Vintage Charleston

Picture this: March 14, 1953, Charleston, South Carolina. Need some assistance? How about this photo showing St. Philips Church at 142 Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina? This National Historic Landmark was built in 1836. Zooming in we see a tourist being taken around town in a horse-drawn carriage.



The driver has his faithful dog sitting next to him.



A contemporary photo I shot of the church during my November 2016 visit:



From the same day in 1953, our time traveling photographer captured The Dock Street Theatre:



The historic theatre began life as the Planter’s Hotel in 1809, and was converted into a lavish theatre during the Depression in 1937.



Another vintage shot of the theatre, from June 1966:



Can’t quite read it; I hate when that happens!



My November 2016 shot of the theatre:



Cruising back to April 1960, here’s one of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of Meeting and Broad. It is Charleston’s oldest surviving religious structure, built in the 1750s:



The hotel was demolished in 1963. Their post card stated: “Opposite City Hall Park. Rates Reasonable. Homelike atmosphere.”



My November 2016 view of the church:



Happy Monday! See more Charleston photos at my main website.

Springwood Cemetery

It's probably a bit creepy, but I love visiting the older cemeteries. Stepping through their gates is like entering a portal into the past. The craftsmanship of the headstones...the inferred stories from looking at the dates and inscriptions...the decay of the stones as nature takes over...to me, it is an exquisite experience of storytelling at its best. Springwood Cemetery in Greenville, South Carolina did not disappoint.

Throughout the cemetery there are tributes to the men who lost their lives during the bloody battles of the Civil War. Regardless of what the fight was over, the huge loss of life is quite sad and still palpable.



It is difficult to understand that it takes violence to resolve an issue; all these years later, the source of the conflict still exists. My hope is that one day we all learn to communicate in a way that is respectful so that we can listen and learn from the different perspectives that abound.



The graves of children also bring much sadness, and can be recognized through symbols of innocence, such as this lamb carved atop the headstone.



The grief of a parent who suffers this loss can be felt throughout.



Mixed with the loss is the promise of Spring and renewal, as witnessed through the blossoms of the Dogwood.





Despite the seeming durability of stone, nothing lasts forever though, and nature eventually takes over.



More Cemetery shots at my main website.

The Poinsett Rooftop

From the outside at street level, my UCDA Design Summit Conference hotel looked like most vintage hotels. Lotsa brick, cool architectural details, and of course a fountain out front. End of story about the Westin Poinsett Hotel? Not quite. You know there always has to be more at Daveland.

Wandering back to the hotel one night after dinner and doing some random shooting on Main Street, I looked up and noticed a huge neon sign that said "Poinsett Hotel." Huh; I wonder where that is? As I walked closer, I realized it was atop the hotel I was staying at! My mind raced as I thought, "I have to get up there."

This next shot was not taken from the roof; it was early around 5am one morning and took a lot of walking, climbing, and maneuvering to get the entire sign without having tree branches block it or missing any part of the letters. The things I do to get a photo; and of course it was the one trip I left my 600mm lens at home.



My first request to get to the roof was denied by the desk clerk. She told me in so many words that it wasn't going to happen unless there was a wedding or engagement. Hmmmm...how quickly could I pull something together? Instead, I enlisted the help of the Executive Director of UCDA, and before I knew it...voila. Rooftop access.



While I would have preferred to shoot the sign up close at night, I was not about to complain. It was still mighty amazing to be up close and personal with this vintage sign.



You don't really notice the railing from below. I was in detail heaven.



More Greenville, SC at my main website.

Skateboarding in Greenville

After my conference sessions were over, I headed out to get some more photos of Greenville. Venturing onto Main Street I was almost knocked down by a group of very festive runners. Fortunately, the Upstate Hash House Harriers were not camera shy, and willingly posed for a few shots. Be sure to notice the guy who was dressed as Randy "Macho Man" Savage: "OHHHHH YEAAAAAAAAH....."

As if that impromptu moment wasn't enough, I was also fortunate enough to stumble upon a group of skateboarders who were also cool with me snapping a few shots.









This guy impressed me the most; he was able to hang onto his cigarette the entire time. Now THAT'S dedication.



This is why I try to carry my camera with me at all times.

More Greenville at my main website.

The Brick Street Café

Recently I was in Greenville, SC for the UCDA Design Summit. Busy with chairman duties, I didn't get as much time as I would have liked for my morning runs. However, on the one day I did get to do some cardio, I happened upon a cool little restaurant just outside the West End Historic District. One of the benefits of being on foot instead of behind the wheel is that you notice so much more. I made a mental note and ended up returning for dinner on my last night in town. What a great choice.

The statue outside set the tone for the slightly kooky and fun decor of the restaurant interior.



I was told I could sit anywhere I'd like; of course it took a bit for me to do so as I feasted my eyes upon the eclectic decor.



Live music was featured at the back of the restaurant; not too loud, not too soft. Just right.



There were many dining rooms and areas to choose from; I picked one that was slightly less inhabited so that I could eat (and take my photos) without being noticed!



I love this quote from Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone with the Wind" which has been slightly cut off: "Southerners can never resist a losing cause."



I ordered Granny's Spaghetti for my entree, which was delicious:



And I had to go with the waitress' suggestion of the Sweet Potato Cake for dessert which she claimed was just about the best cake I would ever have.



She spoke the truth, and it was gone very quickly. If you find yourself in Greenville, be sure to check out this very fun restaurant with excellent service and meals that just might rival your mama's home cooking!

More Greenville, SC photos at my main website.