Typescript copy of report entitled, "The Sea Islands as a Cultural Resource" discussing the rich African-American cultural heritage of what is known as the "Sea Islands" or "Gullah Area," consisting of approximately 1,000 islands ranging from the area slightly north of Georgetown, South Carolina to the Florida border.
Typescript copy of J. Herman Blake's report to the Emil Schwarzhaupt Foundation entitled, "Citizen Participation. Democracy and Social Change," regarding community development in Johns Island, South Carolina and the Woodlawn Area on the south side of Chicago.
Bookmobile serving African American children on John's Island. Seated at the table is Mae Holloway Purcell. Caption on back: "At Johns Island Negro Community House, 1950."
Color photograph of Septima P. Clark with William "Bill" Jenkins, son of Esau Jenkins, Bernice Robinson, and a young woman at Comprehensive Health Center on Johns Island, South Carolina.
Correspondence from Gordon H. Garrett, Superintendent of the Charleston County School District, to Esau Jenkins congratulating the recipient for his appointment as a member of the Board of Trustees of Constituent School District Number 9.
Color photograph of Septima P. Clark standing by a fence. Inscribed on back: "Septima Clark. Author of "Echo in My Soul" friend who showed me John's Island, S.C. Dec 7, 1971. Standing in fringe of home where land where she boarded is–now abandoned but owned–"
Correspondence from Ann Vick, Foxfire Program of the Institutional Development and Economic Affairs Service, to Thomas C. Carlo, Principal of the St. John's High School, regarding Foxfire programs.
Event program entitled, "Esau Jenkins…His Legacy," co-produced by the Caw Caw Interpretive Center and the Jenkins Family, sponsored by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.
Johns Island Community Branch Library. Staff and patrons checking out books. Standing behind the table is Mae Holloway Purcell. Caption on back: "Johns Island negro branch in negro community building."
Black and white photograph of group of children and adults arranged around a cafeteria. Inscription on back of image: "Health Program, Johns Island; Pupils and Parents; 1956; 74 cents; $1.00."
Black and white photograph of Dr. Leon Banov with Nurses Pembroke and Edwards. Inscription on back of image: "1956; Johns Island; Dr. Leon Banov; Nurse Pembroke–Black; Nurse Edwards–White."
Correspondence from Rev. P. J. Hammitt and Mary B. Johnson, Pastor and Chairperson for St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, regarding the upcoming St. Stephen A.M.E. Church centennial.
Lands of Paul Guerard called “The Hut," shows a public road and creeks, includes measurements. Names associated with this plat are Parker, W.B. Guerard, William Blacklock, Micah Jenkins, Thomas Humscoube, and Paul C. Grimball.
Announcement and program for the "Ceremony Officially Naming The S.C. 700 Bridge Over Church Creek Between Wadmalaw And Johns Island As The Esau Jenkins Memorial Bridge."
Letter updating Jenkins on the progress of enrollees and applicants for the creation of a day care center. Letter also discusses building renovations for the center.
Copy of plat of 342 acres on Johns Island. Very little detail, just an outline of the property with trees on the edges. Names associated with this plat are Thomas Ladson, Hanscome, Allen, William Wallisby, Robert Murens, and Brocher. Geographic locations are the Stono River, Colleton County and Johns Island.
“Plan of parcel of land of late belonging to John Jones and now sold and conveyed by the said Jones to James Carsen for 850 acres but the request of the said Carsen. The said tract of land has been resurveyed and find it to contain but 805 acres of land or there about, so that the original survey must have taken in 45 acres of the marshes of Bohicket River...true copy taken from the original plat in the property of Mr. William Carsen in June 1794." Names associated with this plat are John Carsen, John Jones, James Carsen, William Chambers, James Young, Thomas Winborns, McDoul, Abigail Winborn, John Gibbs, Wilkins, and William Carsen. Notable geographic locations include St. John's Parish, Bohicket River, Wadmalaw River and Johns Island.
Sipros Openen Plantation, 342 acre plantation in Colleton county near Stono River, an island plantation, shows property lines and no land detail, also shows surrounding area outside of the plantation. Names associated with this plat are William Willersby, Alens [?], Thomas Lattson, Robert Murens, Ambers Helle, Charles Craven, Hells and Thomas Broughton. Notable geographic locations include Colleton County, Stono River, Sipros Opener, and Johns Island.
600 acres plot granted to Richard Floyd residing in Colleton County lying and budding on the southside of Bohickett Creek, shows surrounding property names and creeks, shows land notes but no land type or details. Also shown is 200 acres granted by the Lords Proprietors by William Arnell in Colleton County. Names associated with this plat are Richard Floyd, Graeme [?], the Lords Proprietors, Michael Ranell, Thomas Broughton, Robert Gibbes, William Atnel, Timothy Bellemey, Anthony Matthews, Ambross Hill, John Prescot and Neufville. Notable geographic locations include John's Island, Bohickett Creek, Colleton County, Ambrose Hill, Stono River, and Keywa [Kiawah] Island.
Copy of a plan annexed to a deed for 177 acres given by Ebenezer Simmons to the John's Island Society lying adjoining the church on Johns Island. Names associated with this plat are Johns Island Society, Ebenezer Simmons, James Lawson, Robert Gibbes, William Boone, John Freer, George Scott, Thomas Smith, Daniel Doyley, Joshua Ward, John Hanyon, John Moultrie, Isaac Wraught, and John Stanyarn.
Copy of a plan of a plantation or tract of land lately sold to Isaac Holmes by James Legare lying on Johns Island, Charleston District from a plan annexed to Arleas from Thomas Legare and annexed to Isaac Holmes 1784. 380 acres. Names associated with this plat are Thomas Legare, James Legare, and Isaac Holmes. Notable geographic locations include Charleston District and Johns Island.
Copy of two adjoining plats of lands on Johns Island originally granted to Ambrose Hill now belonging to Miller St. John. Copied from the plats annexed to the original grants in 1795. Names associated with these plats are Ambrose Hill, Miller St. John, Richard Floyd, the Lords Proprietors, Job Howe, N. Johnson, Thomas Broughton and Lambert Lanee. Notable geographic locations include Johns Island, Ambrose Hill, Bohicket Creek, and Colleton County.
200 acres laid out to Jonathan Stocks situated in Colleton County lying on the side of Kywa [Kiawah] Creek, shows surrounding properties with no land type or detail. Names associated with this plat are Jonathan Stock, John Jones, John Edenborough, Thomas Jones, and Thomas Weatherby.
200 acres laid out to Joan Gryce, on the northwest side of Keywaw [Kiawah] Creek in Colleton County, on the left side it is bordered by the Marshes of Bohicket Creek. Names associated with this plat are Joan Gryce and James Witter. Notable geographic locations include Johns Island, Keywaw [Kiawah] Creek, and Bohicket Creek.
Plat of two tracts of land on Johns Island, both are 300 acres. Notes give a brief description of the properties, the drawings include very little detail. Names associated with this plat include John Prescot, Anthony Mathews, Graemede, the Lords Proprietors, Robert Cole, Robert Gibbs, Heufville, Arnold, Richard Floyd and Thomas Broughton. Notable geographic locations include Colleton County, Kywah [Kiawah] Creek, and Johns Island.
77 acres of marsh in two pieces situated on Johns Island along Stono River. Names associated with this plat are J.N. Mainville, Thomas Simmons, James Nicholas, Guervin, William Simmons and Marshall. Notable geographic locations are the Stono River, Johns Island, Charleston District, and Marshalls Creek.
Plat of land with rice fields and highlands noted along with the neighboring properties. Very little other detail or explanation given. Names associated with this plat include Carson, Isaac Waight, and Ann Stanyarn.
Plat of 230 acres on Johns Island. Little detail included on the plat, but there is an short explanation of the deed. Names associated with this plat are John Jones, Ebenezer Simmons, James Witter, Samuel Palmevine, John Palmavin, and Welkins. Notable geographic locations included in this plat are the Keiwaugh [Kiawah] River, Coll’s Creek, Savannah Tract, Johns Island, and Colleton County.
Plan of a parcel of land situated on Johns Island and containing 86 1/2 acres. Being part of a body of land belonging to Thomas Mathews. Bounded northwardly by a public road, eastwardly on James Legare's land, and southwardly on land belonging to Isaac Holmes and Thomas Legare. Intended to be conveyed to Isaac Holmes. Names associated with this plat are Thomas Mathews, Isaac Holmes, Thomas Legare, William Stanyarn, Matthews and James Legare.
120 acre plot purchased by George Rivers, shows Bohicket Creek and several smaller creeks, also denotes some marsh, highland, and riverbanks, the plot of land is divided into six smaller plots with "Broad Road" running between them. Names associated with this plat are John Rivers, Dr. Micah Jenkins, James Stanyon, George Rivers, Hearn, Matthews, Solomon Freer, William Spencer, James Rivers, John Taylor, Margaret Simpson, William Holmes, John Holmes and James Legare. Notable geographic locations are Bohicket Creek, Johns Island, and Colleton County.
Work on paper in watercolor and ink. Pink church with two tall doors surrounded by forest. Handwritten note identifies location of site as John's Island.
López was born in Mexico City in 1978, but grew up with her grandparents in a very small town called Huaycali in the state of Guerrero. Recalling her childhood, López reminisces about the responsibilities she had as a peasant girl and describes the customs and celebrations of her land. As a teenager, she crossed the border with her family and, after a difficult and dangerous journey, arrived in Johns Island, South Carolina, where one of her aunts lived. Almost immediately, López started working in the fields to pay for the expenses of her trip. A short time later, a young friend from Mexico came looking for her. They were married soon after, and have been together ever since. They have two children and consider Johns Island their place in the world. In her interview, López explains that education is very important to her and her husband, which is why they have made an effort to learn, better themselves, and train as community leaders. In this learning process, she explains, the sisters of Our Lady of Mercy played a crucial role. López also reflects on her work with various community organizations such as PASOs, Family Corps, and Holy Spirit Parish.López nació en la Ciudad de México en 1978 pero creció junto a sus abuelitos, en un pueblo muy pequeño llamado Huaycali en el estado de Guerrero. Recordando su infancia, López cuenta acerca de las responsabilidades que tenía como niña campesina y describe las costumbres y celebraciones de su tierra. Siendo adolescente, cruzó la frontera con su familia y después de un viaje azaroso y difícil llegó a Johns Island, South Carolina donde residía una de sus tías. Apenas llegada, Alma comenzó a trabajar en la agricultura para poder pagar los gastos de su viaje. Al poco tiempo, un joven amigo de México llegó a buscarla y enseguida se casaron. Desde entonces López y su esposo han estado juntos. Tienen dos hijos y consideran a Johns Island su lugar en el mundo. López explica que la educación es muy importante para ella y su marido y que por esa razón se han esforzado en aprender y formarse como líderes comunitarios. En ese proceso de aprendizaje, su relación con las hermanas de Our Lady of Mercy tuvo un rol fundamental. López, también reflexiona acerca de su trabajo con distintas organizaciones comunitarias como PASOs, Family Corps y la Parroquia Holy Spirit.
Journalist and activist Juan Fernando Soto Martínez (b.1994) was born in the city of San Pedro de las Colonias, Coahuila, Mexico but soon his family moved to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. When he was seven years old, his parents decided to immigrate to the United States and settled down on Johns Island, South Carolina. From an early age, he excelled as a student, and a couple from the Catholic community provided financial support to further his education. He attended Charleston Collegiate, a private school on Johns Island and then Spring Hill College in Alabama where he earned a Bachelor in Journalism. After completing his degree, Soto Martinez returned to Charleston and founded Recursos Estatales (State Resources), an information service for the local Spanish-speaking community. In the interview, Soto Martínez reflects on his DACA status, the complexities of growing up in a small community, his love for journalism and his activism. He affirms his right to live his life on his terms and to pursue his dreams as a Latino gay man. El periodista y activista Juan Fernando Soto Martínez (1994) nació en la ciudad de San Pedro de las Colonias, Coahuila, México, pero pronto su familia se mudó a Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Cuando tenía siete años sus padres decidieron emigrar a Estados Unidos y se radicaron en Johns Island, Carolina del Sur. Desde pequeño se destacó como estudiante y un matrimonio de la comunidad católica lo ayudó económicamente para que pudiera estudiar en la escuela privada de Johns Island, Charleston Collegiate y posteriormente en Spring Hill College en Alabama donde obtuvo el título de Bachelor en Periodismo. Después de completar sus estudios regresó a Charleston y fundó Recursos Estatales, un emprendimiento periodístico que sirve a la comunidad hispanohablante local. En la entrevista, Soto Martínez reflexiona sobre su situación de joven DACA, las complejidades de crecer en una comunidad pequeña, su amor por el periodismo y su activismo. Afirma su derecho a vivir su vida en sus propios términos y a perseguir sus sueños como joven latino y gay.
Karla Aguirre (b. 1995) was born in Mexico City, Mexico and lived there until she was six years old when her parents decided to immigrate to the United States. In the interview, Aguirre recalls her childhood in a neighborhood in the capital of Mexico, the journey to the United States and her impressions when she found herself for the first time in an unknown place surrounded by an unknown extended family. She explains that growing up in Johns Island was complex because she was part of two very different cultures: one of her classmates at the private school Charleston Collegiate, mostly middle-class whites, and the other, her working-class Mexican community. After finishing school, she participated in a workshop organized by United We Dream in Washington, DC. Then, she joined the organization as an activist and organizer. Aguirre talks about the barriers that dreamers face, including the high rate of mental health problems and the difficulty in accessing adequate services. She also reflects on the challenges of organizing politically, both in South Carolina and nationally, the positive and negative aspects of being an activist and organizer, and defends the right of undocumented youth to tell their own story and to define themselves. Finally, she points out that her dream is to resume her studies. Aguirre (1995) nació en la Ciudad de México, México y vivió allí hasta los seis años cuando sus padres decidieron emigrar a los Estados Unidos. En la entrevista, Aguirre recuerda su infancia en un barrio de la capital de México, la travesía hacia Estados Unidos y sus impresiones al encontrarse con una tierra y una familia extendida desconocidas. Explica que creció en Johns Island en un mundo muy complejo marcado por dos culturas completamente diferentes: la de sus compañeros en la escuela privada Charleston Collegiate, quienes en su mayoría eran blancos de clase media y la de su comunidad de origen mexicana y de clase trabajadora. Después de terminar la escuela, participó en un taller de la organización United We Dream para jóvenes DACA en Washington, DC y luego se unió a ellos como activista y organizadora. Aguirre habla acerca de algunas barreras que enfrentan los jóvenes soñadores, entre otros el alto índice de problemas de salud mental y la dificultad para acceder a servicios adecuados. También reflexiona acerca de desafíos para organizarse políticamente tanto en Carolina del Sur como nacionalmente, los aspectos positivos y negativos de su trabajo como organizadora y defiende el derecho de los jóvenes indocumentados a contar su propia historia y a definirse a sí mismos. Finalmente, señala que su sueño es retomar sus estudios universitarios.
Marcela Ortega was born in a rural area of the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. When she was nine years old, her family moved to Tampico, Tamaulipas. In 1989, she decided to immigrate to the United States to build a more prosperous future for the son she was pregnant with. Ortega and her husband arrived to Johns Island, South Carolina to work in a store that sold beverages to migrant workers. Shortly after, Ortega began cooking and selling food to the agricultural workers in Johns Island fields and surrounding areas. In the early nineties, responding to the growing community's needs she established El Mercadito, the first Hispanic store on Johns Island. Later, she opened La Huasteca, a Mexican restaurant. In the interview, Ortega describes Johns Island at the end of the eighties and in the nineties and reflects on the changes she has witnessed. Finally, she remembers participating in numerous cultural events as a dancer and takes pride in the fact that her story has been featured in the local newspaper, the Post and Courier. Marcela Ortega nació y vivió hasta los nueve años en una zona rural del estado de San Luis Potosí, México y luego se mudó junto a su familia a la ciudad de Tampico en el estado de Tamaulipas. En el año 1989 decidió emigrar a los Estados Unidos para construir un futuro más próspero para el hijo que estaba esperando. Junto a su esposo se estableció en Johns Island y comenzó a trabajar en una tienda que vendía bebidas y algunos otros productos a los trabajadores migrantes que llegaban a la isla en la época de la cosecha. Poco después, Ortega comenzó a vender comida en los campos no sólo de la isla, sino de poblaciones aledañas. A principios de los noventa, respondiendo a la necesidad de la comunidad que comenzaba a crecer, estableció El Mercadito, el primer negocio de venta de productos hispanos en Johns Island. Posteriormente también abriría un restaurante llamado La Huasteca. En la entrevista, Ortega recuerda la vida en Johns Island al final de la década de los ochenta y los noventa y reflexiona acerca de los cambios que ella ha observado. Finalmente, cuenta que participó bailando en numerosos eventos culturales y que se enorgullece de que su historia haya sido contada en el periódico local Post and Courier.
Bordallo was born in San Pedro Coahuila, Mexico, where she lived with her parents and six brothers until moving to the United States. Her father was a milliner and businessman. In 1978, she got married and crossed the border with her new husband. They arrived in Florida and stayed to work in agriculture, from there traveling to Virginia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and anywhere they were needed. They had three children. In 1986, they decided to settle on Johns Island because they wanted a more stable life and better educational opportunities for their children. They kept working on the fields and lived in a camp located on River Road. There, they met the sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, who visited the families and helped them to access community resources. Aspiring to a better quality of life for her family, Bordallo strove to acquire their own house through Habitats for Humanity. Bordallo and her husband regularized their legal status by accepting the amnesty granted by the Reagan administration and later became US citizens.Bordallo nació en San Pedro Coahuila, México y allí vivió junto a sus padres y seis hermanos hasta que emigró a Estados Unidos. Su padre fabricaba sombreros y se dedicaba a los negocios. En 1978, se casó y con su flamante marido cruzó la frontera. Se instalaron en Florida para trabajar en el campo y desde allí viajaban a Virginia, las Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, donde quiera que hubiera trabajo en la cosecha. Tuvieron tres hijos. En 1986 pensando en el bien y la educación de los niños decidieron establecerse en Johns Island. Al campo donde vivían, ubicado en River Road, comenzaron a llegar de visita las hermanas de Our Lady of Mercy y ellas los ayudaron a acceder a recursos comunitarios. Aspirando a una mejor calidad de vida para su familia luchó para conseguir su propia vivienda con Habitat for Humanity. Bordallo y su esposo se acogieron a la amnistía otorgada por el gobierno del presidente Reagan y más tarde se convirtieron en ciudadanos americanos.
In the second part of her interview, Bordallo recalls how her life changed after her family settled on Johns Island and explains how the island's Latino community has grown in recent years. Bordallo explains that their family has always valued education very highly, and, for that reason, she and her husband did not hesitate to invest their efforts in sending their children to private Catholic schools, first to Nativity and later to Bishop England. Bordallo is also proud of having paid for her children’s college education costs, and is happy to say they are now independent adults, giving her the opportunity to pursue her own projects, study, and travel. Bordallo works as a young children's teacher at Rural Mission, is a student at Trident Technical College, and remains an active member of Holy Spirit Parish on Johns Island. En esta segunda parte de la entrevista, Bordallo recuerda como cambió su vida después que su familia se estableció en Johns Island y describe cómo la comunidad latina de la isla ha crecido en los últimos años. Bordallo explica que la educación siempre ha sido un valor muy importante para su familia y que, por esa razón, ella y su esposo no dudaron en invertir sus esfuerzos para que sus hijos fueran a escuelas privadas católicas, primero a Nativity y más tarde a Bishop England. Bordallo se enorgullece también de haber pagado por los estudios universitarios de sus hijos y tener la capacidad, ahora que ellos son adultos independientes, de abocarse a sus propios proyectos, estudiar y viajar. Bordallo trabaja como maestra de niños pequeños en Rural Mission, estudia en Trident Tech y es miembro activo de la parroquia Holy Spirit en Johns Island.
Lu Edna Capers (1915) was born and raised in Johns Island, S.C. Capers, like her mother and her siblings, attended Promise Land School, a segregated school for black children on the island. In this interview, Capers recalls her experiences at Promise Land describing the school building and its inadequate equipment. She explains how the classes were organized, what were the students' routines and responsibilities, and the games they played. She also recalls some of her teachers, among them civil right leader Septima Clark.
Correspondence from representatives from various Johns Island organizations to Gedney Howe, Chairwoman of the Antipoverty Program in Charleston, regarding a proposal submission.
Correspondence from Abraham B. Jenkins tp Reverend McKinley Washington, Jr. thanking the recipient for "the initiative, effort and time" with regard to the Esau Jenkins Memorial Bridge on behalf of the Jenkins family.
Correspondence from James G. Blake to Esau Jenkins' widow, Janie Jenkins regarding Esau Jenkins' posthumous reciept of the Outstanding Freedom Fighter Citation, awarded by the "S.C. Conference of Branches of the NAACP."
Volante de Charleston Dorchester Community Mental Health Center anunciando servicios terapéuticos bilingües disponibles para familias con niños pequeños en Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island y comunidades aledañas. / Flyer from the Charleston Dorchester Community Mental Health Department announcing bilingual counseling and therapeutic services to families with young children on Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, and surrounding communities.
A black and white print of four black and white photographs. Beginning top right and following clockwise: Photograph of Tommy Legare and Bull in Johns Island, SC; Photograph of a Unidentified Man Standing with Cattle; Photograph of Group Admiring Vegetables; and Photograph of Cows Grazing.
Willa Mae Freeman was born and lived most of her life on Johns Island. In this interview Freeman recalls growing up in a rural environment and learning to work on farming since early age. She also remembers her days at Promise Land School, a segregated school for black children. She describes the precarious school structure and the students' responsibilities and routines. When she was in fourth grade, Promise Land building was closed and all the students were transferred to Mt. Zion Elementary. Then, for the first time, they rode the school bus and had access to the bookmobile. Freeman reflects about the importance of education and expresses her concerns for the problems that happen at school nowadays.
A black and white photograph of the Johns Island Young Peoples Club's agricultural exhibit. Vegetables, preserves, hunting prizes, cotton and various plants are also pictured.
Caption: 'The advance upon Charleston--entrance to the Stono River, S.C.--from a sketch by Lieut. Coleman, 100th N.Y.S. Vol.' Also identified with captions: 'Kiawah Island and River. John's Island. Stono River. Cole's Island. Old Rebel Fort.' [full date April 25, 1863.]
Correspondence from Reverend Willis Goodwin, Chairman of the Board of Rural Mission, Inc., to friends of Rural Mission, Inc. informing the recipients of Esau Jenkins' death.
Photocopied biography of Esau Jenkins, describing his education, professional achievements, colleagues, and associated businesses and organizations. Small portrait of Jenkins appears on the first page.
State of South Carolina County of Charleston Department of Education member of the Board of Trustees for St. John's Constituent School District seal for Esau Jenkins.
Esau Jenkins fact-sheet containing information on his activities with regard to organizations, schools, elections to new organizations, awards received, and churches.