Beaufort Takes a Stroll Down Memory Lane

Beaufort Takes a Stroll Down Memory Lane

Hey there, Beaufort folks! Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and relive some of the significant milestones and events that took place on this date in our city’s rich history.

From 2021: Building Projects and Coaching Promotions

Just three years ago today, our very own Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) granted a code variance to developer Dick Stewart and 303 Associates. This crucial go-ahead allowed the construction of a neat three-story apartment building at the all-too-familiar corner of Charles and Port Republic streets. Talk about development!

But that’s not all for 2021. Remember when interim coach Cory Cottrell got bumped up the ladder and became the head coach of the USC Beaufort men’s and women’s golf teams? Yeah, that promotion also went down today in history!

Moments from the 40s: Hurricane Encounter and Marine Recruit Depot

Stepping back a bit further in time, on this day in 1940, a hurricane whipped through Beaufort. It slammed Parris Island with a whopping 104 mph wind strength, wrecking barracks and leaving a massive $1.5 million damage at the Marine Recruit Depot. While no severe injuries were reported, recruit training had to shift to Quantico, Va., until all the messy reparations could be handled.

In the same year, on August 13, the Marine post in Parris Island got a new name and became known as the Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks, Parris Island. Boy, oh boy, weren’t the 40s just full of changes!

Fast-forward to the 2010s: Championship Wins and New Appointments

More recently, on this day in 2019, Rob Simmons carted away the Beaufort City Championship golf tournament trophy at Fripp Island. Winning it by an incredible 11 strokes, this marked his record fourth time claiming the title. Golf enthusiasts, remember how thrilled we were?

That same year, Beaufort Academy named their new head boys basketball coach, Bobby Smith. And just two years after, in 2021, Tim Ogden took the helm as the Chief of the City of Beaufort-Town of Port Royal Fire Department, replacing Reece Bertholf, who moved on to become the Deputy City Manager for the City of Beaufort.

Be it officials in sports or the city department, fresh faces and new leadership always bring a wave of expectancy, don’t they?

Wrapping it Up

There you have it, friends – a quick spin down memory lane! It’s amazing how one date can hold so many stories for our beloved Beaufort. Let’s look forward to making more noteworthy history and cherished memories together.