Silent film footage of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Chapman at Mulberry Castle a/k/a Mulberry Plantation, ca. 1927-1932. Includes scenes of the Chapmans, their guests, and their laborers. Features vistas of the main house, grounds, and river; scenes of duck and deer hunting, picnicking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding.
Gene and June Blanchard are were both raised on Sullivan’s Island couple. Gene was born on the island and June’s family moved to the island when she was one year old. They and their families have known each other their entire lives. Gene was the youngest of five children, and was, to a great extent, cared for by his eldest sister, Mary. Gene’s father served as Township Commissioner and was the first person to make a round trip across the new Ben Sawyer Bridge in 1945. Gene and June became sweethearts in high school, both having attended Bishop England. They recount hair raising school bus rides across the Grace Bridge. They married in 1966 and raised two children on the island. Gene served as postmaster of Sullivan’s Island for 32 years, though his connection with the post office started at a very young age, thanks to his aunt being postmistress. Gene and June have extensive fond memories of growing up on the island and relate many of those stories. They almost moved after the destruction of Hurricane Hugo, but the sound of a ship’s horn blowing in the harbor convinced them to stay. June recounts a near fatal episode with a rip current when she was young. They conclude with their current feelings about all the changes that have occurred on Sullivan’s Island over their lives.
Peggy Maginn Ferri shares her recollections of nearly 100 years living on Sullivan’s Island, including growing up in a house with 16 people, 9 of whom were children. She describes childhood activities that centered around the beach, playing ball, fishing and crabbing. Though she attended elementary school only a few blocks from her house, getting to high school in downtown Charleston required walking to the government dock, taking the ferry, and walking to Bishop England on Calhoun Street, an all day affair. Peggy speaks of her marriage to Ferdinand “Fergie” Ferri and their life together, both on and off the island. Much of Peggy’s life has been related to her family’s strong Catholic faith. Other anecdotes cover wine making, rum runners, and a famous island murder. Peggy ends with her statement that she has always considered herself a “girl of the island” having led an idyllic childhood, but notes her strong dislike for all the changes that have occurred on Sullivan’s Island.
A photograph of women in dresses riding a float in the Azalea Festival Parade. The float is decorated with a crest and anchor design. The woman in the back wears a crown and sash, and carries flowers.
A photograph of a decorated convertable car in the Azalea Festival parade. A woman in a dress and a sunhat sits in the back, and a sign on the car reads "Miss Rock Hill."
A photograph of a car decorated as a parade float for the Azalea Festival Parade. A woman sits in the back. A sign on the float reads "High School of Charleston."
A photograph of parade float for the Azalea Festival parade. Women in dresses sit on the float, holding flowers and waving. The float also features a stick-figure mascot.
A photograph of a decorated convertable car in the Azalea Festival parade. A woman in a dress and a sunhat sits in the back, and a sign on the car reads "Miss Rock Hill."
A photograph of a parade float for the Azalea Festival Parade. The float carries several women in swimsuits, and features a beach scene with a large umbrella. A small car pulls the float.
A photograph of a parade float for the Azalea Festival. The float features a fleur-de-lis and carries numerous women in dresses carrying flowers. A small vehicle pulls the float.
A photograph of decorated car in the Azalea Festival Parade. The car features a banner reading "Jimmie Dorsey Invites you to Opening Azalea Ball" and "County Hall Tue. April 18th."
A photograph of a parade float for the Azalea Festival. The float features a heart-shaped framed, children wearing crowns, palm fronds, and a sign reading "West Ashley Jaycees & Jaycee-ettes." A convertible car is pulling the float.
A photograph of a firefighter in uniform and a woman holding a March of Dimes poster. The poster reads "Prevent Crippling Diseases Birth Defects Arthritis Polio" and "Join the New March of Dimes."
A photograph of a firefighter in uniform holding a March of Dimes poster. The poster reads "Prevent Crippling Diseases Birth Defects Arthritis Polio" and "Join the New March of Dimes."
