Growing Up Geechee

The city that floundered for a century became the incubation chamber for many rocking chair stories of hilarity, insight, warmth, and triumph. The author lived the life-changing moments with the fervor of anticipation within the cozy beginnings of this large Charleston family’s journey. This postwar genesis included nine children raised in a loving and resourceful marriage. The four-room “pink house” still exists. It’s a story of persistence, discipline, humility, and most of all—humor. One will become enraptured by the Charleston of yesterday when ambiance was an unknown and tourism was where others traveled.

Charleston was a map point on hurricane tracking stations—and nothing more. There were a handful of mediocre restaurants, un-air-conditioned hotels, and poorly marketed activities to enjoy. Otherwise, it was too humid, too stark, and too cocooned by the generations that persevered. But the people gave it the uniqueness of character that survives to the present. This author’s family’s journey, though often obstructed by recurrent difficulties, gives insight to the era and life to the process. One should be well entertained by the keen recollections of the times that were both formative and fascinating. Late in the book, the author reaches into the outcomes of the family’s fulfillment and attainment of worldly nuances. It is an expedition of joy.