CLASS Publishing is pleased to announce the availability of a new children’s book – that is great for adults, too. McKenzie Beach Memories recounts a special summer’s experiences recollected by Pawleys Island resident Johnny L. Ford, as told to and written by Ron Daise, Vice President for Creative Education at Brookgreen Gardens. The story is illustrated with powerfully vibrant paintings by award-winning artist Natalie Daise.
McKenzie Beach, one of the first African American Resorts on the East Coast, opened in June 1934. Founded by Frank McKenzie and Lillian Pyatt, it was named The Magnolia Beach Club. It covered 23 acres of oceanfront property in Pawleys Island, S.C., at the south end of the Grand Strand between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Its importance then was as a beach for African-Americans at a time when direct access to the Atlantic oceanfront in the Jim Crow South was extremely limited. This was the place where people from all over traveled to hear Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and other great singers and musicians perform. In October 1954, Hurricane Hazel, a Category 4 storm, completely destroyed the beach property. At that time, Frank McKenzie couldn’t obtain funds for rebuilding; development of Litchfield Beach had begun, and it grew difficult for blacks to secure bank loans. A smaller motel was built closer to Highway 17. The ruins remain visible today. But McKenzie Beach Memories captures a coming-of-age recollection for its 9-year-old protagonist during the resort’s heyday.
Ford’s story inspired the self-taught, visionary artist Natalie Daise to create 22 acrylic canvases which will be on display and for sale at Brookgreen Gardens’ Wall Lowcountry Center from Sept. 5 through Oct. 16, from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. daily. For more than 30 years, Daise has demonstrated her belief in the positive power of stories through interactive learning opportunities, as well as in the performing and visual arts. Whether as “Ms. Natalie” on Nick Jr.’s award-winning television program, Gullah Gullah Island, or as recipient of South Carolina’s highest honor, The Order of the Palmetto, Natalie is committed to entertain, educate, empower and inspire. Her work in McKenzie Beach Memories is testament to that commitment.
The book ($16.95) is available at Art Works in the Litchfield Exchange, Keepsakes in Brookgreen Gardens, Litchfield Books and The Original Hammock Shop in Pawleys Island, The Rice Museum in Georgetown, and nataliedaiseart.com. For additional exhibit information, contact info@brookgreen.org.
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