Isle of Palms Magazine Winter 2016-17

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pavilion and steeplechase games helped give the island the
nickname, “Coney Island of the South.” It also boasted the
biggest Ferris wheel in the world at the time, which could be
seen from Charleston on a clear day. His successful market-
ing of the island as one of the South’s premier resorts helped
make him one of the 50 wealthiest men in America at the
time of his death in 1964. The Sottile family descendants
continued making great contributions to Isle of Palms and
were instrumental in incorporating the city, forming the
Exchange Club of Isle of Palms and starting recreational
programs. They have continued to be active in the island’s
government over the decades.
3. J.C. Long: The years after World War I found the
island in financial hardship, and time took its toll on the
amusement parks and the island’s tourism as a whole. In
1944, J.C. Long, founder of The Beach Company, had a
vision to develop the island and forever changed it when he
purchased a large portion of the island and began construct-
ing low-cost slab homes for veterans’ families, eventually
tripling the number of island residences. He made exten-
sive improvements to the island’s infrastructure: paved
roads, new bridges, garbage and trash collection, water and
streetlights. His vision transformed the island into a thriving
community and rekindled the flame for those searching for
the ideal beach vacation.
4. CLyde MouLtrie dangerfieLd: Dangerfield,
a World War II veteran, and his wife moved to the island
in 1948, where they raised their six children. One of them,
Tim Dangerfield, was the youngest person to serve on the
IOP City
Council at
the time.
In the early
years, Clyde
Dangerfield
was involved
with many
groups
dedicated to
service on
Isle of Palms:
He helped
establish the
first church
on the island
and was a charter member and volunteer captain of the Isle
of Palms Fire Department and a charter member and past
president of the Isle of Palms Exchange Club. Dangerfield
served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for
18 consecutive terms and was instrumental in obtaining
funds for the Isle of Palms Connector, which opened in
1993. It was named in his honor.
5. Henry finCH: In 1972, Finch Properties purchased
1,600 acres from J.C. Long and began developing it into
the Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club. With the help of
Charles Fraser and Frank Brumley of the Sea Pines Company,
The Finch family
The Honorable Clyde Moultrie Dangerfield
J.C. Long
Courtesy of Wendy Pollitzer.
Courtesy of Wendy Pollitzer.