By 1720, modern day Charleston was divided into Parishes and the 50-mile area between the Wadmalaw and Edisto Rivers became known as St. Paul's Parish. As early as 1708, most of the population were slaves working in the fields. By 1880, there were 209 white households, and 4,692 slaves. The area's prosperity came through the cultivation of rice and cotton, particularly sea island cotton, which commanded 6 times more money than short staple cotton.
The oldest remaining house in the Parish is Summit Plantation House, on the Toogoodoo River. Jack Boineau talks about the history of the home, its construction process, and restoration efforts. While the men went off to combat, the women were left to manage on their own. Two Wilkinson Women, Eliza Younge Wilkinson, and Amarinthia Wilkinson wrote a series of letters, which were personal accounts of the American Revolutionary War and the War Between the States respectively, and Joanna Angle reads excerpts from a few of these letters.
After the Civil War, Yonges Island no longer had a captive labor force, and the local economy shifted to truck farming. The town of Meggett became one of the major shipping hubs, using boats and rail to ship goods such as cabbages, potatoes, and oysters.
South Carolina folk artist Tom Boozer talks about duck hunting on Yonges Island, along with his inspiration for carving wooden decoys. Using heritage tools such as a wood cutter, and rasp knife to work the wood, Tom gives a demonstration of his art. Tom shows a replica he carved of a dory that would have been used for duck hunting in the 1790s, as well as an 1890-night gunning boat.
Palmetto Places explored the architectural and cultural heritage of South Carolina's small towns and countryside. Host Joanna Angle explores historic houses, public buildings, and country stores, and talks with local artists, painters, sculptors, weavers, writers, storytellers, and musicians.
Side Notes:
- The Art of the Duck Decoy. Head into the Workshop with Tom Boozer
