Every House Has a Story

“Housing Problem More Acute Here” ran the headline in the Sunday edition of The News and Courier in November of 1942. Many of the young families living in the area after World War II felt this acute problem. Camilla Blanton and her husband Samuel “Red” Blanton had moved from this area to California during the war. Red was employed with Douglas Aircraft there. The Lowcountry ran deep in the blood and drew them back once the war was over. They were living on Wentworth Street but anxious to find a home of their own in the new suburbs developing in St. Andrew’s Parish.
They found a home to rent in Byrnes Downs on Sothel Avenue in 1945, but quickly found their “dream” home on Colleton Drive. They purchased their home in April of 1946 and firmly set their footprints in the neighborhood.
In the quiet curve of Colleton along the Coburg property and the marsh, there was always a smile and a good time. All the young families had children — so the quiet curve was soon filled with their fun, games, and laughter. Not ones to let the children have all the fun; they hosted many parties in their back yard — oyster roasts, horseshoes, and the rare snowball fight. Red even added a party room onto the back of the house.
The years on Colleton were filled with raising their twin daughters — Susan and Judi, work, pool nights at Gene’s, dancing and dinner at The Cavallero, conversations with neighbors who became lifelong friends, chats with the postman, Sundays at Ashley River Baptist Church, trips that took them to all 50 states, family reunions, and the never-ending smiles, laughter, and jokes.
The little bungalows of Byrnes Downs have seen many young families since the first brick was laid in the early 1940s, each one with a story. Camilla shared the many stories of her home on Colleton Drive and of the many changes in the greater St. Andrew’s Parish area during her time.  Always with a smile and an impish giggle, you can’t help but wish you were part of that story.
When Camilla celebrated her 100th birthday, family and friends gathered to witness her make a wish and blow out 100 candles.
When Camilla passed away recently at the age of 101, family and friends gathered to celebrate her and that joy of life she brought to every occasion.
Would love to know your story! Contact Donna Jacobs at westashleybook@gmail.com