A main part of Isle of Palms now has a new name and look to honor longtime resident and businessman Malcolm Burgis.
On Jan. 24 more than 200 island friends turned out despite the frigid weather for the dedication to rename the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and J.C. Long Boulevard to Malcolm M. Burgis Plaza. The event was held in front of The Windjammer, a Front Beach restaurant and live music icon established by Burgis in 1972.
Malcolm’s sister Margaret, brother William and longtime business partner Bobby Ross attended. Bo Stallings, former commander of the local VFW, presented an American flag, sent by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in Burgis’ honor.
A granite monument not only marks the spot but represents more than 68 years of one man’s life dedicated to the betterment and progress of this island community. “For all the islanders that have known Malcolm all these many years, this was a big deal,” said principal organizer Kevin Popson. “The Windjammer is like a second home to many people, and celebrating Malcolm in this way was important for us.”
To illustrate just how important, consider that just some of Burgis’ accomplishments include serving as IOP mayor from 1980-81; serving on the city council’s ATAX committee for more than 20 years; supporting VFW members; and sponsoring local children’s sports teams.
Longtime City Councilman Jimmy Ward said that while Burgis’ practical support of the island in the community is enough by itself to warrant the new plaza, what has impressed him the most in all these years is that “Malcolm was always the first one to step up to help the community.”
“We had a winter storm here in the early 1990s and everyone on the island was without power except The Windjammer,” Ward recalled. “And Malcolm opened up his business to provide everyone hot food and a place to stay, out of the cold. This lasted for two or three days until the power came back on. He’s done more for the community than any other one person I can think of.”
As for the plaque and the undertaking to rename the intersection in Burgis’ honor, Popson pointed out that while the grassroots effort was “fully funded by private contributions,” so many people were on board with the idea that the work and fundraising often seemed to happen by itself. “The plaque cost $6,626 – but so far I have collected donations totaling $11,254,” Popson said on Feb. 13.
Ward added that he isn’t surprised at the show of support, as “Malcolm was certainly deserving of it … We’re looking to put the rest of the money in an escrow account in case the plaque gets damaged and needs repairs, or for landscaping around it.”
When it was over, many in the gathering did what Burgis often encouraged them to do: Come to The Windjammer to celebrate.
“Malcolm’s a legend,” Popson said. “The event lasted about one-and-a-half hours, then everyone crammed into The Windjammer to enjoy drinks and to celebrate a great friend.”
By L. C. Leach III
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