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.

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.