News Summary
Charleston is grappling with critical preservation issues as the community rallies to save three significant historical landmarks: the Porgy House, Nine Mile Fork School, and Tobin-Boyd Elementary School. These sites reflect the rich cultural history of the area and face threats from development and neglect. The Preservation Society of Charleston is working with local advocates to secure the future of these structures, pushing for recognition and protections before it’s too late.
Charleston Faces Urgent Preservation Challenges
Charleston is dancing with time as the race to save three culturally significant landmarks in Charleston County heats up. The Preservation Society of Charleston is waving a red flag, urging the community to rally around these historical treasures. Among these landmarks are the iconic Porgy House on Folly Beach, a formerly segregated school in the Red Top community, and one of the last remaining Rosenwald Schools. These sites reflect the rich history and cultural significance of the area, and the clock is ticking!
Porgy House: A Window Into the Past
The Porgy House, a charming cottage built in the 1930s, served as a summer retreat for Dorothy and DuBose Hayward. This duo wasn’t just vacationing; they were the creative minds behind the renowned novel and play “Porgy.” Fast forward to 1935, and the world was introduced to Porgy and Bess, an opera composed by George Gershwin. Gershwin found inspiration in the writings of the Haywards, even choosing to stay at the Porgy House in 1934 while composing some of his most famous pieces.
Today, the Porgy House remains a vital link to Gershwin’s Charleston, thanks to its dedicated owners, Myles and Kathy Glick. However, after being listed for sale at a whopping $3 million, its future hangs in the balance. With home values skyrocketing and environmental threats looming from hurricanes and rising waters, preserving this landmark is more critical than ever.
Community Takes Action
The Preservation Society is taking steps to secure the Porgy House’s future. They are collaborating with the Glicks and a real estate agent to explore avenues for long-term protection. The community hasn’t stayed silent either. Local preservationists and Folly Beach residents have come together to discuss the cottage’s significance and brainstorm ways to safeguard it further. A community action committee is being formed to rally support and explore opportunities for inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s network of Historic Artists’ Homes.
Historic Schools at Risk
But it’s not just the Porgy House that needs saving. The Nine Mile Fork School, constructed in 1927 under the influence of Julius Rosenwald, stands as one of the last intact Rosenwald Schools. It is currently on the market, with preservationists hoping for a buyer who will honor its historical legacy. Meanwhile, the Tobin-Boyd Elementary School, one of the last segregated schools in Charleston, faces an uncertain fate. Closed since 2004, its current owners are seeking demolition permits, eliciting concern from local advocates. The PSC, along with community leaders, is pushing for Tobin-Boyd to be recognized as a significant historical site as part of an upcoming Red Top County Historic District.
The Bigger Picture of Preservation
The challenges surrounding these historic sites shine a light on a broader issue in Charleston. The city has experienced a decline in the preservation of historic homes, with regulations often favoring flood compliance over safeguarding history. While obtaining a demolition permit for homes older than 50 years comes with considerable costs, the number of permits issued for demolitions on Folly Beach since January 2023 raises eyebrows.
Myles Glick, co-owner of the Porgy House, expresses concern over potential buyers who might envision tearing down the cottage to build new homes. He envisions a future where its historical integrity remains intact and plans to attach a preservation easement during the sale. The community’s eagerness to preserve the Porgy House brings to mind other successful efforts, like the protection of the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island.
Why It Matters
Preserving the Porgy House and the other historic landmarks isn’t just about saving old buildings. It’s about honoring the cultural and historical stories encapsulated within these walls. The land is a witness to the rich tapestry of the past, and protecting it means acknowledging and celebrating the roots of the community. Charleston has the chance to not just stand still in time but to cherish its history while building a brighter future.
As efforts continue, the rallying cry for preservation gets louder. The city of Charleston finds itself at a crucial crossroads, and the outcome rests on the shoulders of residents, advocates, and preservation enthusiasts who care deeply about their history. Now is the time to act and safeguard these landmarks for generations to come!
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Porgy House Faces Uncertain Future
- CHS Today: Three Charleston Cultural Landmarks
- Lonely Planet: South Carolina’s Best Beaches
- Charleston City Paper: Cell Phone Restrictions for Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historical Preservation
