Guscio: Estill holds a special place in area hearts

Don and I moved to Bluffton in early 1972.

The route to Bluffton from Athens, Ga., where we lived at the time, took us through the "bomb plant," near Augusta, Ga., and meandered down through farmland to the coast of South Carolina.

One of the little towns we motored through was Estill. It wouldn't be the last time. We must have traveled through Estill at least 100 times over the years we have lived here. One got to Estill after passing fields of cotton and other crops almost the whole way. I ever would have imagined this small town would eventually play such a large part in our lives.

Several weeks ago, we were invited for supper by Sandy and Tommy Rhodes at their newly remodeled cottage at Estill Beach. The couple has recently moved from Estill to live in Bluffton full time.

Joining us on a beautiful summer evening were Carol and Leslie Hanna. His late mother Betty Harper was a treasure. Other guest included Lash and Tom Woodcock who were down from Macon for the week.

An accomplished artist and gourmet cook, Sandy does everything beautifully. She is also passionate about Bluffton.

Tommy is a charming person full of wonderful tales, the perfect host and is very busy with his consulting business.

We enjoyed a marvelous feast of crab bisque, Sandy caught and picked the crabs. She made shrimp creole, offered sliced tomatoes with fabulous homemade mayonnaise and a divine dessert called Charlotte Russe. I feel sure it took our hostess most of the day to prepare our supper.

Sandy helps at the Heyward House as a docent so if you want some of these recipes, you know where to find her.

We took some of Tommy's homegrown tomatoes home. They were divine.

Three days later we were thrilled to be invited to the 96th birthday celebration of my daughter-in-law Dorothy's grandmother Mary Frances Cone.

The party was held at the Cone Family compound at All Joy Beach.

It was to be a surprise because Miss Mary Frances said she did not want anyone to make a "fuss" about her birthday.

Dorothy's Aunt Esther and Uncle Bob Sexson paid no attention at all and immediately got busy planning the party. The surprise had 50 or so family and friends drop by to share love and cake on a beautiful July afternoon.

Miss Mary Francesr was born at home in Estill on July 23, 1919.

She met her husband-to-be George Edward Cone at a weekend dance in Brunson in 1941. The couple fell madly in love and were married at Miss Mary Frances' Aunt Maybelle Peeples' house in Estill.

Five-year-old cousin Julia Peeples Causey was the ring bearer and wore an adorable bonnet made by Aunt Reba Peeples. Julia wore the very same bonnet to wish Miss Mary Frances happy birthday to the delight of all.

The wedding took place in 1942 at the height of World War II.

Not long after they married, the newlyweds were separated when Ed joined the Army and was sent first to Italy and then Africa.

When Ed returned to Estill nearly three years later, he met his two year old son Ed Jr. for the first Several years later, the couple welcomed their daughter Esther to the family.

The couple enjoyed a loving, wonderful life together until Mr. Ed's passing several years ago.

The birthday party was a wonderful celebration of Miss Mary Frances' life.

"MaMa," as her great-grand children, grandchildren and children call her, was a delight as she chatted with each of her guests.

Some of those who stopped by were Judy Greene, Mary Eleanor Bowers, Van and Christine Peeples,Diane Johnson, Brenda and David Barnes, Mandy Gooding, Ali Barnes, Paula and Bill Bethea, Lash Woodcock, Sandy Rhodes, Julia Causey, Carolyn Smith, Lou Schmitt, and Mary Lou Bryant.

It amazed me that we now have such an interesting connection to this small town called Estill.

My store was built by Jesse Peeples, who is a cousin to my daughter-in-law Dorothy and many of the people we now call our friends .

FOR THE BIRDS

What are the birdies up to?

I have missed their early morning chirping lately.

My yard used to be an orchestra of all kinds of sounds.

I learned that once birds have built their nests and raised their chicks -- sometimes two or three batches -- they lose their ability to sing for a while.

I guess they are also exhausted from all of that work.

In the heat of the day, birds take a rest. And, much like us, they love water and a bit to eat.

Birds also molt this time of year to get ready for winter foliage so they can blend in.

If you want to hear more chirping and tweeting, get up early, provide a water source and put out a bird feeder.

Just maybe you'll find some new friends

Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Guscio: Estill holds a special place in area hearts."