Open Lines of Communication
Power lines zig-zagged Post-World war II Center street until Hurricane hugo decided an upgrade was in order
The results are still visible today: the palm trees in the median between Ashley and Arctic avenues — purchased and planted via citizen donations in memory of loved ones; the garden adjacent to the library and Civic Club; the crepe myrtles and pampas grass along the causeway leading to the island; and the absence of power lines along Center Street.
“The franchise agreement was coming up with SCE&G, and we negotiated with them and the phone and cable systems to bury all of the wires underground,” recalls tree committee member LaJuan Kennedy.
“It really changed the look of Center Street, not having wires crossing back and forth.”
Twenty-five years later, Folly is again developing a plan for the beautification of Center Street, including discussions of taking the road to three lanes and expanding sidewalks.
Stop by City Hall and follow the Folly Current on-line for up-to-date information.
This story and photo and many more like it are included in Stratton Lawrence’s book, Images of America: Folly Beach. To purchase your ownpersonalized signed copies, delivered to your home on Folly Beach, or to share a photo and story for next month’s Folly Flashback column, email Stratton at strattonlawrence@gmail.com.
