CHARLESTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY HOSTED AN AWARD CEREMONY

On behalf of the board of trustees of Magnolia Cemetery, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to first Alys Anne Wiedeke for nominating our grand oak tree in the non-profit category. We thank  the Charleston Horticultural Society and the Tree committee for recognizing and appreciating the "Grandfather Oak" (a name we here at Magnolia gave it) and our efforts to maintain not only the health of the Grand Oak but all the trees at our cherished Magnolia Cemetery.

Last but not least we thank and give credit to our lot holders, families and friends who year after year generously donate to the Magnolia Cemetery Trust Memorial Fund. Without their donations we would be hard pushed to keep our trees healthy and maintained.

Pictured below are Beverly Donald, Superintendent, Park Smith, Trustee for Magnolia and Ayls Anne Wiedeke who nominated our tree. Also in attendance from Magnolia Cemetery was Marcia Beczynski.  We here at Magnolia consider this to be a great honor.

GREAT TURN OUT FOR BOOK SIGNING

Saturday's book signing. "IN THE ARMS OF ANGEL" by Patrick Harwood proved to be a great success.Everyone that came out had a great time and various stories to share.

I was surprised how many of the visitors were under the impression that Magnolia Cemetery was no longer selling grave spaces. We are a full service cemetery offering ground space and mausoleum spaces for full casket and niches for cremated remains.

If you missed Saturday's book signing here at Magnolia Cemetery don't fret because Professor Harwood will have his second signing at the College of Charleston's Cougar Mall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.Thursday, April 17, 2014.

WITH EASTER COMES GLORIOUS COLOR

As we quickly approach Easter, we have only to look around the cemetery to witness the glory of the the magnificence rebirth of color as the camellias and azaleas peak with blooms. If you haven't been out to see GOD'S beautiful work of art here at the cemetery we encourage you to do so quickly as the blooms do not last for long. If you make it to Magnolia this Saturday April 12, 2012 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. you will be in for a treat. Professor Harwood will be signing his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS MAGNOLIA CEMETERY Charleston's treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry."

We are once again offering to place Easter lilies on the grave of your loved ones for the cost of $20.00 per plant. If you haven't made arrangements with the office for this service please do so before April 16, 2014 by contacting us here at the office.

MAGNOLIA'S OAK TREE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HORTICULTURE AWARD

Magnolia's landmark oak tree has captured  the attention of the Charleston Horticultural Society. Annually the tree committee of the CHS presents numerous awards to trees in the city of Charleston. This year the grand oak at Magnolia was nominated and won in the non-profit category.

The old oak tree has a circumference of 25 feet and a bough spread of 117 feet. Its height is 60 feet plus. I talked to P. O. Mead of Mead's Tree Service about the age of the tree. He feels safe with 800 plus years. I have a postcard that was published in 1898 and postmarked 1908 on which the publisher states the age as 800 years old. If we add an additional 116 years to the date of 1898 we get an age of 916 years old.

I looked up information about a dinner party held at Col.Willliam Cunnington's house (now the office) here at "Magnolia Umbria." This party was in honor of a visit from Gen. George Washington to his intimate friend Col. William Cunnington. I'm almost sad to report that it was held under the magnificent "Magnolia" from which the whole Cunnington estate was named. However, I feel sure it was one of the old magnolias that was lost due to Hurricane Hugo located by the plantation house and the old oak tree. I feel sure George would have ventured to stroll beneath the branches of such a magnificent oak tree.

In 1989, during Hurricane Hugo, an eighth of the tree that spread across the now paved road to the west was lost. Due to the quick response and diligence of  Mead's Tree Service unfamiliar on-lookers would not be the wiser as to the missing branches. The tree recuperated from its damage with no problems.

Seen below is an old picture of the oak tree dated "Snow Storm of 1898" by Clarke studio and another that I took just this week. 

If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the "grandfather oak" as we here at Magnolia call it please take the time to come by and visit.

                                 

Note the branches are not touching the ground in this 1898 photograph

                                       

The Grandfather Oak as seen today