Historical Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION NOVEMBER 11, 2021 MINUTES Present: Deborah Sutherland, Chair, Clyde Hopper, Pam Gabriel, Bryan Blalock, Courtney Theis, William Hine, Danielle Cox. Staff: Kate Miller, Aaron Bennett, Lynnette Lynes Ms. Sutherland called the meeting to order at 8:02 am. Ms. Sutherland recognized and thanked all of the veterans for their service. I. Approval of Agenda Ms. Theis moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Hopper seconded the motion. All in favor. II. Approval of Minutes – October 14, 2021 Meeting Ms. Cox moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Hopper seconded the motion. All in favor. III. Public Comment None IV. Staff Update Ms. Miller reviewed the staff update with the Commission. V. Committee Action Items A. Organization and Administration Committee 1. Action and Update Budget No action items B. Historical Markers and Interpretation Committee 1. Discussion and Action on Future 6 Mile Historical Marker Correspondence The Commission reviewed the draft text and made the following changes: Six Mile Community The Six Mile community is located east of U.S. 17 (formerly Georgetown Road), along Six Mile Road to Copahee Sound. It was originally made up of low-lying lands from the Copahee Plantation, granted to the Hamlin family in 1696, where rice and cotton were later grown by enslaved people. The land was thick with fruit and pecan trees, live oaks, and pines. In 1881, the land was divided into 31 ten-acre lots and sold to former enslaved people. Early settlers called the area Liberty Hill and later Six Mile, the distance from the ferry wharf in the Old Village.  Historical Commission November 11, 2021 Page 2 of 3 Residents built wooden homes, made sweetgrass baskets, and grew corn, peas, tomatoes, cabbages, and flowers. Copahee Sound provided fish, shrimp, and oysters. This bounty provided sustenance and income through methods like truck farming where goods were sold at the Charleston market. Continued on reverse Wayfarers walking or riding on dirt and oyster shell roads to the ferry could stop at the “Grog Pond” to exchange their jug for a cool one from the pond. The exchanged jug would then be cooled for the next traveler. The Six Mile community has always been close-knit and self-sufficient, but growth and development threaten its identity. While residents no longer depend on farming for a living, sweetgrass basket weaving continues to provide supplemental income as it has for generations. The Six Mile community is one of several settlement communities that make up a part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, extending along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. Mr. Hopper moved for approval of the revised text. Ms. Theis seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Update on the Grace Bridge and signage Ms. Gabriel updated the Commission on the progress of the signage. C. Special Collection and Research Committee 1. Discuss Oral Histories 2. Museum Proposal No updates D. Tourism and Community Outreach Committee 1. Discussion and action on military tour Mr. Blalock 2. Discussion and action Christmas Parade Mr. Blalock stated that a coordination meeting has been scheduled for all those that will be in the parade. He stated that they would like to purchase another banner so there is signage on both sides of the float. Mr. Blalock moved for approval of a banner not to exceed $250. Ms. Theis seconded the motion. All in favor. E. Marketing Committee No updates  Historical Commission November 11, 2021 Page 3 of 3 F. Black History Month Committee 1. Discuss Black History Month Mr. Hine provided the update on the events for Black History Month. VI. Discussion of Next Month’s Agenda Items The Commission agreed that the following items should be included on next month’s agenda: ➢ Cresco Award ➢ Vote on Military tour ➢ Budget ➢ Grace Bridge update ➢ Oral histories ➢ Museum ➢ French/Spanish invasion project ➢ Black history month There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:06 am. Submitted by, L. Lynes HistComsn11112021