TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD HOUSE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Pictured above the Federal style house constructed between 1798 and 1805 by Colonel William Cunnington, owner of Magnolia Umbra Plantation. The completely restored house, after hurricane Hugo, functions as the administrative offices of Magnolia Cemetery Trust. At the present this house has major termite damage. I have inserted Mr. McDowell's last newsletter in which he explains the necessary repairs to insure the soundness of the structure and the cost involved. Without these repairs the structure will deteriorate beyond repair. To be apart of this effort and make a tax-deductible donation please make checks payable to:
                   Magnolia Cemetery Trust 
                   P. O. Box 22873
                   Charleston, SC 29413

Dear Friends of Magnolia:

           It is very hard to believe that it has been three years since our last communication. The holiday season is upon us once again!

The cemetery is an irreplaceable part of our city, state and national cultural heritage, but much of the historic landscape, buildings and artistic grave markers are endangered as a result of serious neglect. Although Magnolia Cemetery has been a perpetual care cemetery since 1954 and perpetual care has been mandatory since 1974, even today many lots remain without perpetual care. Grave markers are private property, and owners are accountable for the repairs and maintenance.

Some family members have faithfully overseen the upkeep of their loved ones' graves for many years. However, as families have moved away and descendants have passed on, a number of graves have been neglected. A great deal of professional and volunteer conservation work has been performed on damaged headstones, but every year additional grave markers are affected by problems associated with age, ground settling, and inclement weather.

As I reflect on the substantial damage received by Magnolia Cemetery resulting from hurricane Matthew the unexpected cost of the clean up it is obvious that the annual operating budget has suffer. We still have quite a way to go but we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We hope and pray that all our readers in the areas hit by Matthew made it out okay.

In past years, we have been able to use the accrued interest from our portfolio to supplement the operating fund paying for most daily expenses. As you know, interest rates are very low and prices continue to rise.

Most recently, we purchased several new weed-eaters, lawn mowers and made much need repairs to our riding lawn mower. We replaced all deteriorated wood and painted the entire walk bridge. During the October 2015 flood we had the extra expense of repairing our breached flood gate. The Gate was repaired and the threaded valve stem was replaced.  All of these expenses were included in the general maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery. However, the massive tree removal, resulting from hurricane Matthew, totaled over $15,000 made quite a debt to our reserve fund.

We are now faced with the financial burden of making extensive repairs to the Plantation house which functions as our office. This buildings along with the architectural value of the landscape by Edward C. Jones are the elements that qualifies the cemetery to be on the National Register of Historic Places. Being on the NRHP allows us to apply for certain grants. So you see how important it is to maintain these structures.

 We have completed a very thorough interior and exterior assessment. The assessment in itself was expensive, $20,000 plus.

The project is set up in three phases:

Site Mobilization……………………………………$ 24,037.86

Immediate Priority………………………………….$  89,561.05

Short Term………………………………………….$  88,116.89

Long Term………………………………………….$    1,981.85

Total Project………………………………………..$ 203,697.65

If the project is not completed in one continuous stage the site mobilization would be applied each time the set up phase is repeated.

  The cemetery has come a long way, because of friends like you, but there is still much work to be done. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us to preserve this cultural treasure by providing funds to help pay for much-needed conservation work on the buildings, road and pathways as well as provide necessary tools, equipment and other improvements to this National Landmark.

Yours very truly,
G. Simms McDowell, III 
Chairman                                                  

C OF C STUDENTS GO "BEYOND THE GRAVE"

Magnolia Cemetery was excited to have The College of  Charleston's class "Beyond the Grave; What Old Cemeteries Tell and Teach the Living" visit with their professor Patrick Harwood on September 21, 2015. 

For more information about this class and what it is teaching the students click here. 

A WELCOMED ADDITION TO MAGNOLIA CEMETERY

Magnolia Cemetery is proud to welcome the addition of an exquisite private mausoleum nestled among the beautiful oaks and magnolias located in the Belvidere Section of the cemetery.

The Board of Trustees of Magnolia Cemetery recently approved the architectural/engineer drawings and style of the building. The foundation has been poured and the first row of granite is in place (pictured above). We congratulate the family building this mausoleum and thank them for choosing our beautiful historic cemetery.

If your family does not have memorial property and plan to be buried at Magnolia Cemetery we encourage you to do so while the options are still available. For more detailed information about our services or offerings please contact the Magnolia Cemetery Office at the above contacts or you can stop by the office and talk to one of our staff members.

Magnolia is a perpetual care cemetery. However, it wasn't always required that you purchase perpetual care when purchasing memorial property. The purchase of perpetual care has been mandatory since 1974 and lots that were purchased prior to 1974 and remain without perpetual care are not sharing the financial burden of the cemetery’s upkeep. We ask that you please check with the cemetery office to see if your lot is in perpetual care. Money placed in the perpetual care fund helps increase the dividends and interest needed to fund the everyday operations of the cemetery.

SESQUICENTENNIAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE

One Hundred and Fifty years after the Civil War came to a close, we at Magnolia Cemetery stop to commemorate the tragic cost in human lives during the War. The public is invited to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans this Saturday May 9, 2015, 10:00 AM at the Soldiers Grounds in Magnolia Cemetery for the sesquicentennial Memorial Day Service.

South Carolina ranks third in lives lost on the Confederate side. It has been said as many men died in captivity during the Civil War as were killed in the whole of the Vietnam War. Here at Magnolia Cemetery we estimate over 3,000 Confederate soldiers are buried within the Soldiers Ground and privately owned family lots.

Many families lost more than one member to this unprecedentedly violent war. One example of a family that suffered a great lost would be the Huger family. Daniel Elliott Huger, II and Carolina Proctor Huger lost three sons to this conflict. Daniel Elliott Huger, III killed in action at Chickamauga, Stephan Proctor Huger killed in action at Shiloh and Joseph Proctor Huger killed in action at Fort Sumpter. All were Great grandsons of Arthur Middleton and Mary Polly Izard of Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens. This story and many others like it can be found in Professor PatrickHarwood’s newest book IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS Charleston’s Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry sold here at Magnolia and many other location around Charleston.

I encourage you to attend the service and take the time to stroll through the cemetery and witness for yourselves the history of Magnolia Cemetery.

BOOK SIGNING AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY

Christmas is just around the corner. If you are still undecided about what to give let me recommend a perfectly awesome gift weather it is for a family member, friend, professional colleague, boss or client, a book about my favorite place Magnolia Cemetery.

Professor Patrick Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery December 20, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 12 noon to sell and sign his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  The book beautifully illustrated with pictures taken by Professor Harwood himself will take you on a journey through Charleston’s treasure of history, mystery and artistry.  I feel his book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library.  So, drop by the cemetery and purchase that Christmas gift without standing in line and searching for a parking place. 

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

         We would remind those of you who use our Christmas Wreath service to please try and have your order in by December 10, 2014. If you are not familiar with our wreath program we will make and place a live wreath with a finished diameter of approximately 20 inches. This includes a red bow and some live embellishments for $30. Those of you who have prepaid for the year will not have to reorder for Christmas 2014 but should renew for the 2015 holidays. Flowers can be place on your loved ones grave on Birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Please contact the office for details or email magnoliacemetery@aol.com.

THE TWENTY~THIRD CONFEDERATE GHOST WALK

The 23^rd Annual Confederate Ghost Walk was a great success.

Accolades go out to The Confederate Heritage Trust and the re-enactors for their continued dedication to this annual event. Those attending the event offered many words of praise when exiting. Click here https://flic.kr/s/aHsk5iCuXj to view other scenes from this exciting night. Photography by David Archer. We thank David for a job well done. 

The Confederate Ghost Walk is held Friday and Saturday, the second weekend of October, annually. Each scenario depicts a day in the life of someone buried at Magnolia Cemetery. Each scene has been researched for historic accuracy. However, for the sake of entertainment some humor and fiction have been added. If you have not attended I highly recommend that you plan to come next year. Tickets go on sale around the first of September each year.      

The exceptional teamwork performed by everyone involved did not go unnoticed. I applaud the cemetery staff and volunteers for a job well done. This event would not happen without your hard work?

Last but not lest I would like to thank all that attended the Ghost Walk and Patrick Harwood's Book Signing. Thank you for supporting us year after year without your contributions we would not be able to maintain this beautiful historic cemetery in the manner it should be.

                                         TILL NEXT YEAR

BOOK SIGNING PLUS AN EXCITING TOUR

I hope you have purchased your tickets for the Confederate Ghost walk. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a walk through history and learn about the events leading up to the Sesquicentennal of the War Between-the-States. 

College of Charleston Professor Patrick Harwood will be on hand to sell and sign his new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  Reading my copy has taken me on an exciting trip through the history and mysteries of a place I have enjoyed working for thirty-two years. I feel his book would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library. Professor Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery October 10 and 11, 2014 from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. 

Be sure to bring cash or check so you can purchase this book and take home a bit of history that you have experienced first-hand.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS for the Ghost Walk CLICK HERE www.csatrust.org   and go to the home page.

Cemetery Reveals Links to Sesquicentennial History

The 23rd  Annual Confederate Ghost Walk to be held October 10-11, 2014.  

Once again the night will come alive with the history of the past presented by re-enactors in period attire revealing a day in the life of some of those buried at Magnolia Cemetery.

You will be guided by candlelight thru the resting place of those who lived and died during those hard times 150 years ago. All scenarios are historically researched for accuracy.

Things you need to know:

·       Tours leave every 30 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. the last tour leaving at 10:00 p.m. Each tour last for approximately 1 ½ hours.

·       Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specified tour. All tickets are $18.00 each.

·       No flashlights, cameras or video equipment allowed.

·       Tours are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Magnolia Cemetery is located at 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, S. C.
The event will go on RAIN OR SHINE. 

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE www.csatrust.org   and go to the home page.

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

IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS ~ BOOK SIGNING

I am pleased and excited to announce the completion of College of Charleston Professor Patrick Harwood's new book "IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS."  I have had the pleasure of reviewing the draft and feel it would be a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library. Professor Harwood will be at Magnolia Cemetery April 12, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. See the flyer below for detailed information. 

A WINTERY SCENE AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY

I hope the decision not to open the gates Wednesday did not inconvenience anyone. Magnolia’s staff was not required to come to work due to the dangerous condition causing the closing of roadways and bridges throughout the city. The cemetery is now open to the public. When I arrived at the cemetery this morning the beauty created by the storm took my breath away. Everything glistened and sparkled like crystal as if fairy dust had been sprinkled over the entire cemetery. However, as beautiful as the scene may seem, some element of danger still exist. We ask that you use extreme caution while navigating the roadways, paths and the bridge within the cemetery until the ice that is breaking limbs and causing slippery conditions melts away. It will take us a few days to clean away all the debris throughout the cemetery.

We have not notice any damage to monuments or structures caused by this storm. If you notice any damage to your property that may be attributed to this storm please contact the cemetery office.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

         We would remind those of you who use our Christmas Wreath service to please try and have your order in by December 6, 2013. If you are not familiar with our wreath program we will make and place a live wreath with a finished diameter of approximately 25 inches. This includes a red bow and some live embellishments for $25. Those of you who have prepaid for the year will not have to reorder for Christmas 2013 but should renew for the 2014 holidays. Flowers can be place on your loved ones grave on Birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Please contact the office for details or email magnoliacemetery@aol.com.

RECEIVING TOMB UPDATE

            In 2011 the Preservation Society of Charleston voted to include Magnolia Cemetery's Receiving Tomb in its “Seven to Save” project. “Seven to Save” is a project to raise interest and financial assistance for historical structures threatened by extinctions.

            We are excited that the first phase has been completed. This involved stabilization to stop settlement of the structure. This was accomplished with the installation of micro-piles and concrete foundation with stainless steel rods. Also, tie rods were installed just below the barrel-vaulted roof. In order to stabilize the mausoleum, some areas of masonry rebuilding, crack repair and grouting was required. Full restoration of the masonry, stucco, or architectural elements was not included in this phase.
          On behalf of the Trustees and Staff of Magnolia Cemetery Trust we applaud everyone who was involved with this phase of the project: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Bennett Preservation Engineers PC and the Family of the Late Ted Ashton Phillips for a job well done.

A special thanks to the Preservation Society of Charleston and its many volunteers. Without your hard work and dedication this project would not have been possible. We here at Magnolia Cemetery Trust are grateful and look forward to working with you in the future.  

 

 

New Magnolia Cemetery Book Receives CofC Support

I am pleased to share the news that the new book I am currently writing about Magnolia Cemetery is receiving financial support from the College of Charleston's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Special thanks goes to the school's dean, Dr. Jerold L. Hale, for approving my application for special funding to assist faculty involved in research initiatives.

 

As I work to soon complete the manuscript of "In the Arms of Angels: The History, Mystery and Artistry of Magnolia Cemetery," these funds, nearly $700, will help in the steps toward publication. I am optimistic the new book will be out early next year.

“Tour De Graves Magnolia Cemetery: Part Deux” A Successful event

The Historic Charleston’s “Tour De Graves Magnolia Cemetery: Part Deux” was a successful achievement. Those attending enjoyed listening to stories by interpreters as seen in the pictures above and below. All the interpreters did a splendid job of relating the history behind those buried in the various lots included on the tour. The weather was absolutely beautiful, cool and crisp. Well done everyone.

THE 22nd ANNUAL GHOST WALK WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

The 22^nd Annual Confederate Ghost Walk was a great success. The exceptional teamwork performed by everyone involved did not go unnoticed. I applaud the cemetery staff and volunteers for a job well done. What would I do without you?

 Accolades go out to the re-enactors for their continued dedication to this annual event. Those attending the event offered many words of praise when exiting.