BRICK FROM MORRIS ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Since 1876, the Morris Island Lighthouse has been the beacon of Folly’s spirit... out there, resilient and a little tilted. The Brick Star also recognizes the Save The Light Foundation and its work in restoring our national landmark.
(Weathered bricks graciously donated by Cherie and George Vick)
SHARK TEETH FOSSILS
Reminding all that Folly Island was once for a long, long time the bottom of the ocean floor.
(Found on Morris Island and graciously donated by Mrs. Cherie Vick)
MARINE ROPE
‘Folly’s past is shaped by the sea...’
The Marine Rope was displayed in Bushy’s Seafood Restaurant (1972–2000) by Proprietor and Folly original William ‘Bushy’ Peek. Like any good maritime rope, it ties together much of Folly’s maritime history. Years past, it helped anchor the many pirates who called Folly home as well as protect shipwrecked travelers who washed ashore. Today it symbolizes the sustainable commercial fishing of our waters represented by Crosby’s, Bowen’s Island and Backman’s Seafood Companies, as well as the great recreational fishing we enjoy 1/4 mile into the ocean on the Folly Beach Pier.
(Rope from Bushy’s Seafood Restaurant)
WATER METER
The advent of clean city water to Folly in 1957 led to the development of a robust full time residential community. The Water Meter honors the 50’s era community which made it happen as well as the current unsung heroes of today’s Water Department who keep our Island clean and affordable water flowing.
(Donated by the Folly Beach Water Department)
CIVIL WAR BULLETS
During the Civil War, Folly Beach was one of the main Union base camps in its battle to retake Charleston with a capacity to support 13,000 troops. The authentic Civil War bullets honor the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, the first all-volunteer African-American fighting infantry made famous for their bravery in the movie ‘Glory.’ Several of the 280 men who perished during the Battle of Fort Wagner were buried on Folly.
(Authentic Civil War bullets dug from the base of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee )
TROMBONE
First there was the Atlantic Pavilion in 1921, followed by the Folly Pier in 1940. Large seaside venues allowing the top acts of the day to perform at Folly Beach attracting Big Band stars like the Glenn Miller Orchestra who put Folly on the map as the ‘In’ place to party, dance or just get away. The trombone also recognizes composer George Gershwin who wrote ‘Porgy and Bess’ while living on Folly.
(Antique trombone)
STARS AND CUFF LINKS
‘To the world, you may be only one person, but to Folly Beach, you were the world.’
These are the words inscribed on the plaque commemorating the generosity, vision and hard work of the Folly Beach Hall of Fame Honorees. Each star represents a Hall of Fame recipient. Atop are placed cufflinks from Mayor Bob Linville (1989-1998) a Hall of Fame member and Island steward who helped lead Folly out of the devastation caused by Hurricane Hugo.
(Cufflinks lovingly donated by Mrs. Carol Linville)
HURRICANE CLIPS
In 1989 Hurricane Hugo washed away many of the ‘home grown’ cottages that once dotted Folly, including the massive Atlantic House Restaurant which sat over the surf near West 3rd Street. The hurricane clips honor the locals who stayed to build back their homes stronger than before and the many folks who through the years have served on the various Zoning, Design Review and Public Work Boards to safeguard the quality of construction. Because of them, Folly is in better shape if Hugo Jr returns...or Gracie...or David...
45RPM RECORDS
From the Bobby-Soxers of the 40’s to the Shaggers of the 50’s and today, dancing on Folly Pier has always been the most magical of experiences, especially on moonlit nights. Anyone who grew up in South Carolina as a teenager during these times has a Folly Beach story. The 45 records and pennies for dance loafers honor the fine history of Beach Music, the ageless Shag dancers and the original and current Folly Piers.
SURFING TROPHIES
Locals say the Washout at Folly Beach is the best surfing on the South Carolina Coast. This star honors nature’s gift to the Island, McKelvin’s Surf Shop as well as the surfing mentality of ‘live and let live’ which permeates Folly. Of note is Dennis McKelvin, who started his Surf Shop in1965 and purposely joined City Council to fight for the right to surf on Folly. His 11 year battle ended in 1976 when the South Carolina Federal Court ruled that the then ban on surfing was illegal.
FOLLY POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY BADGES AND FIRE HOSE COUPLING
Honors the many fine men and women past and present, staff and volunteers who have worked at Public Safety keeping all residents and visitors safe.
(Special thanks to Director of Public Safety Chief Andrew Gilbreth)
WORK BOOTS
Since the 1920’s, generations have built their homes and raised families on Folly. But living literally at the ‘Edge of America’ does have challenges. The work boots honor the blue collar ‘Can Do’ attitude of year round Island residents who brave the storms, welcome the tourists, slow down on Center St. and offer a friendly nod of the head as they pass by.
The boots also honor the 24/7 365 days of Bert’s Market which continues to feed the body, soul and Spirit of Folly.
(Folly work boots of Shann Rocco)
INDIAN ARROWHEADS
The first known inhabitants of Folly Beach were the Bohickets, a Native American Indian tribe who lived and fished on the Island until the early 1600’s when Charleston Colonialists forced them to move elsewhere. The arrowheads honor their time here as the first to walk the surf, to eat Folly oysters and shrimp, and to see a full moon rise from the ocean.
FLIP-FLOPS
Since the Roaring 20’s, Folly Beach has been a refuge for visitors to get away, kick off their shoes and relax. ‘Slow Down It’s Folly’ has always been an Island slogan, some say even before cars arrived. Folly has and continues to be a family destination for folks to rest, play and reconnect. The Flip-Flops honor the many visitors who have made Folly their vacation home away from home as well as the infamous Flip-Flop Drop which ushers in each New Year.
MAKE-UP
‘The Face of Folly’ since 1961 has been City Clerk Marlene Estridge. A Folly Beach Hall of Fame honoree, she continues to be the smile that greets all who walk into City Hall. Her make-up kit acknowledges her contributions as well as the hardworking City of Folly Beach staff who keep the Island safe and running 365 days per year.
(Make up donated by Marlene Estridge)