Musings From Calhoun: The Past and Future of the Bluffton Buzzard

Note from Tim: We could not be more excited to have Babbie Guscio on board as our first official columnist. I always loved Babbie’s columns in The Bluffton Packet and when I first dreamed up this concept of Lowcountry Chronicle, Babbie was one of the first people I spoke it out loud to. And she said, “Well, now it’s not just a dream. It’s out there. Go make it real.”

Babbie has had a five-decade love affair with Bluffton and it shows in every event and project she tackles, including her center of inspiration at The Store on Calhoun – which I like to think as a physical manifestation of the magic that flows through her brain.

We thank Bill Herbkersman for underwriting this column each and every week in 2023. He is the first official member of our Founders Hall of Fame. More on that to come, but we need folks like Bill that believe in spreading good news to help us in our mission.

Without further ado, we give you the first Musings from Calhoun.

George Heyward in his first appearance as the Bluffton Buzzard.

DISPATCH 1:

We have two very fun events coming up in Bluffton the first week in March. 

On Saturday, March 4, The Bluffton Flower Show will be held at The Heyward House and Martin Family Park from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.  The public is invited.

We are seeking flower arrangements of all sorts, no larger than two feet.  Entrants may use their Bluffton imagination.  The arrangements will be judged and ribbons awarded.  The fee to enter is $5 and this is open to all.

There will be vendors offering flower- and spring-related creations.  The fee for vendors is $25.  

As a special treat, Mr. Bubba Crosby, our own "Mr. Tomato" will be present to help us all celebrate this day which is dedicated to him.  Proceeds from the day will be given to The Bluffton Beautification Committee to help with the lovely planters they take care of around town.  For more information stop by The Store on Calhoun Street or email me at thestoresc@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 5 will be the day to celebrate the Bluffton Town Bird with Bluffton Buzzard Day.  The buzzard became the "town bird" in a typical Bluffton way.

Many years ago, George Heyward was Mayor of Bluffton, a feat he took very seriously at times (others not too terribly much).  It happened that a certain couple who lived near the Bluffton Oyster Factory on Wharf Street were horrified that buzzards were always circling above their house and yard.  The couple complained daily.

One day, George told them there was nothing that could be done and that really "ruffled" the couples' feathers.  There was much huffing and puffing, name calling of all sorts. 

"I'll get a gun and shoot them all!" was a constant threat.

George was determined to save the birds.  He and the Town Council declared the buzzard the Bluffton Town Bird at a meeting one night. 

Well, that went over like a mud pie in the face to the couple, but now the buzzards were saved.

I got George to dress as a buzzard and ride on the town garbage truck in one of our Christmas parades and it was hysterical.  I rode on the back of the truck and George was on top doing buzzard-y things as we passed the “lovely" couple who were standing in front of my store. 

I thought they were going to explode. Needless to say, from that day on -- fortunately for George -- they never spoke to or acknowledged him again.

You are invited to Martin Family Park Sunday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and celebrate George on his special day named so in his honor. 

We will also have the famous Jevon Daly on hand, who has written a Bluffton Buzzard song along with a troupe of small buzzards to entertain.  There will be a prize given for buzzard attire, the person who can do the best "buzzard strut," a “pin the feathers on the buzzard” game and fabulous face painting by Adeline Simoneaux.  Picnics are welcome and will also be judged for most original.  

And Wally Palmer is crafting a trophy statue that will have the winner strutters’ name engraved on it each year.

This fun event is a benefit for Laura Sterling and Cheryl Crosby Phillips, two of the tireless animal rescue angels in Bluffton.  Monetary donations to the group would be marvelous.

They plan to bring several of their "rescues" to meet you.  No dogs are allowed at this event.  For information, email thestoresc@gmail.com.

That’s also the email to give me tips or ideas for future columns.