During this class, I have made the best friends and possibly laughed the most I ever have. This collection of pictures on Kizoa is just a small selection of the hundreds of pictures I have from this class. They are my favorites from Magnolia Cemetery, Bethel UMC, and Second Presbyterian which we visited during the class. This class has been great.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Epic Epitaphs
On a wonderfully chilly, Charleston day, Hunter and I walked around to some of the historic gravesites around town. We visited three, two of which we had already visited with class. The Bethel UMC on Pitt, St. Luke and St. Paul Cathedral, and Second Presbyterian.
The Victorian gravesites around campus are beautiful and a great place to explore on a Saturday when you get the time.
The Victorian gravesites around campus are beautiful and a great place to explore on a Saturday when you get the time.
Monday, November 28, 2016
The Sad Life of Dr. John Somers Buist
Dr. John Somers Buist was not only a doctor but a father to several children and a loving husband to his wife. He often dealt with childhood death as is ran rampant during the 19th century. He actually experienced childhood death first hand with the deaths of two his five children. This tragedy did not hinder his success as a physician but a prominent Charlestonian.
Margaret Sinclair Buist, John's wife, had five children; three of which lived good, long lives after the tragic deaths of their siblings. Daisy was the first to perish in 1877 when she was just one year old. She died from convulsions a common side effect of epilepsy. Even though she was the fifth child, she was the first one to pass away from the diseases of the 19th century which was a stroke of luck for the Buist household.
Their second child to pass away was their first born; the namesake of Dr. Buist. They called this boy Somers ad he lived until the age of seven when he died from diphtheria and the common whooping cough; I can personally attest to the whooping couch being terrible I had it when I was a little girl.
Both the children are buried together right beside the site for Dr. Buist. they have a small epitaph reading "He was weary and fell asleep, with his little sister, together they sing the song of the redeemed," according to Professor Harwood's book, In the Arms of Angels.
Even though Dr. Buist suffered great loss, he still had a successful working career. He was not only a father but a graduate of both the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, a Civil War confederate surgeon, a doctor at the Roper Hospital in Downtown Charleston, the president of the Medical Society of South Carolina, and a board member at the Charleston Orphanage which just so happens to be on campus where the Berry Hall building is.
His grave site is a box tomb with a very plain outside especially for a man of his standing in downtown Charleston. It only has his name on the side and a small symbol in the front. He is buried in a plot along with a marker for the two children that passed away. Nothing is all that wonderful about his grave site nor his children's both are very plain and not magnificent.
I chose to do Dr. John Somers Buist in order to further learn about the name my building bears. I wanted to know why my building and many other things around the city of Charleston are marked with the Buist name. The Busit Academy on Calhoun Street bears the family name as well. It is unclear why the school is named after the family. I'd love to be able to talk to historians about why this school bears such a historic name and the other great things the Buist family did during their time.
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| A picture of Dr. Buist found on findagrave.com |
Margaret Sinclair Buist, John's wife, had five children; three of which lived good, long lives after the tragic deaths of their siblings. Daisy was the first to perish in 1877 when she was just one year old. She died from convulsions a common side effect of epilepsy. Even though she was the fifth child, she was the first one to pass away from the diseases of the 19th century which was a stroke of luck for the Buist household.
Their second child to pass away was their first born; the namesake of Dr. Buist. They called this boy Somers ad he lived until the age of seven when he died from diphtheria and the common whooping cough; I can personally attest to the whooping couch being terrible I had it when I was a little girl.
Both the children are buried together right beside the site for Dr. Buist. they have a small epitaph reading "He was weary and fell asleep, with his little sister, together they sing the song of the redeemed," according to Professor Harwood's book, In the Arms of Angels.
Even though Dr. Buist suffered great loss, he still had a successful working career. He was not only a father but a graduate of both the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, a Civil War confederate surgeon, a doctor at the Roper Hospital in Downtown Charleston, the president of the Medical Society of South Carolina, and a board member at the Charleston Orphanage which just so happens to be on campus where the Berry Hall building is.
His grave site is a box tomb with a very plain outside especially for a man of his standing in downtown Charleston. It only has his name on the side and a small symbol in the front. He is buried in a plot along with a marker for the two children that passed away. Nothing is all that wonderful about his grave site nor his children's both are very plain and not magnificent.
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| My picture of the Buist gravesite. |
I chose to do Dr. John Somers Buist in order to further learn about the name my building bears. I wanted to know why my building and many other things around the city of Charleston are marked with the Buist name. The Busit Academy on Calhoun Street bears the family name as well. It is unclear why the school is named after the family. I'd love to be able to talk to historians about why this school bears such a historic name and the other great things the Buist family did during their time.
College Students Get Arrested by Ghosts in The Old City Jail
On a chilly November night, 18 college students and two chaperones were taken to the Old City Jail with a sentence of 45 minutes locked inside the haunted space. They were not there alone as the wonderful Paulette Foley of Bulldog Tours lead them through three creepy, pitch black rooms explaining the history of the Old City Jail. This touring company has several other paranormal related tours, as well as, a food tour of the city!
As we started the tour outside of the jail, Paulette told us about the history of the jail which is quite extensive and spans over a century. In 1802, the Old City Jail was built along with fur other buildings to serve as federal prisons. During this time, the government thought that long term incarceration was the cure for crime inside cities.
The jail would operate into the late 1930s until it was finally closed due to inhumane conditions. The guards and prisoners were forced to be without electricity, running water, and the building was infested with outside critters.
The exact number of prisoners is not known for the prison, however, we do know there was over 1,000 prisoners during the Civil War. Over the years the prison was open, 14,000 inmates met their demise inside the walls; only 600 of these were executions.
With the historical context set, our "not hokey tour" began around the back where the old gallows would have been. Paulette told us about the different way of hanging the old City Jail had which included a pulley system and a weight that plunged down into a well. When this weight fell into the well, the rope would jump and snap the persons neck, that is if you are the right size. Many people would not die correctly and would hang until they suffocated. The last hanging took place on July 7, 1911 where Daniel Duncan took 39 minutes to die after they let the weight down. After this happened, South Carolina outlawed all hanging executions.
Once we were led into the prison, we were put into a room where the Crane of Pain was used."This was a set of ropes and a pulley that attached to the prisoners arms and legs then they were pulled taunt and whipped with a catonine tails then rubbed down with rock salt to prevent disease."
While we walked down another pitch black hallway, we filed into a room filled with cells and a metal banged unexpectedly making our small hearts race. "That was similar t my first experience here," Paulette laughed at our reactions. On my third night here, I had to lock up alone and being scared I began singing "Jesus Loves Me" while locking up; as soon as I stopped signing, this 350 pound metal door slammed open without a warning. This I know was Lavinia.
Lavinia Fisher was the first woman executed at the Old City Jail. She was arrested along with two partners for murder at their Inn where they would poison unsuspecting tenants and take their fortunes. It was said oleander was put into tea and they became so ill the died within a few hours. One night, for some unknown reason, a man escaped and led police to the Six Mile Inn where they found three bodies on the property which was enough to arrest the three for attempted murder. Lavinia was sentenced to be hung, however, she tried very hard to get out of her punishment claiming a married woman could not be hung. She was brought to Marion Square for her hanging and when asked if she had any last words she proudly said "If anyone here has a message for Satan I'll be dining with him this evening" then she jumped from the podium and broke her own neck.
Lavinia is quite active in the Old City Jail as seen in the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures. They had a creepy encounter with her when they came to visit Charleston.
As we started the tour outside of the jail, Paulette told us about the history of the jail which is quite extensive and spans over a century. In 1802, the Old City Jail was built along with fur other buildings to serve as federal prisons. During this time, the government thought that long term incarceration was the cure for crime inside cities.
The jail would operate into the late 1930s until it was finally closed due to inhumane conditions. The guards and prisoners were forced to be without electricity, running water, and the building was infested with outside critters.
The exact number of prisoners is not known for the prison, however, we do know there was over 1,000 prisoners during the Civil War. Over the years the prison was open, 14,000 inmates met their demise inside the walls; only 600 of these were executions.
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An outside of the jail, in the middle you can see a small ball.
Orb or dust, you decide.
|
With the historical context set, our "not hokey tour" began around the back where the old gallows would have been. Paulette told us about the different way of hanging the old City Jail had which included a pulley system and a weight that plunged down into a well. When this weight fell into the well, the rope would jump and snap the persons neck, that is if you are the right size. Many people would not die correctly and would hang until they suffocated. The last hanging took place on July 7, 1911 where Daniel Duncan took 39 minutes to die after they let the weight down. After this happened, South Carolina outlawed all hanging executions.
Once we were led into the prison, we were put into a room where the Crane of Pain was used."This was a set of ropes and a pulley that attached to the prisoners arms and legs then they were pulled taunt and whipped with a catonine tails then rubbed down with rock salt to prevent disease."
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Here is Zach attached to the Crane of Pain. Used to discipline children now.
Can be purchased for around $12 at Lowe's.
|
While we walked down another pitch black hallway, we filed into a room filled with cells and a metal banged unexpectedly making our small hearts race. "That was similar t my first experience here," Paulette laughed at our reactions. On my third night here, I had to lock up alone and being scared I began singing "Jesus Loves Me" while locking up; as soon as I stopped signing, this 350 pound metal door slammed open without a warning. This I know was Lavinia.
Lavinia Fisher was the first woman executed at the Old City Jail. She was arrested along with two partners for murder at their Inn where they would poison unsuspecting tenants and take their fortunes. It was said oleander was put into tea and they became so ill the died within a few hours. One night, for some unknown reason, a man escaped and led police to the Six Mile Inn where they found three bodies on the property which was enough to arrest the three for attempted murder. Lavinia was sentenced to be hung, however, she tried very hard to get out of her punishment claiming a married woman could not be hung. She was brought to Marion Square for her hanging and when asked if she had any last words she proudly said "If anyone here has a message for Satan I'll be dining with him this evening" then she jumped from the podium and broke her own neck.
Lavinia is quite active in the Old City Jail as seen in the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures. They had a creepy encounter with her when they came to visit Charleston.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Preparing for Death with Dr. George Dickinson
Nationally acclaimed death, dying and, bereavement expert and beloved Sociology professor at The College of Charleston ,Dr. George Dickinson may be the only person excited to speak about death to a classroom of twenty college freshman. Dr. Dickinson has a plethora of awards from The College of Charleston and has been recognized state wide as one of the leading death experts in the college circuit.
He is passionate about the one of the two things people are uncomfortable talking about. "People hate talking about sexual relations and dying, I chose the later to be an expert on," Dr. Dickinson exclaimed about halfway through his talk on Monday night. He is definitely an expert in his field doing multiple research projects during this time, one including " the reactions of other dogs while another is being euthanized in a separate room."
He further outlined the three periods of death including the newest period from 1945 to the present day. Biomedical breakthroughs during this time have greatly reduced the death rates and people are living much longer than they used to. A shift in the dying pattern also happened, as medical technology became better people began dying more of chronic illnesses rather than widespread diseases.
A number of new traditions surrounding funeral ceremonies and other ways to be remembered in death have arisen over the years as well.
The first funeral home opened in New York City during the 1890s. They provided the first services in the country which were very limited at the time. During advances, cremation services, as well as, cryonics and natural cemeteries.
Cryonics is when someone who has passed away gets injected with liquid nitrogen and then kept frozen until medical advances become great enough to cure whatever disease they have died from. Two famous people that have been frozen include the father-son duo of Ted Williams and John-Henry Williams.
Natural cemeteries are where people who have died become fertilizer for the soil. Buried in the ground with a tree placed near them, they grow into a forest.
He also talked about the different stages of awareness during hospitalization. These include closed awareness, suspicion awareness, mutual pretense, and open awareness. Closed awareness is when nobody knows anyone is dying and they often pass suddenly. Suspicion awareness is when people know the situation is not looking good and they know it won't be much longer until they pass. Mutual pretense is where everyone involved knows the situation is dire but nobody says anything about it. Open awareness is when all parties involved know the situation. The last situation is common in Hospice care situations.
He also touched on Passive and Active Euthanasia which is where either a family member is taken off of life support or they actively seek a doctors help to kill themselves. The latter is only allowed in five states with the only east coast one being Vermont.
Overall the visit from Dr. Dickinson was very educational and somewhat comical when he ended with the story about a cremation on Folly Beach that happened on a BBQ grill back in the day. We thank Dr. Dickinson for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to us!
He is passionate about the one of the two things people are uncomfortable talking about. "People hate talking about sexual relations and dying, I chose the later to be an expert on," Dr. Dickinson exclaimed about halfway through his talk on Monday night. He is definitely an expert in his field doing multiple research projects during this time, one including " the reactions of other dogs while another is being euthanized in a separate room."
He further outlined the three periods of death including the newest period from 1945 to the present day. Biomedical breakthroughs during this time have greatly reduced the death rates and people are living much longer than they used to. A shift in the dying pattern also happened, as medical technology became better people began dying more of chronic illnesses rather than widespread diseases.
A number of new traditions surrounding funeral ceremonies and other ways to be remembered in death have arisen over the years as well.
The first funeral home opened in New York City during the 1890s. They provided the first services in the country which were very limited at the time. During advances, cremation services, as well as, cryonics and natural cemeteries.
Cryonics is when someone who has passed away gets injected with liquid nitrogen and then kept frozen until medical advances become great enough to cure whatever disease they have died from. Two famous people that have been frozen include the father-son duo of Ted Williams and John-Henry Williams.
Natural cemeteries are where people who have died become fertilizer for the soil. Buried in the ground with a tree placed near them, they grow into a forest.
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| Dr. Dickinson during his talk with the FYE group. |
He also talked about the different stages of awareness during hospitalization. These include closed awareness, suspicion awareness, mutual pretense, and open awareness. Closed awareness is when nobody knows anyone is dying and they often pass suddenly. Suspicion awareness is when people know the situation is not looking good and they know it won't be much longer until they pass. Mutual pretense is where everyone involved knows the situation is dire but nobody says anything about it. Open awareness is when all parties involved know the situation. The last situation is common in Hospice care situations.
He also touched on Passive and Active Euthanasia which is where either a family member is taken off of life support or they actively seek a doctors help to kill themselves. The latter is only allowed in five states with the only east coast one being Vermont.
Overall the visit from Dr. Dickinson was very educational and somewhat comical when he ended with the story about a cremation on Folly Beach that happened on a BBQ grill back in the day. We thank Dr. Dickinson for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to us!
Monday, November 14, 2016
My Top 10 Prezi
With the constant reminder of our childhood through Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday on our Instagram and Facebook feeds, teens try to relive their childhood. Certain T.V. shows help transport us back to those nights watching T.V. after our homework. I love using Prezi and reminiscing about my childhood with shows that made me laugh. Enjoy my Top 10 Childhood shows.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Magonlia Cemetery "The Graddady of Them All"
Through the fog of mosquitos and early afternoon sun, Beyond the Grave FYE visited the 150 acre Victorian era Magnolia Cemetery. As described by a fellow College of Charleston student, it is the "land of hella dead people." Magnolia boasts over 15,000 internments according to findagrave.com with 41 of them being someone of importance or famous.
We braved mosquito bites and talkative cab drivers to cross over to the other side and explore a time where death was used as a way to immortalize the living with grand statues and burial places unlike the lawn markers of today. This breath taking cemetery has almost every kind of grave marker known to man with some being considered modern, marvelous monuments as there really is no classification for them.
Magnolia is known for its large landscape with plenty of places to enjoy the scenery and vast examples of markers. It has one large lagoon in the middle of the front property with multiple other ponds across the grounds; these create a breeding ground for the mosquitos that suck the life out of unsuspecting visitors to Magnolia. Its sprawling grounds host many different cemeteries, including a section for newer internments and some ethnic spaces as well.
It also has an old house that is used as the office for the cemetery that was built in its early days.
At Magnolia there are many different monuments it is hard to just pick three to talk about but I will narrow down the best and explain some things about them.
This mauseloum that is in the shape of shape a pyramid is by far the best in my opinion. Belonging to the family of William Burroughs Smith, a prominent banker in Charleston during the late 1800s. His pyramid is roughly over 100 years old and has been vandalized sadly, however you can see that new life emerged on the pyramid with grass and a tree poking out from the top. The idea of a pyramid came from his daughters when he died, I personally think the shape goes right along with his career as pyramids are prominent on our currency.
The Elbert P. Jones Monument is another of unprecedented beauty at Magnolia Cemetery. The monument features four different angles carved and paced on each side showing different emotions over the plot. Jones was only $6,500 dollars during his day, a sum of almost $300,000 today would be needed to recreate this masterpiece. He was a prominent business man in San Francisco but later moved to Charleston just a year before his death in 1852. His monument also has a Bible verse under the hands of on angel reading "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble."
This monument to Sergeant James Brown Boyd just beat out some for the last space in this countdown of magnificent monuments at Magnolia Cemetery. He was a Confederate War solider tat fought in the bloodiest battle of the war at Sharpsburg in 1862. He was part of the Palmetto Guards, as seen by the palmetto fawns on his column. He also has flag crossed around the palmetto fawns that show he was a decorated war veteran. He was killed at only 22 during the war and had no other family other than a distant cousin at the time of his death.
As our visit to Magnolia Cemetery drew to a close, the whole class was over taken with its beauty and stood in awe, while slapping mosquitoes, looking at the beauty that is Magnolia Cemetery. We had such a great time at the cemetery and nothing could compare in the other sites we visit. Thanks to Professor Harwood's book In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery for providing the information, as well as, findagrave which also provided information used in the post.
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| The lagoon in the middle of Magnolia |
We braved mosquito bites and talkative cab drivers to cross over to the other side and explore a time where death was used as a way to immortalize the living with grand statues and burial places unlike the lawn markers of today. This breath taking cemetery has almost every kind of grave marker known to man with some being considered modern, marvelous monuments as there really is no classification for them.
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| The office at Magnolia |
It also has an old house that is used as the office for the cemetery that was built in its early days.
At Magnolia there are many different monuments it is hard to just pick three to talk about but I will narrow down the best and explain some things about them.
 |
The sun smiled down on the Smith pyramid that day.
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This mauseloum that is in the shape of shape a pyramid is by far the best in my opinion. Belonging to the family of William Burroughs Smith, a prominent banker in Charleston during the late 1800s. His pyramid is roughly over 100 years old and has been vandalized sadly, however you can see that new life emerged on the pyramid with grass and a tree poking out from the top. The idea of a pyramid came from his daughters when he died, I personally think the shape goes right along with his career as pyramids are prominent on our currency.
As our visit to Magnolia Cemetery drew to a close, the whole class was over taken with its beauty and stood in awe, while slapping mosquitoes, looking at the beauty that is Magnolia Cemetery. We had such a great time at the cemetery and nothing could compare in the other sites we visit. Thanks to Professor Harwood's book In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery for providing the information, as well as, findagrave which also provided information used in the post.
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| Just a big portion of the nine that attended from left to right: Beth, Aline, Hunter, Myself, Megan, and Zack |
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