Savannah Mourns

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write about the untimely passing of Scott Waldrup, who I met the first time I dined at the Grey Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. From the minute he acknowledged me, I knew this guy was somebody special. He had a one-of-a-kind smile that showed his eternally positive attitude but also let you know that he would happily do something devilish at any moment.

Leaving work on the 4th of July he stumbled onto the scene of a car of gang members who were fleeing the police after a shooting spree. Pushing others out of safety, Scott was hit and killed. Completely senseless. Hailed as a hero, it would be a gross understatement to say that one of Savannah's favorites will be missed.

Click for Savannah online article about Scott's heroism.



On one trip to Savannah, Scott and I met for brunch at the Collins Quarter. He knew everybody; unfortunately, his favorite Barista was not there that day, as he normally created a penis design in Scott's beverage. Only for Scott. You just had to smile.



It was fantastic getting to know him and hearing his story, his travels, about his partner Tart, and experiencing his personality. While still young, he seemed wise beyond his years...yet still so able to be a Peter Pan and have his share of mischevous fun.



He was wearing his partner's jacket; of course, I had to manipulate Tart's name for him.



On my next visit to Savannah, I traveled there with my friends Shawn & Grant. Scott rolled out the red carpet and was a host supreme for the entire visit, meeting us at Mrs. Wilkes for lunch shortly after we stepped off the plane.



As with anyone who met Scott, Shawn & Grant immediately became fast friends with this magical man.



I cherish this shot with Scott, as he was passing the plates of food around the table.



Later in the day it was drinks at Public Kitchen and Bar.



More cocktails and stops at multiple establishments throughout Savannah ended up with this shot taken in front of Mercer House, where most of the action in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" took place. It was a fun night, capped off with my first round of bed spins in years.



Here is how most people knew Scott; tending over his kingdom at The Grey Restaurant. He never met a stranger.



Another favorite shot, as we posed with a self-timer on the steps of a Savannah home.



On our last night in Savannah, of course we stopped by the Grey to see Scott. So many people did that. He had the kind of personality that made you want to be around him. All the time.





The next morning before we headed to Charleston, Scott and his partner Tart met us for brunch. The memory of that morning brings great happiness and sadness, as it was the last time I got to see his smiling face in person.



The shorts show Scott's love for his country; he was patriotic til the end.





I ask for everyone's thoughts and prayers to be with Scott's family and especially his surviving partner, Tart. Loss is terrible; unexpected loss is unfathomable, especially for such a senseless reason.





I hope that the city of Savannah can band together and do something about the rampant crime that has been increasing over the years. When the cost is one like Scott, action must be taken. And let's do it out of a place of love for Scott, not a place of hate for the perpetrators.

RIP dear man; you were a blessing to so many.

More of my photos that show the beauty of Savannah on my main website.

Rock 'n Savannah, Pt. 5

Feeling a little more recovered on Sunday morning from the race, I took some time in the morning to wander around and just shoot off the cuff. This is my favorite thing to do, wandering without any agenda, noticing and capturing images along the way. First, there was breakfast at 700 Drayton (it's always about the food!) before checking out of the Mansion on Forsyth Hotel.



I figured I'd better be somewhat healthy on at least one meal of the day, so I ordered a smoothie...



and some steel cut oatmeal. It was tasty, even if it wasn't as exciting as pancakes and bacon!



On my impromptu photo tour of Savannah, first up was Forsyth Park, where I shot a few panoramas of the fountain and the main promenade.





The fountain statuary seems more appropriate in black and white.



Just up the block from Forsyth Park is Monterey Square, the location of the infamous Mercer House, where antiques dealer Jim Williams (played by Kevin Spacey in "Midnight in Garden of Good & Evil") shot his young assistant in self defense. It took 4 trials to reach that verdict.





A panorama view of the front:



and the carriage house in back, which is now the tour entrance and gift shop. Rest assured, Disneyland isn't the only place that pushes the merchandise.



SCAD's Pepe Hall, which is a difficult one to shoot with all of the utility wires right in front of it. I had to do a little creative panoramic shooting to get this one.



I had read about the Hampton Lillibridge house recently; supposedly it is one of the most haunted homes in Savannah. As the story goes, a sailor hanged himself in one of the bedrooms. Jim Williams (of Mercer House fame) bought the home in 1963 when it was located four blocks away from its current location. After he and his restoration crew experienced a number of paranormal occurences, Williams asked an Episcopal Bishop to perform an exorcism. Williams claimed that an empty crypt had been found on the lot.



There was a For Sale sign when I was there; only $2.4 million. Anyone interested? The current owners have had no ghostly experiences, and have become somewhat frustrated with the barrage of tours that claim otherwise. Maybe the spirits have found a new home. And yes, I might have pushed the processing just a bit much in order to achieve a spooky look.



All of this walking and shooting helped to do a number of my appetite, so we settled on The Public, a new favorite that I had discovered on my last trip in June.



Again, I attempted to make a somewhat healthy choice with lunch; whether it was or wasn't, I thoroughly enjoyed the pasta and andouille sausage. Just the right amount of spice!



After lunch, it was back to "work," as I continued to zoom in on cool little architectural details that I happily discovered along my walk.





Savannah is a huge hub for St. Patrick's Day festivities, so the headquarters that I stumbled upon came as no surprise.



The Harper Fowlkes house in Orleans Square is a beauty; I love the decayed (yet maintained) look of traditional southern decadence.



The birds were nesting on the weather vane.



The corner detail on the roof reminds me of the spine of an alien creature. I love stuff like this!



The Chatham Academy on Bull Street might not garner much notice, but if you are a few blocks away...



you can see what the wonderful sculptural relief at the top of the building.



I have no idea if the weathered look on this Bull Street building is real or faux; either way, I love it.



The Volunteer Guards Armory is quite an imposing structure, now repurposed by SCAD as an administrative building and gallery shop.



Wonderful wrought iron detailing.



This beautiful ghostly remnant of an advertisement for Taylor's Art Stores will hopefully last for a long time.



Chippewa Square is best known as the square that "Forrest Gump" (Tom Hanks) sat on a bench telling his life story.



A bronze statue of James Edward Oglethorpe stands at the center of the park.



Four lions guard the statue from below.



The Independent Presbyterian Church shows what a difference lighting can make when taking photos. Here it is at 4 different times of day.









The Lutheran Church on Wright Square was just letting out for Sunday service when I approached.



The minister and parishioners were very welcoming, allowing me to come in take photos as they cleared out for after services luncheon in the hall below. The statue of Jesus was also very welcoming.



Beautiful stained glass along each side of the church.



Two panoramas of the interior:





And that should do it for today.

See more Daveland Savannah photos on my Savannah web pages.