historical cap. Returning the Charleston Single House residence to its original glory was not a project for the faint of heart. Researching and familiarizing themselves with their relatively rare, three windowstyle single house took time, patience, and a willingness to work with the Board of Architectural Review. Replacing sills and jacking up joists from the ground up, the couple worked to stay true to the house's architectural integrity. Its original windows look out over Richardson Avenue, and original plaster was restored. Elements some would overlook were replaced. "We even returned the shutters to what would have been here originally—louvered on the upper levels to allow for airflow, and solid on the street level to ensure privacy." Restoring and reusing the original materials whenever possible delivered a tribute to the home's 1859 construction and a beautiful feather in Summerville's historical cap. With a ready-made clientele of Instagram followers tracking the renovation progress and a base of Houzz subscribers in pursuit of design services, One Coast Design hit the ground running. "We opened three weeks after we moved in, and we've yet to slow down." As a designer, artist, color, and art consultant, Sauter checks all the boxes. Though her eye for scale, color, texture, and lighting make her one of the region's most sought-after designers, Michelle Woolley Sauter's greatest gift may be the one that sets her apart from the rest. "When the uniqueness of a place sings to us like a melody, then we will know, at last, what it means to be at home," Paul Gruchow writes in his book of essays. Though

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

he writes of outdoor places, the words are equally relevant to the spaces that house our everyday life. Sauter listens for that melody, and what she hears enables her to create a dynamic space reflecting its owner. Much like a composer, the designer takes a simple tune and adds the harmonies to make it a masterpiece. Having drastically downsized when relocating here from North Carolina, Sauter understands the unique needs of those who find themselves moving to smaller, forever homes. "We arrived with far more furniture than the house could hold. In a profession often adhering to the "out with the old, in with the new" philosophy, Sauter prefers to think outside the box. "It is a challenge, but far more rewarding to integrate the client's interests and what is important to them. Her spaces come together organically. She laughs, "In the process, they may discover they're really in love with that cedar chest from London or the odd green sofa. I step into their world rather than trying to drag them into mine. In the end, the result has to belong to the client." While One Coast Design's clients crisscross the country, local clients have quickly become her focus. From new builds to historical renovations, Sauter's keen eye and endless energy are equally at home in the Lowcountry. "We love it here. We had many different locations we might have chosen, but here is where we wanted to put down roots." Sauter applies the same sense of color and balance to her artwork. Canvases of every size and subject reflect an extensive fine arts background. Large landscapes and abstracts splash color on the walls, while small, detailed pieces offer a glimpse of the artist's range. Many are commissioned images she creates based solely on a feeling her client is looking to convey. Once again, Sauter's ability to listen allows her to create images that tangibly capture what the client is often unable to put into words. Licensed by Swarovski, she designs and creates stunning original works in which she embeds hundreds of Swarovski crystals. As a Master Framer, Sauter's skills ensure that each piece she creates wears a frame that is art in itself. Summerville's melody is sung by its freight trains and church bells. Michelle Woolley Sauter heard it and knew she was home. Along with their beautifully restored Coburn Hutchinson House on East Richardson, Sauter and her husband add a welcome new harmony to the historic melody that is uniquely Summerville. AM 125 E Richardson Ave. Summerville, SC 29483 (843) 879-2152 onecoastdesign.com Living Color Opposite Page: Inside the historic Richardson Avenue showroom

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

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the southern

Sweet Lady Owner Kathy Lindell; the historic entry way into Simple Treasures

SOUTHER N SP OTL I GHT

FOOD

Sweet Talk

With a vision that harkens back to a simpler time, Kathy Lindell has transformed a vacant store front into a candy shop to satisfy the sweet tooth of a community by JEliza Chapman Bailey

eminiscing about the ease of childhood makes one wonder why we were in a hurry to become adults. We would ride our bikes to the canal, down “the Hill” over the roots in the sidewalk, legs on the handlebars and wind in our hair. At the end of the day, our clothes were dirty from swinging on wisteria vines, climbing Magnolia trees, and running from yellow jackets. We were indeed backyard conquistadors. Armed with a few dollars, we would take a break from adventure to get ice cream at the pharmacy, popcorn at the Five and Dime, and candy at Mr. Beasley’s. This is the nostalgia that Kathy Lindell, owner of Simple Treasures, has captured in her eclectic one stop sweet shop located on the corner of Central Ave. and West 2nd South Street. Deciding to leave the cold Montana winters, Kathy searched the Southeast for a place to relocate. Of all the places she considered, the Lowcountry beckoned the loudest, waving a “Welcome Home” sign that could not be ignored. Kathy settled in Summerville and continued to work part-time as a social worker. While acclimating to her new surroundings, she noticed a vacant building in Summerville’s Historic and Shopping District. She also noted Summerville did not have a candy shop. With a keen eye for problem solving, she thought Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Sweet Talk Continued

the vacant store would be a good location for such an establishment. Encouraged by the Town and not swayed by her limited knowledge of confections, Kathy contacted the Small Business Bureau. With their help and persevering mind set, she created a business plan and hung her shingle in the Summerville sun. Starting out, Kathy contracted with a local ice cream distributor to provide homemade, additive free products but soon found the selection limiting. To expand the depth of flavors, control quality and consistency, she decided to make her own novelties. Using high quality preservative free, natural ingredients and locally sourced seasonal fruit, she creates basic flavors. Next, she pairs the original with a complimentary flavor. By blending chocolate ice cream with peppermint patties, she elevates the creamy chocolate with cool mint flavors. Giving a new twist to an old favorite. Her robust repertoire of ice cream, sorbet, chocolates and other confectionary delights, will satisfy the most discerning connoisseur. Not formally trained in the culinary industry, Kathy acknowledges, “All my life, I’ve done a lot of baking and cooking. Since I was young, I've always been a kitchen person.” Knowing your way around a kitchen is one thing. Knowing how to temper ingredients is another. Kathy’s genuine gift is flavor discernment. Her ability to capture the essence of seasonings is on par with the finest perfumer who creates bountiful fragrances in a tiny droplet. Balancing the

28 AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory takes a special talent. To be successful, this act cannot be taken lightly. Kathy has always enjoyed experimenting with food and flavor combinations are second nature to her. “When my children were young”, she professes, “I did not have a method to my baking. I would make cookies or desserts by adding ingredients that I thought would blend nicely together. I wrote down the ingredients or steps.” When asked to recreate a successful recipe, she could not remember the exact process. Opening Simple Treasures challenged Kathy to be more precise. By writing down the recipe, she formally acknowledges she has created a new variety of an old favorite. Quality is extremely important; she will not sell an altered version of a successful recipe. To make her crowd-pleasing Gingerbread ice cream, she experimented with gingerbread cookies searching for the right consistency and flavor. She will only make and sell the Gingerbread Ice Cream, or any new flavor, if she can duplicate the recipe in its entirety. If she cannot find the exact ingredients, she will wait until they are available instead of substituting. It is this precision that keeps her customers coming back for more. In the store, she highlights her new products while maintaining a version of the traditional. Her sweet treats adeptly wake your palette, the baked potato popcorn, melts in your mouth, the seasoning lingers,

Candy Land Clockwise from top left: Sugar cookie dough ice cream in a salted blue corn cone; a view from the ice cream counter; vintage candies; a huge selection of flavored sodas

dissipates and resurfaces with each bite. The blueberry popcorn is a bowl of tiny fruit, cover with cream and sugar combined in a popped kernel. The ice cream nachos are a whimsical take on the traditional sundae. Best sellers include turtles, dark, milk and white chocolate and anything with peanut butter. A favorite specialty is the gooey butterfly. Using Graham crackers for the wings, she drizzles, three types of chocolate, caramel, marshmallows and pecans creating a three-dimensional treat. Custom gift baskets are individually tailored for every occasion and budget. They run the gambit from chocolate covered wine bottles, boxes of candy, popcorn and gift certificates. There is nothing ordinary about this confectioner’s curiosity shop. One thing is for certain, you never know what secret treasure will be hiding in the counters, on the shelves waiting to be discovered. Palettes with be satiated and memories will be made. AM Simple Treasures is located at 145 Central Avenue, Summerville. Their products can also be purchased online at simplettreasures.biz.

Dr. Christopher R. Accetta

Dr. Ronnie M. Givens, II

Dr. Christine Hunter

Dr. Jennifer Heinemann

OFFICES:

Dr. Miles Reeves

SEEING PATIENTS SUMMER 2021

Dr. William “Bo” Reeves, III

Dr. Hunter A. Smith

Dr.Martha Cohen Carnes Crossroads

1801 2nd Avenue Summerville, SC 29486

Summerville

83 Springview Lane Summerville, SC 29485

PROUDLY DELIVERING AT:

Carnes Crossroads | Summerville

843.797.3664 www.LowcountryWomen.com

30 AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

Roper Berkeley Hospital

Summerville Medical Center

the southern

Battle Scars

N AT U R A L WOMAN

Thin white lines marking a war waged with the sun tell a cautionary tale worth reading by Susan Frampton

ith the exceptions of the ladies on the front of sports magazines and the winged goddesses of Victoria’s Secret, I’ve never met a woman that goes giddy at the prospect of shopping for a bathing suit. “I can’t wait to strip naked in the cold, fluorescent lights of a closet-sized, mirror-lined cubicle and encase myself in breath-stealing lycra,” said no normal human female. Ever. But anyone that has spent a summer in the Lowcountry knows that the best relief from the summer sun is found in the cool waters of a pool, lake, river, ocean, or backyard sprinkler. So we do what we must. This year is shaping up to be the worst bathing suit season yet. As I tear open the FedEx package that has just arrived, I say a silent prayer

of gratitude for the gift of online shopping, dim the lights, and cover the mirrors. I’ve spent a year eating Cheetos on the sofa, and I’ve justified skipping exercise because the gym was closed. Adding insult to injury, I’m as pale as the raw chicken thighs I bought yesterday at the grocery store. I’m sure that if I just had a tan, I’d look much better. Just an hour in the sun would make a difference. After all, a cooked chicken looks much better. Sadly, this pale chicken’s days of being baked, grilled, or fried are over. Life outdoors has forever changed for me. I can’t decide whether to burst into tears of pain or laughter when I hold up the new suit that will cover me from neck to fingertips. It’s a sight to behold. But given the stitches removed from my forehead this week and the still-tender scar on my upper arm, full-body armor is required to wage my ongoing war with the sun. Should I blame my recent skin skirmish on my fair-

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Where an evening filled with fine wine and delicious food, is complimented by an inviting setting and fabulous conversation.

Live an Extraordinary Life

N AT U R A L WOMAN

skinned Celtic ancestors? Whine that my mother didn’t slather me in sunscreen, or maybe chalk it up to global warming? Or, I could own up to beach days redolent with Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. The truth is, we didn’t know then what we know now. These days, we have no excuse. We’re so much better informed and wiser. Still, there are those among us who don’t think the sunscreen hoopla applies to them, and nothing recharges your battery like stretching out in the sun. I get it. But get ready, nonbelievers. I’m a convert and about to hop up on a soapbox.

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My family’s skin cancer history and collective scars form a line representing decades of outdoor work and play. You’d think it would have turned on a lightbulb in my head. Apparently, I was too bewitched by the coconut aroma of that tanning oil to pay attention. They tell a cautionary tale that I chose not to read. Even though we’ve all gone under the knife, I never really worried. The minor surgeries were irritating and inconvenient, but at worst, left behind a thin white line. None of us really lost sleep over them. That is until Dad was diagnosed with metastatic skin cancer. In simple terms, metastatic cancer is new cancer that has originated from somewhere else in the body. You don’t usually associate it with skin cancer—at least I didn’t. But after a lifetime of life outdoors, the sun was demanding a ransom. It was one that we were not prepared to receive or pay. Treatment for Dad’s cancer called for what the doctor termed “brutal” surgery, followed by complete facial reconstruction and radiation. It was not an option for our courageous 89-year-old patriarch, nor was chemotherapy. The doctor recommended hospice care. It was a bitter pill to swallow then, and though he is holding his own

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

right now, it has not become less in the weeks since. It’s a difficult story for me to share and most likely an uncomfortable one to read. I wasn’t sure if I should even share its inconvenient truth. But it’s too important to not share because it reveals unwelcome proof that none of us are bulletproof. Ironically, my new scars mark skin cancers discovered by a regularly scheduled exam just a week after Dad’s diagnosis. The thin white lines warn that skin cancer doesn’t care if you’re still reeling from bad news or have a deadline to meet. It has no regard for age, race, gender, political affiliation, Instagram popularity, bank account balance, or shoe size. So here’s the takeaway. WEAR SUNSCREEN. It’s sticky and icky and not the slightest bit sexy. It burns your eyes when you sweat, eats your toenail polish, clouds your sunglasses, and stains your clothes. It’s a pain to stop what you’re doing to apply, reapply, and reapply, but worth the inconvenience. Get regular skin checkups. I’m not a fan of having to strip and be peered at through a microscopic lens. Who is? Suck it up, sweetheart, and do it. It’s already steaming outside. Summer is coming. I can’t wait to slip into my long-sleeved, zip-front, neck-hugging, sun-protective suit that covers my hands and has holes for my thumbs to stick out. Laugh at me, and I’ll squirt sunscreen in your eyes. The good news about my new fashion statement is that I’ll be perfectly outfitted to dive off the Barrier Reef with Jacques Cousteau. The bad news is that Cousteau is dead, and it will most likely be like wearing socks in the shower. I did that once, and it was weird. That’s a story for another day. Just WEAR SUNSCREEN, okay, or I swear I will squirt you in the eye. I mean it. AM

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the southern

Summer of Love

K ID S THESE D AY S

by Tara Bailey

f spring break was any indication, this summer is going to be the best one in recent memory. In April I appreciated your photos of ski trips, clear water beaches, and airplane wings reflecting a bold and hopeful sun. You were traveling! Relaxing! Enjoying life! Celebrating what spring has always been and what it was always designed to be: a renewal of life. You were acknowledging, and I along with you, what Mark Twain and the rest of humanity has eternally felt once the days grow a little longer: “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

I had no such travel photos to share. We didn’t summit a mound

of dirt, much less a mountain, nor did we grace even the most local of beaches. The annoyances of airport security are but a distant memory, and I haven’t even had to pay for parking in over a year. I did, however, fulfill a goal during that week while many of you were packing bags, double checking their contents, and setting off to make up for a year of staring at the same four walls. I also packed my bags, did a panicked mental check of their contents after I was on the road, and headed north. What felt like an Odyssean journey was simply a drive up I-26 to the Upstate. Not only was I going to see my parents—indoors—but I was going to embrace my grandmother, something just a year ago I feared I would never be able to do again. “How was your spring break?” was the ubiquitous question the Monday morning afterwards when we teachers were still trying to rid ourselves of the nasty earworm of our alarms. Mine was

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

KIDS THESE D AY S

the best in recent years, probably ever. As an adolescent, my mother was always scheduling fun activities for me during spring break like yard work and wisdom tooth removal. As a college student I often worked over the break to pay for the coming summer so I could have a little bit of fun before I continued another season of working. Spring break to me was always a relief in the same way that spring testing was as a kid; it was something different from the routine, and I would gladly take it, even though it wasn’t total freedom. Even last year’s spring break was celebrated as a rejuvenating pause from the stresses of adapting to a worldwide crisis. When I closed my laptop at the end of the day before break that dreadful spring, just knowing I wouldn’t have to teach from my dining table for a whole week felt like the relief of blessed normalcy one experiences after enduring a stomach bug; simply not being in excruciating discomfort was pure pleasure.

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But this year! This year the vernal world was greener than it had ever been. This year I had to tell my children—young adults—to settle down around midnight as they were up late giggling from their room at their grandparents’ house. This year I used guest towels and took walks around my parent’s neighborhood among old growth trees, nature trails, and friendly people. This year my daughters played with my parents’ dog and even napped with her flat out in the backyard with nothing more than the sun as a blanket. This year I picked up my grandmother from her home and brought her to my parents’ house for hamburgers my dad was proud to grill on his Green Egg. This year we watched my mother’s nesting birds and shared wine on the porch during the vespertine hours while my

parents occasionally let loose silent tears over the miracle of sharing space with their granddaughters. This year we knew that spring meant that winter was finally over in every sense. So as I plan for a strange, abbreviated summer with anomalous school schedules, summer courses, and disjointed family gatherings due to the aforementioned, I can’t wait for the joy of mild sunburns and light cotton clothes. I long to procrastinate on lesson plans in favor of walking uptown with friends and feeling a hint of shame —but not really—over caving to impulsive margaritas and ice cream cones. I can’t wait for the smell of sweat and dirt and weeds, to look for painted buntings with the driving ambition of the Goonies with their treasure map, and the feel of fresh sheets on my bare legs each morning for as long as I desire. Most of all, I yearn for my reunion with extended family this summer where I will see the people who formed me and my own family, the people I missed horribly last year. I will never miss them like that again as long as we are all living. Our family may have to be truants for a few days in order to spend time with my tribe this year, but if the last year did anything, it reshaped my priorities. Summer is here! Throughout our splendid spring I heard several people taking note of the warm weather and prophesying that this summer’s heat will be unbearable. To which I say: so what? Unbearable heat isn’t so unbearable if it melts a year of cold. Besides, I agree with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s astute observer of life, Nick Carraway: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” AM

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

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the southern

Home Improvement

L IF E & F A IT H

by Lili Hiser

M deeper meaning for me.

y bedside table looks ordinary because it houses items most women reach for often: my glasses, a cup of water I procrastinate to drink, lip balm, my phone charger, and unread books. Then among the expected sits the unexpected: a segment of an auburn, plastic PVC-like pipe. It is a memento from a house maintenance ordeal years ago that took on a

I entered the kitchen one afternoon to find water puddling from behind the refrigerator wall onto the floor. We called a plumber and, as he surveyed the area, he made a discrete cut at the bottom of the sheetrock. Lying on the floor with a flashlight in hand, he peered into the hole before concluding he believed the water was coming up from under the concrete foundation. I know very little about plumbing, but clearly this did not sound like an easy fix. He went on to educate me about the solution to the potential issue: a house re-piping. He showed me the likely location in the yard that would be dug up, and then we went on a walking (and at times almost fainting) tour of the house to assess which walls would be cut for the new pipes. Our house, at only eleven years old, was going to look like Swiss cheese! And now another

leak had developed—in our bank account! The plumber and I ended the conversation with the agreement that two additional plumbers would come the next day to do some further evaluation and start making a plan. I slept very little that night, trying to understand how this modest puddle of water had resulted in such a substantial house project. The next morning, the other plumbers came to start their inspection. They asked if they could cut a hole behind the refrigerator space. I did not hesitate in giving my approval, especially since I expected this request to be a theme in almost every room anyway! After a few minutes, the plumber called me over and explained the problem. He showed me that when the house was built, a nail had punctured one of the plastic pipes. For the past decade, that nail had been protruding out of the pipe with no water leakage until it started to corrode with age. He showed me the small circular puncture in the pipe with rust stains around it. What had threatened to be a long process and large expense turned out to be a simple fix as they did a quick swap of piping in that area and it was done! As a person who seeks life lessons all around me, even in the mundane, I quickly grabbed that faulty pipe from the scrap pile as a token.

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LIFE & FA I T H

I already knew in my heart this old piece of plastic that had caused such drama would serve as a tangible reminder for another area of my life. Nearly a decade ago, while planning my wedding, I opened the door for seasoned couples to share their advice on how to have a successful marriage. Eager for knowledge, I loved hearing the sweet love stories and cutesy advice, but one piece of wisdom kept being repeated: the cliché “don’t go to bed angry”. Still glowing from the proposal and daydreaming about our future, I could not imagine such advice ever being relevant to us. Would we ever even be angry at each other?! Time eventually brought us down to reality; even though we are very much in love, we are two imperfect people. The advice I received in those engaged days of talking through irritation and issues became quite relevant, and the Bible sheds light on this topic as well in Ephesians 4: 26-27 “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

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Unaddressed feelings of bitterness, resentment, suspicions, misunderstandings, and grudges not brought to light could sit in our hearts like the nail that pierced the pipe. Though punctured, it can function well enough for years but the corrosion starts to wear over time. Eventually there comes a breaking point, and in the chaos of finding the source of the problem, havoc is placed on the entire house. Before my head hits the pillow I need to be at peace with the one who sleeps beside me. Though complicated issues may take more time to resolve, both spouses need to be open and listen. Communication cannot stop when one feels hurt or misunderstood. Every “puncture” needs to be discussed and worked out or eventually over time something bursts. I am grateful for this old pipe as it continues to serve as a reminder, not just of our house repair fiasco but of something more valuable to keep intact—the harmony in our home. AM

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SHORT CENTRAL COTTAGES

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Located across the street from historic 'Short Central', each cottage features a full kitchen and unique Southern decor, perfect for experiencing Historic Downtown Summerville.

Your local coffee roaster, bakery and community spot. Enjoy select wines, craft beer, music, events and so much more.

Open since 1944, Eva's On Main is located in Downtown Historic Summerville and serves a Southern comfort menu for breakfast & lunch, with brunch on Sat. & Sun. Dine-in | Takeout | Curbside Pickup

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The cafe is known for daily specials and rotating soups, homemade condiments, & gluten free and vegan options. They have 2 locations that focus on quality, healthy, casual cuisine.

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SUMMERVILLE ANTIQUE GALLERY

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features azalea m ag a z i n e

Sweet Tart Gracie beats the heat with a glass of home-made lemonade

summer 2021

W AI T I N G F O R T H E W AT S O N S pg.44

DESTINY BY DESIGN pg.52

SOUTHERN SANCTUARY pg.58

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Home Coming The Watson's home was originally built as a hunting lodge

wa i t i n g for

the wat s o n s by

S U S A N

F R A M P T O N

photos by Dottie & Will Rizzo

46 AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

For the Watson family it is the perfect house— and for the house on South Main Street, the Watsons are the perfect family.

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Historically Modern This page:The original flooring was repurposed as a charming ceiling; a perfect spot to cozy up with a good book. Opposite page: Attention to detail makes this house beautiful without compromising comfort

or the best part of a year, the house on South Main Street sat waiting. Beginning life as a hunting lodge in the early 1900s, the house had watched over the Carter family for the last half-century, until Aubrey Carter's death in early 2020. Under its roof, the house hosted gloved ladies for bridge, and festive greenery welcomed friends to Christmas breakfast. Birthdays and weddings were celebrated, tables were laden for barbecues, and family reunions brought generations together. Now, alone and hidden from view by thick foliage, the sprawling white structure ached under the weight of time. Like the dress of an aging debutante, the once-crisp white exterior had grown dingy, and the sun that once lit happy days had turned cruel and unforgiving. It would take someone willing to look beneath the melancholy of peeling paint and sagging floors to recognize its strength and the heart that beat steady and strong. Off to the east, Emily and Stewart Watson were happy in their

48 AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

lovingly restored Mt. Pleasant farmhouse, ideally located on a plot of land offering their children Turner and Gracie room to run and play. Both worked full-time, Emily in interior design and vacation property management and Stewart as a general contractor. Like most successful young couples, they were busy. Everything they needed was within a few minutes reach, or at most a short ride across the bridge into Charleston. "We didn't think anything of driving into Charleston for dinner or meeting friends for coffee in the Olde Village or downtown," Emily says. "We had the best of all worlds, and had no intention of ever going anywhere else." Originally from New Jersey, the couple began their married life in Summerville, where Emily's mom and stepfather had moved when Emily enrolled at College of Charleston. Stewart had come south as a roommate to Emily's older brother. Though they had known each other in New Jersey, it was under the Lowcountry sky that the stars aligned for the couple. Eventually, their work and lifestyle drew them to cross the Cooper River. They had never looked back and never planned to do so. When Covid struck the world early in 2020, life changed for everyone. While the demand for home renovations kept Stewart busier than ever, Emily left her job to homeschool the children. As weeks became months, their priorities began to change. The new normal

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

of life brought the family a surprising new appreciation for the slower pace and simpler life. On a lark, they decided to put their beloved farmhouse on the market. Its unexpected immediate sale meant the search for a new home was on. The bar had been set high. Summerville was not on their list of options, nor was another all-consuming renovation project. But as is often said, when man plans, God laughs. Stewart laughs, too, when he remembers showing Emily the listing for the Summerville house. "I asked her to just keep an open mind. She made no promises but agreed to take a look." Despite her original misgivings, a look was all it took. Her designer's eye saw the potential that over 200 days on the market had revealed to no one else. It was as though the house had been waiting for the Watsons. By the end of the day, they had made an offer, and it wasn’t long before the family called it home.

"the wood that you see up there used to be on the floor," they explain. "we've tried to salvage and reuse everything," stewart says of their respect for the original structure. but for the new appliances, the room is ageless. Though they've said it before, the pair vows this renovation will be their last, and it's hard to imagine a home better suited to their family. Freshly painted shutters gleam against the bright white

History Project Julie Carter Mayville recalls golden summers in the house on South Main Street. Her parents, Aubrey and Lola Carter, bought the house in 1972, and Mayville still remembers the clean, fresh smells of home. “There was a laundry yard for drying clothes on a clothesline. Momma always hung linens to dry there on sunny days. There was nothing like sleeping on sheets dried outside.” The family enjoyed almost 60 years within its walls. Even before her father’s death, the big house had become too much for the elder Carters. But Mrs. Carter’s move to a nearby retirement community was bittersweet. With so many memories of her own, it was hard to imagine a new family in the place she had raised her children. But in a serendipitous turn, she learned of that new family from her new neighbors. They mentioned that their granddaughter and her husband were renovating a home on South Main. As they talked, she realized their project was her beloved home. Fate has a funny way of creating happy endings. So, as a chapter closes for one Summerville family, a new chapter begins for another – and the legacy of the storied house on South Main Street lives on.

Fine Dining This repurposed work table makes for a perfect setting for large family gatherings

exterior, and from across a newly cleared front lawn, eight-year-old Turner buzzes up on his electric four-wheeler. When his parents follow close behind, it is easy to see where the youngster gets his easy charm. On the steps, five-year-old Gracie is shy for less than a minute before proudly assuming hostess duties. Crossing the threshold into the kitchen, large windows illuminate new cupboards built to match the original upper cabinets, seamlessly blending old and new. Small octagonal tiles pattern the floor, and bare wooden planks unexpectedly line the ceiling, adding a rustic warmth to the kitchen's clean lines. "The wood that you see up there used to be on the floor," they explain. "We've tried to salvage and reuse everything," Stewart says of their respect for the original structure. But for the new appliances, the room is ageless. In each room on the main floor, expansive windows reveal the home's newly restored friendship with the sun, flooding its rooms with light. A fireplace stands at one end of the dining room, ready to warm guests seated at a dining table built to easily seat at least two dozen guests. "We saw it at an antique store where it was used as a display," Emily says of the unique piece. Ghost chairs provide a clear view of the rustic table, and the built-in base of a cast iron can opener at the far end makes it a true one-of-a-kind. From its spot beyond the dining room, an enormous gilded mirror reflects the image of a family room combining practical and unpretentious elements with those of polish and sophistication. It is as easy to envision popcorn on family movie night in this room as it is the classic elegance of a cocktail party.

AZALEAMAG.COM Summer 2021

Atop two stairways bearing the marks of generations, each room is as faithful to the house's character as it is to its inhabitant. Gracie's room and en suite bath are as whimsical and full of life as she – feminine, yet bold. Turner's room reflects a young man going places, busily collecting knowledge that will serve him well along the way. Down the hall, soothing color and sumptuous linens offer guests sanctuary and sweet dreams, and the dedicated "schoolroom" is a nod to homeschooling. The spaces are timeless. Though worthy of a home improvement show, there is nothing artificial in the finishes or furnishings.

the sounds of a happy family ring out under its roof, and the windows look out on a brand new day. for the house on south main street, the wait is over. The master suite is a work in progress. An upstairs bathroom is about to be tiled, and outside, space is being cleared for a pool. There is still much to be done, and the Watsons take it all in stride. The sounds of a happy family ring out under its roof, and the windows look out on a brand new day. For the house on South Main Street, the wait is over. AM

Living Arrangements This page:Gracie catches up on some reading. Opposite page: The Watsons; the black fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

Photos By Dottie & Will Rizzo

Jessy Devereaux Mitcham

Family Traditions Amber Hoover Bennet at home in Ridgeville; a vintage farm table and wash basin on the front porch

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question is one that most people have been asked as children, with the typical responses being something along the lines of a firefighter, police man, or teacher. This was not the case with Amber Hoover Bennett. Since she was a child, her main interest has always been design; whether it is interior design or design in fashion, she has always appreciated being surrounded by beauty, and has always wanted to carry that passion with her as she “grew up.” However, her appreciation for all things aesthetically pleasing did not begin with her. In her own words, it runs in her genes. Amber’s grandmother (from her mother’s side of the family), Vivian, was an interior designer and fashionista in her own sense. Vivian worked at a furniture store in Downtown Charleston and offered her own design services to those looking for their own sense of style. She was known to scout the Charleston area for bargain deals on items that others often overlooked, taking her (sometimes dusty, dirty, or broken) finds home and transforming them into the extravagant pieces that she had envisioned in her mind. Vivian’s daughter, Sherri, followed in her mother’s footsteps and adored fashion, beauty, and style. Their passion for beauty was passed on to Amber, and for as long as she can remember she has been designing her environment to her liking. When she was just six years old, she used one of her grandmother’s silk scarves to cover a lampshade to “soften the lighting.” Sure, it did start a small fire, but it’s the thought that counts. She showed that same thoughtfulness when her parents were out working on the farm, and she decided to set up a whole dinner party for them, using her mother’s fine china and fresh “herbs” (wildflowers she found outside) to complete the perfect table setting. Even as a child, Amber knew it was all about the details. Carrying her passion for details and design into her adulthood, Amber’s first major project was located on “Hoover Homestead,” the name given to the property her family has owned in Ridgeville for generations. Amber’s paternal grandparents lived in a home built in 1940 that they called “The Little House.” When Amber was just

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20 years old, she renovated and rejuvenated that little house on the corner of the property and brought it back to its former glory. In 1996, Amber’s parents built a home for themselves on the family property. Amber lived there in her teenage years, and after starting the renovations last year with some major help from her husband Micah and their friends and family, they have made a picture-perfect home for themselves and their two beautiful children, Claira Belle and Beau Bleu. Amber calls her design style “gathered,” and lovingly describes her house as a “collected” home, and for good reason. She strives to be as sustainable as possible, using reclaimed, recovered, and salvaged materials. Her laundry room floor is made from bricks from the fireplace of an old Charleston home that was being demolished. Her custom cabinets were made using cabinet doors that were saved from a hotel, precious lumber that otherwise would have been tossed in the trash. In the spirit and with the same vision as her late grandmother Vivian, Amber sees the potential life in items that others would have discarded. Driving up to Amber and Micah’s home, you are first stunned by the beauty of the outside of the house itself, including the perfectly maintained yard and meticulously placed flowers in all of the right places. You see the home, a gorgeous farmhouse-style structure that is quite the surprising sight as you drive down the old dirt road leading up to it. The exterior of the home is breathtaking, to the point where you don’t think it can get any better, that is...until you walk inside. Rural Radiance Opposite page clockwise:The kids wash up after playing in the yard; the first floor hardwood floors, as well as the stairs are painted black; The Bennetts; the home is a perfect mix of new and old

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

From the moment you walk through the reclaimed-wood door frame of the house, you are pleasantly overwhelmed with an understanding of how talented Amber really is. She has taken a traditional Lowcountry home that was built in the nineties, and transformed it into a home that has appeared to be in the family for generations prior. Using the perfect balance between old Southern design and modern Charleston-style luxury, Amber has absolutely achieved that look. From the black-polished floors to the marble accents throughout the home, the antiqued glass and the six-foot Waterford chandelier, it is clear that Amber has “the eye” for design. Yet it wasn’t by accident that these elements of her home are perfectly executed. With one or two exceptions, every detail to her home is carefully curated to fit her vision. The beauty that exudes from the Bennett home does in fact come from Amber’s creative mind, but she is not alone. Her partnerin-design is her beloved mother-in-law, Cheryl. The two have travelled near and far to estate, garage, and yard sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, and antique malls to find the treasures they have collected. In Amber’s own words, “We have found phenomenal treasures, but none as great as the bond that Cheryl and I share, created together on our adventures.” The dynamic duo live for the thrill of the find in searching for the next treasure to add to Amber’s home, and they have gotten so good at what they do that they have given a name to themselves, the Gathered Hens. The Gathered Hens’ goal is to inspire others that beauty in interior design does not have to be expensive. Through their website, Youtube channel, Instagram, and Facebook, they teach others how to achieve the “gathered” and “collected” look that Amber has accomplished in her own home, a sophisticated Southern aesthetic. While Amber does not currently accept clients for her interior designing skills, she would rather spend her time giving back to her community in other ways. She strives to shop as locally as possible, supporting places like Jedburg Junction, EveryThingChic-ETC, and Piazza Home for some of her treasures. Before COVID19 hit, Amber volunteered herself and Carrie Crosby (of Carrie Crosby Interiors) as the lead designers for multiple events at her daughter’s school, Pinewood Preparatory School, and plans to do so in the future. Mrs. Bennett also enjoys doing pro-bono work for those less fortunate, teaming up again with Carrie to bring their interior design skills to weddings, photoshoots, homes, and more. Amber may not claim the old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” as her motto, but she is a living and breathing example of what can be accomplished with hard work, a keen eye, a passion for design, and the tenacity to get the job done no matter how old or damaged an item may be. The Gathered Hens have inspired so many people to follow their gathered and collected design style, with no plans of stopping anytime soon. AM If you are seeking inspiration for your home or would like to see more of the beauty that Amber has created, follow The Gathered Hens on social media: Instagram: @thegatheredhens Website and Blog: www.gatheredhens.com YouTube channel: The Gathered Hens Facebook: Gathered Hens

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Shining Bright Clockwise from top left: An antique carnival horse trots above the french doors; a modern kitchen with vintage accents; a family photo; the master bath, french doors lead to the Florida room; the breakfast nook; the first floor powder room; a classic mud room

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

In bequeathing his beloved South Carolina land to Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Eugene duPont III created a permanent home for wildlife management, research and education

SUSAN FRAMPTOM photos by Dottie & WIll Rizzo

IMAGINE that you are born in 1914 to a prominent family. You become a Dartmouth College graduate, and one of the nation's largest companies bears your last name. You make your own name and become a captain of industry, with homes in Florida, Delaware, Wyoming, and an apartment in New York City. You've seen all that the country has to offer and much of the world. But it is to the South Carolina Lowcountry that you are drawn by something magical. Along the Combahee River, sunrise over the marsh illuminates vast numbers of waterfowl dropping in to browse tidal rice fields. Alongside wading birds, ancient alligators shimmer like jewels. Beneath massive oaks draped with moss, white-tailed deer forage the shoots of new grass, and in stands of tall pines, quail coveys rise in a flurry of feathers. It is a slice of paradise unlike any other. What could only be described as a daydream to most is the actual story of Eugene duPont III's life, though it scarcely touches the enterprises and accomplishments of the handsome, paradoxical businessman, hunter, conservationist, and outdoorsman. He named the untamed South Carolina property Nemours in tribute to his family's French origins, and from among his many holdings, he chose the pristine landscape for his family’s primary residence. Between the sprawling oaks overlooking the Combahee River, duPont built the place he would call home for the next thirty years. "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." The words by poet Gary Snyder aptly describe duPont's emotional connection to his southern sanctuary. So, what would compel him to give away this home and land that meant so much? Even though he was not comfortable sharing access to Nemours with those he did not know, his 1995 will bequeathed the beloved property to Nemours Wildlife Foundation. Loosely defined by his will, the foundation would honor duPont's legacy through excellence in land stewardship, education and discovery. Established to preserve our hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational heritage, the foundation promotes conservation ethics and education. Outreach programs designed to foster curiosity and opportunity in these fields of study opened the door to the future. The natural resources of Nemours’ 10,000 acres are second to none, but of equal importance are the people who hold the future of the environment in their hands. The foundation recognized a critical need for creating field training opportunities for wildlife management program students. With that priority in mind, the foundation conducted a nationwide search for a candidate to organize and implement this initiative. The perfect candidate would

possess the knowledge base to identify the foundation's core missions and the leadership skills to design and carry out programs to meet those goals.

On January 1, 1999, Dr. Ernie Wiggers stepped in to take the reins as Executive Director. His impressive resume included a master's in wildlife biology, a doctorate in wildlife science, and an associate professorship at the University of Missouri-Columbia's fisheries and wildlife program. It was a match made in heaven for Wiggers, a South Carolina native, and Clemson graduate. It also marked the dawning of a new day for Nemours Wildlife Foundation. Over his 25 years at Nemours, Wiggers has come to know the vast acreage like the back of his hand. Spending a day exploring Nemours with the director is an experience worthy of a college credit all by itself. Wiggers' encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna goes down as easy as sweet tea and leaves one thirsty for more. It is no wonder that he is revered by the interns and graduate students who have passed through the gates. Nor is it a surprise that many go on to set national standards, work with public and private land and wildlife management organizations, or become educators themselves. Gillie Croft, a consulting biologist and forester for Folk Land Management Company in Green Pond, SC, credits his time at Nemours with changing the course of his life. He looks back to his 2010 summer working at Nemours as an intern from HorryGeorgetown's wildlife management program. "It was the hardest work I'd ever done in my life." Fascinated by the biology component of wildlife management, Croft returned to Nemours after receiving his associate's degree. Dr. Wiggers encouraged and inspired him to pursue and earn his undergraduate degree from Clemson. Later, when Croft expressed his interest in graduate school, the foundation provided graduate program funding at Clemson. Croft received his master's degree in 2018. For the past two months, one of wildlife biology student Stephanie Braswell's duties has been checking the contents of artificial nesting boxes placed high in pine trees to mimic the natural holes favored by endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. The data she records tracks the success of efforts to encourage new colonies of the species. When her inspection reveals a flying squirrel that seems quite at home in one box, it is not a result the program hopes for, but the information ultimately furthers the research. At the end of the week, she will graduate from Clemson, then begin graduate work at Auburn. In this,

Land Values Top Row: Mature oaks line the river; a pine tree marked for conservation; rice trunks, which are built on-site, manage the water levels on the property. Second Row: Spanish moss draped on the oaks; the tree-lined road to the main house; the home was built in the early 1960s. Third Row: A view of the house from the side; magnolia in bloom; a gator scouting for lunch

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Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

her first job in the wildlife field, Stephanie has had the opportunity to explore many different aspects of the field. She says she has loved every minute of the job that will add significant value to her resume. The woodpecker research is but one of many projects currently underway. Staff biologist Beau Bowers came to Nemours as an intern in 2013. Following a stint in the Marine Corps, he completed his wildlife management program degree from Clemson in less than two and a half years. Bowers leads one of the foundation's most far-reaching projects. The multi-state wood duck nesting project measures the efficiency of an earlier program to restore a population almost wiped out in the early 19th century due to deforestation. The Nemours biologist coordinates fieldwork in South Carolina's Lake Moultrie, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The job of assembling data from webtagged ducklings in over 1,200 nesting boxes across eight states is a daunting task, giving new meaning to keeping one's ducks in a row. So far, the program has tracked over 1,000 female hens and tagged over 4,000 ducklings. Eventually, all the data will be combined, analyzed, and published for the scientific community. As a leader in the scientific study and stewardship of natural resources, each activity at Nemours Wildlife Foundation is carefully considered for its impact on natural and cultural resources. Each contributes to understanding and improvement in wildlife management practices and is a valuable tool of use to all landowners. The ongoing construction, installation, and maintenance of massive

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Tree House This Page: A warm welcome to Nemours. Opposite Page: Biology student Stephanie Braswell checks the artificial nesting boxes for endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers

rice trunks controlling water flow between the Combahee River and waterfowl impoundments constantly enhance habitat knowledge. Research examining the amount of energy produced by wigeon grass will help estimate the number of waterfowl that a habitat can reasonably sustain. A study of woodland forage growth after prescribed seasonal burns will influence future land management. Though the property is not open to the public, Nemours welcomes organized groups by appointment when research schedules permit. In addition, through the years, Nemours Wildlife Foundation has sponsored outreach programs for many who would not otherwise have access or opportunities to experience the beautiful and diverse habitat. In 2004, they began working with the national Outdoor Dream Foundation to provide outdoor adventures for terminally ill youngsters. Both are tremendously rewarding sources of pride for staff members. Without the foresight and generosity of Eugene duPont III, the land he once called home along the Combahee River could never have remained the sanctuary it is today. The significance of the priceless gift grows with each new generation. It is doubtful that he ever imagined the role it would play in the future of conservation research and education. However, there is no doubt that he would be as proud as we are grateful. AM

Summer 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM

village poet AND THIS, GERSHWIN FOR A SUMMER DAY by Ellen E. Hyatt

Morning A sole gull is poised away from the gull colony all in frenzy over what the first high tide offers. The gull lifts and soars. As the gull stills itself to hang in the blue, we're reminded of another soaring: that of a solo clarinet's opening notes in Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue." It is clear from the beginning—even before brass, strings, and piano join in—that the music frees and unifies the human spirit. Afternoon And so it goes on this summer day at a Southern beach. Gershwin composed Rhapsody to rhythmic noises of the train, though theme and texture, rhythm and melody reveal and repeat themselves in sights and sounds at the beach. At times all at once: cumulous clouds are the classical notes; rippled reflections on the ocean's surface, sexy jazzed elements; sandcastle hit by waves, striking cymbals; beach-banked lovers, the melody; sand crabs flitting & scurrying, improvisation. Evening The moon's gravitational pull of this second high tide brings wave after wave to us. A reminder of what is now, today. And then the rolling away, the reminder of how all too soon this summer day will be tomorow's yesterday.

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