Plus, traffic detours in Mount Pleasant
 
02.26.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

68º | 0% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 6:14 p.m. | High tides 9:01 a.m. + 9:21 p.m. | Low tide 3:11 p.m.
 

History

The man behind the gates: Philip Simmons
chs_phillipsimmons_
Philip Simmons stands beside one of his many iron creations. | Photo via The Avery Research Center
Known as the “Keeper of the Gate,” “Giver of Gates,” and even “Dean” of Charleston blacksmiths, Philip Simmons ironed his name into the fabric of Charleston’s history.

Born in 1912 on Daniel Island, Simmons + his mother would soon come to call Charleston home. It’s here in 1925, passing by the workshop of Peter Simmons (an unrelated blacksmith), that he discovered the trade of blacksmithing.

While much of his work at the start of his career consisted of repairing tools or replacing parts, Simmons would soon find his passion in creating decorative wrought iron pieces.

Intricate swirls and loops on a wrought iron gate crafted by Philip Simmons

Intricate details of a gate at 329 East Bay Street

|

Photo by Claire Y. Greene via The Avery Research Center

In 1931, Charleston passed an ordinance creating its “Old and Historic District” in downtown and with it a Board of Architectural Review that still holds the power to approve or deny alterations to historic homes. This meant homes and landmarks in the district would need special care for updates and repairs, especially on existing wrought iron pieces like gates, window grills + railings lining stairs. This gave Simmons the chance to perfect his craft on older, more delicate pieces. From there, the rest is, quite literally, history.

Around 1947, Simmons crafted his first full piece: a driveway gate for a King Street merchant looking to keep his rambunctious kids out of the street. From then, Simmons began receiving commissions for garden gates located in the Stolls Alley.

The office +workshop of Phillip Simmons. There is a fax machine atop a desk, a leather desk chair, a book case, and several plaque, photos + awards propped up celebrating the work of Philip Simmons.

The Philip Simmons Museum House on Blake Street.

|

Photo by Bradley Blankemeyer via The Avery Research Center

Simmons’ work earned him nationally recognized + he became one of the first artist to receive the National Heritage Fellowship award, the highest honor for traditional artist from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Up for a stroll? You can view more pieces from Simmons all around The Peninsula as well tour his home which was turned into a museum.
  • 67 Broad St. - Main gateway
  • 69 Simons St. - Church walkway gate
  • 138 Wentworth St. - Driveway gate
  • 132 Cannon St. - Driveway gate + hand rails
 
Events
Monday, Feb. 26
Tuesday, Feb. 27
  • Tuesday Tasting | Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Accent on Wine Point Hope, 112 Renaissance Ln., Ste. 110, Charleston | $14 | Try something new during Tuesday Tasting hours, choose four wines to sample for a discounted price.
  • The Revival: Charleston’s Premier Funk Jam! | Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 7-11 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1117 Magnolia Rd., Charleston | $10 | An open-mic event showcasing talent in the community.
Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Half-Priced Oysters | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 5 p.m. | Blu Oyster Sushi + Seafood, 1804 Crowne Commons Way, Johns Island | Price of purchase | Oyster lovers rejoice — indulge in half-priced house oysters every Wednesday until closing.
  • American Mah Jongg | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 1-3 p.m. | Wando Mount Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | An afternoon of socializing + American Mah Jongg for all skill levels.
Thursday, Feb. 29
  • mtp - meet talk partner (networking happy hour) | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 5-7 p.m. | Farm Haus Butcher and Beer Garden, 604 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Free | A networking event for fostering business relationships + meeting new people.
Friday, March 1
  • Stingrays Hockey: Frothy Friday | Friday, March 1 | 7:05-10:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston | $19 | Enjoy $5 beers until the end of first intermission while you cheer on the Stingrays.
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Shop

Stay in the know for free as a Belle Hall VIP
A person holding shopping bags stands in front of the brick buildings of Belle Hall Shopping Center.
The Belle Hall VIP program is free, fabulous, and just a click away. | Photo provided by Belle Hall Shopping Center
If staying in the loop on retail releases is starting to feel more like a chore, it may be time to elevate your approach.

Enter: The Belle Hall VIP program — your golden ticket to exclusive deals, events, and insider info. With this free subscription, VIP members enjoy:
  • Priority access to sales + deals
  • Invitations to family-friendly seasonal events, workshops, and more
  • News on new brands and boutique openings.
Subscribe in seconds to unlock your VIP status.
Have a ball with Belle Hall
News Notes
Traffic
  • Set your alarms, you may have to leave early. Detours will be set up for the next two weeks as a portion of the Magrath Darby Boulevard. + Coleman Boulevard. intersection in Mount Pleasant closes for repairs. Repairs will begin this morning, Feb. 26 and should finish Monday, March 11. (WCBD)
Civic
  • Charleston County has approved a new voter registration program for $76,000+. The program aims to recruit college students to work the voting polls + educate them on civic engagement. (WCSC)
Jobs
  • Charleston County Parks will host a job fair on Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wannamaker County Park. The department is looking to hire lifeguards, park attendants + more. (WCIV)
Award
  • Eva “Cate” Angle is the winner of the Berkeley County School District 2024 spelling bee. Angle, 14, successfully spelled “cauterize” to solidify her win. Carter Williams, a sixth-grader from Philip Simmons Middle School, took home second place. Congrats to you both. (The Daniel Island News)
Drink
† Please note: Rebel Rabbit advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CHStoday.
 
Older Adults

There’s no age limit on fun in Charleston

There’s no age-limit on fun in Charleston
Older adults play a basketball game in a recreation center gym
Let the games begin with rec basketball leagues | Photo by: Mount Pleasant Recreation Department
From dolphin watching from the best seat in the sea to cooking classes with a twist, we’ve got options for those who want to slow down + take it all in.

Charleston Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail | 1407 Shrimp Boat Ln., Shem Creek | $45 | Grab a mate + pick a date to watch the dolphins at sunset.

Undiscovered Charleston | Pineapple Fountain, 1 Vendue Range, Charleston | $200 | Make your reservations for a tour + cooking lesson with Chef Parker.

Frankly Charleston Black History Walking Tour | Visitor’s Center, 375 Meeting St., Charleston | $23.25-$41.46 | This walking tour explores the history of how Charleston was built.

Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Kayak Tour | Francis Marion National Forest | 2967 Steed Creek Rd., Huger | $95 | Get away from the city + enjoy nature up close.

Mount Pleasant Senior Center | 840 Von Kolnitz Rd., Mount Pleasant | Prices vary | A center with plenty of activities like self-defense classes, mah jongg + watercoloring.
The Buy

The Buy 2.26.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Spring vacation clothes to bring some color and life with you on this year’s vacation. We’re liking: Santa Barbara Design Studio’s “Le Beach” bag and this crochet swimsuit cover up.
Share CHStoday
 
ReferralGIF1-CHS.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_9}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_9}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Dayana Wilkins.jpeg

Today’s edition by:
Dayana
From the editor
Happy Monday, Charleston. Mondays can be rough, but I’ve never met a Monday I couldn’t make better with a reservation at Church and Union Charleston.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY