It would be difficult to find a person whose Charleston roots run deeper than those of Joseph Patrick Riley. Serving as mayor for four decades, he left behind a legacy of excellence and a baseball stadium named in his honor when he retired in January 2016. But during his 10 terms in office, and for many years before and after, Riley had a home away from home on a tranquil … [Read more...] about Joe Riley and IOP: A Family Tradition
People
South Carolina’s First Female Fire Chief
Previously Published in East Cooper Magazine Circa 1994 Isle of Palms Fire Chief Ann Corbett admits she’s no torchbearer – she just loves her job and that’s the way it’s always been. “I’ve been told I’m the first female chief in South Carolina and the Southeast,” she says, and that she is, but she’d rather focus on future goals in the department. “I’m not really into that kind … [Read more...] about South Carolina’s First Female Fire Chief
Shaping the Island: IOP’S Most Influential People
The Isle of Palms as we know it today has only been this way for a small blip in time. Known first as Hunting Island when English settlers met its friendly Sewee Indian inhabitants, and then as Long Island in the mid-18th century, the island slowly grew from a virtually unknown hunting and fishing ground to a backdrop for small but important roles in the Revolutionary and Civil … [Read more...] about Shaping the Island: IOP’S Most Influential People
The Life & Times of J.C. Long
On December 12, 1944 John Charles Long (known to everyone as J.C.), a prominent Charleston attorney, purchased 1,300 acres of land on the Isle of Palms. His vision of greatness would change the Isle of Palms forever. Long and his development company, The Beach Company, not only introduced paved roads, new bridges and new homes, but also provided such necessary services to the … [Read more...] about The Life & Times of J.C. Long
The Simmons Family Sells Seafood by the Seashore
I met with Billy Simmons, his son, Bubba, and his grandson, Will – They’re all named William Simmons, thus the clever array of nicknames – recently for a midday meal on Shem Creek. We ordered sandwiches and Southern sweet tea, then I settled in to hear their interesting stories about East Cooper as it used to be. Billy’s grandfather, Yonge Simmons, was mayor of Mount Pleasant … [Read more...] about The Simmons Family Sells Seafood by the Seashore
