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fact that he's originally from New Jersey doesn't keep Peter Stevenson
from giving a walking tour of Beaufort, South Carolina, even a
native could appreciate. His knack for oratory honed in the classroom
where he taught English for 15 years helps. So does his rich singing
voice.
"Oh
the yellow peril of Beaufort," he sings, pointing to a large
yellow building and matching his words to the tune of "Yellow
Rose of Texas." He's referring to the Beaufort Arsenal, which
now houses the Beaufort Museum. "It was built in 1795 and
rebuilt in 1852 in the Gothic Medieval style," Peter says.
"The bright mustard yellow is its historic color."
Another
bit of trivia concerns one Dr. Perry, whose grave you'll find
in the cemetery that surrounds St. Helena's Episcopal Church.
"It's said that Dr. Perry insisted he be buried with a loaf
of bread, a jug of water, and a pick ax," Peter relates.
"This was before the days of embalming. He"d heard of
someone who"d been accidentally buried alive and wanted survival
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tools in case
he suffered the same fate."
Standing
beside the grave of William Henry Cory, Peter quotes "The
Charge of the Light Brigade." Born in England
in 1831, Cory was a survivor of the famous Light Brigade at Balaklava
on October 25, 1854. He also served in the Confederate army.
Inside
St. Helena"s Church, Peter sings a verse of "God Save
the South." The reason, he explains, is that
this song was sung in the church during the Civil War, before
the town was taken over by the Union army.
By
the end of the tour, you not only know a lot more about Beaufort,
but you"re likely humming a few songs as well. Karen Ling
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Guides
Peter Stevenson and Evelene Grace stand beside headstones of the Hamilton
family in the cemetery at St. Helena's Episcopal Church. |
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The
Spirit of Old Beaufort Walking Tour:
210 Scott's Street, Beaufort, SC 29902; (803) 525-0459.
Tours:
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Full
tours, which include both east and west sides of town, cost $15.
A tour of just one side of town costs $10. Reservations are not
necessary but are appreciated.
This
month: St. Helena's 42nd Annual Spring Tour happens
March 27-28. Among the sites included are St. Helena's Episcopal
Church, Grace Chapel A.M.E. Church, the Thomas Rhett House Inn,
John A. Cuthbert House, and the Tabby Manse Gardens. Tickets for
the Candlelight Walking Tour on March 27 are $25. Tickets for
the Low Country Tour on March 28 are $30. For reservations call
(803) 524-0363.
For
more information: Contact the Greater Beaufort Chamber of
Commerce, P.O. Box 910, Beaufort, SC 29901; (803) 524-3163 |