Oh How Sweet It Was

A sweet little spot opened at the intersection of Savannah Highway and Magnolia Road on Friday June 29, 1934. Milton Jones, the proprietor invited his “many friends” to visit the Sugar Bowl for refreshing drinks, ice cream, delicious sandwiches and beer. “It’s the Place to Go!” according to the ad that ran on page 7 of The Charleston Evening Post on that day. Jones offered prompt, courteous curb service in this ad that was illustrated with a man and woman in a convertible car, an ice cream cone, milkshake and a couple being served a bottle of wine. “Always Delightfully Cool” promised the ad. So where are the stories about the Sugar Bowl? Only a couple of people have memories of this place and some have denied that it even existed.
To add to the intrigue is a “Personal” that ran on page 8 of The Charleston Evening Post November 7. 1935 edition. It reads: “MADAME DIVINE –Readings on all affairs of life, tells you what you want to know and find out. Satisfaction guaranteed or no charge. Special readings, 50c. 9 a.m. to 9p.m. Located in studio in tent on Route 17. Sugar Bowl at Magnolia Garden Road Junction over Ashley Bridge. White and colored.” This personal ran again on November 8 and November 9 of 1935. Did no one avail themselves of Madame Divine’s insight?
Fast forward to May 4, 1946. Another ad runs in the News and Courier announcing the opening of “The Sugar Bowl”. In a June 15, 1946 ad: “NOW you can get a tasty toasted sandwich and a delicious milk shake at The Sugar Bowl – Savannah Highway at Magnolia Road.” However, the owner is now named as Raymond Sanders of Pinecrest Road .Pinecrest Gardens in the 1948 Charleston City Directory. So when and why did The Sugar Bowl close and change hands?
Another intriguing ad ran on Feb. 12 , 1949 in The Charleston Evening Post describing types of flowers that can be purchased at the Ashley Flower Shop in the “Old Sugar Bowl Location, Avondale”.
Surely someone remembers this sweet little spot. If so contact Donna at westashleybook@gmail.com.