09.22.2023

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Today’s Forecast

These bridges are history

History of the old Cooper River bridges

John P. Grace Memorial Bridge | Photo by Boston Public Library, image has been resized

If you’ve lived in the Lowcountry long enough, you’ve seen many bridges come and go. The connection between Mt. Pleasant and downtown Charleston has transformed quite a bit over the past century, so we’ve laid out the history of the iconic bridges that have crossed the Cooper River.

John P. Grace Memorial Bridge

In 1928, the Cooper River Bridge Company began building the Grace Memorial Bridge, aka the Old Bridge. It got its namesake from former Charleston Mayor John P. Grace. This 250-foot-tall, $6 million infrastructure opened in the summer of 1929 as the largest bridge of its kind in the world. The privately-owned structure consisted of two lanes stretched narrowly over the Cooper River and Town Creek. It became the only bridge to span the Cooper River, which was previously traveled across by boat.

In the winter of 1946, a freighter collided with the Old Bridge, causing several fatalities and $300,000 worth of damage. It was unusable for months, and a temporary one-lane crossing was built until Grace Memorial was fully restored in June 1946. The state took ownership of the bridge + the toll was ended.

Screen Shot 2021-12-28 at 3.42.24 PM — Grace Memorial and Silas Pearman bridges | Photo by Charleston Corps

As the population and industry rose, the need for a larger connection between the two towns became difficult to ignore. Safety concerns grew on the curb-less bridge + the structure earned a 4 out of 100 safety rating a decade before its demolition. Although the Old Bridge inspired fear in the hearts of many, it is affectionately remembered by community members. It was torn down in 2005, after 76 years of Lowcountry history. Watch the demolition. (SC Picture Project + WCBD)

2 more you might remember

Events

Friday, Sept. 22

National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition | Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Nov. 18 | 6 a.m.-10 p.m. | North Charleston Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Ave. | Free | Enjoy the sculpture displays of 13 pieces along walking paths, a fishing pier, boardwalk, playground, and children’s play fountain.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition | Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Oct. 1 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain St. , Charleston | $13-$32.30
Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24 | 12-7 p.m. | Hotel Bennett, 404 King St., Charleston | Free | Get ready to raise your glasses for an unforgettable celebration in the heart of the Holy City.
“Under The Radar” Opening Reception at Redux Art Center | Friday, Sept. 22 | 5-8 p.m. | Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St., Charleston | Free | Be the first to see this gallery’s new exhibition featuring 10 emerging artists.

Sunday, Sept. 24

West Ashley Cars and Coffee | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 8-10 a.m. | Northbridge Shopping Center, 1690 Olde Town Rd., Charleston | Free
Vivian Howard’s Book Club | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 2-4 p.m. | Lenoir, 68 Wentworth St, Charleston | $70 | PBS star and chef Vivian Howard will host Dopesick author Beth Macy for a conversation, including cocktails and small bites.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Language Club for Language Lovers | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. | Wando Mount Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | Grab a friend and practice your language skills at a local coffee get together.
The Folly Art Village | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 5-9 p.m. | The Washout Restaurant, 41 Center St., Folly Beach | Free | Live music, fresh produce, locally made food, art, clothing, fairy hair, crystals, and more.
Laughway to the Weekend | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 8 p.m. | Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St Ste B, Charleston | $10 | This comedy show will feature 3 acts of improv.

Tuesday, Oct. 3

Play Dayz | Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 | Free | This free event for kiddos ages 10 and under takes place the first Tuesday of each month, with face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, games, snacks, and more.*

Saturday, October 7

5th Annual Pink Promenade Catwalk & Cocktails for Breast Cancer Awareness | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant | $40.00 | This special catwalk and cocktails fundraising event benefits the Roper St. Francis Foundation Breast Cancer Program.*

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Coming Soon

Louisiana-based chain Small’s Sliders has plans to open 5 locations around the Lowcountry, with the first slated for completion by late 2024. The franchise ranked 14 on QSR magazine’s 40/40 List for 2022 as one of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Charlestonians

On Oct. 4, the YMCA of Greater Charleston will recognize 12 women from across SC — including Tasha V. Joyner from the Charleston County School District + Laurie A. Smith from Explore Charleston. The “What Women Bring” awards recognize outstanding local service. Tickets are available ($50 virtual, $75 in person). (WCSC)

Development

The City of North Charleston broke ground on Wednesday for a new $6.8 million, senior center. The center will offer 12,000 sqft of amenities including pickleball courts, an indoor pool + a coffee bar — which are slated to open in late 2024.

Holiday

Yom Kippur begins at sundown this Sunday, Sept. 24, marking the beginning of the Day of Atonement and holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Those who observe will refrain from eating or drinking until nightfall on Monday, Sept. 25. Holiday candles will be lit at 6:56 p.m. local time.

Plan Ahead

The MOJA Arts Festival runs Thursday, Sept. 28-Sunday, Oct. 2. The festival celebrates Black arts and culture, and the lineup includes a Reggae dance party at Brittlebank Park and multiple staged performances of Paradise Blue. Tickets are priced per event. (Charleston City Paper)

Closing

In case you missed it, Baker & Brewer announced this week that its last day of service will be Monday, Sept. 25. The joint venture between EVO Pizzeria and Holy City Brewing first opened in 2019 — those businesses remain open. (The Post & Courier)

Job

Passionate about storytelling, news, and Charleston We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.

Number

9,733. That’s how many apartment units have been constructed in the Charleston area since 2020 — including 4,304 units within the city. Want to know how many rental units are planned by the end of 2023? Read more from Charleston City Paper.

Legacy

Former State Rep. David Mack, III died on Wednesday. Mack represented the 109th district — including portions of Dorchester and Charleston counties — from 1996 to 2020. (WCBD)

Trending

Earlier this week, an unmanned F-35 fighter jet traveled 60+ miles before crashing in a wooded area in Williamsburg County. The pilot ejected from the plane at 2,000 feet near CHS due to stormy conditions and landed in a nearby resident’s backyard. (The Post & Courier)

Featured Home

Be one of the first to tour this new waterfront listing in the heart of South Mount Pleasant. This Hobcaw Point home is the ideal Lowcountry oasis and features over an acre with grand oaks abound. Take a look.*

Wellness

Meet Beam Dream: a nighttime hot cocoa crafted with ingredients like reishi and melatonin. In a clinical study, 93% of users woke up feeling more refreshed. Get sippin’.*

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Erin

From the editor

Hi there! I’m the Managing Editor for CHStoday, pitching in on some newsletters this month. Today’s history article is pulled from our archives, and reminds me of one of my first memories of Charleston, back in 2006, when I was starting my Freshman year at CofC. At the time, the Ravenel bridge was newly opened + the Old Bridge was still partially standing. I thought it was such a cool juxtaposition of old and new — the Holy City in a nutshell.

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