West Ashley landmarks bring us comfort because they are a reminder of home
story & photos by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
Returning from travel, it’s a comfort to come home to a place just as, if not more beautiful. The airport is familiar and then the Lowcountry scenes fall into place one after another. Outside the building we are greeted with a blast of heat, palmetto trees, palmetto bugs, and crepe myrtles in bloom. We cross the bridge, check the color of the marsh and we are home.
Comedian George Carlin had a funny routine about people and their stuff. We like our familiar stuff and it disturbs us to have it change. The longer I’m away, the faster the world spins, the more relieved I am to see that things are as I left them.
The Coburg Cow watching over West Ashley caused a flurry of interest when a blue calf appeared by her side noting a birth in the family. Some businesses are long gone but it is a comfort to see the signs still there for George’s Sunshine Laundry, Rodenburg’s Grocery, and now Doscher’s. The former Cavallero Restaurant may be a Honda dealership but it’s there, and there’s nothing we like better than playing the “remember when” game.
Each time I drive Savannah Highway, I’ll notice when Capt. Don’s Seafood freshens their sign and I read the clever message at Swig & Swine or Early Bird Diner. I welcomed the bright pink Victory sign to my collection of visual delights.
On Highway 61 I check to see if Timbo’s bright orange airstream is open and my eyes glance for the tin rooster on the other side of the street. Walking the Audubon Swamp Trail, I look for the “Watch Your Step” sign nailed to the path tree every single time. I have no idea who Simon is or what happens at his place but his sign is my familiar touchstone on Highway 61.
Walking the Greenway from Harris Teeter to South Windermere I glance at the bright Sothel Farm — “Free & Fun” sign and feel a pang that I missed a good time. I look for and greet the white tin goat on the side of the path who has joined my familiar landmarks as a sign of home.
I have a collection of these signs of character and home and compiled a few into this month’s collage. We are a colorful place, we are. Let’s stay that way.
Stay healthy my friends and wave at me as I wander. westashleywanderer@gmail.com.
