Hutchinson House, Edisto Island

Hutchinson House, Edisto Island, SC    

Built by a newly freed enslaved gentleman known as one of the "Black Kings of Edisto" for his wife, this charming home is one I have wanted to see and finally had the chance on Saturday. We couldn't get to close to it but I was delighted to happen upon it as we toured Edisto Island. What a charming home. It is sad to see it in ruins but a happy relief to learn that it will finally be restored.

Post & Courier: EDISTO ISLAND — Not long after the Civil War, some newly freed slaves on this sea island were able to prosper, to the point where they got the nickname "the black kings of Edisto."  Henry  Hutchinson was the son of one of these kings, and Hutchinson's late 19th century home, built next to the island's first black-owned cotton gin, signaled how quickly fortunes were improving for some in the wake of the war.  His two-story home included three dormers and eaves decorated with stylish Victorian detail, while a wraparound porch gave Hutchinson and his wife, Rosa Swinton Hutchinson, a grand view of their field and even of the distant marsh.

You may donate to the Edisto Open Land Trust for preservation here: Edisto Open Land Trust 
Take an inside tour with my friend Brandon Coffey: Youtube
Check out my friend, artist Charlotte Hutson Wrenn's painting here: Charleston Through an Artist's Eye

Swallow Bluff Plantation

Swallow Bluff Plantation, Edisto Island, SC  

I lined my shot up as closely as I could to match the beautiful painting by Andrea Hazel of the dovecotes at Swallow Bluff Plantation that was on the guide book to yesterday's Edisto & Beyond tour. I was one of the lucky ones who snagged a ticket to the sold out tour and had such a lovely time.

We visited churches, plantations, saw the Hutchinson home and topped the day with dinner at Ella & Ollies on Edisto Beach with Chef Philip Bardin. I will have more pictures of the day but these dovecotes at Swallow Bluff Plantation delighted my eye from the moment I saw the beautiful painting on the cover of the tour booklet.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Edisto Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church on Edisto, Edisto Island, SC   

There are beautiful historic churches on Edisto Island and the Presbyterian Church with it's tiny Praise Chapel is always worth a pause and visit. The historic cemetery comes with it's own ghost story. The congregation was founded in 1685 and the current church building was constructed in 1831.  The church sanctuary and manse (where pastors have lived since the 18th century) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

It is a beautiful but hot day in Charleston. I went by the Sunday Brunch Farmer's Market on Maybank Highway and now have a carrot cake in the oven and feel I should be able to laze around for the rest of the afternoon. Zzzzzzz. I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend. 

Edisto Mattress Swing

Mattress Swing, Edisto, SC 

The mattress swing on the side of the road is a familiar sight on the way to Edisto Beach. This is the most festive I've ever seen it. I am never sure of the etiquette - am I supposed to donate a couple bucks for the photo op? I'd be willing to but since I am never sure, I grab a shot and zip away.

Here is a link to some of the story: Edisto Mattress Swing. Sounds like it started when hubby had to sleep outside :)

Edisto mystery tree in it's summer glory

Edisto Mystery Tree, Edisto Island, SC   

The Edisto Mystery Tree is decked out in it's summer finery welcoming visitors to the island. I always look for it and try to grab a shot.

The tree stands a stone’s throw away from where Highway 174 intersects with Botany Bay Road. It’s nothing more than a scraggly little thing, but for generations it’s been decorated by locals and vacationers all throughout the year. During the peak summer months, it is commonplace to see beach chairs, sand pails, flip flops, Independence Day decorations, and a host of other items hanging from the tree. Like the seasons, the tree changes along with them. While the tree is ever-changing, the real mystery behind the tree is that nobody knows just who started the whole thing to begin with. In fact at one point some rebellious youths uprooted the tree and hauled it away, but lo and behold, some mysterious benefactor planted another similar tree in its place. Whether it was the same person who planted the original tree and started the decorative tradition or just a local who couldn’t stand to see the festive plant disappear, it appears that the Edisto Mystery Tree is not going away any time soon.

Edisto Mystery Tree

Edisto Mystery Tree, Edisto, S.C.

I've featured the Edisto Mystery Tree before but it's hard to resist pulling over for a shot of the colorful curiosity. My friend Rebecca pointed out that there wasn't really a tree there at all but you can see some driftwood limbs beneath the hanging decorations. That appears to be a pink volkswagon on the top and the sign reads "Live Slow Die Old". Not bad advice. As always I appreciate people who contribute to my joy in the world.

SCIway has a map to the location in case you are heading that way. 

Atlasobscura: Almost more of a natural coatrack than a tree, the Edisto Mystery Tree has nonetheless become a festive magnet for zany decorations in a tradition that has no clear origin.
The tree stands a stone’s throw away from where Highway 174 intersects with Botany Bay Road. It’s nothing more than a scraggly little thing, but for generations it’s been decorated by locals and vacationers all throughout the year. During the peak summer months, it is commonplace to see beach chairs, sand pails, flip flops, Independence Day decorations, and a host of other items hanging from the tree. Like the seasons, the tree changes along with them. While the tree is ever-changing, the real mystery behind the tree is that nobody knows just who started the whole thing to begin with. In fact at one point some rebellious youths uprooted the tree and hauled it away, but lo and behold, some mysterious benefactor planted another similar tree in its place. Whether it was the same person who planted the original tree and started the decorative tradition or just a local who couldn't stand to see the festive plant disappear, it appears that the Edisto Mystery Tree is not going away any time soon.

 

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Trinity Episcopal, Edisto

Trinity Episcopal Church, Edisto Island, S.C

We have some of the most beautiful country churches in South Carolina and I love being a passenger in a car when the driver says, "let me know if you want me to pull over for a picture". You can imagine we had some screeching brakes and quick turn-arounds driving to Edisto Beach yesterday.

I knew this would be today's Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance. This is the Trinity Episcopal Church on Edisto Island.

I hope everyone is having a good long Labor Day weekend. Thanks to the volunteers staffing the desks at the hospital so I can enjoy my day off. Picture me blowing kisses to you all!