The Preservation Society of Charlestonhas launched the Morris Street Business District Project — a digital exhibition that highlights the rich and diverse history of Morris Street + the people who shaped it over the course of nearly two centuries.
Robert F. Morrison’s Esso Station at 179 Coming Street, circa 1938. | Photo courtesy of Preservation Society of Charleston and Lowcountry Digital History Initiative
Though a geographically small part of the Charleston peninsula, Morris Street historically contained one of the highest concentrations of Black-owned and operated businesses, offices, and residences in the city, as well as numerous houses of worship.
This district was also home to a thriving immigrant community, including German grocers, Irish laborers, Chinese businessmen, and Russian-Jewish merchants.
The combination of these diverse communities make the Morris Street Business District an important area of study to understand Charleston’s complex social, cultural, economic, and racial history.
This in-depth research project was initiated by the Preservation Society’s Thomas Mayhem Pinckney Alliance in partnership with the College of Charleston’s Lowcountry Digital History Initiative. The Thomas Mayhem Pickney Alliance is a task force established to identify, recognize, and preserve places representative of the contributions of African Americans to the built environment of the Lowcountry.
First graduating class of the Cannon Street Hospital and Training School for Nurses, 1897 | Photo courtesy of Waring Historical Library, MUSC, Charleston, S.C. and Lowcountry Digital History Initiative
The digital exhibit includes an online storyboard and an interactive map highlighting the histories of 20+ individual sites located along Morris Street and its surrounding neighborhoods.
View the free, online exhibition via the Lowcountry Digital History Initiativehere.
Tech ○ The Flagship at the Charleston Tech Centeris officially open on Morrison Drive. The 92,000-sqft building is dedicated specifically for early to growth-stage tech companies + corporate expansion. Check out the growing list of tech residents here.
Health ○ SCDHEC is asking the community for help with tracking the West Nile virus over the spring and summer. If these birds appear not to be injured or decayed, the health agency is encouraging SC residents toreport or submit recently deceased crows, blue jays, house finches + house sparrows. 🐦 (The Summerville Journal Scene)
ICYMI ○ On Tuesday, Charleston’s Emma Navarro scored her first WTA professional tour victory against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua (6-4, 6-3) in straight sets in an opening round matchup at the Volvo Car Open. Chuck Town’s Shelby Rogers was also victorious in the first round of the open. Keep up with current scores here. 🎾 (WCIV)
Announced ○ Trident Health announced Christina Oh as its new CEO following the departure of Todd Gallati. She begins her new role on May 3. ○ Lissa Frenkel has officially been announced as the new CEOof the Charleston Gaillard Center. She will begin her new role in July. 🎭
Trending ○ From lobster rolls to homemade falafel, check out this list of some of Charleston’s favorite food trucks. 🚚 (Charleston City Paper) ○ Down in Okatie, SC, golfer David Ksieniewicz hit a ball that landed right on top of an alligator’s back. Thankfully, David had the good sense to let that ball go, but not before snapping a picture. 🐊 (WCIV)
Cause ○ Dominion Energy pledged to donate$1 million to local communities on Tuesday in an effort to support organizations that offer food, shelter, healthcare + educational resources to those in-need. Nonprofit establishments can apply here for up to $25,000 in grants. 💸 (WCBD) ○ The Charleston Ocean Racing Association’s inaugural Military Salute Regatta will take place on June 26 in the Charleston Harbor.Active military and veterans will be crewmembers aboard racing and non-racing sailboats. Military members register here + sailboatsregister here. ⛵ (Holy City Sinner)
DYK ○ Did you know that Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is also home to Hank’s Loft? This 3-bedroom space features an expansive kitchen, billiards table + large living area. The loft is available for rent through Airbnb.
Dish ○ Have a taste for some soft shell crabs? Here’s alist of 10 placesin the Lowcountry to find soft shell crabs this season. 🦀 (The Post and Courier)
Number ○ After hosting several community events, the Junior Service League of Summerville has raised + donated over $6000 to Dorchester School District Two. The money will be divided between all schools within the district. ✏️ (The Post and Courier)
Design Division has released its sketches for a new community square at King, Spring + Columbus Streets.
The proposal includes space for a café, ample seating for eating, drinking or lounging around, and a large area to host outdoor events. In addition, the square would provide better access to the new Lowcountry Lowline. 🌴
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #CHStoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
ForKids ○ Convey Khouri Spring Break Clinic| Mon., Apr. 5-Fri., Apr. 9 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Daniel Island Soccer Academy, Oak Leaf St. | $60/day, $150/week | Get your little athlete up + moving with this spring break soccer clinic. ○ Spring Camp 2021| Mon., Apr. 5-Fri., Apr. 9 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Craft & Canvas, 4412 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | $50+ | Kids can tap into their creative sides with this arts + crafts spring break camp.
TryThis ○ Animals in Bas-Relief with Rod Zullo| Mon., Apr. 5-Fri., Apr. 9 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet | $650+ | Students will learn to model an animal bas-relief in clay, then will make a mold and will cast it in a resin material.
Learn ○ Gullah Culture: Art, Food and History| Thurs., Apr. 8 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Historic Charleston Foundation, 40 E. Bay St. | $55 | Learn about how the Gullah Geechee culture has influenced the Lowcountry throughout the years.
Art ○ “Between Harm and Harmony” Exhibit| Thurs., Apr. 8 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Julia Deckman Studio, 2008 Wappoo Dr. | Free | Don’t miss the reveal of a pop-up gallery featuring works by local artist Andrew King.
Virtual ○ What to do in the Charleston Garden| Thurs., Apr. 8 | 6:30 p.m. | Virtual via Charleston Horticultural Society | $10+ | Learn what to plant + prune in your April gardens.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
The 90s are back, baby. Everlane’s best-selling ‘90s cheeky denim is made of 100% cotton and has a cool, rigid vintage look. Plus, they have an extra-high rise, an easy straight leg, and a butt-boosting rear fit. 👖
They’re available in four classic hues and two new ones, each inspired by OG ‘90s jeans. Shop them for $78to be on-trend for all your spring fashion looks. Ⓟ
