Musings From Calhoun: Heywards in Heaven, Heywards as Buzzards
George Heyward, the former mayor and the man behind the lore of the Bluffton Buzzard, takes home the trophy named after him at the first annual Bluffton Buzzard Day.
Little did we know that when we moved to Bluffton we would have the good fortune to meet a couple and their two children we would come to adore. We at the time had two children of our own, Tat and Will. Four years later the stork delivered Jamie. We all became fast friends with George and Hannah Heyward, along with their two daughters, Alice and Margaret.
Days were spent at either house, most often with George and Hannah. They lived with George's Aunt Lally in a wonderful cottage on the May River on Pritchard Street for a while. Our children thought it was such a marvelous adventure going to their house. Aunt Lally had an adorable little cottage that was child sized on the cove, George had a number of little Sunfish sailboats aqnd they all learned to sail. There were so many adventures every day.
George taught school and had legions of devoted students who to this day drop by to tell him how much they loved his classes. When the children started school, Hannah got a job as a reporter for The Island Packet and became one of their ace reporters. Ours was a wonderful life, really quite simple and perfect for all of us at the time.
When the children got old enough to drive, Hannah taught Tat and the rest how to drive their straight-stick Volvo and we were forever thankful –- that is a chore not many parents can peacefully handle. Hannah was a wonderful writer, she loved to read and was a very accomplished artist. She was in many ways a master of many things that I always admired her for. A beautiful person in every respect.
We learned three months ago that she was stricken with a cancer that we all hoped and prayed could be conquered . Hannah sadly passed away not long ago. All who knew her loved her compassion and selfless spirit.
She will always be in our hearts and in the sunrise and sunset painting the skies with beautiful colors.
THIS AND THAT:
Just can't thank all of my fabulous Bluffton Flower Show and Bluffton Buzzard Day helpers enough. everyone was so wonderful and kind. The weekend was splendid, no clouds, nothing to ruin either day.
The flower show vendors were set up in Martin Family Park and the flower arrangements were such a lovely added tidbit to the Heyward House Common Area. Saturday, March 4 was in honor of Bubba Crosby, "Mr. Tomato," our beloved treasure who sadly passed away weeks before and could not share the honor with us.
Bubba's daughter. Cheryl, and her sisters came to celebrate the day along with Fiona, Cheryl's rescue horse. Fiona made the rounds at the show much to everyone's delight.
Cheryl told me her brother Ricky has planted our much-loved tomatoes at their farm to keep their father's tradition going. So keep your fingers crossed, itwon't be long before you bring out the Duke's and white bread.
The Bluffton Buzzard Day was certainly fun for everyone. A special treat for George was having his cousin "Tombo" Heyward as master of ceremonies and that was a charming addition .
"George," the buzzard sculpture Wally Palmer designed and crafted, was won by the original buzzard, George Heyward. George gets to keep "George" for a year, until next March then the new winner takes it home for a spell. The buzzard picnics were so splendid as were the buzzard costumes.
Lillian Heyward is a veteran helping design things for many movies but for this wacky day she picked up her needle, scissors, feathers and stretchy fabric and fashioned a really terrific costume for George. He ruled the roost as he should have, because the day was proclaimed George Heyward Day for his service as Mayor and councilman to Bluffton. George's whole family was in tow and loved the fun affair. Three cheers for our town bird, "God's Picker Upper."
The Bluffton Children's Easter Shenanigans will be held Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to Noon. We will gather in front of the adorable children's shop Moonlit Lullaby on Calhoun Street.
This year will be a bit different from previous fun. Jevon Daly will present his fun children's show from 10 to 11 a.m. on the porch of the shop.
The Easter Bunny will greet children on the porch from 11 a.m. to noon. The Bunny will be available during that time for pictures.
Dust off your chapeaux bring your mama and daddy if you like. Don't be late because the Bunny must dash at the stroke of 12. For more Information, email thestoresc@gmail.com or stop by The Store or Moonlit Lullaby, both on Calhoun Street.
