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

DAVID HUGUENIN MAYBANK

With regret I inform you of the death of long time Board Member David Huguenin Maybank. David came on the Board of Trustees November 7, 1988 and remained a Trustee until his death March 24, 2014.


His  contributions to Magnolia Cemetery in time, energy and advice will long be remembered, and the impact of his stewardship will always be felt. His gentle counseling and guidance has helped put into place many helpful programs and projects here at Magnolia. I will miss his positive outlook and smiling face immensely.


David's funeral will be held at St Phillip's Episcopal Church at 2:00 PM tomorrow March 26, 2014 with burial at Magnolia Cemetery.

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.