Members, visitor and guest were welcomed by Club President Kristin Keller
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag.
Welcome to guest Wendy Kloesz and visiting Rotarian Robert Reedy from Elizabethton TN
Announcements:
Kristin included the link in her weekly email to Karen (spouse of member Ron) Sandlin's Go Fund Me for those who wish to donate.
Founder's night - June 23 - invitations have been sent out - please reply.
Suzi Oliver, Sergeant at Arms, collected Happy $$
Speaker:
Rich Thomas presented Hilton Head History. Mr. Thomas is Founder of Legacy Leadership of the Lowcountry. His first experience with Hilton Head was in 1965 and he and his family made frequent visits here until purchasing a home here in 1997. His knowledge about island history is amazing and he kept everyone interested with the fabulous pictures he had to share.
Our island was not always named "Hilton Head" - here are the names through the years: 1526 - La Punta de Santa Elena; 1562- Le Grand Ile; 1663- Hilton Head; 1685- Altamaha Island; 1698-Bayley's Barony; 1722- Trench's Island; 1750- Hilton Head; 1862 - Port Royal; 1872- Hilton Head; 1983 - Town of Hilton Head Island.
It was in 1740 that the Europeans started buying land here. We learned about the pre Revolution years and the Revolutionary war years. The shipyards which were flourishing before the war were destroyed. In 1813 ships were sent for the revenge of the patriots. In 1861 was the Battle of Port Royal Sound.
Dawn of Freedom show pictures of the first armed black regiment in the US - June 25, 1862 After the war many began to work for the government.
Time before the bridge 1917 - top center picture shows what is now 278. Lower left is a steamer that traveled between Savannah and Charleston. Lower right is the first bridge.
Electric didn't come to the island until 1950.
Interesting history lesson.