My husband and I traveled to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, for a much-needed bit of respite. We did not fully escape as his mom visited the hospital while we were gone. We still handled family affairs on both sides from afar. And yet, we relished long walks on the beach in addition to extended periods of sitting and listening to the waves. Hard to unwind at the beginning of the trip, my mind galloped. Funny what thoughts pervaded as these phrases surfaced:
Be still
Be still
You get out what you put in
Seize the day
While these phrases battle one another somewhat, there is something to be gleaned from each of the three above. As the world turns, some of the younger generations hear these platitudes from those who have more experience and perhaps wisdom. The words tend to rattle in nimble brains attempting to take hold. Yet not until later years do individuals possibly grasp the deepest meanings. Then inevitably, they wish they yielded the tenants sooner. Such is the cycle. At least in my personal frame of reference and in observing those around me. And so, as the sages before me, I attempt to impart upon the next. I hope to save someone from loss, frustration, or missing out on what could have been – a whole lot sooner.
Seize the day
While these phrases battle one another somewhat, there is something to be gleaned from each of the three above. As the world turns, some of the younger generations hear these platitudes from those who have more experience and perhaps wisdom. The words tend to rattle in nimble brains attempting to take hold. Yet not until later years do individuals possibly grasp the deepest meanings. Then inevitably, they wish they yielded the tenants sooner. Such is the cycle. At least in my personal frame of reference and in observing those around me. And so, as the sages before me, I attempt to impart upon the next. I hope to save someone from loss, frustration, or missing out on what could have been – a whole lot sooner.
During many of the quiet moments on the beach that followed, I wondered as I often do, who sat and listened here before me? Who found this place? How did this specific spot evolve into the sought after location that exists today?
Dear lovers of history, might I share that life can be infinitely richer when we know whose we are and pause to reflect and absorb where we are. Be still. We might not have time to do this on the regular. When we do allow ourselves the opportunity, experiences deepen. You get out what you put in. I mentioned in prior posts how I considered who strolled amongst the ancient trees over the years. Who stepped on the worn stone stairs in the narrow, dim corridors. Who sat in the creaky pews or on the hard benches to listen to messages. Who prayed while watching light dance through vibrant stained glass. Wonder and awe. Part of the reason I adore traveling.
On a quest for the earliest accounts of what was once called Hunting Island and after named Long Island, I discovered that the Sewee, or “Islanders” were Native Americans who inhabited this stretch of beach. In the accounts I read the Sewee offered lessons on local agriculture to the English. Welcoming and forthcoming, these people shared what they knew and possessed. As always, my heart hurt as I learned of the outcome for these giving souls. Many succumbed to smallpox. A large contingent of their men sought to traverse the waters to England for trade and perished at sea. Some believe foreigners sold a large number into the slave trade. Eventually, history stopped recording the Sewee people entirely. Can you imagine? Gone.
What was life like for the Sewee before the English landed ashore? Without the benefit of a weather channel or app reporting on the latest storms approaching the coastline, how did they prepare? Or did they? What did they eat? What did they believe? We may never know.
In 1696, Thomas Holton acquired the title for Long Island. Other than Holton, the island remained under the radar. Some hunting and fishing parties landed on the sandy beaches through the mid-18th century.
During the American Revolution, the British General Sir Henry Clinton landed his 2,500 troops on the northern end, (now known as Wild Dunes). He and his soldiers hoped to attack Fort Sullivan, but efforts were thwarted by rough currents and American troops of William Thompson. This kerfuffle contributed to General William Moultrie’s later defeat of the British.
The first summer residence for a family was constructed in 1897. This spurred others to build. At the time, row boats provided transportation from the mainland. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, transportation evolved to include ferry boats and trolleys. The initial railways offered rather unstable rides as the rails shifted in sand.
Did you know the Ferris wheel created for the Chicago World's Fair of 1892 thrilled residents and visitors on the Isle of Palms as early as 1912? A hotel, beach pavilion, and dance hall provided entertainment. The hard packed beach offered a racetrack for horseless carriages (automobiles). Later, in addition to growth and construction mid-twentieth century, developer J.C. Long offered housing at lower costs to veterans returning from World War II. The island continued to grow as it gained full time residents.
Automobile use on beaches was outlawed in 1953. That same year the longest fishing pier in South Carolina opened, replete with snack bar, sinks for cleaning fish, and restrooms.
If you are interested in learning, read this nifty article of Isle of Palms Firsts.
Have you visited IOP? What is your favorite beach?
Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.
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