By Jeff Dennis
The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) continues to steward their historic renovation project at the Hutchinson House on Point of Pines Road, recently receiving upgrades to the property and also a special Gullah blessing.
On Thursday, August 5, the EIOLT dedicated a new walking path on that property and welcomed Queen Quet of the Gullah Geechee Nation to convey her blessings.
EIOLT also announced a new grant for $170,000 dollars from the National Park Service for interior work at Hutchinson House. About 100 people gathered together on August 5th for the Gullah blessing and the ribbon-cutting.
The Hutchinson House itself has had restoration work completed on the outside of the structure, but the interior work has yet to begin and there are no porches or structures attached to the outside wall. John Girault is the Director at EIOLT.
“We are still raising money to finish work on the outside structure at Hutchinson House,” said Girault. “But the new funding from the African American Civil Rights grant program at the National Park Service should just about cover the interior renovations.”
Constructed in 1885 by men born into slavery, the Hutchinson House was a community center for the African American population on Edisto.
Queen Quet is the Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation. She contacted Girault about coming to Hutchinson House: the August 5th ribbon-cutting for the new walking trail also helped to celebrate Gullah Appreciation Week. She attended the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to dedicate the new walking trail.
The trail consists of shell sand material and winds around the house, past the pollinator garden, and continues on to the back to the back of the property. Deer tracks in the sandy path speak to the serenity of this place.
“E bin a bless up time fa tru!,” said Queen Quet. “Dis ednin we celebratin A Gullah / Geechee Appreciation ‘Pun Edisto. E gwine be a historic ednin fo sho!”
Queen Quet runs a merchandise tent to sell books and clothing that support the Gullah Geechee Nation, and she also made a $500 donation to the Hutchinson House.
Other booths were set up for the afternoon gathering including The Edisto Museum, local artists, and even a booth with free samples of Gullah gourmet food.
Descendents of the Hutchinson family spoke about how humbled they are at all the community support, and how this process has caused all parties to grow together over time. It was 2016 when EIOLT purchased the house to stabilize the structure and ensure its survival. Ultimately, EIOLT will donate a preservation easement on the property to the Historic Charleston Foundation for protection in perpetuity.
While EIOLT is still raising fund for Hutchinson House, they are also preparing for their annual oyster roast fundraiser. It will be held on October 31 at Sand Creek Farm.
