278 to Lighthouse Road

Rich Thomas shares what was happening on Hilton Head during the post civil war era through the founding of the Hilton Head company and the creation of Sea Pines by Charles Fraser. Rich explains how logging, phosphate, turpentine and agriculture thrived in the area until the building of the first bridge in 1956 and development of the island into a tourist destination.

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States when 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas.  General Gordon Granger informed the enslaved that the Civil War had ended and they were free. What many people do not realize is that emancipation of the enslaved started right here on Hilton Head Island. In this episode we talk with Rich Thomas about what happend on HHI during the Civil War and how President Lincoln was not the first to order an emancipation of the enslaved. Rich weaves a tale of the trials and tribulations of Mitchelville and its catastrophic ending. The story of Mitchelville is another example of how a small sea island was at the center of American history.

Author Annell St. Charles is a long time property owner and lover of Hilton Head. In this episode we find out how she discovered Hilton Head, why she used Hilton Head as a setting for two of her novels and what she enjoys most about the island.

E.G. Robinson was a founding partner of Palmetto Dunes. In this episode E.G. shares with us the beginning of the resort community, the challenges they faced with the property and his relationship with Charles Fraser. E.G. also tells us about Hilton Heads original lighthouse and the Blue Lady.

Rich Thomas joins me to discuss lowcountry agriculture and the impact Rice, Indigo and Sea Island Cotton had on the growth of South Carolina.

Charlene Gardner is the owner of Four Corners Gallery in Bluffton. In this episode we talk about art and artists in the lowcountry, the galleries offerings and why supporting the local arts is important for a community.

Charlie Ryan is the author of "My life with Charles Fraser". In this episode we talk with Charlie about the book, how it came together and his conversations with those who shared stories about their relationship with Charles Fraser. 

If there is one person who had the biggest impact in putting Hilton Head on the map besides Charles Fraser it would be David Pearson. In this episode David shares with us the story behind two photos that went worldwide and garnered major attention for the island. David also shares some of the creative marketing tactics he used and how he "kidnapped" a Sports Illustrated editor which resulted in one of the first swimsuit issues being shot on the island. We also discuss Charles Fraser, golf, Arnold Palmer and more about HHI. But we begin the episode with David's amazing story about JFK and November 22nd, 1963. This is a must listen!

Welcome back Brian Eichenberger from the podcast "Rock and Roll Bedtime Stories". One of the artists Brian and I discuss once owned property in Sea Pines back in the 1990's. That is the only connection to HHI in this show. Brian and I talk about five songs with American themes or connections. Artists include Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, Kid Rock, U2 and John Mellencamp. Enjoy this musical detour as we travel down 278 to Lighthouse Road.

Park Plaza Cinema is the long time movie theater at the south end of the island and located near the Greenwood gate to Sea Pines. In this episode we talk with Lucie Mann about the theater they have owned since 2010. Lucie shares with us some of the renovations and updates they have made over the past few years, the delicious menu options available and what's on tap at the bar. Lucie also shares the difficulty of the past year, her trip to petition the governor of South Carolina and how the support of their raving fans helped the theater survive through forced closures and reduced capacity. We finish the episode with some of the things that Lucie loves about HHI.

Amber Kuehn from the Sea Turtle Patrol provides an update on the Sea Turtle Nesting Season. Find out how it is going on HHI!

Mark King is a long term resident of Hilton Head. He has been involved in the golf and sports industry during his career on the island. In this episode Mark starts with the different ownership groups involved on Hilton Head over the years, the development of golf and the impact the game has had on island growth and the local economy. We discuss the Harbour Town Golf Links and the Heritage tournament. He also share some of his other favorite courses and golf holes. Mark shares his thoughts on Charles Fraser and we finish with a short discussion about the development of tennis in Sea Pines.

Jim Light worked in Sea Pines with Charles Fraser in the late 60's and 70's. He guided Sea Pines through some very rough financial times when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates significantly. Jim shares stories about working with Charles, developing tennis in Sea Pines and the challenging times for the community.

Pirates were common in the waters around Hilton Head Island. Rich Thomas joins us in this episode to share stories and the history of Blackbeard, Calico Jack and a couple of lady pirates that raided and pillaged cargo ships headed to Europe. Could any of their buried treasure be on Hilton Head Island? 

I am joined by Brian Eichenberger from the podcast "Rock and Roll Bedtime Stories" as we discuss Hilton Head and some classic 80's summer beach songs. Brian is an expert researcher and musicphile and reveals some behind the scenes stories about  Katrina and the Waves, Corey Hart, Don Henley , Bananarama and Martha and the Muffins.

The Chocolate Canopy is a Hilton Head tradition. Started in 1982 it is currently owned by Chris and Nancy Paris. In this episode Nancy shares the story of how they ended up on the island and then owning not just one but two candy stores. Nancy also shares some secrets about what makes their chocolate so special and the secret behind the best salt water taffy you will ever taste. 

Chip Collins is a 28 year resident of Hilton Head and owner/broker of Collins Group Realty. In this episode we talk about visiting Sea Pines as kids, current growth challenges in the area and how the vision of Charles Fraser helped Hilton Head sustain the impacts of Hurricane Matthew. We also learn about some great charitable project his team is involved with and what may be the most unique feature ever in a backyard.

Hilton Head Island has had lots of names over the years. Rich Thomas shares with us the history of the names of HHI and the history of some of the more well known and obscure street and location names on and around HHI.

Jim Chaffin of Chaffin/Light talks about the early days of his career working in Sea Pines. Jim reflects on working with Charles Fraser and dealing with some of the challenges of the development. Jim also talks about Harbour Town, the lighthouse project and a very memorable ride with Fraser on the Compass Rose.

Santa Elena, built on what is now Parris Island, was the first long standing settlement in what would become the Colonies. Rich Thomas, a local historian, takes us through the story of Spanish and French battles for the area, the establishing of Santa Elena and how a bad case on indigestion may have changed the course of American history.