Tag Archives: Private

Drums & Shadows South Carolina

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“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

– Old African Proverb

The Bush Family, who, through many family names, were the first settlers of today’s South Carolina, built up Hilton Head from the 18th century, and as people, stretched across the state with names like Fripp, Pope, Stanyarne, Ladson, Hugenin, Chaplin, Wright, Lawton, Mosse, Peeples, Oswald, Norton, others. Their family reads like The Who’s Who of South Carolina with estate names like Tombee Plantation Seaside, Raphraim, and Sam’s Plantation. A now 90 year old descendant, Betty Bush, challenged Shannon Scott to build her an outing with her family that would explore as much of the landscape of that in one day around Beaufort County & Colleton County with particular interest to see their once great homestead, Tombee Plantation that preservationist Jim Williams lovingly restored at Land’s End. It would prove tricky but unphased, Shannon would secure visits there through generous owners, along with Seaside Plantation & an exclusive peek at the McPhersonville Presbyterian Church (“Forrest Gump”), along with exclusive touring of root doctor graves and ancestral plots of their family along the route. While Shannon Scott already visits a number of these locations on his Drums & Shadows Tour, this was very much an expanded, one-off version for very special people, and they were beyond thrilled, especially the matriarch, Betty Bush. None of this would’ve been fulfilled without the extended help of researchers, Megan Morgan and Alissa Nicholson, who pulled at least one all-nighter, as they prepared extensive books, maps, genealogy diagrams, many hand-rendered, creating original materials both useful as tools for the outing and keepsakes for the family. Both Shannon Scott & Megan Morgan acted in a narration capacity while Alissa Nicholson filmed, photographed, and edited the footage within the video as a record of this important gathering. A special note of thanks goes to Mr. Green of The Gullah Grub Cafe in Frogmore, SC, for his delicious food and hospitality. We also appreciate Elayne Scott for her tour of Tombee House and Joe Roney for his fabulous tour of Sam’s Plantation. www.drumsandshadows.com

The Sculptor & The Child Muse: Special Event

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“John – it’s an exact likeness.”

These words were barely found formed by tearful parents, Wales and Frances Watson following the marble statue unveiling of their daughter, “Little Gracie” by sculptor John Walz in Bonaventure Cemetery between 1891-1894. According to Walz, they then turned and left the cemetery. For Walz, it was no less emotional as Gracie Watson had become perhaps the closest thing he’d known to a child of his own. He was now 45, unmarried, and the biggest emptiness in himself was having achieved so much of The American Dream but as a man, there was an emptiness of a family of his own. Gracie had meant the world to him, the friendship of her parents formed inside of the hotel they owned where Gracie played and entertained for nearly 6 years of her own life – The Pulaski House Hotel – the hollow halls would soon come to haunt them all. In ways, only time and a statue would bring healing.

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Walz Sculpts Little Gracie To Life by Stephen Kasun

This coming Saturday, July 13, 2024, we celebrate the 142nd Birthday of Little Gracie Watson but also the life and works of the sculptor buried almost a straight line from her a few hundred yards away, John Walz. The cemetery called Bonaventure might have another name – The John Walz Art Museum – for the countless works he spread across the many acres, defining it visually, setting the standard, like no other artist. Together, Watson & Walz, are inseparable figures to Bonaventure Cemetery and no one presents that quite like Shannon Scott Tours & Events! Your host, Shannon Scott, will present some rarely-seen objects tied to the lives of Gracie Watson and John Walz. One lucky attendee will receive this original, framed painting “Walz Sculpts Little Gracie To Life,” by highly respected Savannah artist, Stephen Kasun! This artwork is a first-of-its-kind and will be treasured by the recipient! All attendees will receive a signed event poster along with very special birthday baked goodies that you’ll simply die for!
TICKETS: www.bonaafterhours.com