Charleston’s Old Navy Yard: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

 

An early December drive to MOMO restaurant at the old Navy Yard in North Charleston got my photography and research juices flowing. 

So we went back a few days ago to explore some more and for me to do photography for this blog post and social media possibly.  

The shipyard and U.S. Navy base (now officially called Navy Yard Charleston) date back to 1901. They played important roles in both world wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars as well. See this history link.

Peak employment surpassed 25,000 late in World War II. New vessel construction, around 200 in all, included destroyers, destroyer tenders and escorts, and landing ships. The base also repaired and retooled Navy ships (and subs). For a listing of all the ships built here see this. 

I have lived here long enough to remember occasionally seeing Navy submarines streaming in and out of local waters near the old Cooper River Bridge.

But in the 1990s the Charleston Navy Base was among the eventual 122 military installations across the country that were shut down in the post-Cold War era. 

Three decades later, much of the former base's 1,575 acres can be seen by car or foot- before you would have to go through a military checkpoint. Here are some of my images and impressions: the good, bad and ugly. 

Note: In late January 2023, the Post and Courier published this in-depth article about big plans underway here!

Time to Sign at Terrace Oaks Antiques Mall

 

With my table surrounded by old clocks, it was my time to shine and sign books. 

Many thanks to Terrace Oaks Antiques Mall owner Camille Wish (pictured) for the opportunity. 

I am also thankful to Camille for inviting me to speak on Dec. 1 to her Rotary Club of St. Andrews. 

Terrace Oaks Antiques Event Saturday, Dec. 10

 My upcoming book signing at Terrace Oaks Antiques Mall, 2037 Maybank Hwy. in Charleston, has me even more excited after seeing this large advertisement in yesterday’s Post and Courier newspaper. 

Thank you Terrace Oaks owner Camille Wish for doing this. I’m quite honored and flattered and I am sure the publicity will bring extra good sales to us on Saturday! I also have Camille to thank for my speaking event to her Rotary Club last month. I met her several years ago at Bethel United Methodist Church when she gave a talk to my College of Charleston “Beyond the Grave” class.  The below photo by Hannah Sills was taken in March 2019. 

The Post and Courier ad ran below a story about former Vice President Mike Pence visiting South Carolina. I couldn’t resist touching up the article a tad…

Terrace Oaks prides itself on being the Lowcountry’s first antiques mall. It is large and spacious with ample free parking. 

The phone number at Terrace Oaks Antiques is (843) 795-9689. 

My signing Saturday will be from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. who knows, you may just run into Mike Pence there lol! 

St. Mary of the Annunciation a Shining Signing Success!

 

Alesia and I met so many nice people at yesterday’s Sunday book signing at this beautiful old church on Hasell Street downtown. 

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church dates to the 1830s and is the oldest Catholic church in America south of Virginia. 

The church recently received an exterior paint job. Inside, there are scaffolds behind the altar for work inside.