Blog on Fenwick Castle & Links.. John's Island, SC
Fenwick Hall, The First 300 Years, A Scrapbook. One of these days I'll get it finished..
Two years later and costing $ Millions more..some politicians don't get NO to I526
9.23.2012 The I-526 highway extension will just not go away. A few powerful politicians continue to push their wants over what the people want all for increased tax revenue. The plantation does have legal protections, for being an historic property, such as National Historical Register. But the government does not enforce it's own laws in this area. And will basically let what happens happen.
Yes, something does need to be done to improve traffic flow on John's Island..esp the River Road, Maybank corner...all old fenwick hall property of long ago...
4.27.2012Charleston Day School students visit Fenwick for Historical Preservation Day. Four students shared their research on the plantation with fellow students, teachers and parents during this 3rd annual visit.
3.23.2012Southern Living Magazine, page 22. Is a picture of the main double-row of Oaks leading up to the manor & carriage house.
2.24.2012update Fenwick Hall Plantation on TV! Only took almost 300 years. The National Geographic (NatGeo) TV show "DIGGERS" filmed out at the plantation recently and now the segment will be aired this Tue, Feb 28th, at 1030pm Eastern. The episode is titled "Hunting Sites in S.Carolina that date back to the Birth of a Nation". Go Fenwick! Go Charleston! Go John's Island! But I won't tell you what the DIGGERS dug up..or didn't....gotta watch the show. (There are 2 DIGGER episodes that night--FH will be in the 2nd show). And LULU is making her tv debut..maybe..
Possible Before and After I526 extension photo. Just image just the HEAT all that concrete and blacktop creates.
Mayor Riley's I526 Bypass is still very much a serious threat to the survival of the Pre-American Plantation and it's wild life preserve!
Hello,
Fenwick Plantation needs YOUR help to survive! Please use the info below to voice your opinion.
As expected, 526 is back on County Council's agenda -- December 6.At the meeting, Council will discuss the project's future and what the County's next step should be.
County Council will determine whether or not to send a letter to SCDOT reiterating their stance on the project.
Here are the two things we need to do now:
1.It is really important that you write or call County Councilmembers.
Let them know that you still support their decision from April -- their unanimous opposition to Alternative G as well as their 'No Build' stance.
Encourage them to stand by this decision and thank them for making a very financially responsible decision for both our County and for our State.By preventing this colossal waste of taxpayer money, we are making room for other projects that truly will help with regional mobility.
2.Please attend the County Council meetings on December 6th.(4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston)
We expect that supporters of 526 will be there, so we need to again show that we are the majority.Please attend both meetings, if you are able.If unable to attend both meetings, please attend the 5PM meeting, as it is the most important of the two meetings.
5 PM - Finance Committee - Bulk of the discussion concerning 526's future and possible letter to SCDOT + any preliminary action.
7 PM - County Council Meeting - Final Discussion and/or Action
Even if you have to be late, please come to the meetings.The doors are not locked so you can still enter the chamber, even after the meeting has started.
Please send your email TODAY and place these meetings on your calendar.We have fought too long and too hard to stop now!
I-526 Bypass is STILL a terrible threat to the Plantation and it's Wildlife! Mayor Riley won't let the dead dog lie. They bypass would surround the ancient mansion and destroy the colonial causeway to the Stono.
Adverse Effects of I526 on Historical Areas...their own study!
10.4.2011 As you may know, the I-526 extension has been met with widespread community opposition, permitting concerns and funding issues. While Charleston County has not discussed the issue since its vote against Alternative G in May, you can remind County Council about your opposition to the extension of I-526 byclicking here.
7.4.2011 As we celebrate our Independence from England today, I do want to mention that the SCDOT's I526 bypass highway is still a very serious threat to James & John's Island. The wealthy that built on the outer islands (seabrook & Kiawah) do not like the travel time from the islands to Charleston's restaurants, so thus, they pressure the Mayor for the bypass. Research shows that the travel time that is saved is not worth the expense of the highway build. And do we really want to destroy the small part of our history by building highways ontop of one of the very few pre-America Plantations left? These comments are mine alone and not the current owners of the plantation! Happy Independence Day, Honorable Colonel John Fenwicke!
5.6.2011 The Charleston Day School six graders spent the afternoon at Fenwick Hall again for the 2nd year in a row discovering and researching the plantation as they enjoyed "Preservation Day". The students and their mentors are always a blast to have out at the old place as they bring new life to the old gal. Also in May, the MSHP wrapped up its semester long historical documentation and research for the semester. MSHP held its graduation party for those students graduation with their Masters in Historic Preservation on the grounds.
5.3.2011I do strongly care what happens to the plantation and support its full preservation for future generations (thus this website). Our government did make a mistake by not declaring it a National Landmark, as other, less important, less original buildings have been declared as such. These very old (for our country) buildings and plantations are a tremendous responsibility to protect and restore and I would not enjoy that responsibility. As stated throughout this website, the current owners wish to remain anonoymous and left alone to preserve the plantation. Please honor their fair request.
4.24.2011Martita, the Fenwick Easter Bunny, was sighted at Fenwick doing the Easter Bunny thing. The bunny was also seen all over John's Island! Guest enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt in the 300 year old formal walled garden. See the "Wildlife Preserve Page" for images.
3.11.2011Stubby Fenwick, newest member of the plantations aviary community is returned to freedom by Isaac Green. Stubby, a red tailed hawk, was nursed back to health after losing part of one of his talons and released on the grounds at his new home.
2.11.2011 Yet another Fenwick Hall page is added: Graduate Program/MSHP.. check it out!
01.14.2011 Welcome "Clemson & College of Charleston Historic Preservation Team! Welcome to the mysterys of Fenwick Hall.
12.19.2010Fenwick WildLife Preserve page is now active. Government has decided to continue to railroad John's Island and proceed with the I-526 bypass. Fenwick Hall Plantation existence is endangered.
10.07.2010 The website is expanding again! Under construction and soon to be born is the 'Wildlife' page. The plantation is a wildlife preserve for many permanent two and four legged friends (and even a one legged guest). Some stay permanently and others stop and visit while passing through S.Carolina as they animals and birds are always welcome.
9.2010. Many local, elected officials ignore questions concerning the bypass and their stance. Many feel the tax revenue from new growth on James/John's Island is worth over riding the overwhelming opinion against the bypass. Vote those out of office that will not support the working class's rights..and you can this fall.
9.19.2010 The Fenwick Hall Historical District is against all 'alternate I-526 expansion plans' except the "no build' plan that was scraped. A representative of the historical district spoke at the both the James Island and John's Island town meetings this month against the SCDOT Plan. Please let your elected city council member know your personal thoughts of the bypass.
8.13.2010 City Council Member, Mr Dickie Schweers was kind enough to respond. Thank you Mr Schweers!
8.5.2010The Plantation is in Danger from two wreckless road projects. I 7,24.2010 Exciting news for diehard Fenwick Fans: the discovery of the existance of two original miniature paintings behind glass of Honorable Edward Fenwick Sr and his 2nd wife, Mary Drayton Fenwick. Descendant Mr Andrew Jones provided copies of the images to share on this Fenwick Website. Personally, I never thought I would ever get to see their images, as that time was so long ago. Their images are now part of the Fenwick History page. Now..can we hope to discover an image of Master John Fenwick himself? Father of Fenwick Place?
7.11.2010 Added recently discovered image of Ms Charlotte Fenwick and a little info about her to the history page. Also added a listing of Edward Fenwick's many children which includes Fenwick on the same history page. Also located an image of the Fenwick Crest, also added to history page.
6.21.2010 City of Charleston plans to build 2 additional roads near Fenwick Hall Plantation. One road, called Penny's Creek Road will actually cut right into one of the two Oak Allee's at Fenwick and basically destroy it. The City is hoping no one realizes what has happened until it is too late..
6.10.2010 Lulu, the Fenwick guard dog, shoots her magazine cover for a national magazine. Come back later for more exciting news about LuLu and her national debut.
4.5.2010 New "Camellia's at Fenwick" webpage is just being born and thrown together. Also some new photos were added to the homepage and the Coach House page. Never enuf time to do the fun stuff!
3.13.2010 Just any fyi...any comments or views expressed on this website are mine and not the view of the Top Dogs of Fenico.
2.13.2010 A rare light dusting of snow blankets Fenwick.
2.7.2010 Superbowl Sunday update. Oh my, this website and research takes a long time to do and/or I'm just really bad and slow at it! So here are the most recent updates: I've added some new old history and images to the website for the diehardFenico fan: 1934 image of Fenwick right after the Morawetz restoration, 1920's photo of the main house with 'models', 1970's image of left side entrance to the little wing, two old coach house photos, another view of the Blanchard's great room from the 70's including a console tv, photo of the upstairs rear octagonal wing bedroom, another old antique bed, image of the Morawetz 1930 kitchen as the Blanchards utilized it in the 70's. A few new true stories: Robert Fenwick-pirate, the Countess of Deloraine, a 1774 land survey and a 1780's map that shows "Fenwicks Point" (which is NOT the plantation). So I got some changes made to the website, but my lawn did not get the attention it needed this weekend! Hope someone enjoys the history.. P.S-Three new images submitted by Doctor Steve has been added to the 'friends' page. Thanks Doctor Steve.
2.5.2010 Finally got a-hold of the DVD movie from the 1970's, The Double McGuffin. The former side drive to Fenwick off Maybank Highway was to be used in the movie as the main drive to a boarding school. Nope. In the end, the director used another location in another city. Also Bob Blanchard's burgundy Cadillac was not used in the movie either. There is one more movie that may have contained scenes from Fenwick that I have to check out. Do you have any Fenwick history to share?
01.10.2010 More updates. An advertisement from 1788 to sell a section of the plantation by Ed Jr was added to the history page, along with a copy of the Gibbes family coat of arms. An advertisement for the horse races from 1788 was placed on the Johns Island Stud page.
01.02.2010 Additional photos have been added that were taken in May 1999 at the time the plantation was in transition again. Charter Hospital had pretty much abandoned the estate and it had not been resold yet. The buildings suffered during that time from lack of maintenance and upkeep including water damage. Thanks to Carol Dawn for digging out her scrapbooks and loaning us the photos that are now added to Fenwick Hall's history. Check out her photo of the interior of the old pool house and of the carriage house in really rough shape. Best wishes in 2010 to you!
....I've been thinking that it was too bad that Charter Hospital built their various additional buildings (costal cottage style) and patients lodges on the grounds instead of rebuilding the 'Stables' that once flanked the main house. Edward Fenwick built the Stables on one side and Carriage House on the other of the manor house to give the estate symmetry. The Stables could have been designed with the interior as the patient's dormitory. The returning stable would then bring the plantation back to it's former ~1780's appearance. Back then the plantation must have been quite a sight while arriving via boat on the Stono River and walking up to the main house through manicured gardens and ponds. But I'm pretty sure Charter Hospital & their architects knew nothing of the plantation's famous history of its stable and horse breeding and racing at the time.
12.13.09 Photo's from the Blanchard's family photo album have been added throughout the website. Thank s for sharing the photos Claude III! Another photo of Victor Morawetz was added to his history. The John's Island Horse farm page was updated and a few additional Fenwick Hall short stories was added. And lastly, an old newspaper advertisement for Fenwick when it was a rehab center was posted.
12.02.09 Edward Fenwick Jr's obituary was added to the history page. A newspaper advertisement for a Fenwick horse is now on the John's Island Stud page.
11.27.09 Photo of Victor Morawetz's wife "Marjorie Knott" was added to the Fenwick History Page. Also a sketch of their New York mansion was added. Interior photos of the replica of Fenwick Hall built in Atlanta were added.
9.13.09 "Friends of Fenwick" web page goes live. Send in 'your' old personal photos of Fenwick Hall for posting on the web page. The estate has been around for 279 years, so there has to be more photos out there. When was the 'camera' invented?
9.5.09 Fenwick Hall hits 21st century technology again and is now alive on Facebook. Slow going, but it is there. Become a friend and post your own personal Fenwick Hall photos on the Facebook Wall.
7.31.09 The "Sword Gate House" in downtown Charleston goes on the market for only 23 million. Yeah, it does have an interesting history but I'll put it up against the Fenwick Hall Estate anytime!
7.10.09 Does history repeat itself? Previous owner & restorer of Fenwick Hall, Victor Morawetz authored a book in 1909 titled "The Banking and Currency Problem in the United States". Victor was clearly under the opinion that extraordinary financial disturbances could be prevented by permanent safeguards against money stringencies and panics. Too bad he was not listened to.
7.10.09. So far no where on the website have I mentioned all the additional building that were added to what is remaining of the plantation. While it was Fenwick Hall Hospital, (1980's) many buildings were built and spread out all over the property. None of the buildings were built to look like they belonged. I sort of do not want to mention those buildings at all, but those changes are now also part of its history. It makes me wonder if in 200 years from now, archeologist will be digging up and exploring these current buildings to see how a rehab center operated. (As researched was recently done on the Fenwick grounds to research its past). I did read the architect of the newest buildings attempted to have them reflect the 'coast cottage' look.
7.7.09. July 7th is the anniversary of Edward Fenwick's death, 234 years ago. The Honorable member of the Kings Council of SC, died in N.York on a Tuesday, July 7, 1775. His widow and sons chartered the sloop "Commerce" for the voyage to Charles Town, where they temporary kept his remains.
5.31.09 Well, the City of Charleston just can't 'get it' yet. I've had a link to the Angel Oak website on my web page for a good while now. And guess what? Now that 1,500 year old tree is going to be tread on by guess what? A 42 acre housing development that has already been permitted which can include up to 600 units next to the tree. The city states the development is part of their 'plan' and will stop 'sprawl'. HUH? I agree with James Town Councilman, Joe Qualey when he stated "It is time for all to realize that the city of Charleston is not as much interested in preservation as it is in tax dollars. That's the bottom line. City Parks Dept Deputy Director Matt Compton said the project "does not" endanger the tree and 'we support this project moving forward. Pathetic. www.angeloaktree.org/
5.24.09 I really enjoy reading and receiving guest book entries! The entry's make me think at least someone appreciates the info. Anyone ever come across an old advertisement for Fenwick Hall Hospital from the 1980's let me know. There were advertisements placed in magazines such as Esquire.
5.23.09 I'm running out of room on the website! And due to the amount of info posted, it must take too long to view the pages on a slow pc. Humm.. Wish I had more time for research and making a new website, but don't have it. I'm not even a Fenwick! (Well, not in this life at least).
HauserGraphics. Limited Edition Prints
HauserGraphics Photography
Great Hall upper mantle detail
Coast Conservation League-help save Fenwick plantation!
The Avian Conservation Center and its principal operating division, The Center for Birds of Prey:
Operates a professional avian medical clinic for injured birds of prey and some shorebird species
Offers on-site and outreach educational programs to students and adults
Conducts relevant field and laboratory research studies
Participates in and supports international conservation issues
Is a first line responder for oiled birds in the event of a contaminant spill affecting native bird populations and their fragile breeding habitats along the South Atlantic coast
Serves as a primary resource for creating ongoing awareness of the ecological impacts of a contaminant spill and proactive measures available to reduce the likelihood of such an event
Simpler Adamesque Mantel from the 1780 Octagon Wing, North 2nd floor room facing the Stono River.
www.JohnrHauser.com
A miniature watercolor of Elizabeth Mary McPherson, 1792, by Pierre Henri. Photo courtesy of Gibbes Museum
Visit the "Gibbes Museum Of Art" (Tell them LuLu Fenwick sent you!) Victor Morawetz, former Fenwick owner/restorer and his wife, Marjorie, donated funds to the museum for purchases. The photo on the left is a minature watercolor, one of many paintings purchased by the Morawetz's generous gift.
www.gibbesmuseum.org
Godolphin.com (Not the original Godolphin line!)
The Drayton Hall on the Ashley River. The Drayton family were good friends and family of the Fenwicks long ago. Not sure there was metal roofs and pvc shakes in those days as is now placed on Drayton Hall.
A Fenwick marries a Drayton !
Mary Drayton (Fenwick) was born 21 Dec 1734 in Charleston. She married, first, Edward Fenwick, son of John Fenwick and Elizabeth Gibbes Fenwick [23]. She married, second, John William Gerard De Brahm [24]. She died in 1806 [25].
In her will dated 20 May 1805 and proved 27 Mar 1806, Mary bequeathed small monetary tokens to daughter Sarah Fenwick Jones, daughter Charlotte Fenwick Jackson, grandaughter Mary Edwina Fenwick, nephew Jacob Drayton, Frederick William Mulcaster ("the grandson of my late husband") and friends Thomas Sparks and Thomas Thompson of England. Mary bequeathed five hundred pounds to the family of her late husband John Gerard DeBrahm. Daughter Selina Fenwick was to receive then thousand pounds and and personal items. Mary bequeathed the remainder of her estate to son John Roger Fenwick. Daughter Selina Fenwick was appointed Executrix of Mary's estate [26].
Mary Drayton [Fenwick] (1734-1806)
Name: Mary Drayton
Born: 21 Dec 1734
Place of Birth: Magnolia Plantation, St. Andrews Parish, Charleston District, SC
Married: 1. Edward Fenwick 2. John DeBrahm
Died: 5 Feb 1806
The Angel Oak The Angel Oak is a Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) a native species found throughout the Lowcountry. Believed to be in excess of 1400 years old, its massive, draping limbs and wide spreading canopy present the aura of an angel but the naming of this tree was acquired from the tree's previous owners, Martha and Justin Angel. ---Click on the Angel Oak Tree Photo for a link to www.angeloaktree.orgfor more info.
Height: 65 Feet
Circumference: 25.5 Feet
Area of Shade: 17,000 sq. Feet
Largest Limb: Circumference: 11.25 Feet Length: 89 Feet
Visit & help save Angel Oak, John's Island. A Tree of Souls?
Can a nation lose its memory? It happens every day when historic places are demolished. The National Trust for Historic Preservation helps preserves historic places, including 29 National Trust Historic Sites, to ensure that their stories remain a part of our lives today. When you visit a historic site you learn from their stories and help keep history alive. Historic places create connections to our heritage that help us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs, and learn from our mistakes. Historic places help define and distinguish our communities by building a strong sense of identity. In your travels, be sure to visit National Trust Historic Sites and discover great architecture, magnificent landscapes, and life-changing stories. www.preservationnation.org/
Natural Resources Defense Council
NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.2 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals. www.NRDC.org/
Another former Louisiana Plantation, "The Shadows on the Teche" in New Iberia. This plantation is similar to Fenwick (and many plantations) in that the Bayou or River side of the house is the 'front'. This image of the Shadows shows it's rear land side. Behind the green shutters on the left is the outside stair case. The Shadows is not nearly as old as Fenwick, but still impressive.
www.SIERRACLUB.org LINK
Sierra Club Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. We are the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. www.SIERRACLUB.org/
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/
Thoroughbred Heritage Website
Lowcountry Open Land Trust
Lowcountry Open Land Trust
Our Mission: To protect and foster voluntary conservation of the irreplaceable Lowcountry forests, farmland, open spaces, wildlife habitat and wetlands, thus helping to conserve forever our community’s unique sense of place and quality of life. http://www.lolt.org/lolt
Victor & Marjorie Morawetz "Party House" in downtown Charleston at 17 Chalmers. Along with Fenwick Hall, the Morawetz saved and restored the Pirate House/Pink House in the late 1920's. They used it strictly to entertain guest when in town.
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The liberties we enjoy as Americans don’t come without a cost. The Special Forces bear the burden of having the highest number of wounded personnel of any other U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) proponent. The Green Beret Foundation serves these quiet professionals who bravely serve the American people and its freedoms.
