“Dr. Einstein was not successful in school, but he found something in the air from his own imagination and his own brain power, and look what he did.”
- Eartha Kitt
Welcome to Orangeburg
Eartha Kitt was born in the city of North in Orangeburg County which is a close neighbor to Orangeburg, SC. I was ignorant of this very human and creative woman until I did research on people from the area. I do not usually do this but I am sharing the link to her quotations as her words give a fuller picture of who she is and what her experiences have been.
Beauty
‘Orangeburg District was formed in 1769, however the name was used as far back as the 1730s for a settlement along the Edisto River. The district originally encompassed the counties of Lexington, Winton, Orange and Lewisburg. The county and it’s county seat were named for the Prince of Orange (William IV) who was son-in-law of King George the second. Barnwell, Lexington, Aiken and Calhoun counties were all formed out of this district. (1800, 1804, 1871, and 1908 respectively.) Orangeburg county was the location of the Battle of Eutaw Springs in the Revolutionary War on September 8, 1781. The Battle of Eutaw Springs was the last major battle of that war in South Carolina. Cotton was a major product of the county in the years leading up to the Civil War. During the war Union troops under the command of General Sherman passed through Orangeburg County. During the Civil Rights era, Orangeburg became known for what was called the “Orangeburg Massacre”, during which several students were killed during a civil rights protest at South Carolina State University.’
All is Well
I do know that many of the people I talked to in Orangeburg were disappointed to learn that South Carolina refused to accept any stimulus money as many are hurting financially and are seeking better employment opportunities.
Small and Beautiful
Shawnee Smith was born in the city of Orangeburg, SC and left when she was one year old to move to California.
I have been using Orangeburg as a place to visit towns around and wait out the passing of severe thunderstorms one of which arrived here yesterday. The place I am staying had many unexpected visitors. People driving in the blinding rain had to stop driving and stay here. I wasn’t driving.
In many places across the country, I have shared my overnight stops with the Police, Army, Airforce, National Guard and slept well. But with all due respect to our great service persons, I loved the thought of having Mickey Mouse in the parking lot all night.
Matches Orangeburg
“I have a great belief in the fact that whenever there is chaos, it creates wonderful thinking. I consider chaos a gift.”
- Septima Poinsette Clark – May 3, 1898-December 15, 1987 – American Educator and Civil Rights Activist
Julius Waties Waring -1880-1960 was also born in Charleston, SC. He played an important role in the early legal battles of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Park Entrance
I love Septima’s above quote as the word chaos in itself has different meanings for different circumstances and actually it is used often just to dismiss a circumstance. I would love to sit down with Septima to talk about what was in her mind and what she was referring to at the time. To see ‘chaos’ or any so called negative as a ‘gift’ coming our way in which we can involve our being in creativity is so freeing. Chaos could be an event; anarchy, confusion, or a mess challenging a creative solution.
Park Your Bike
Be sure to check out this site on the Gullah Women – like everything else in Charleston, the history is fascinating.
I took three pictures of these interesting women and their weaved baskets. I did not have the opportunity to talk to them and from what the tour guide said, I am not sure if we would have understood each other. I would have liked to try.
Weaving
On The Church Steps
Resources for Homelessness in Charleston: http://www.sciway.net/org/charleston-sc-homeless.html
An important news story to read even if it is from last year: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/jul/20/homelessness_spreads89772/
Home in Charleston
“I’m going back to dignity and grace. I’m going back to Charleston, where I belong.”
– Rhett Butler, in 1939 movie, “Gone with the Wind”
Reaching for the Clouds
Charleston has a different feeling than Savannah – it is more of a ‘bustling’ city compared to the calmness in Savannah. The beauty and uniqueness of Charleston homes and the layout of the city were all influenced greatly from its history which they make sure prevails today. I took a two hour tour of Charleston with only one stop at a home. Randy was a wonderful tour guide with his knowledge and passion of Charleston. Here are some links as my talent is not presenting summaries of history and background.
One of My Favorites
For Sale – Tempting
I took over a hundred pictures and you will view only a few. I love seeing the church steeples in the sky; I love stairs; and of course the homes and stores. Not all, but most of the homes are very close to each other.
Holy City
One of the famous people from Charleston is “your favorite and mine”: Stephen Colbert.
Peaceful
Ready For Climbing
“There is a place in God’s sun for the youth “farthest down” who has the vision, the determination, and the courage to reach it.”
- Mary McLeod Bethune, 1875-1955, American educator – born in Maysville, South Carolina.
A remarkable woman, a remarkable journey in her life’s work of providing education to those in most need. To me, Mary Bethune’s life message was and still is the ‘hope’ expressed in the state motto:
“Dum Spiro Spero” – While I breathe, I hope
Hello from South Carolina! I like the state motto and right now everyone is hoping for a break in the heat including these thirsty flowers:
Needs Watering
Surviving
My introductory pictures to Charleston are very unfair as this is known to be a very beautiful city. Tomorrow I will be checking out what they call the “Holy City” — a unique name for a unique city. I will be visiting the heart of Charleston tomorrow.
Right now I am staying at a motel along with many eight year olds and their families as they have arrived from the surrounding areas, including North Carolina, for the Tee-Ball tournament.
Southern Hotel
In talking with a few people, homelessness in Charleston and surrounding areas is increasing. Most people are not aware of shelter locations or how it is being handled; but the fact that homelessness exists worries many. The link below is important in describing where the increases are taking place and speaks to the ‘new homeless’ in rural areas and suburbs. After the article is a heated discussion with name calling, politics, and at the same time some real issues on homelessness are discussed. I like it because of the give and take and allowing us to take a ‘peek’ inside people’s opinions a year ago. I always read the comment sections to the very end.
The State of South Carolina has an overall ranking of 39% out of fifty states in responding to homeless children in the State.
From the vital issues to a more relaxing and learning challenge is the introduction of the South Carolina State Dance called the ‘Shag’.
I was lost on step one!
Saturday, June 28: http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/
