[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF TEN YEARS OF INCORPORATION FOR THE TOWN 
                       OF AWENDAW, SOUTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, small towns are God's 
little wonders and today I would like to recognize the small town of 
Awendaw in my district. Awendaw is known as the ``land of the Seewee 
Indians.'' It has a rich history that included a visit from the 1st 
President of the United States, George Washington while on a southern 
tour in 1791. During the 16th century, records show four Indian tribes 
that inhabited the land--the Samp, Santee, Seewee and the Wando. 
Agriculture was their way of life. In 1670, English colonists came to 
South Carolina at Port Royal in Beaufort. They traveled down the coast 
until they sighted what is now called Bull's Bay. They were captivated 
by the beauty of the unspoiled beaches, tall trees and dense forest. As 
the colonists approached the shore, Indians were waiting with bows and 
arrows. But the crew yelled out an Indian calling ``Appada'' meaning 
peace and the Indians withdrew their bows and welcomed them to shore. 
The Indians shared their food and the English colonists gave them goods 
such as, knives, beads and tobacco. Auendaugh-bough was the name of the 
settlement when the English colonists arrived but the name was later 
shortened to Awendaw.
  Awendaw is a special place. The arms of nature surrounds it and 
radiates its beauty. The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge, the Francis 
Marion Forest and the Santee Coastal reserve create a natural wall of 
protection around the area. Hunting and fishing are still a means of 
getting food just as it was for the Seewee Indians.
  The Churches of the Awendaw community are a ``testimony of their 
faith.'' The Ocean Grove (formerly Pine Grove), Mt. Nebo A.M.E., Ocean 
Grove United Methodists and First Seewee Missionary Baptist are all 
historical churches that play a significant role in the lives of the 
people who live there.
  In November 1988, the people of Awendaw began its fight to become a 
town. For four years, the people gathered once a month at the Old 
Porcher Elementary School to plan, organize and share information with 
the people. There were many hurdles set before the people of Awendaw by 
the Justice Department. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo interrupted the 
process, but it was resumed in 1990. The Awendaw community made two 
unsuccessful attempts to incorporate. Finally, after the third try, the 
Secretary of State granted a certificate of Incorporation on May 15, 
1992. On August 18, 1992, the town of Awendaw elected its first mayor 
the Rev. William H. Alston. The first town council were Mrs. Jewel 
Cohen, Mrs. Miriam Green, the Rev. Bryant McNeal and Mr. Lewis Porcher 
(deceased).
  This year the town of Awendaw will celebrate ten years of 
incorporation. The town has grown from 175 to over 1000 in population. 
Over the last seven years, the town of Awendaw has become famous for 
its annual Blue Crab Festival. This grand celebration brings thousands 
of people from neighboring communities to share in the festivities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues would join me in a salute to 
one of God's little wonders, the Town of Awendaw, South Carolina. 
``Thank God for small towns and the people who live in them.''

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