McLeod Plantation now owned by Chas. County Parks

McLeod Plantation, Charleston, S.C.

My friend Charlotte from Charleston through an Artist's Eyes painted almost the same scene I photographed at McLeod Plantation.

Good news, kids! Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission took ownership of McLeod Plantation this week, putting the historic site in the public realm where it belongs. Willie McLeod, who died in 1990 at age 104, left his share of the property with the condition that it could be preserved. I can't wait to see what good things come of this!

Wow, it's been a busy week. My office looks like a train wreck. Friday looked like a precious jewel at the end of a complicated obstacle course but we made it, didn't we? Every time I walked past a waiting room today I had to stop for a few minutes to watch the news about the earthquake in Japan. I've watched most disasters through the years in hospital waiting rooms sharing the moment with random strangers. What a terrible event. Those poor people.

Folly Beach Questions

Folly Beach, S.C.

I've puzzled over this old photo find on Folly Beach for a long time. What do you think? A shelter blown to shreds? Folly Beach style prayer flags?

Beach Bum recently mentioned a "just the guys" day trip to Charleston and asked about places to eat. Do you have suggestions for them on Folly or in town?

Andy, never tell a lie......

Near this spot is buried Elizabeth Jackson
Mother of President Andrew Jackson
She gave her life cheerfully for
the Independence of her country
on an unrecorded date in Nov, 1791
And to her son Andy this advice:
"Andy, never tell a lie,
nor take what is not your own,
nor sue for slander,
settle those cases yourself."

During the Revolutionary War, 14 year old Andrew Jackson and his older brother Robert were captured by British soldiers in the Battle of Hanging Rock. The officer in command ordered Jackson to clean his boots. Jackson refused. The officer raised his sword to strike a violent blow at the boy's head. Jackson ducked and threw up his left hand. "It was cut to the bone, and a gash on his head left a white scar that Andrew Jackson carried through a long life that profited little to England or any Englishman."

Jackson's mother persuaded the British to release her boys, but by this time both had contracted smallpox. Jackson's mother and his critically ill brother rode horseback on the 45 mile journey home. Andrew walked barefoot and without a jacket, despite a driving rain the last day of the trek. Robert died two days later. Andrew was delirious and in mortal danger. Over several months, he slowly recovered. When Andrew seemed out of danger, his mother left to nurse prisoners of war in Charleston, but contracted cholera there and died.

I spotted this marker while taking a shortcut through the College of Charleston campus.

Lay Down the Towel

Charleston, S.C.

The folks in the marketing department at my hospital are known for coming up with some very creative ads. They have successfully used employees and often my volunteers as actors and models. I was in a tv spot last year examining the rash on the arm of my assigned tv husband and encouraging him to see a doctor.

It was fun! People recognized me and strangers offered to let me check rashes all over town. Heh. I've been handy for a few shots for senior programs mainly because of my white hair. I shouldn't have been surprised when the gals in marketing called laughing their heads off, saying they needed me for another commercial.

This spot is on awkward questions people have to ask their doctor. My theme? Yep. Incontinence. My only line was, "When I laugh, I leak!"

They had a great film crew working the shoot and decided to let down my hair. My hope is that people will be so distracted by my long hair that they won't hear what I am saying. Ya think?

Seriously, of course - there are awkward questions that people need to be able to ask their doctor. It is a clever idea for a spot and I wasn't the only person convinced to help out. My co-workers are going to get a kick out of this one and someone might actually get help.

Now, I am going to pile my hair back up on my head as usual and go for my walk.

Bubba!

Charleston, S.C.

I've often said I could find everyone's corner of the pavement sooner or later and I just did all at once. Bubba!

Good news for dog lovers. I started the first two pet therapy dogs at the new Mount Pleasant Hospital this afternoon. Welcome to Molly and Max who will start official rounds next week. I've been running around from hospital to hospital today but ended up getting home early enough to nod off for a few minutes. Zzzzzz. Perfect.

Wrought Iron Balcony

Charleston, S.C.

In the Charleston vs Savannah discussions it is often mentioned that Savannah has more wrought iron work than Charleston but you have to admit that we do have some of the most magnificent examples. I found this discussion where someone stirred up a hornet's nest by saying the two cities were almost identical. Commenters uploaded photos to demonstrate the similarities and differences.

Not only do we have great iron work, but we also have some Savannah style row houses.

I need about four more hours in a day, kids. Four might do it.

Weekend Chores

Folly Beach, S.C.

To avoid doing my taxes this afternoon I drove out to Folly Beach and enjoyed a visit to this little slice of heaven and then a sandwich at the Surf Bar. Now as usual I need to do all my chores in the last few hours of the weekend. Sob.

You might not be able to tell, but if you are reading this on my main blog site at Charleston Daily Photo, rather than on Facebook, I have done some straightening up on my links. I've separated local blogs from other favorites and added a lot of lowcountry blogs to the blogroll directory. A few wouldn't add for some odd reason so if you think I've missed you feel free to let me know and I can give it another try.

My Theme Song

I've decided that The Happy Wanderer is my theme song. Valderi! Valdera!

Although I walk in the lowcountry now, I have also hiked for miles over hill and dale in West Virginia, Peru, England, Scotland, Ireland and India. I've googled different versions of the song and between all the accordion and children's choir versions are these two extremes - the Muppets dangerous mountain climbing adventure and Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians below. Enjoy!

The Happy Wanderer

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.

Chorus:
Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.

I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
"Come! Join my happy song!"

I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev'ry green wood tree.

High overhead, the skylarks wing,
They never rest at home
But just like me, they love to sing,
As o'er the world we roam.

Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
Beneath God's clear blue sky!

Lonestar BBQ & Mercantile

.
Lonestar Mercantile & BBQ, Santee, S.C.

When a friend told me about Lonestar, my initial reaction was doubtful there there could be something quite as cool as he was describing that close to Charleston that I didn't know about. How could that be?

Your Destination for Food, Fun & Old-Time Charm. Go back in time at Lone Star Go back in time as you dine and shop at Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile. Selected #1 for "down home cooking" by The State newspaper, Lone Star has earned a reputation for its tasty food, cooked just like Grandma used to fix it. In addition to its barbecue and other featured entrees, there is always a good selection of fresh vegetables, salad selections and desserts. Relive the past as you enjoy some of the best country cooking the South has to offer!

Buildings at Lone Star Lone Star is a "one of a kind" restaurant and general store that is comprised of four old frame buildings that served as rural country stores and farm commissaries in the late 1800's, on into the 20th Century. In fact, Zeaglar's Store was in operation as a post office and mercantile until 1997.

The old wooden houses were moved to this location and joined together by a passage at the back of the buildings so you can walk through from one to the other. The buffet and general store are in the first one. The buffet consists of the usual pork and chicken bbq, tomato pie, soggy over-cooked squash, banana pudding sweet iced tea and meals are eaten surrounded by an amazing collection of memorabilia.

Thanks for the tip Bobby! It's nice to know there are still cool spots out there to explore. Now, I need to get to my bed or I will sleep away the rest of my weekend. I hope everyone is having a good few days off.

Poor Piggie Heaven

King St., Charleston, S.C.

It's hard to miss the fact the Charleston Food & Wine Festival is in town and Foodies have flown in from far and wide to join the festivities. This is what I passed as I walked up King St. this morning - a BBQ feast being prepared right on the street.

Key Word Search

Charleston, S.C.

Statcounter has a neato feature that lets us check to see what string of key words people entered that landed them on our site. It is ever fascinating. Here is today's:

A Tribute to volunteers poem by Joan Perry
"Dining With Friends"
bottle tree
little black cab charleston
sock monkey by crying child
does charlie's grocery charleston sc pick up
CHARLESTON SC BLOG
frank lloyd wright biltmore
A Tribute to volunteers poem by Joan Perry
king street charleston, sc
sheepman charleston sc
paintings of oak trees of the south
don't block the drive way pictures
abandoned churches
paul frank sock monkey
a real picture of a leprechaun
david boatwright charleston
cooper river bridge run blog
hurricane hugo charleston
ststrephennewpaperinsouthcarolina
charleston hat shop
Parks and families
Signs that hang in an old county store
how to make a palmetto rose
palmetto bluff chapel
charleston daily photo blog
rutledge ave charleston
rose legend
charleston daily blog
confederate home
undignified ways to die

Luckily, for most of them, I was able to be of help.

Nice night. Met friends for drinks at Fish and then ambled across the street to Closed for Business. Good times.

Slow Down. Humans Present.

Vanderhorst & Coming St., Charleston, S.C.

Another old one. This is one of my favorite pictures. Signs like this are gifts left out for me to find on the streets of Charleston and bring back to present to you. It's like a photo treasure hunt and time is of the essence. This was handwritten on white foam board. The next time I passed it was broken and gone, yet here it lasts forever.

Before & After - Charlie's Grocery Store

Charlie's Grocery, Jasper St., Charleston, S.C.

According to my records the first photo was taken in 2005 and the follow up is the 2011 update. Charlie's Grocery store is on Jasper St. in Radcliffeborough and known for it's Falafel. Shamefully I have never had a falafel at Charlies and it is just a few blocks from my house. I need to take care of that.

It does look like the advances included indoor plumbing - no more toilet on the street. Heheh.

Tuesday Evening

Charleston, S.C.

My friend Debby suggested that we go to the International Piano Series at Memminger Auditorium this evening and we stopped by Pane e Vino on Warren St. before the concert. I believe we ordered everything mushroom and eggplant related off of the appetizer menu - which was most of it, including a cup of mushroom soup! Ya like what ya like!

That is not a picture of the restaurant but a lovely home I snapped on my Sunday walk. I stockpile photos on the weekends to make up for walking after dark.

Dr. Homeboy. My Hero

Dr. Alonzo McClennan, Charleston, S.C.

He isn't exactly my homeboy but he is my hero and he lived and practiced medicine in my home. I spotted a notice in the paper that Dr. Alonzo McClennan was to be remembered with a new plaque in front of the address that used to house the hospital he founded on Cannon St. Besides the mayor and assorted Medical University dignitaries I was one of the few white faces in attendance. I was tempted to claim to be a great, great, great niece but was honored enough to be able to say, "I live in his house."

Alonzo Clifton McClennan, MD was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1855. He attended public school there, and in 1873 was appointed to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. After four months he resigned from the academy and studied at Wilberham Academy in Massachusetts and the University of South Carolina. He graduated with honors from Howard University in Washington, DC, receiving degrees both from the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine. Dr. McClennan moved to Charleston in 1884 and established the first Negro drug store. In 1897 he spearheaded the drive to fund and staff the Hospital and Training School for Nurses, which he served as medical director,instructor of surgical nursing, and surgeon in charge until his death in 1912. His son, Ridley U. McClennan, MD, also served as a medical director of the Hospital.

Known as a severe disciplinarian and occasional dictator, Dr. Alonzo McClennan posessed admirable surgical skill and unquestioned devotion to his hospital staff and his community. The good he accomplished for both earned their loyalty and respect.

In those days, of course he wouldn't have been able to admit his patients to a hospital so used the basement of the house as his clinic. At that time it had an entrance from the street.

I have a letter from his great great grand daughter who remembered the house having mahogany staircases before it was chopped up into apartments. Then because of this blog, I was contacted by young descendants of his in New York who were delighted to know there was still a Charleston connection. I wish I had known about the event early enough to invite them down. They would have been the guests of honor.

After the speeches and official photo ops people who had worked at the Cannon St. Hospital and folks who had been born there posed for pictures.

Somewhere in Europe

Perry Family Travels

Hmmmm....where do you think this is? The photo next to it looks like Vienna but these old slides were not labeled. Does anyone recognize the landmark?

I am the shorty in the back row. Yes. There were eight of us.

Edit: I added this second view clearly taken on the same day. Vienna!

Saturday Night Funny

King St., Charleston, S.C.

A man with a winking problem is applying for a position as a sales representative for a large firm. The interviewer looks over his papers and says, "This is phenomenal. You've graduated from the best schools; your recommendations are wonderful, and your experience is unparalleled.

"Normally, we'd hire you without a second thought. However, a sales representative has a highly visible position, and we're afraid that your constant winking will scare off potential customers. I'm sorry....we can't hire you."

"But wait," he said. "If I take two aspirin, I'll stop winking!"

"Really? Great! Show me!"

So the applicant reaches into his jacket pocket and begins pulling out all sorts of condoms: red condoms, blue condoms, ribbed condoms, flavored condoms; finally, at the bottom, he finds a packet of aspirin. He tears it open, swallows the pills, and stops winking.

"Well," said the interviewer, "that's all well and good, but this is a respectable company, and we will not have our employees womanizing all over, the country!"

"Womanizing? What do you mean? I'm a happily married man!"

"Well then, how do you explain all these condoms?"

"Oh, that," he sighed. "Have you ever walked into a pharmacy, winking, and asked for aspirin?"

Joke snitched from Misscellania who always has the funniest stuff.

Earthquake in New Zealand

Rutledge Ave., Charleston, S.C.

Today's photo is of the blossoms framing the shell house at Ashley Hall School on Rutledge Ave. on my walk this morning but what was in my mind was this note I got about the earthquake in New Zealand. I had paid close attention to it because my brother Bob and wife Elaine had just posted their safe arrival home from a holiday there. I was so relieved to see that they were safe.

Dear Joan:

My name is Paul Freeman. I am part owner of a very small Painting/finishing company in North Charleston. The reason for me in contacting you is to ask you if you have been watching any of the news coverage on the horrible Quake which struck the city and region Of Christ Church New Zealand.

I was wondering if your organization has or will contact the stricken people of that town and is your specialized talents are of any use to them at this time of need. I have a friend who lives in Dunedin NZ a town south of The region hit by the quake. As a result of my friendship with this person I have had personal contact on all the going on's in the wake of this horrible event. I remember all the wonderful work you have done and was wondering if you can or are able to help these people. I am attaching a link to a volunteer group started by students at a university in ChristChurch which may be able to help you direct any help you may be able to give them.

Thank you for your attention to this.

Paul is right. These folks can use our help now. The first link is to a local student army of volunteers who are posting needs on Facebook so you can see exactly what is going on. The second link is for donations to the Red Cross in New Zealand which I expect is what they need most from us now. Thanks Paul!

UC Student Volunteer Army

Red Cross New Zealand

Cruze-arati Mike at the Lowcountry Oyster Roast

Nicole from Big Fuel, sent me the link to Mike from the Cruze-arati for Chevrolet link at the Lowcountry Oyster Fest oyster eating contest at Boone Hall. It looks like he cruises the country in a Chevrolet and participates in local activities. I have never gone to the Oyster Fest and didn't really know how an oyster eating contest was run. Yikes. They slurp down raw oysters from a cup. Uuuugh. Don't believe I could have any part of that.

Part 1 of the series from the Oyster Roast is here. Jamie Westendorf even has a starring role in this one.

Before& After - East Bay St.

East Bay St., Charleston, S.C.

Another one of my favorite old ruins renovated without my permission. These folks did a lovely job so I can't hold it against them. ;)

I've been here, I've been there, I've been everywhere this week. I held my annual "gathering of the clans" training meetings for hospital volunteers. Just FYI, my volunteers at Roper St. Francis Healthcare did over 88,000 hours of service in 2010. Pretty impressive group of people. They don't like to come to meetings though, so I stoop to bribing them by promising desserts and door prizes. Heheh.

I don't like going to meetings myself but spent all day in Columbia doing just that. I sat there squirming knowing I should have offered to serve as President or sumthin' this year but whenever someone mentions the word "bylaws" I lapse into a coma and my eyes roll back in my head. I consider that a handicap. I try to pull my weight by taking all their photos. I think I deserve dessert and a door prize myself.

It's the weekend kids!