T H E
L O C A L
B E S T
FROM A FINE OYSTER SHUCKER AND A LOCALLY INSPIRED COCKTAIL,TO THE BEST IN EDUCATION, THE ARTS, AND MORE, THE WINNERS OF OUR FIRST ANNUAL AZALEA AWARDS PROVE THAT THERE IS A WHOLE LOT OF GOODNESS COMING OUT OF OUR LITTLE SLICE OF THE GRAND OLE SOUTH Plus: Field Fresh Recipes • A Chronicle of William Henry Singleton • The Engelman House • Author Cassandra King
FREE ~ WINTER 2013/14
Modern Living in the Old South
"If it matters to you or someone you care about, call me, Donnie G."
Donnie Gamache Attorney at Law
100 S Main St. Suite C Summerville, SC 29483
(p) 843.821.8280 (f) 888.429.8289
dpkgcalendar@gmail.com
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Call (843) 873-5577 to schedule your exam! CarolinaEyecare.com | 296 Midland Parkway | Summerville, SC 29485
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Features AZALEA Magazine / Winter 2013-14
Educators of the Year Priscilla Johnson and Amanda Hobson
80
FIELD FRESH
Three delicious recipes fresh from the field photos by Dottie Rizzo
67
THE LOCAL BEST
The winners of our first annual Azalea Awards prove that there is a whole lot of goodness coming out of our little slice of the grand ole South
86
JUST PASSING THROUGH
A chronicle of Willam Henry Singleton by Katie DePoppe
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 5
Contents
/ AZALEA Magazine / Winter 2013-14
23
54 07 Editor’s Letter 08 Letters 12 Contributors 15-21 FIELD GUIDE A brief look into our local culture SOUTHERN LIFE 23 Southern Spotlight - Garden 28 Southern Spotlight - Literature 30 Southern Spotlight - Style 35 Southern Spotlight - Education
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30
COLUMNS 41 Natural Woman by Susan Frampton 45 Southern Sides by Rick Dunbar
64 Social Graces Fine dining can be tricky and sometimes a little intimidating. Use this trick to help navigate the table. by Elizabeth Donehue
49 LIFE & FAITH Santa Clause The inspiring life of Saint Nicholas
90 THE LOCAL 90 Ghost Walk 91 Best Friend Unveiling 92 Tea Trail Launch
SOUTHERN STYLE 54 Engelman House The historic house on Sumter Avenue has worn many names, but Otis and Debbie Engelman know it best as "home."
94 Patchwork of the South by Michelle Moon
94
ON THE COVER: The Sewee Shucker oyster knife by Coastal Custom Knifeworks / Photograph by Dottie Rizzo 6 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
35
Steeped in Heritage. Primed for the Future. At JOHNSON & WILSON Real Estate Company you will find an innovative real estate firm that offers a wide range of residential and commercial services. You’ll also find a hand-selected network of talented agents who take pride in their company, driven by the passion for the communities in which they live and work.
207 -B 5th North St. Summerville 843.486.1600 johnsonandwilson.com
20
00
Announcing the Final Phase of the Summit
Don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of this naturally beautiful community. Located just minutes from Historic Downtown Summerville, the Summit is a hidden jewel of our community. 3/4 to 1 acre wooded lots with classic Southern styled homes epitomize the Summit's lifestyle. Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. Let us help you build your dream home in this wonderful community. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
(43 lots available / 3/4 to 1 acre lots) - Offered by -
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Editor’s Letter
" We wanted to celebrate our community as a whole, without losing the exclusivity of the recipients' achievements."
And the Azalea goes to... We have been mulling over the idea of launching an awards program for years now. Every time we had an editor's meeting, we would throw around ideas of how it might work. It had to be right or we simply wouldn't do it. We wanted to celebrate our community as a whole, without losing the exclusivity of the recipients' achievements. We wanted to highlight the people, places, and things that were not only enhancing our culture, but changing it. We finally figured it out. We are extremely excited to announce the winners of our first annual Azalea Awards, The Local Best. From arts and education to humanitarians and craftsmen, this year's winners have gone above and beyond the status quo and proven that there is a whole lot of goodness coming out of our little slice of the grand ole South. Will Rizzo Editor In Chief
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 9
We Are
Leaders For sixty years, Pinewood has been crafting leadership potential in students in preschool through twelfth grade. We know that tomorrow’s leaders are forged through challenging curriculum, high quality instruction and a commitment to developing the leadership potential of every child.
Letters The HAUNTED SOUTH /GRASS ROOT JEWELRY / The MUSIC of FRANCIS CONE HORSE RACING REVIVAL / The SOUTHERN ART of CANNING / OUR OWN AJ GREEN PROHIBITION SWEET TEA / INSIDE an ARTIST’S HOME / M&G: ANYA BUNAO
Modern Living in the Old South
FREE ~ FALL 2013
TEXTURES SOUTH ofthe
WE LOOKED PAST THE MAGNOLIAS and ANTIBELLUM MANSIONS to DOCUMENTS the HUMBLE BACKDROPS THAT ARE at the HEART and SOUL of DIXIE'S CHARM A Photo Essay by Dottie Rizzo
Our students are making an impact. Whether running their own non-profit organizations, launching their own businesses or taking active roles in the local or global community, our students leave our campus with the character to succeed and lead.
We Are Leaders. We Are Pinewood.
Arrange a tour today
admissions@pinewoodprep.com 843-376-0142 ext. 2001
www.pinewoodprep.com Full and Half-Day Pre-Kindergarten -12th grade Financial assistance available
OBSESSED If you aren't already a fan of Azalea Magazine, you've got to check them out! I seriously can't say enough about how impressed I am with the quality of this publication. And I am obsessed with the cover this issue.
UPLIFTING Thank you Azalea. You remind us of what there is to be thankful for in the South and in life. I appreciate your keeping the stories uplifting and celebratory. Keep up the encouraging work. It is appreciated!
Julie Sprankles
Pam Shelbourne
VERY GOOD READ Loving Azalea Magazine! Consistently a very good read.
ESSENCE OF THE SOUTH I picked up the recent edition of Azalea Magazine at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center in West Ashley and was immediately intrigued by the piece, Textiles of the South. The photos captured what I feel is the very essence of the South and my favorite part of our deep and rich heritage.
ALWAYS BETTER Each new issue is always better than the last. Debbie Barbaree
Class of 2013 Valedictorian AP Scholar with Honor and Palmetto Fellow West Point Leadership Award Recipient International Thespian Society National Honor Thespian attending Tufts University after a one-year community service project in Israel 10 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
The photos captured what I feel is the very essence of the South.
"
Lewis Lanier
Abby Mandel
"
PRICELESS What a wonderful surprise! This is a perfectly beautiful magazine! I especially liked the Southern Spotlight, Living History, by Philips and West, Will Browning's history of First Baptist, Dottie's Textures of the South Photo Essay-some very interesting shots; and I loved your Haunted Tales and the the old photos! Elva Martin
Christy Smith LOVE Azalea is such a quality magazine! Thanks for all of your hard work in making an excellent read for the citizens of the Lowcountry! Karen Harrison Thompson SHOWING SOME LOVE I love this magazine! Summerville is an awesome town! Linda Hall Roumillat
The Daniel Island Company’s
Newest Community...
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Model Row Now Open!
A New Community in the Heart of Charleston’s Growth Convenient to Summerville and Goose Creek, Carnes Crossroads offers the lifestyle of a small town, with charming neighborhoods, beautiful parks, lakes and close proximity to stores, shops, restaurants, offices, schools and church. Homes are being built by David Weekley, Eastwood Homes, Sabal Homes, and soon, Ashton Woods Homes. Pricing starts in the mid-$200s. Our Carnes Crossroads Real Estate Information Center is a wonderful resource to learn about life here. Located across from the Village Green and the historic Green Barn, our office is open 7 days a week, with or without an appointment. Or visit CarnesCharleston.com to learn more.
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Built by David Weekley Homes, this traditional-style 3BR/2.5BA home offers a 2,200 square foot floor plan. The gourmet kitchen has a cooktop and stainless steel appliances and there is a formal dining room adjacent to the foyer. A spacious master suite features a large walk-in closet and a large playroom is located on the second floor.
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Where Community Comes Together 513 Wodin Place, Carnes Crossroads, SC 29483 Development managed by The Daniel Island Company Carnes Crossroads Real Estate, LLC., Chuck Buck, BIC
Nature. Nurture. Neighborhood.
Will Rizzo Co-Publisher and Editor in Chief will@azaleamag.com
the Ponds is a place to bring up a family. a community where kids can still be kids: exploring trails, playing in the pool or riding bikes to the new ymCa. the land itself has a rich history that spans generations and will be loved for many more to come. it’s everything lowcountry, and then some.
Dottie Rizzo Co-Publisher and Managing Editor dottie@azaleamag.com
located on hwy 17-a, 5.4 miles southwest of the Summerville town Square and 16 miles from boeing, the Ponds has all the things you’re looking for in the place you decide to call home:
Katie DePoppe Editor at Large katie@azaleamag.com
• Centuries-old live oaks • outdoor amphitheatre • on-site ymCa • Community activities • restored 1800’s farmhouse
• Community pool and pavilion • Parks and playgrounds • 1,100 acre nature preserve • Nature trail system • Stocked fishing lakes
DiscoverThePonds.com • 843.832.6100
HOMES from the mid $200’s 5 differeNt builderS model homeS oPeN daily
Margie Sutton Style Editor Will Browning Faith Editor Jana Riley Copy Editor, Staff Writer
Contributors
Jason Wagener Susan Frampton Elizabeth Donehue Rick Dunbar Michelle Moon
Advertising Jenefer Hinson jenefer@azaleamag.com 843.729.9669 Susan Frampton susan@azaleamag.com 843.696.2876 Azalea Magazine 114B E. Richardson Avenue Summerville, SC 29483 info@azaleamag.com www.azaleamag.com
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Mungo Homes | DR Horton | Sabal Homes | Saussy Burbank | HHHunt Homes 12 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
*Available for $16.99 a year (4 Issues). Visit azaleamag.com for details.
PULTE INTRODUCES TWO GREAT COMMUNITIES IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY TOWN. E OM N L H PE DE O MO NOW
E OM N L H PE DE O MO NOW
The Historic District's Newest Community
Modern Living With An Air Of Nostalgia
• Quaint neighborhood with only 20 homesites
• Walk or bike to downtown Summerville shops, parks, and restaurants
• Minutes from area schools • Walk or bike to downtown Summerville shops, parks, and restaurants
• Nearby YMCA: pools, fitness, family fun • Features mature landscaping, gazebo with event lawn and oyster pit
Luxury Homes from 2,300 to 3,200 sf
Luxury Homes from 2,200 to 2,800 sf
pu l t e.com/ si mmonsg ro ve 877- 748- 6659
p ulte.com /da n ielsorc hard 877-882-3579
This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. Details & offers subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Please see a sales associate for details. © 2013 Pulte Homes Corporation. All rights reserved.
Featured Contributors
RICK DUNBAR / Writer-Blogger
JASON WAGENER / Illustrator
Jason started his illustrious art career when he won a coloring contest in 3rd grade, subsequently titling him "proud owner of a Mickey Mouse dry erase board." He moved to the Lowcountry in 1990, and save an education at The Savannah College of Art and Design, has remained a faithful transplant ever since.
14 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
MICHELLE MOON / Writer
Michelle is a mother of two. Currently pursuing a career in children's literature, she has learned that being called childish may not be such a bad thing after all.
Rick Dunbar, also known as Vacation Rick, moved to the Lowcountry from Northeastern Ohio in 2005 following retirement. In 2008, he began blogging at vacationrick. blogspot.com about the fascinating history and coastal beauty of Charleston and the Lowcountry. He is the proud father of five children and a grandfather of two. Besides writing and traveling, Rick's passions include oil painting, woodworking, and making new friends.
SUSAN FRAMPTON / Writer
Susan Frampton has called Summerville home for almost thirty years with husband Lewis, daughter Sara, and a myriad of dogs, chickens, turtles, and snakes.
24-7 Pediatric Care a lway s c l o s E b y.
EmErgEncy and inpatiEnt pEdiatric sErvicEs closE to homE. it’s somEthing EvEry family dEsErvEs. Summerville Medical Center provides dedicated pediatric care for children — newborn to age 17. And, this October we will unveil our beautiful new Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit, created just for young patients. *Board Certified pediatric emergency physicians *Select pediatric specialists *New pediatric inpatient rooms, designed just for kids *Kids and family play area *Child-friendly artwork Residents of Dorchester County, North Charleston and surrounding communities are now just minutes from emergency pediatric services. As a national leader in quality care, Summerville Medical Center is proud to make this healthy commitment to kids.
Summerville is MY Hospital tridenthealthsystem.com/peds to follow our progress!
The gardens have over 3000 different varieties of camellia in the collection.
150
25,000
The number of camellia varieties Magnolia Gardens has named, many of which are known worldwide.
The number of Camellias that are on display from midNovember to April. Magnolia Gardens offers daily camellia walks in November and December. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of only five gardens in the U.S. and only 30 gardens in the world that has received the International Camellia Garden of Excellence award.
Magnolia offers America's oldest and largest collection of camellias as well as azaleas.
Many varieties of older camellias can be seen at Magnolia that cannot be found anywhere else.
1,000
The first camellias were planted by Reverend John Grimke Drayton in the late 1840s. Of the original six planted, five are still growing at Magnolia.
The number of cultivars of Japonica, more than any garden in America.
- Camellias of Magnolia Gardens -
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens hosts America’s last large-scale romantic-style garden. The gardens at Magnolia Plantation are of such beauty and variety that they have brought tourists from around the world to view them since they were open to the public in the early 1870s. But winter is all about the camellias, so come walk the gardens and see what's in bloom.
Field Guide Q A
Who or what are you a fan of ?
Folks who have an enthusiastic attitude and can get it done like my mom. She is always willing to listen to my ideas.
Q Coffee or tea? A Really, what a question for me! You have
MEET & GREET
What makes locals tick, one neighbor at a time
Q& A
T INA Z I M M E RM A N
O'Lacy's Pub
Coordinator of Tourism for Greater Summerville and Dorchester County
JOIN THE FUN
The Historic District's Neighborhood Pub
843.832.2999 139 Central Ave, S'ville
Q What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?
A
The Spanish moss hanging from the huge live oak trees is amazing to me. It symbolizes The old South with rich history and deep roots. I will be buzzing along and see the moss gently sway with sunlight shining through and know that the Lowcountry is one the most beautiful places on earth. Same goes for the spring…when I see those 6-8 foot tall azalea plants, that just isn’t normal, where I’m from.
Q What is your dream job? A Owning a B&B has always
been my dream. I love meeting people and making them feel “at home.” But you know, I realize that my current job does the same thing, without having to iron the sheets.
Q Is there a motto that you live by? A Be kind. I have the most precious father
who lives by this. I think it helps him see the good in people and forgive easily. I want to do better in following his example. 18 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
heard I’m the Queen of Sweet Tea. I love the history of Summerville and the roots that let us claim we are the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. I was raised drinking sweet tea at our meals. My granny thought her tea was the best because it was made with well water. She would say that to me with sympathy because I was a city girl–population 3,300.
Q What is one thing you've bought in the last five years that you couldn’t live without?
A My new fuel efficient car that has Bluetooth. I love saving that gas money and zipping around but especially being able to push a button and say, “Call home.” I love it! Q What is one thing you've bought in the last five years that you could go the rest of your life without? A
The new cell phones made of glass. They are so fickle, you can’t drop them in water or on the concrete. I get very frustrated with this, because I can’t go without it.
Q What is your favorite music? A I really love all music. From Alison Krauss
to OneRepublic to the Eagles. As long as the words are clean, it is all good. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert live in my hometown - Tishomingo, Oklahoma. I really appreciate their music and how they have used their good fortune to help a small town.
Q What is your fondest memory of living in Summerville?
A In 1999, we moved from Dallas, Texas, to
the Lowcountry, so my memories are through my children. From Dixie League at Parks Field to the green and gold of Summerville, we have experienced the small town life. Even as Summerville grows, it is able to keep that small town feel. My first memory of knowing we had moved to the right place was at the JSL Ghost Walk. I remember thinking any place that can pull off fabulous storytelling in a beautiful, historic, and charming downtown, and even have a full moon with perfect weather, is the place for me.
Literary
MY S O U T H E R N ROOTS Bestselling young adult writers from Charleston’s YALLFest share how Dixie is ingrained in their art
Every autumn for the last three years, 50 bestselling young adult writers from across the country have converged on the streets of Charleston to celebrate the annual YALLFest book festival, a grassroots effort led by Jonathan Sanchez, local author and owner of Upper King Street’s Blue Bicycle Books, to promote literacy and love of the written word. The largest festival in the South for Young Adult (YA) literature, thousands of fans and bibliophiles, young and old, have the opportunity to meet their favorite authors, attend panels and talks, and get connected with literary vendors and literacy groups. Most impressive of all? The entire event is nearly free. Only the “Smackdown” finale and the keynote talk—this year featuring New York Times bestselling author, Veronica Roth (Divergent)—require a ticket. Both events sold out. While they were here, we asked some of the South’s rising literary stars to share with us how their Southern roots influence their writing. Here’s what they had to say:
CARRI E RYA N
"There’s such a sensory richness to draw from in the South."
Growing up in South Carolina I learned that setting is as much a character in any story as people, and what makes a setting stand out is the details. There’s such a sensory richness to draw from in the South—the details that make a scene feel fuller and rounder, such as the sound of cicadas in a humid summer evening, the smell of the marsh on a fall afternoon, or the taste of she-crab soup during a Sunday brunch. There’s an old adage that a writer should write what she knows, and for me this means drawing on the things that surrounded me growing up to make a story feel more authentic. My first short story was inspired by a crab shell from Pawleys Island painted to look like an angel, and I set my first novel in the woods I’d grown up exploring as a kid. To me, these are the things that ground a story and give it a history that extends beyond the pages; these are the things that make a story feel real, even when you know it’s not. www.carrieryan.com
DAV I D M ACI NNIS G I LL
"...my characters were drawn from many of the stories that I heard as a child growing up in Tennessee."
My southern roots can be seen best in the dialogue of my characters, as well as their sense of justice. My first published short stories were in Southern literary magazines, and my characters were drawn from many of the stories that I heard as a child growing up in Tennessee. Later, my novels featured Southern characters, notably Bug from my debut novel, Soul Enchilada. Bug was drawn from a compilation of the interesting and flamboyant students that I used to teach when I was a high school teacher. She is the embodiment of everything Southern that I can think of. The influence of my roots is still seen in the characters from my science fiction series, Blackhole Sun. The characters, even though they are on Mars, had the same sense of justice that I grew up with in the South. They also have a heaping helping of the humor that was common in my family growing up. www.davidmacinnisgill.com Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 19
Field Guide BRENDA N REICH S
"I just can't imagine living anywhere so far north."
Everything I've ever written has been set in the South. I grew up in Charlotte; I went to college in Winston-Salem; and I never moved farther north than a six-year stint in Washington, DC. Though I have family in the lovely city of Chicago, and visit frequently, I just can't imagine living anywhere so far north, so cold, or so big. I confess to having married a Massachusetts girl, but she came down here first. I'm back in Charlotte now, where I belong. In the Virals novels, we've tried very hard to make the city of Charleston itself a major character in the series, using its various historical, tropical, and unique real-world settings as indispensable components of the stories we are trying to tell. One of my favorite things to do in the books is to expose our main character, Tory Brennan—a girl born in Massachusetts, but recently relocated to South Carolina—to something new and distinctly Lowcountry. It's a great way to share a distinctly Southern style of living with our audience—both the good things and the not-so-great. I've always been told to "write what you know." Well, I know the South, and it permeates the Virals series through and through. www.brendanreichs.com
S T EP H A NI E P ERKI N S
Only one of my characters—Anna from Anna and the French Kiss—is from the South, but I try to write that special brand of open Southern kindness into every one of them. Especially the heroes! In romantic fiction, kindness is often undervalued as a desirable or sexy trait. What a shame! I love that about our part of the country. www.stephanieperkins.com
"I try to write that special brand of open Southern kindness into every one of them[characters]."
lowcountrywomen.com 20 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
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Field Guide Apothecary
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is considered a “jack of all trades” as far as home remedies go. Derived from the leaves of the melaleuca tree found in Australia, tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years to aid in healing many ailments such as skin infections, rashes, burns, dandruff, and so much more. It is wellknown for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Although some people choose to use tea tree oil directly from the bottle, it is best to dilute a few drops with water or a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and test your skin’s sensitivity before using at full strength. Although there are hundreds of different ways that tea tree oil can be used, here is just a sampling of some of the most common. by Dottie Rizzo
22 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
U SES F O R TE A TREE OIL • Helps heal and soothe sunburns. • Heals skin infections naturally. • Relieves itchiness from rashes as well as helps reduce rashes. • Can be used as an all-purpose cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with 1-2 tsp. of tea tree oil and the rest of the bottle with water. • Treats acne. Apply two times a day to blemishes. • Helps to prevent dandruff naturally; just add 10 drops to your shampoo. • A few drops in your pets' crates or beds keep the fleas away. • Removes ticks; just add to skin, and the tick will unlatch. • Cures toenail fungus and athlete's foot. • Is an effective treatment for warts. • Soothes insect bites. • Treats ringworm. • Relieves asthma or other chest congestion when a few drops are added to a humidifier. • Works as an antiseptic on small cuts. • Cleans mold: Mix apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil and scrub mold; place outside to sun-dry. • Can be used to treat dermatitis and psoriasis, and other skin conditions. : Add 10 drops to 1 tbsp. carrier oil and massaging into affected area. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 23
LIFE S
O
U
T
H
E
R
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The Winter Garden A step-by-step guide to designing your own cold-hardy urns and entryway stunners. by
Katie DePoppe
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 25
>While gardeners in extremely cold regions of the U.S. can fake winter container gardens with elaborate urns of preserved evergreen and berry sprigs, the South’s generally mild winters do not always lend such ease in creating long-lasting, free-standing arrangements. But, if you’re still hoping to add some pizzazz to 26 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
your entryway this holiday season, with a bit of planning before the first freeze, you can create a winter container garden that will withstand the coldest months of the year and transition well into more diverse springtime beds or containers. Beautiful and economical!
Getting Started To begin, choose a container. A pot or urn that is non-porous (no terra cotta) and free of cracks is best. Concrete, stone, wood, fiberglass, or cast iron better protect delicate plant roots and withstand freezing temperatures. Larger containers are best. Simply put, large containers equal more soil which provides insulation for delicate plant roots. Choosing Your Plants When choosing plants, vary the shapes and sizes to create the most pleasing aesthetic. Our arrangement uses contrasting vertical, round, and cascading elements. • Depending on the size of the container, begin with a boxwood, pine, evergreen, or ornamental cabbage as an anchor. It is not necessary to center the anchor. In this case, we planted the flowering kale off-center. (An evergreen shrub like boxwood adds formal elegance and is a great choice not only for cold-hardiness, but in anticipating spring planting, as they can later be transferred to garden beds. In the coastal South, Japanese boxwoods (Buxus microphylla japonica) are the most well-adapted form of the shrub. Ornamental cabbages and kale come in a variety of sizes and colors.)
Dr. Chellis has had success treating many conditions including: • Colic • Ear infections • Bladder/bowel irregularities (especially in infants) • Headaches • Neck pain
• Breech presentation • Symptoms associated with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders • Low back pain
Dr. Chellis has been a blessing allowing me to have a better quality of life helping me manage my back and neck pain caused from a bad car accident. I am pleased to be a regular patient of Dr. Chellis. In fact, she is now helping me with my prenatal care with the pregnancy of my first child. I am thankful for the outstanding job she does helping me enjoy life even more with less pain. -L. Hiser
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• Next, place trailing elements. Our urn contains both English ivy variegata and traditional English ivy—cascades that keep the arrangement from appearing too boxy. • Finally, place mid-sized plants of varying colors to add variety and visual depth. In this urn, we included Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 27
208 E. 2nd St. N. • Summerville
843-873-6873
The Winter Garden continued
dusty miller, chard, and red and white pansies. Other choices for cold weather filler plants are: snap dragons, euphorbia, chamaecyparis, tallow berries, grasses, and fragrant hyacinths (late winter)—all of which are, like dusty miller—deer proof as well. Further options include: arborvitae, deciduous hollies, dwarf junipers, dwarf spruce, parsley, hellebores, primrose, and violas. Of these, violas, parsley, chard, and kale are also edible.
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Our Recipe • 15-inch fiberglass copper urn • ‘Brassica oleracea acephala’ flowering kale (some edible) • ‘Hedera helix’ English ivy variegata • Chard • Pansies (various colors) • Dusty miller Continued Care Water the container once a week if the weather is dry. If the winter season is rainy, reduce this to once a month. If it’s eventually cold enough for the soil to freeze, skip watering altogether. Also, spraying evergreens with an anti-transpirant like Wilt-Pruf (a la those preserved arrangements referenced above) will help them retain moisture and remain in tip-top shape until the warmth of spring. AM
voted best Readers’ Choice • The Summerville Journal Scene
Dwight J. Beavers, D.D.S., P.A. G e ne ral and C osme t ic De n t is t r y drbe avers.com
298 Trolley Road • 843-871-9070 facebook.com/drdwightbeavers
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Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 29
Homage to a Classic Moonrise by Cassandra King
wife in a tragic accident, their sudden marriage creates a rift between her new husband and his oldest friends, who resent Helen’s intrusion into their tightly knit circle. Hoping to mend fences, the newlyweds join the group for a summer at his late wife’s family home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Helen soon falls under the spell not only of the little mountain town and its inhabitants, but also of Moonrise, her predecessor’s Victorian mansion, named for its unique but now sadly neglected nocturnal gardens. But the harder Helen tries to fit in, the more obvious it is that she will never measure up to the woman she replaced. Someone is clearly determined to drive her away, but who wants her gone, and why? As Emmet grows more remote, Helen reaches out to the others in the group, only to find that she can’t trust anyone. When she stumbles on the secret behind her predecessor’s untimely death, Helen must decide if she can ever trust—or love—again.
SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Cassandra King:Literature
Return of the Queen
Cassandra King is the author of four novels, Making Waves, The Sunday Wife, The Same Sweet Girls, and Queen of Broken Hearts, as well as numerous short stories, essays, and articles. Moonrise, her f ifth novel, is set in Highlands, North Carolina. A native of Alabama, Cassandra resides in Beaufort, South Carolina, with her husband, writer Pat Conroy.
Dubbed the "Queen of Southern Storytelling,” New York Times bestselling author Cassandra King releases her fifth installment of Southern literary goodness. Inspired by her experience at an extended writing retreat in North Carolina where the remains of the original lady of the house lie buried amidst the estate’s nocturnal gardens, King’s Moonrise is a novel of dark secrets and second chances, and serves as the novelist’s homage to the gothic classic, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. When Helen Honeycutt falls in love with Emmet Justice, a charismatic television journalist who has recently lost his 30 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
Southern Royalty Author Cassandra King is onehalf of the South's literary Royal Family
photos by Talia Studio
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SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT S u s t a i n a b l e Wa r e h o u s e : S t y l e
Picker's Paradise
Amid stacks of reclaimed and recycled materials, the team at Sustainable Warehouse builds on a renewable mission. by Jana Riley Along a line of non-descript warehouses on North Charleston's Carner Avenue sits Sustainable Warehouse, a non-profit that takes recycling, reducing, and reusing to a whole new level. Marked only by a hand-painted sign on the building's facade, the enormous concrete structure houses a sea of building materials and household items salvaged from local residences and businesses. 32 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
Inside, a busy Rebecca O’Brien flits about, answering a phone call every few minutes and giving directions to staff and volunteers. Pointing, searching, scribbling things down, and moving items, the energetic blonde is a flurry of activity. “Just give me a minute,” she calls across the warehouse, voice echoing throughout the dusty space. She is off to take another phone call—this one about a home on the other side of town that needs deconstructing. Soon, she pops back in, breathless, but with a wide smile. “Now where were we?” O’Brien makes up a fair share of the brains and brawn behind Sustainable Warehouse, which she created seven years ago with a friend, Andrea Santos. Describing it as a “hoarder’s dream,” the Mount Pleasant native explains that she wanted a place like Sustainable Warehouse to shop locally, and could not find anything like it. “So I started it myself,” she says matter-offactly. About four years ago, she moved her collection from a small 8,000 square foot storage unit to the 100,000 square foot bunker-like building and quickly began filling up the space with found and salvaged materials.
A brief glance around the cavernous space reveals that any treasure hunter, thrift shopper, deal-seeker, or, yes, hoarder, would thoroughly enjoy a day digging through O’Brien’s massive collection. Housed in two large rooms, her inventory includes (but is not limited to) a wide variety of building materials, household appliances, furniture, bed frames, school lockers, arcade games, restaurant booths, pillars, signs, lighted marquee letters, solar panels, and, inexplicably, two large models of the Hunley. “If someone offers it to us, we usually take it, even if it is something unique like those submarine models,” O’Brien laughs.
demolition, a building can be taken apart in a way that salvages the materials for reuse later—and the owner can get a tax deduction for the full market value of the materials. The team typically salvages around 70% of the building materials, but often find themselves recycling much more. For the crew at the Sustainable Warehouse, whose mission is to “keep reusable materials out of the waste stream and help lower the need for the production and manufacture of new materials,” sending the smallest amount of waste to the Lowcountry landfills is a welcome challenge.
A brief glance around the cavernous space reveals that any treasure hunter, thrift shopper, deal-seeker, or, yes, hoarder, would thoroughly enjoy a day digging through O’Brien’s massive collection.
Donations of new and used items make up a large part of the Warehouse’s incoming product, but the bulk comes from deconstruction and soft stripping of residential and commercial properties, something O’Brien and her team do well. Deconstruction refers to taking a building down entirely; from the roof to the floorboards, using only hand tools. For about the same cost as a standard
“We just did two houses recently that didn’t even need dumpsters,” O’Brien says proudly. “We took them down to the ground and ended up with just a few trash bags. And when we did the cigar factory a few years back, we got 22 tons of materials out of the waste stream.”
O’Brien and her team are also hired to do soft stripping of homes and businesses: taking everything out of a building including doors, windows, cabinets, and fixtures.
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 33
Picker's Paradise continued
With a soft strip, the structure itself remains intact. After a job, the salvaged materials are brought to the warehouse and sorted, stacked, piled, and stored. O’Brien often refurbishes or repurposes things when she has the time, but most of the items are sold in “as-is” condition. Among the Sustainable Warehouse’s fans are local and visiting interior designers, architects, homeowners, restaurant owners, and contractors—anyone looking for a deal on building materials and household goods. “I want it to be affordable,” notes O’Brien. “People aren’t going to come out here if I’m charging too much for anything.” In addition to consumer sales, the Sustainable Warehouse has a charitable mission. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, the company works with organizations across the state that need assistance with purchasing building materials and interior items.
Among the Sustainable Warehouse’s fans are local and visiting interior designers, architects, homeowners, restaurant owners, and contractors.
From group homes to veterans' homes, community gardens, and health centers, the small group of Sustainable Warehouse board members meets weekly to decide who they can help, and how. “Our goal is to give back at least 20% of what we take in,” explains O’Brien. “I think we do that and more.” Perched on a stool overlooking the organized clutter of the Warehouse, O’Brien surveys the room, musing, “We’ve been really lucky to have so many people share their generosity with us. I hope we can pay that forward even more in the future.”AM
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A few of the members of The Dorchester Free School Board / The original minutes book dating back to the 1700s
SOUTHERNSPOTLIGHT Free School Boards:Education
Old School
A centuries-old school board continues the tradition of assisting students in their pursuit of knowledge. by Jana Riley In the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site off Dorchester Road in Summerville, there is a small placard in what looks like an empty field. However, a closer inspection reveals the foundation of an old building made of stone, and upon the placard, a short summary of a school house which once stood there: The Dorchester Free School. The mission of a free school, historically, is twofold; students who do not have the funds can attend free of charge, and all students are welcome to attend if they wish. The Dorchester Free School upheld these
tenants well: free education was provided to poor students, while financially capable children from all over the parish also attended. Girls received scholarships as well, which was unusual in a time when most young women were only trained for a future as housewives and mothers. The school operated in this location from 1761-1817, with a brief pause after the building was burned during the Revolutionary War. Though the old school is now in ruins, its legacy lives on through the twelve members of the Dorchester Free School Board. The Board, which held its 279th annual meeting this year, is comprised of twelve men and women from the Charleston area, all of whom have ties to members who were part of the organization through the centuries. Now a 501(c)(3) non-profit, The Dorchester Free School Board is thought to be the oldest continuously running free school board in the nation. Last year, Thomas R. Dion, clerk and treasurer of the Board, began to wonder about the origins of the organization. He says intently, “I kept thinking, ‘I wonder what caused the colonists to create a free school?’ And as I delved into the historical texts, I learned not to ask questions if you aren’t prepared for the research.” Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 37
Old School continued
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Dion’s journey took him through countless records, texts, web pages, and contacts. By the end of his extensive research, he had traced the Dorchester Free School Board back to the 16th century in Dorset, England. Organized in 1567, the first Dorchester Free School operated under a charter from Queen Elizabeth, and local children were able to attend the institution free of charge. However, the school struggled financially for over a decade without an established revenue stream and nearly shut its doors before a merchant, Thomas Hardye, underwrote an endowment to ensure continued operation of the academy. Subsequently, a board of trustees, later named the first Dorchester Free School Board, was formed to administer the endowment. Under its governance, the school became a success, teaching thousands of students who passed through its doors. Donations also flourished, allowing students to pursue higher education through scholarship programs arranged by the Free School Board. Over the next two centuries, the ideas and customs of the colonists migrated across the Atlantic with the people, who settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1630. In 1695, a group of Puritans, originally from Dorchester, England, left Boston and settled in what they called Dorchester, South Carolina. It was here, along the banks of the Ashley River, that the Dorchester Free School Board was reestablished. The Free School opened its doors on June 1, 1761, with the mission of bringing education to all children. For five decades, the institution operated in the village of Dorchester, but as the years went on, the townspeople began to move into neighboring areas. Around 1811, the Dorchester Free School
Board opened a school in Summerville, selling both the original Dorchester school property and the bricks from the buildings. Another school was built in 1906, and eventually sold to the public school district in 1912. The funds from the sale were used to create the Dorchester Free School Fund, which the Board used to enhance public school library resources, teaching, and curriculum for many years. Through the years, the board members always met on the same day once a year: St. George’s day.
Organized in 1567, the first Dorchester Free School operated under a charter from Queen Elizabeth and local children were able to attend the institution free of charge Today, the Dorchester Free School Board continues with the mission of supporting education for students in need. Since 1940, the organization has been largely focused on distributing scholarships to local students, all based on necessity and academic performance. Of the three annual scholarships that are distributed, two are funded by interest
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Old School continued
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1925
In 1776, Arthur Middleton lost his spot while he was signing the Declaration of Independence on investments, trustee donations, and financial gifts from businesses in the tri-county area. The third, the Tommy Cuthbert Scholarship, is funded by an annual golf tournament at the Summerville Country Club. Two of the scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors and renewable for four years, while a third is a one year medical field scholarship for students enrolled in a program leading to medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, or a health related field. Each year, the board faces the difficult task of poring over the entries and determining which of the many applicants will receive the three financial grants. The Dorchester Free School Board is working diligently to increase their funding so that they can give larger scholarships to even more students. Over the last ten years, they doubled their funds thanks to extensive letter writing from volunteers and trustees and the addition of the Tommy Cuthbert golf tournament. Pledging to make the scholarships more meaningful in today’s environment, the group presses on in their efforts to continue the Board’s charitable tradition.
It’s a big world out there… are you protected? “All of us feel it is a real honor above anything to be a member of the Dorchester Free School Board,” noted President Stephen F. Hutchinson at a recent meeting. “We like to remember our forefathers and the history of the organization, and we are more than determined to keep it going.”
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Some Interesting Facts about The Dorchester Free School Board According to the rules of the organization, any member who missed more than two meetings would be dismissed from the board. In 1776, Arthur Middleton lost his spot while he was signing the Declaration of Independence. Because the two organizations shared members, proceeds from the sale of the first hospital in Summerville, the Summerville Infirmary, went to furthering the Board’s mission. This is why one scholarship goes to a student pursuing a medical career. The original Dorchester Free School in Dorset, England, is still thriving today. Dubbed “The Thomas Hardye School,” the institution is reported to be “exceptional” and “among the best in the country.” AM
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Love and laughter live on in family photographs
I
by Susan Frampton
love old family photos. For as long as I can remember, there was a box of photographs on the top shelf of the hall closet in my parents’ home. As a child, it was a treasure chest, and I would beg Mother to let me stand on a chair and take down the box to go through the pictures. I was fascinated by my young grandparents’ clothes and cars, my teenaged aunt’s funny faces, and by people I didn’t even know—people whose names I had memorized only from past ventures into the box.
ens of photos of my older brother, and I loved to whine that it was because they liked him best. My parents always rolled their eyes at this; the reality being that they didn’t have the time or energy to take pictures once I whirled into existence. Regardless, they could not deny that I didn’t get a lot of coverage, although I had to admit that he was an adorable little tow-head. I found photos of myself in the obligatory school pictures; in Easter and Christmas photos; and oddly, in a couple from when we were washing the dog. I’m not sure why that was a Kodak moment, but I’m glad somebody thought to capture it.
Naturally, I always looked for photos of myself, but there weren’t many. I am a sad victim of “second child syndrome,” the dreaded malady of those who came late to the family party. There are doz-
The photographs are even more precious to me now that so many of those in them are gone. Recently, I came across the home movies of our lives and watched them with my dad, husband, and daughter. It
ILLUSTRAT IONS BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 43
RAL NATU N WOMA
was bittersweet. With tears streaming down my face, I watch my brother take his first steps into the waiting arms of my young mother. Joy radiates from her smooth, unlined face, and though there is no audio, I can almost hear the sound of her laughter. My father steps into view. He is movie-star handsome with thick, dark hair; the wound on his wrist, stiff and puckered from the ravages of a .50 caliber round on a frozen hill in Korea. All too soon, the scene closes. When the film picks up again, I am about ten, and though I’m not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, I am certainly enthusiastic as I wave at the camera. My daughter laughs hysterically at the young me, but then goes quiet as she notices a bit of family resemblance. My grandparents strike an American Gothic pose, looking unsure as to what to do with their hands, and neighborhood kids run in and out of the frame. There are snowstorms and flooded streets, camping trips, and a hilarious clip of Dad ogling my mother on the beach. From this distant perspective I watch us all, young and unaware of the challenges to come, and I realize that while time might steal those we love from our lives, it cannot take away the pieces of them that live on in others. These days, my dad, with his smooth head, is a dead ringer for his father, and neither my brother nor I can deny one grandmother’s pointed chin and another’s blue eyes. I know that I wear my mother’s smile. We lost my mother last year, but recently I caught an unexpected glimpse of her in my daughter—her head thrown back in laughter, dark hair caught at the nape of her neck. It was there, and then gone, and I might have missed it if I’d never seen a similar image taken long before I was born. Maybe I only
44 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
see what I want to see, but if so, I don’t mind. I cannot imagine what future generations will make of me, but I will go ahead and apologize to them for blue eye shadow and really big hair. In my defense, those were the ‘80s, and it was not a pretty time. They may wonder why there are so few early pictures of me, or they may be so captivated by the little blonde boy that they don’t notice. That’s okay. I don’t think that he can declare unequivocally that he was there when the dog was washed, and I have proof that I was.
My daughter laughs hysterically at the young me, but then goes quiet as she notices a bit of family resemblance. That box of photographs now lives on the shelf at my house, and though I’ve scanned and saved many of them, the electronic images just aren’t the same. So, in the middle of the day when the mood strikes or when I’m feeling melancholy, I pull them all down and hold them in my hands, and I smile when the lyrics of Bob Dylan rush through my mind: “May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung, and may you stay…forever young.” AM
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To the residents of Summerville: Summerville is a special place to work, play and raise a family. I don’t know of a better community in South Carolina. As your mayor, I have had the opportunity to meet people who have lived all over the world and now call this home by choice. I enjoy the winter months in Summerville. Our moderate climate makes it possible to play golf or tennis, take a walk, cycle through town or along the seven-mile long Saw Mill Branch trail. Our newest offering is a trolley tour along the Sweet Tea Trail. Winter months are a good time to explore Summerville’s interesting shops, sample the food in our variety of restaurants, visit the museum on East Doty Avenue, or take in a production of the Flowertown Players or the Summerville Community Orchestra. Whether you are a new or longtime resident, I encourage you to get out and about during the winter, get to know and appreciate what Summerville has to offer. You’ll be surprised what you find. Bill Collins
Bill Collins
Mayor, Town of Summerville
SOUTHERN SIDES
Stoking the First Fires of Growth How the railway united old and new Summerville
B
by Rick Dunbar
efore the steel-wheeled, black-smoke iron boilers of the South Carolina Canal & Railroad Company (SCC&RR) steamed into our burgeoning pine-wooded paradise and became the first whistle stop on the Southern Railway System out of Charleston, the only transportation early residents had to make their yearly sojourn to their summer retreats was over rugged dirt roads by wagons, carriages, or horseback.
an "Old Summerville" and a "New Summerville" is documented. The distinction, however, occurred with the advent of the railroad, which stoked the first fires of growth.
Cool breezes and few mosquitos were the main attractions for wealthy plantation owners of early coastal Charleston who, anxious to seek refuge from the oppressive heat of summer and diseasecarrying insects of the coastal regions, established a village among the shadows of Charleston County's tall pines.
In 1827, the SCC&RR was organized and chartered by a group of citizens from Charleston. The railroad trustees eyed the emerging community of Summerville as a place to develop a large tract of land with a rail station as its center. The land would be a square grid in the form of a checkerboard with broad streets and every other square designated as parkland—a layout created by Thomas Jefferson in 1805 to fight yellow fever, a then prevalent disease. Called the Detmold Plan, it was named after the company's most creative engineer, C.E. Detmold. The chosen tract of land was adjacent to what is now called "Old Summerville," the area of the first settlement where the wealthy planters built their summer residences.
The name the small community was given made perfect sense— the village used as a summer retreat was deemed Summerville. As to the exact date the village received the name by which it was destined to be known is not absolutely clear, but the fact there was
In 1831, the tract of land was purchased and "New Summerville" was established—1,500 acres at 37 cents an acre according to the Charleston Courier dated August 20, 1831. It was the first stop on a 136-mile planned railway line. When finished, the South Carolina
ILLUS TRAT IONS BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 47
ERN SOUTHES SID Railroad, would extend from Charleston to Hamburg near Augusta, Georgia. Completed in 1833, it was deemed the longest railway line in the world and the first to carry U.S. mail. "Best Friend" was the name of the first locomotive to operate on the line. It was also the first locomotive built in America. Later destroyed in an accident attributed to the engineer, "Best Friend" was eventually replaced with "The Phoenix." In 1848, the first commuter train between Charleston and Summerville was begun, running in the summer months only, no doubt transporting the wealthy residents of Charleston to their summer retreats and back. Yellow fever epidemics ravaged Charleston between 1852 and 1858, leading to an upsurge in Summerville's population, which in time led to its famous reputation as a health resort. The commuter train began to operate throughout the year and continued to do so until its termination in the 1960s. The center piece, the train station, would occupy a plot facing town square where the railroad tracks crossed Main Street. The last one was built in 1900, replacing the smaller classic Victorian-style station decorated with an elaborate gingerbread trim, which was moved to Ladson. It was an impressive 100feet-long and 25-feet-wide passenger station constructed from wood and stucco. But the station that existed in 1886, the smaller Victorian station, is where all this history is headed and where my story takes a bizarre turn on the tracks into the Twilight Zone. The date was August 31st. The time was 9:45 pm. Awaiting its arrival, stationmaster Frank Doar was peacefully sitting in his chair drifting in and out of sleep, when he was suddenly startled by an elderly black man who appeared out of nowhere on the depot platform. The agitated old fellow excitedly told the stationmaster several miles up the line the tracks were a twisted mess and he needed to immediately release warning flares, to alert the incoming train of the impending danger. Frank ordinarily would have been apprehensive, but on this occasion he sensed the old man was being sincere. Frank quickly released the emergency flares, called torpedoes, then turned to speak to the old man, but realized 48 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
he was gone, as if he vanished into thin air. Frank removed his pocket watch and glanced at it. The time was 9:50 pm. At that moment, an eerie hissing sound enveloped the town, followed by a massive explosion. The ground began to shake violently. Walls of nearby buildings collapsed and swaying trees were ripped out of the ground by their roots. A massive earthquake struck Summerville and the surrounding areas of the Lowcountry, leaving in its wake a path of tremendous and costly destruction—the largest recorded earthquake to ever hit the southeastern United States. The train coming in from Jedburg was struck by the earthquake. The engineer applied the brakes to no avail. The shockwaves mercilessly accelerated the train as the earth rolled up and down like the waves of the ocean. Miraculously, the train survived wave after wave. On its approach to Summerville, the engineer saw the warning flares and applied the brakes again. This time the engineer succeeded and the train of frightened passengers rolled to a stop a mile from Summerville with no one injured. Further up the rail line from Summerville towards Charleston near the Woodstock Station, the tracks had become bent into an S curve by the violent upheaval, which would have spelled disaster for any train passing over it. The flares Frank Doar deployed saved the commuter train of passengers. No one was ever able to thank the old man. He was nowhere to be found. Frank Doar did not take any credit for being a hero. He was convinced the old man was an angel. At least, that is the way Frank told the story. On October 28th of this year, the replica of "Best Friend" rolled into Summerville near where the original train stations once stood. Residents filled Doty Avenue and celebrated a peek into the time when the piney summer retreat welcomed the birth of the Southern Railway System, blending the old with the new. "Old Summerville" and "New Summerville" have since merged into one, and all that is left of the centerpiece—the train station—is shadowy legend and passing whistles. Still, there is always the dream the train will stop once again and bring with it continued good fortunes.AM
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Keep your family doctor in the MUSC family. Primary care means more than an occasional checkup. It means working with a doctor to not just get better, but to stay better. At MUSC, we have a network of exceptional primary care physicians, including internal medicine and family medicine, who know you on a personal level and coordinate your needs with the area’s largest and best network of specialists. And with MUSC MyChart, our online patientcentered health care management tool, you can securely access records, test results, appointments, prescriptions and more, whenever and wherever you want. Together, we’re not just practicing medicine, we’re perfecting it. Call 843-792-7000 to make an appointment or visit MUSChealth.com/primarycare
Changing What’s Possible in Health Care.in Health Care. Changing What’s Possible
LIFE & FAITH
Santa Clause: The Untold Story The Inspiring Life of Saint Nicholas by Will Browning
T
he year was 325 AD and the Christian Emperor of Rome, Constantine, had called a council of bishops together to discuss the divinity of Jesus. A staunch, oak of a man named Nicholas was present for this decisive, yet divisive assembly. A devious conspirator from Egypt named Arius had stirred up the people with his heretical denials of Jesus. Despite his unpopular opinions, out of fairness, Arius was given the floor where he waxed on and on, spewing insults about Nicholas’
beloved Savior. Nicholas, who had dedicated his eighty years of life to humbly and sacrificially serving in Jesus’ name, grew weary of Arius’ affronts. He rose from his chair, crossed the room, raised his hand with intentional vehemence, and slapped the heretic across the face! While they may, at times, conflict with the familiar legends of “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” the awe-inspiring stories of Saint Nicholas of Myra merit our attention. While his life began in an idyllic fashion, tragedy struck during his adolescence, forever
ILLUSTR AT ION BY JASON WA G E N E R Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 51
LIFE & FAITH
altering young Nicholas’ life—and ultimately shaping your childhood as well. Nicholas was born into a wealthy Christian family in a seaside town in what is modern-day Turkey. A plague washed through his hometown, taking both his parents, and leaving Nicholas an orphan. Because of his parents’ great wealth, he was unlike most orphans in that time, for upon their death, he received a large inheritance. His uncle raised him and instilled in Nicholas the same passion and principles reflected in his parents’ Christian faith. While he accepted his family’s faith, he would not accept his parents’ inheritance; rather Nicholas chose to use every penny of his gain to secretly help others in his town. One story is told of three sisters, born to a poor pauper, destined for a life of slavery or prostitution. In this culture, every father was expected to offer his daughter’s prospective suitor something valuable—a dowry, to ensure her hand in marriage. This poverty-stricken father, with not even enough money to feed his family, had nothing to offer to safeguard his daughters’ well-being. Unbeknownst to the downtrodden family, the town’s empathetic pastor was keeping tabs on the family’s plight. So under the cover of night, Saint Nicholas visited the home of the damsels who had dreams of circumstantial escape dancing in their heads. In the morning all three daughters awoke to discover an unknown patron had delivered bags of gold to their home. One daughter found her gift stuffed neatly into her stockings, which she had hung by the fire to dry the night before.
52 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
Building Financial Foundations Something was reborn in humanity’s heart that night. Kindled by Nicholas’ benevolence, a spark ignited. Kindness, compassion, and brotherhood, which were first set ablaze by the life of Jesus, now broke out like revival fires. Throughout their little town, families in need discovered surrepti-
In the morning all three daughters awoke to discover an unknown patron had delivered bags of gold to their home
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tious gifts had been delivered to their homes. This kindness began to spread from one town to the next. There was no quenching the firestorm of goodwill. It has now spread from generation to generation. Even today—some 1700 years after his legendary life—the inspiration of Saint Nicholas echoes into our homes every December. Every Christmas Eve, little boys and girls are tucked into their beds, with their stockings hung by the fire, hoping and praying that St. Nicholas’ generosity will visit their home secretly through the night. AM
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 53
T H E
SHOP S
AT
Short Central Summerville’s Historic Village District
Fine art and gifts by local artists 130 Central Ave. 843.871.0297 www.artcgalleryltd.com HOURS Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm Open until 8pm on Third Thursdays A gallery of fine art and crafts all made by local artists. Located in Historic Downtown Summerville.
227 S. Cedar St. 843.871.3888 HOURS Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm
117-A Central Avenue 843.261.7680 fourgreenfieldsgallery.com
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On The Square Summerville’s Historic Village District
140 South Main Street (843) 873-2531 guerinspharmacy.com Mon. - Fri. 9am - 6pm Sat. 9am - 5pm Compounding and filling prescriptions since 1871
Celebrate a special time both past and present with this fine collection of sterling silver jewelry inspired by historic wrought iron gates throughout the South.
134 South Main Street (843) 875-8985 eastwindsonline.com Mon. - Fri. 10am - 6pm Sat. 10am - 5pm
130 S. Main Street (843) 871-6745 maggieroseinc.com Mon. - Fri. 10am - 6pm Sat. 10am - 5pm
OED
The Engelman House
The historic house on Sumter Avenue has worn many names, but Otis and Debbie Engelman know it best as "home." by
Susan Frampton
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 57
STYLE
The Entrance
rom her corner seat at the junction of Sumter Avenue and Charleston Street, a grande dame looks out on those who travel through Summerville’s Historic District. She has survived hurricanes and earthquakes, and though it has been said that a real lady never tells her age, her birth certificate would date back to 1861, had it not been burned in the War Between the States. Referred to by several different names over the past century, she is officially named the Kinloch House, after Dr. R.A. Kinloch, the area’s medical director at the time. She is an elegant structure that has been home to Dr. and Mrs. Otis Engelman for over 30 years. The history of the home literally begins on the front porch. As Debbie Boyle Engelman steps back from the front door into the wide hall running through the center of the house, it is clear that she enjoys sharing the house’s story. “This was originally the back door,” she explains. “The front door was on the opposite side of the house facing Summerville’s early town hall.” To the left of the central hall is the formal living room, where many Summerville babies entered the world, guided by the steady hand of 58 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
STYLE
The Porch
Clockwise From Top: A view from the right side of the front porch / a classic color palette / the grand front steps / the owners Otis and Debbie Engelman
60 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
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The Grounds
Clockwise from left: A side view of the double porch / a stone path leads to the pergola and water fountain / the back porch, complete with a gazebo
STYLE
Dining
physician, Dr. Julian Carroll. The Engelmans have been told by several people that they were delivered in this front room. To those folks, this will always be known as Dr. Carroll’s House. It was he who added a stairway leading to the upper floor’s bedrooms from the hall. Built to accommodate his six children, the stairs replaced a trap-door in the hallway’s 12-foot ceiling, leading to a storage area accessible only by ladder. Also referred to as the Doctor’s House, the home on Sumter Avenue has been occupied by physicians for the majority of the last century, and as a doctor of family medicine, Otis Engelman continues that tradition. His favorite room is the library; a room which features bookshelves built to hold the book collection of previous owners, Drs. Ernie and Anna Johnson, the first osteopaths licensed in South Carolina. In the fifties, their offices occupied the bottom floor. In the mid-eighties, the Engelmans realized that the privilege of living amidst history presented substantial challenges, beginning with the antiquated heating system and lack of insulation. Otis remembers Debbie’s hair blowing in the breeze that came through the kitchen cabinets, and though they chuckle over memories of their two children hurrying to dress in front of the oven on cold mornings, changes were inevitable. They modernized the kitchen and made a major addition to the back of the house. The bottom floor was renovated for office and consulting rooms for Debbie, a licensed professional counselor. Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 63
STYLE
The Living Area
Clockwise from left: The formal living room / the study is adorned with books, collectables, and rich hues / the master bath
Today, the past and the present come together beautifully. Ancient documents and six generations of Debbie’s family look out from gold frames in the hall, while contemporary art compliments the stately living and dining rooms. Lovingly furnished with antique furniture and richly colored fabrics, the Englemans’ efforts to be good stewards of the historic home resonate throughout, even as changes were made to accommodate their modern-day tastes and the needs of the family. Their most recent addition is to the yard, with a paved walkway now leading from the back deck to a pergola and fountain. “When we moved in, much of our pruning was done with a chain saw,” Otis remembers. “This is the first time that we have done something for the house rather 64 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
than to the house,” he adds. “We’re quite happy with the addition.” Debbie looks around at the beautiful surroundings and laughs, “This house has been known by so many different names through the years. I wonder how long we have to live here before it becomes our house?” Maintaining the dignity and elegance of this historic address has been a labor of love, and over the years they have left their mark for future generations. No matter what you choose to call the house, it is indisputable that the Engelmans have balanced the refinement of its past with the panache of its modern-day inhabitants—the creation of a bright future for the house on Sumter Avenue. AM
GREAT PEOPLE
build great relationships. Financial relationships are built on personal attention and professional advice from people you trust. That’s why we’re proud to have such a dedicated, experienced team of bankers serving the Summerville community. Whether you’re buying a home, building a business or planning for retirement, we have the expertise to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Staying focused on helping our customers and communities succeed is why First Citizens is the strong and stable institution we are today, and it’s why you can count on us to be here for you tomorrow. Get to know your local First Citizens team. Stop by and talk with us today. Visit us at one of our locations: 218 South Main Street (843) 871-9200 1319 North Main Street (843) 821-6679 1801 Old Trolley Road, Suite A (843) 875-8555 Our Commercial Relationship Manager, Brian Fast, along with our Summerville Managers (l to r) April Burgess, Joetta Bellinger and Brian Mitchum.
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STYLE Table Talk-All's OK
Fine dining can be tricky and sometimes a little intimidating. Use this trick to help navigate the table. by Elizabeth Donehue
Social Graces
66 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
NAVIGATING THE TABLE If you are not in the cast of Downton Abbey or a graduate of finishing school, fine dining can be intimidating. Have you found yourself disoriented at the dinner table? Unsure of which bread plate or drink belongs to you? On many occasions, both socially and professionally, I have experienced the commandeering of my bread plate by one who may not have learned some of the finer points of etiquette.
All's OK
Allow me to help you remember the placement of your drinking glass and bread plate.
The Trick
With each hand, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb while extending your remaining fingers – as if you’re creating the hand sign for "OK." • Your left hand creates a lowercase b, designating your bread plate. • Your right hand creates a lowercase d, designating your drinking glass. • This indicates that the bread goes on the left and the drink goes on the right. This little trick can be done discreetly under the table to keep you from inadvertently stealing the bread or drinking from the glass of your dining companions. AM
ELIZABETH DONEHUE Elizabeth is a modern manners expert who knows her way around thank you notes and social graces! Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 67
Visit Summerville's Permanent Public Sculpture collection
Sculpture in the South promotes the arts through education and the creation of an accessible public sculpture collection that enhances our community. www.sculptureinthesouth.info
Sculpture in the South P.O. Box 1030 Summerville, South Carolina 29484-1030
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First Annual Azalea Awards FROM A FINE OYSTER SHUCKER AND A LOCALLY INSPIRED COCKTAIL, TO THE BEST IN EDUCATION, THE ARTS, HUMANITARIANISM AND MORE, THE WINNERS OF OUR FIRST ANNUAL Azalea Awards PROVE THAT THERE IS A WHOLE LOT OF GOODNESS COMING OUT OF OUR LITTLE SLICE OF THE GRAND OLE SOUTH
2013
by- Katie DePoppe, Susan Frampton, and Will Rizzo photos by Dottie Rizzo
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Local Product of the Year
SEWEE SHUCKER OYSTER KNIFE
S h an n on R ee d - C o a s ta l C u s tom K ni f e wo rks
Shannon Reed's Sewee Shucker Oyster Knife looks like a work of art. The sturdy handle formed of spalted maple and camel bone looks far too handsome to tarnish with salty mud and oyster liquer. But these knives are tough, a masters course in form and function. Shannon Reed is a plumber by trade, but a tinkerer at heart. He has restored old cars, built a custom motorcycle and even built his own tools out of spare parts. Reed's foray into knife making was motivated by a deep desire to create. He began by crafting oyster knives as gifts for friends and family, but the response he got gave him hope that this could be bigger than a hobby. Reed launched his company Coastal Custom Knifeworks on the web in 2011 offering his signature oyster knives the Sewee Shucker and the Old Village, as well as the Yellowfin fillet and custom hunting knives. Using stainless and carbon steel, locally sourced and exotic woods, and natural accent pieces like camel bone, buffalo horn, and pearl, Reed creates heirloom pieces that will be passed down for generations.
Humanitarian of the Year
STEVE HATTON S u mmer v il l e Mir ac l e L eagu e
"Take one trip around the bases with these kids and they'll steal your heart," says Steve Hatton with tears in his eyes.
Today, the Sewee Shucker is popping more than just Lowcountry mollusks. Reed's knives can be found in specialty shops from Charleston to New England. Butcher & Baker, the nation's oldest cutlery located in Boston chose Reed's designs over all others. We concur!
Ten years ago, Hatton, a contractor, was asked to help build the facilities for the Charleston Miracle League, part of an international organization that establishes baseball programs for children and young adults with special needs. Hatton gladly donated his time to build what was needed in Charleston, but had no idea what would happen next. "I fell in love with it," he says.
The Sewee Shucker can be found at coastalcustomknifeworks.com, or locally, at Four Green Fields Gallery
In 2004, there were 14 Summerville athletes playing in the Charleston league, and Hatton knew the commute was taxing on both the players and their families. It took little contemplation before he set out to develop a league in Summerville. The Summerville Miracle League (SML) was a 4-year labor of love. Hatton, among others, acquired donors of both money and time, volunteer contractors, and grant money. "I was shocked at how well things stayed on schedule," he says. The SML held its first game in 2009 with twenty-two athletes, while today—four years later—it hosts more than 200 players each game day. The League has now evolved into more than just a place to play ball. "It has become a respite for the parents," Hatton says. It's also a place where experienced families can nurture new parents of special needs children through the struggles of daily life.
2013
Steve Hatton is eager to pass along the credit for the success of SML, but truth be told, if he hadn't tended to the seed that was planted in his heart for these kids, Saturdays on Laurel Street would be a lot less joyous. To learn more, visit summervillemiracleleague.org
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Educators of the Year
AMANDA HOBSON & PRISCILLA JOHNSON S t u dent sF irst
When one hears of the work that Amanda Hobson and Priscilla Johnson are doing in their own little corners of the educational realm—and then when you learn about their friendship—it’s nearly impossible to separate their stories. Both are wise beyond their twenty-something years, driven, and bold; tireless volunteers; advocates for education reform in South Carolina; and loving stewards of the young, impressionable minds entrusted to them. Their story began in Ghana, West Africa—the place they traveled in 2005 and again in 2011 on an educational outreach mission with the School of Education at Charleston Southern University, their alma mater. It was also where they first witnessed need and desperation, and where they became friends. “Ghana changed my life and the way I view practically every aspect of our time on earth,” says Johnson. Hobson’s experience was the same. “It changed the way I viewed education in general, woke me up to poverty, and moved me to resolve to do whatever it took to make a difference in the world.” The Ghana experience was, in many ways, the linchpin for their missions as teachers.
Artisan of the Year
After graduation from CSU in 2007, Hobson, a Summerville native, served at Knightsville Elementary. After struggling to help one of her first graders living in utter desperation, she looked into graduate programs that could equip her with further tools to help at-risk students. She was accepted to Harvard University’s Risk Prevention program in 2009 and graduated a year later. From there, she worked in Harlem for a year at the Harlem Children’s Zone, an experience that honed her skills as an advocate and educator to those with no voice. In 2011, Hobson moved back to Charleston. She has volunteered with the Charleston Promise Neighborhood; is the co-founder of the South Carolina chapter of StudentsFirst, a grassroots movement to give teachers and citizens a voice in transforming public education; and currently serves as a personal mastery facilitator for the Charleston County School District.
BRAD MALLET C o a s ta l C o f f e e R o a s te r s
Brad Mallet moved his family from New York to Summerville with two goals in mind. The first was to find warmer weather. That was easy. The second goal took a bit more work. Mallet set out to share his family’s passion for fresh sustainable coffee by creating the tastiest cup of freshroasted joe he could. It’s been a long haul. After studying under master brewers, acquiring the best beans, and installing modern roasting equipment, Mallet has accomplished all he set out to do. He roasts his coffee fresh for every customer who comes through the doors of Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville.
Today, Johnson, originally from Sumter, and in her seventh year at Windsor Hill Elementary, is one of 13 District Two teachers chosen to be part of the L.E.A.D. cohort to finish her masters in elementary education administration through the Citadel in 2014. She also serves alongside Hobson as a voice through StudentsFirst. “At the heart, we’re doing here what we did in Africa—we’re advocating for those who have no voice. This has shown me the power of what one person is able to do. Too often we settle, and discount ourselves, you know?” To learn more, visit StudentsFirst.org 2013
But he has done even more than that and doesn’t know it. He’s changed the local coffee-talk culture. A Yankee has taught us Southerners how to slow down, to bypass the drive-through, to sit and visit over a cup of coffee. His converted factory-style space has evolved into an eclectic fusion of fresh-roasted coffee, craft beer, live music, and good times. We'll have a cup of that!
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Enviromentalist of the Year
MIKE DAWSON Fr a nci s B e i d l e r Fo re st
If a tree falls in the forest, Mike Dawson probably hears it. As center director and assistant sanctuary manager for The Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest, he knows just about every one of them. While walking with Dawson as he oversees the $1.1 million boardwalk under construction there, it is clear that he also cares deeply about them. The 7,000-foot-long boardwalk replaces the old existing walkway and meanders through thousands of acres of the world’s last remaining stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum trees. Dawson researched every board and screw for the project. Materials had to last, and it was important that the source for the wood conformed to sustainable forestry management criteria. The answer was cumaru, a beautiful, heavy wood native to South America, which can last up to 60 years.
Visionary of the Year
JOHN OSBORNE
Fu nding Char l est on & T he Har bor Accele r a tor
The Elmira, New York, native has called the Summerville area home for 33 years and came to the Center as a naturalist, with a degree in biology and environmental studies. His passion for protecting the environment and providing education about the pressure placed on fragile ecosystems has made him a fierce advocate for the natural world. Among the many environmental and conservation hats Dawson wears, he serves as chairman of Dorchester County’s Conservation Commission, which is charged with making recommendations for greenspace bond revenue expenditures.
As the founder of Fundingcharleston.com and co-founder of The Harbor Accelerator with business partner, Patrick Bryant, John Osborne, 33, is helping to build small businesses and mentor entrepreneurs throughout the Lowcountry. While Funding Charleston exists to connect growing companies and organizations with capital needed to fuel their growth, The Harbor Accelerator is a right arm of sorts—launching businesses through a 14-week program that provides mentorship, curriculum, space, and the knowledge to stop planning and start executing a business.
In addition, Summerville’s B.I.R.D.S. Project is a Mike Dawson brainchild—the three-fold mission of underscoring the importance of conservation education and public art, while also adding to economic vitality. He even wrote the poem which will lead residents and visitors to the birds. A cooperative effort between Audubon South Carolina, D.R.E.A.M., and Sculpture in the South, the project will soon boast bronze sculptures of over 20 native species throughout the historic district.
“Growing up with parents who were small business owners, I learned that business not only holds great value in connecting community, but provides necessary services and enables people to build a life,” says Osborne. While working in the commercial banking industry, the young, now-entrepreneur quickly realized that many dreams of small business ownership were unreachable. Unless you had wealth already, it was a nearly impossible task after 2007. So, he began to delve more deeply into the problem, studying legislation, and trying to figure out a creative work-around.
Mike Dawson’s commitment to the environment makes him a natural as our Environmentalist of the Year. As Dawson says, “Education is vital to conservation. You have to understand the importance of the environment to want to protect it.”
While crowdfunding isn’t a new concept with the likes of kickstarter.com and crowdfunder.com, an outlet for localized projects is. Community-based projects get lost in the shuffle on national sites, but “if your brand is known regionally, use this,” says Osborne. After all, who cares more about Water Missions International, the Sweet Tea Trail, and the Old Whaling Company (to name a few) more than we do?
2013
To learn more, visit fundingcharleston.com and theharboraccelerator.com
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Artist of the Year
LUCIA DANTZLER S u mmer v il l e Yo u t h DRE AMS Compa ny
For over forty years, Lucia Dantzler has been pouring into the lives of children. When she began teaching in 1972, she adopted a quote from Walt Disney as her mantra: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” This was ever-present in her creative teaching style—even when she served as a middle school science teacher and used music, theater, dance, and poetry to explain the solar system. Little did she know then that dreams would be an ever-present theme throughout the course of her career—hers and those of the countless students whose lives she touched.
T h e B u i l t C om p a ny
It began with the Summerville DREAM Chorus (named for their involvement in Summerville D.R.E.A.M.’s first Red, White, and Blue on the Green)—established in 1993 with a handful of third graders from Summerville Elementary School. The group later grew to as many as 102 children by the end of its 13-year run. In 2006, when Dantzler moved from elementary school to Rollings Middle School of the Arts, the DREAM Chorus became the DREAM Show Choir—an evolution to support those students who were particularly interested in learning Broadway-style performance.
Chris Mitchell began working with wood after high school when he landed a job restoring pianos. Mitchell became a student of the craft, absorbing all he could about the art of furniture making. In October 2012, Mitchell launched The Built Company, a furniture business dedicated to preserving the legacy of American craftsmanship. Mitchell's vision is resonating with consumers. The Built Company has had over 200 online orders in its first year.
When Dantzler retired from teaching in May 2010, after a thirty-nine-year career in Dorchester District Two, she took only two months off before establishing the Summerville Youth DREAMS Company, a business-turned-community-outreach program now offered through Summerbrook Community Church. Divided into two companies, the organization teaches students in grades 2-5 (junior company) and grades 6-12 (senior company) who want to learn beyond the basics of stage performance.
Craftsman of the Year
CHRIS MITCHELL
“Notice I’ve kept ‘dream’ in everything,” she tells me, describing the start of it all, “I didn’t know it would all work out that way.”
Mitchell's furniture is inspired by the Lowcountry and the region’s history of quality custom furniture. He designs and hand-crafts every piece that leaves his Summerville-based shop. And his creations are just as environmentally responsible as they are beautiful—he uses locally sourced lumber exclusively from mills which practice sustainable forestry techniques, as well as the greenest finishes available.
Today, Dantzler’s Facebook page is smattered with words from former students. Students, who are now teachers, who’ve borrowed her motto. Those who miss her and want her to know she was their “favorite.” Students who are just stopping by to say she changed their lives in the most profound way or that they’ll see her at practice next week. She has encouraged, refined, mentored, and taught a huge population of Summerville’s younger generation an appreciation for the fine arts, but more importantly, she has instilled in them the necessary life skills that come from learning to believe in themselves and their dreams. That’s why she’s Azalea’s Artist of the Year.
2013
Mitchell plans to open a Summerville showroom, but until then, you can find his work at thebuiltcompany.com.
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Event of the Year
T H I R D T H U R S D AY S u mmer v il l e D ream- Jan Hursey
Cocktail of the Year
COLONEL'S CUP Pet er Nic kl e - U p s ta i r s a t th e I ce h o u se
While sweet tea is arguably the beverage of choice for those born below the Mason-Dixon Line, and Summerville lays claim to being its birthplace, there is disagreement amongst purists as to who created the first true bourbon. Separately, both have come to represent the South. Together, and joined by a touch of apple cider, they form a concoction that just might rival Kentucky’s signature mint julep.
We have all seen movies where a small town has a street festival and you just want to jump through the screen and join the fun. That is exactly what Summerville Dream has created with their Third Thursday event.
Peter Nickel, mixologist at Summerville’s Icehouse and captain of Charleston Flair Bartenders, has combined these ingredients into “The Colonel Cup,” winner of the Azalea Award’s “Best Cocktail” category. A visual treat with a paper-thin slice of apple speared with ginger and topped with a fresh leaf of mint as a garnish, makes this cocktail the perfect antidote for a cold winter evening, especially if paired with friends Upstairs at the Icehouse or an intimate dinner by the fire in the restaurant downstairs.
In 2008, Dream hosted their first Third Thursday with the hopes of bringing locals back downtown. "It started slow," say executive director Jan Hursey. It took about eighteen months for the event to pick up steam.
Nickel has a gift for fusing unexpected flavors to create unique and tasty beverages. “It just made sense to blend the two southern tastes of sweet tea with bourbon,” he says of the drink he created using Buffalo Trace Bourbon, known for its hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit. We know that somewhere The Colonel is saluting Nickel’s winning creation, and we’ll gladly raise our glasses to help celebrate. 2013
Today, thousands of people come out every month to take part in the festivities. From the outdoor Art Walk and live music in five locations, to car shows, late night shopping, quaint dining, and local vendors lining Town Square, Third Thursday has done more than simply attract people downtown—it has changed the social culture of the Historic District. And with new programs and attractions scheduled to launch this year, you'll probably want to go ahead and block off every third Thursday on your calendar.
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Lifetime Achievement
JOHN McKISSICK Green Wave Fo ot bal l
It’s a rare treat when one is able to witness a legend in action. Whether an athlete or entertainer, most are usually granted “legendary” status after their career has ended. That’s not the case with Coach John McKissick. At 87, McKissick just completed his 62nd season as head football coach of the Summerville Green Wave Football team—finishing the regular season with 610 wins, more than any other football coach in any league. McKissick began his career with the Green Wave in 1952 and has yet to miss a game. He has coached multiple players who have gone on to successful NFL careers; has won ten state championships; was elected to the National High School Hall of Fame in 1990; and is the longest serving high school football coach of all time. In 2011, he was also named the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year and was a guest of the NFL during that Super Bowl week. “I’d like to be remembered as somebody who had a lot of influence on young people and as a friend to all the guys who I have coached. And I want to be remembered as maybe having guided and helped them along the way,” says McKissick.
Dish of the Year
THE FRANK CUDA Pe r f e ctl y Fr a nk s
He has had a tremendous influence not only on his players and coaches, but on the Summerville community as a whole. That’s why it is our honor to present our first Lifetime Achievement Award to Coach John McKissick.
There are few culinary icons more beloved in American culture than the hotdog—it is the universal equalizer of food critics and five-year-olds. In some circles, tampering with the purity of the frankfurter is tantamount to poking a bear, and it takes a chef with supreme confidence to try it. Perry Cuda walks boldly into the fray at Perfectly Franks on Main Street in Summerville, where the sheer variety of franks on the menu makes mouths water at the door. The Frank Cuda, named for Perry’s father, is in a class all by itself, and takes top honors in the Best Dish category. Serving up over 1,000 of the namesake dogs per week, Cuda deep fries an all-beef, skinless Nathan’s hotdog until it is slightly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. He then drops it into a bakery-quality bun, and loads it with applewood smoked bacon, homemade chili, blue cheese slaw, cheese sauce, and crispy fried onion strings.
2013
Featured on Food Networks’ Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Perry says the Cudas recognize that it is the support of Summerville residents and friends that in large part, has put Perfectly Frank’s on the map. “We recognize the faith our customers have in us and feel enormous responsibility to repay that loyalty back to each person who walks through the door.” For Perry and his wife, Julie, there is no substitute for quality, and this award is proof that their customers recognize that they serve it up in every bite.
Three Delicious Recipes
Fresh from the Field
D O V E
Dove E te INGREDIENTS
Dove breasts Lea & Perrins marinade for chicken Bacon slices Toothpicks 2 to 4 ounces bacon, cut into small pieces 1/3 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste) 1/4 teaspoon fresh dill 3 cups milk 3-4 cups of fresh spinach 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette 1teaspoon minced garlic
PREPARATION
Marinade breasts in Lea & Perrins and refrigerate overnight. F O R G R AV Y:
- Cut bacon into small pieces and fry over medium heat. - When the bits of bacon are well-browned, stir in the flour. - Continue stirring until the flour absorbs all of the fat. - Add the salt, black pepper, and dill. - Slowly stir in the milk using a whisk or a fork to prevent lumps. - Stir until gravy boils. Allow it to boil gently for about 5 minutes. FOR BREASTS:
Wrap marinated breasts with bacon strips and secure with a toothpick. Wrap breasts in tin foil and grill until bacon is done and breast is cooked throughly. FOR SPINACH:
In skillet, combine spinach, balsamic vinaigrette, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until spinach is slightly softened. Remove from heat, add a portion on a plate, and top with cooked dove breast and bacon dill gravy.
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D E E R
M u s t a r d - Fri ed Ve n i s on INGREDIENTS
Venison (preferably loin) cut into approx. 1� cubes Meat tenderizer Cavender’s Greek seasoning Yellow mustard All purpose flour Peanut oil for deep frying
PREPARATION
In a large bowl, sprinkle tenderizer and Greek seasoning liberally over venison cubes. When well distributed, add enough yellow mustard to coat all of the meat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. Heat peanut oil to 375 degrees. In small batches, dredge cubed meat in flour to coat. Using a strainer or slotted spoon, drop floured meat into hot oil and cook each small batch until golden brown; about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Using strainer or slotted spoon, remove cooked venison from oil. Drain on rack or paper towels and serve hot.
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H O G
Wild H og Sa u s a g e Bi s cu i t wi th S t r a w b e rry Ch i p otl e Sa u ce INGREDIENTS
Biscuits (prepared) Pork sausage patties (prepared) 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion 2 tablespoon strawberry preserves 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoon light brown sugar 1tablespoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
PREPARATION
Combine olive oil and onion in a small pot and cook on medium heat until onion is transparent. Add strawberry preserves, vinegar, brown sugar, and peppers. Whisk until smooth. Add chopped strawberries and cook until bubbling. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Blend mixture until smooth using an immersion blender. Top sausage with sauce.
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 87
G
A chronicle of
William Henry Singleton ...........................................................
and the Thirty-Fifth United States Colored Troops . . . by
Katie DePoppe December , 2013 ........................................................... ...........................................................
. .
G
Context
reat stories have a way of shifting our beliefs on a dime. It’s not that we’re easily swayed, necessarily; it’s really the point of storytelling—to discern a newly introduced belief system in how to view the world and decide if it’s Truth. That’s what I hope William Henry Singleton’s story will do for you. To understand it all, it’s best to read his original account; nonetheless, I hope to stir your curiosity in hopes that you will read it too.
In 1922, first through a series of newspaper articles in the Highland Democrat, the weekly paper of Peekskill, New York, and later through a pamphlet, William Henry Singleton published his autobiography, Recollections of My Slavery Days. Despite his harrowing account, the story remained in relative obscurity. Until recently, only two known copies of the original work existed: one in the New York Public Library and one at the Peekskill Museum.
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in their right mind in modern America who would advocate slavery. It’s a practice that has lived throughout time, but I can’t help but think we should be at a point in our human existence where it no longer exists. Yet, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, human trafficking is the second largest growing criminal industry, second only to drug trafficking. Over half of the victims are children and nearly 80% are women. It is now reported that nearly 13 million people are enslaved in some form in the modern world—an even larger number than during the transatlantic slave trade. I tell you these things because the stories of the past, as scary and atrocious as they are, still exist just as they did one, two—five centuries ago, and they require our fervent attention. If anything is ever to change, mustn’t we learn something new?
But when Katherine Mellen Charron, a doctoral student at Yale, and David S. Cecelski, a Harvard graduate and independent historian, began work in the nineties on a research project funded by several New Bern, North Carolina, historical sites and foundations, they discovered new information on Singleton’s life and work and eventually reprinted his autobiography alongside their research.
We share a lot of history in Azalea. Why? For one, it’s fun and interesting to know from where you’ve come. For two, it’s packed with life lessons. George Santayana’s now cliché statement that “those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” will be true always, but I think Aldous Huxley’s take is more interesting: “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all lessons of history.” Folks, let’s change that. William Henry Singleton’s life story is astonishing. It will break your heart, as it did mine. A compelling account of a remarkable journey to freedom in the American South, it may lead you to think about scenarios you never imagined. For me, it was Singleton’s fierce and consistent yearning for family while in bondage. His ties to Charleston and the history of the 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops make it all the more vivid. This story and others like it will open up realities that before—in books and cinema—have been glossed over, sugar-coated, or left out altogether in the mainstream. It will make you think more deeply and relate to someone else’s plight in a more personal way. And as I’m writing these words—totally against journalism’s rules by imparting myself into this story—my hope is that it will spur in you a change, just as it did for me. Maybe that means you’ll find a way to help with the ever-growing problem of slavery. (There are numerous ways to get involved.) Maybe it means you’ll use whatever platform you’ve been given for good. Perhaps, you simply need to tell a story to the world. Even if it’s just writing an introduction to an article because you couldn’t not write it; whatever it is for you, I hope you’ll do it.
As one of a handful of works in the already stark slave narrative genre, Singleton’s compelling first-hand account of his journey from slavery to freedom is a moving portrayal of the first great separation of the United States and the beginnings of the African American freedom struggle.
The Early Years Singleton, known for years as only “Henry,” was born in New Bern, North Carolina, in or around 1843, and grew up on the John Handcock Nelson plantation at Garbacon Creek in Craven County—a remote coastal community adjacent to the seaport of New Bern. He lived there with his mother, Lettice, and his two brothers, Hardy and Joseph, until 1848, when at the age of five, while his mother worked the fields, he was unknowingly sold to a slave farm in Atlanta. The woman who ran the “farm” was in the practice of buying young children of good pedigree who could be taught valuable skills and trades, so when eventually sold as adults, they yielded a much higher price. Later, Singleton would find that Nelson’s reason for selling him was because of his mixed race. The boy’s father was most likely William G. Singleton, nephew to the plantation owner—a sore spot between John H. Nelson, and his brother, Thomas Singleton (William G’s father). Three years passed and in 1851, when Singleton was merely eight years old, he ran away from the Atlanta farm and the mistress who, he writes, had a “great habit of whipping” him. The farm, located on the outskirts of Atlanta, allowed the young boy to run into the busyness of the city. There he met an old black man who inquired about his family and his destination. In a strange turn of events, the man, sold from the same part of New Bern, knew Singleton’s great-grandmother. He writes that the old man described the matriarch’s badly burned hand and, based on her location, gave him directions home. Shortly after, Singleton hitched a ride on a stage coach by posing as the slave of a white woman carrying a carpet bag. He loaded her bag, took
A remarkable journey to freedom in the American South, 90 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
a seat, and followed the woman on her coach connections until they arrived in Wilmington, the end of her route. From Wilmington to New Bern, Singleton walked and caught rides until he found his great-grandmother, who pointed him the rest of the way to Nelson Plantation. When he arrived home, his mother did not recognize him; however, his older brother, Hardy, knew him immediately and later convinced his mother that the face she saw was in fact, that of her young Henry. A wanted runaway, Singleton lived under the floorboards of his mother’s cabin until he was 11 years old. Finally lured from his hiding place by a basket of biscuits left atop a nearby fence, Singleton was caught in 1854 and immediately sold to the overseer of the plantation, John Peed. But even before leaving the property, Singleton escaped into the woods. For weeks, he spent his days deep within the forest and returned to his mother’s cabin under the veil of night, until Nelson eventually returned Peed’s money. Some time passed, and Nelson attempted to sell Singleton one final time. Once again Singleton escaped, and once again, he found his way home to his mother.
The 35th and the Fight for Freedom The first time Singleton learned of the possibility of freedom was shortly after he returned home to his mother for the last time. He was 17, and as part of an agreement with Nelson, he was allowed to stay on the plantation and work if he promised never to run away again. It was also at this time that Nelson’s first wife, Eliza, died. On her death bed, the mistress called as many of the slaves together as she could fit into the room. Singleton recounts she said to them: “Be good and do your work and the time will come when you will all be free.” With these few words, Eliza Nelson made such an impression upon the slaves, all 100 of them followed her casket the five miles to its burial site. That same year, talk of a war began. Hostility rose amongst the plantation owners and poor whites, many of whom were abolitionist sympathizers. It was also the first time Singleton heard of Abraham Lincoln and the Underground Railroad. To further stir the rumblings, Colonel Nelson, the man who owned the adjoining plantation, freed and paid for the transport of his slaves back to Liberia upon his death in 1856. When word came in 1861 that shots had been fired on Fort Sumter, Singleton eagerly volunteered to serve as a servant to Samuel Hyman— Nelson’s nephew who Singleton believed was a student at West Point— as he organized a company of soldiers. After traveling with Hyman to New Bern, where his company merged to form the First North Carolina Calvary, Singleton seized his opportunity to cross battle lines when the entire regiment was pushed to Kinston, North Carolina, on March 14, 1862—the same time New Bern was captured by the Union army. It was there that Singleton made his escape and sought refuge at the Union’s headquarters. He later secured employment as the servant of Lt. Col. Robert Leggett of the 10th Connecticut Regiment.
After working as a guide on a raid at Wives Fork where his horse was shot from under him, Singleton told Leggett he would no longer fight if he had no way to defend himself. Leggett called Singleton names and told him the war would be over before “[his] people ever [got] in.” Singleton replied, “The war will not be over before I have had a chance to spill my blood. If that is your feeling toward me, pay me what you owe me and I will take it and go.” And with the five dollars owed and paid to him, Singleton hired the A.M.E. Zion Church at New Bern, and proceeded to recruit a regiment of colored men. The regiment, recognized by no one, trained anyway. They drilled once a week, and supported themselves by doing whatever odd jobs they could find. During a chance encounter while appealing to Major General Ambrose Burnside in New Bern, Singleton experienced one of the most cherished moments of his life: he met President Lincoln. When Singleton told the President he had assembled 1,000 men and they wanted to fight to free their race, Lincoln told him, “I can’t take you now because you are contraband of war and not American citizens yet. But hold on to your society and there may be a chance for you.” On January 1, 1863, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing Singleton, the regiment, and their race. It was not until May 1863 that they were finally taken into federal service. That same month, Colonel James C. Beecher, brother to Henry Ward Beecher, took command of the regiment. On May 27, 1863, Singleton was appointed Sergeant of Company G and was the first black man to be accepted into the federal service. The regiment, first named the First North Carolina Colored Regiment later became the famous 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops, who were primarily stationed at Charleston Harbor for the remainder of the war and through the start of reconstruction.
A Life Well-Lived On a 90-degree day in September 1938, Singleton set out to march in a parade of Union veterans, just one of many events held at the seventysecond Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) encampment in Des Moines, Iowa. Dismissing his wife’s concerns for his health and stamina to the heat, Singleton was determined to take his place alongside 37 other veterans for the 15-block journey. Only a few short hours later, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. He was 95 years old. Until the day he died, Singleton insisted his wartime service pledged the United States to fulfill its promise of freedom and equality for all citizens. He was laid to rest in the Civil War veterans’ plot of Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven, Connecticut. This article is Part I of a series on the 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops, who were stationed in Charleston, including Summerville, from 1863-1866. Special thanks to Dr. Ed West for his guidance. AM
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LOCAL S OCIA LS , CA US E S & COMMUNITY STAY CONNECTED
HARVEST MOON HAYRIDE AND GHOST WALK Hosted by the Junior Service League and Summerville Dream and located in Town Square, this event featured ghost stories, hayrides that wound through darkened streets, glow-in-the-dark face painting, and children's stations with activities such as a cupcake walk, apple jumping, fortune tellers, pumpkin decorating and more. www.summervilledream.org
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LOCAL SOCIALS, CAUSES & COMMUNITY S TAY CONNE CTE D
BEST FRIEND OF CHARLESTON UNVEILING Best Friend of Charleston was unveiled in front of the SummervilleDorchester Museum on October 28th. There were live musicians with music from a by-gone era and food vendors with old-fashioned offerings like popcorn, lemonade, coffee, and more.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our family to yours
Coffee, Music, Beer, Food, & Sweet treats
108 EAST 3RD, NORTH ST. SUMMERVILLE, SC 843.376.4559 COASTALCOFFEEROASTERS.COM
Winter 2013/14 AZALEAMAG.COM 93
LOCAL S OCIA LS , CA US E S & COMMUNITY STAY CONNECTED
SWEET TEA TRAIL LAUNCH EVENT The 2013 Leadership Dorchester Class of the Greater Summerville/ Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce officially launched the Sweet Tea Trail on October 8th. The launch kicked off with a ribbon cutting at 11:30am. A Sweet Tea Bar offered a variety of teas along with other goodies and refreshments.
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Patchwork of the South
Come on Flossie Belle
How trash became a priceless treasure by Michelle Moon “Come on Flossie Belle. Let’s go dumpster digging.” Granny’s voice rings out across the yard. Those words are music to my nine-year-old ears. I scramble out from under the porch, unmindful of my dirt-stained knees. I check myself for spider webs, grab a pair of shoes, and run toward her camper. With her head hanging out the window, she waits for my mom, “Flossie Belle,” to rise from the lounge chair. While I had been playing under the porch, my mom was above me working on her tan. Dumpster digging was a pastime we all enjoyed—Granny, Momma, me, and my little brother. With ten children, no husband, and not enough money to go around, Granny had long ago learned how to eke out a living. Thrift stores weren’t as abundant 40 years ago, so 96 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
school clothes, toys, and sometimes even food, was provided by the large metal containers. Digging proved to be so much fun, in fact, that she continued long after her children grew up and moved away from home. My mom grabs an old towel and wipes the butter from her body. It was supposed to work better than baby oil. Stray pieces of grass and a couple gnats stick to her legs and belly. I wait impatiently as she turns off the box fan and soap operas. “Dammit. Hold on, Mom. I have to find my lighter.” Finally she’s dressed and ready, with a fresh pack of cigarettes for the journey. She lights one up, and looks at Granny: “Where are we going today?” She knows we won’t be back for hours.
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Attorney and Counselor at Law
Separation Agreements/Divorce • Child Custody/Support/Modification Stepparent Adoption • Advance Health Care Directives/Wills/Probate Certified Family Court Mediator • Name Change
207 West Richardson Avenue / Summerville, SC / 843-501-0602 / info@maeslawfirm.com
Patchwork of the South Cont.
Granny names a town, and off we go. In those days, we hit dumpsters closest to the wealthy neighborhoods. We found knick-knacks, jewelry, and lots of stray animals—which my dad never appreciated since it was another mouth to feed. He had more patience than I gave him credit for, and it’s only as an adult that I can comprehend the fact that more animals mean more money to shell out. As we rambled down the highway, I’d find a cozy spot in Granny’s camper and watch the miles roll away. I was old enough to be embarrassed if someone pulled into the dumpster as we were digging. I was always keeping an eye out for cars, ready to make a mad dash to the camper if they slowed down. Otherwise, I just hid behind a bin until they passed. Granny was no longer able to climb into the dumpsters, so she used a tool to retrieve items. It was a long stick with a hook duct-taped to the end. And if that didn’t work, she’d send in my mom, me, an uncle, or whoever was with her at the time.
remnants, pulling out only the items she thought someone might need. Stuffed animals went to the nursing homes; church dresses went to friends. Her dumpster digging is more efficient now, but oh, how I miss those long road trips. I used to think it was about the search, the find, the adventure. But I was just a child. How could I know that we were growing a deeper bond? Getting to know one another? And more importantly, learning how to be part of a family?
Dumpster digging always felt a little like Christmas. We never knew what we would find.
Dumpster digging always felt a little like Christmas. We never knew what we would find. As a child, it seemed wrong to throw away something that wasn’t trash. I rescued every little happy meal toy, china saucer, and ink pen. But my favorite items (other than stray animals) were miniature hotel shampoos and lotions. I was trying hard to act like a teenager. Having my own toiletries meant being one step closer to maturity. As we drove from location to location, I’d flip through Teen magazine and Tiger Beat, while Granny kept the Better Homes and Gardens for herself. Every once in a while a strong wind would hit the broad side of the camper and we would veer wildly back and forth. I really believed that one day we would just fall right over. But we never did.
“Look at this,” says Granny, as she points to her waist, “I’ve been on this new grapefruit diet, and I’ve already started losing weight.” She notes the distance between her belly and the steering wheel. “The longer the distance, the bigger the weight loss,” she adds. My mom laughs at Granny’s steering-wheel scale. They talk of various cousins and aunts.
At the back of the camper I eavesdrop, all the while learning about family members, what happened at church, and how the billy goat died. ~ It’s recycling day tomorrow and the sunset’s an hour away. My children are in the backseat, eyes peeled as we drive through the neighborhoods. Yard after yard, we spy small piles stacked along the road, waiting for the garbage truck. “Momma, stop. I see a bear!” I pull over, and let my daughter out of the car. She comes back with a doll and a couple of stuffed animals. “Let’s give these to Bryson and Natalie for Christmas,” she beams, barely containing her excitement. My little boy pipes up: “Now we need something for Micah.”
About 15 years ago, they began taking away our beloved dumpsters. A new era begun; one that included little green trash cans. Suddenly the strays had no place to call home, and school clothes were just a little harder to come by. Luckily, around that same time, thrift stores began to multiply.
My children and I don’t have to rescue knick-knacks and pre-loved teddy bears from the side of the road. We could just as easily go to the department stores. But there’s just something about the thrill and the mystery of never knowing what will turn up.
But what had, at first, looked like a major setback turned out to be a minor road bump for Granny, for she discovered that those thrift stores had dumpsters. Ones piled high with books and shoes and polyester suits.
I was with Granny the day she found a plastic bowl filled with gold jewelry, necklaces, and ruby rings. I doubt my children and I will ever come across anything quite like that. Instead, we have discovered a treasure even more valuable—the treasure of memories, of laughter, and of backseat laughter, and exciting surprises. AM
With her hook by her side, she’d sift through other peoples’ 98 AZALEAMAG.COM Winter 2013/14
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MO D Beaute S tudio - 118 E Rich a r d s o n Av e , Su m m e rv il l e , SC 8 4 3 . 8 7 5 . 7 5 2 5 Stella N o va S umme rville is t ra ns it io nin g in t o M O D B e a u t e S t u d io . N e w n a m e , sa m e w o n d e r f u l st a f f . styled by margie sutton photo by niamh ellen