A few days ago, my husband and I traveled to Charleston,
South Carolina, to celebrate the marriage of our dear friends Jeff and Sheila. It was a joyous affair that we will always
remember.
This was my first time in Charleston. Christmas wasn’t over yet!
I marveled at the beautiful old city’s history and . . .
porches!
I also made a pilgrimage to honor my great great grandfather, August Thomas DeLaPorte. He emigrated
from France to Charleston in the 1840’s.
He was a confectioner, dance instructor, and stonemason. What a Renaissance man! I wanted to see the place where he set up his
confectionary shop.
I made my way down King Street. The old storefronts scalloped the sky.
Unfortunately, his shop is gone. Here's the lot. But I’m sure many of the neighboring
buildings were there in 1861 when August concocted his delicacies.
Later August moved to Hannibal, Missouri, and joined the
Christian Church. Legend has it that he
was baptized in November in the muddy and probably very cold Mississippi River.
August cut the stones for this church. He also donated the windows and doors. That’s my next pilgrimage.
New beginnings . . .
Jeff and Sheila’s.
August’s—when he so ingeniously used his talents to make a
life in a new land.
2013 for us all.
May your New Year be filled with hope, love, and new
beginnings!
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