Just wanted to share a few photos from this past weekend’s Home for the Holidays event at Hampton Plantation. Folks may not be aware, but all the water from Hurricane Helene in Ashville eventually wound it’s way down to the ocean, doing a great deal of damage to the Visitor Center at the State Historic Site. The house and kitchen are fine, as are the restrooms and Sue Alston’s old chimney. The Visitor Center, however, is ruined, with drywall being removed and efforts to come up with a plan for repairs, or maybe even raising the structure being considered.
The park staff is operating out of a cold, tiny, dark office in the mansion house itself. They are AMAZING!!!
We are so lucky to still be able to visit this house and these grounds. Winter is a great time to visit – no mosquitos, crowds, just peace and quiet and beauty and history.
Restoration – SC250!
A big shout out to the SC250 Committee for the restoration of the Hampton Plantation historical marker on Highway 17, near Rutledge Road. The sign looks so much better, with a safe place to pull off the road to read the information. Great work!
Christmas at Hampton
The Long Room
Christmas Carols floating throughout the house, played on the harp, added a joyful sound to the sights and aromas.
St James Santee – The Brick Church at Wambaw
After the event, I had to run down to St. James, I never get to visit there as the light of day is fading. Old Georgetown Highway has seen some major grading and water flow work done, it was like a sandy superhighway, very nice work. Sneaking in this one photo from inside St. James, too lovely not to share.
