[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8298-S8299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SALUTE TO CHARLESTON'S PHILIP SIMMONS ON HIS 91ST BIRTHDAY

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, my hometown of Charleston, SC, 
maintains a special relationship with history. Rather than keeping 
history in books and museums for occasional viewing, the Charleston 
community

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celebrates its cultural heritage everyday, be it through our downtown 
district, our vibrant Market, or the skyline full of church steeples.
  This month, Charleston marks the 91st birthday of a man famous for 
his dedication to preserving our historic personality. Master 
blacksmith and legendary craftsman Philip Simmons practiced the art 
form of traditional ironwork throughout the 20th century. As he has 
been known to say, ``If you see ironwork curve like that, it's either 
two hundred years old, or I did it.''
  Though he retired in 1990, Mr. Simmons now spends most of his time 
ensuring the tradition of classical ironwork lives on in South 
Carolina. John Paul Huguley, president of the Charleston School of the 
Building Arts, says what separates a craft worker from Mr. Simmons is 
that Mr. Simmons has a ``love for the trade and the desire to educate 
the next generation of artisans.''
  Indeed, that is the case. Mr. Simmons was at the forefront of 
creating the School of the Building Arts. He now teaches classes there, 
and within 2 years the school will be open full time. Mr. Simmons also 
instructs at his blacksmith shop, and travels to lecture at southern 
art and building conferences.
  He has received numerous accolades over the years, including a 
``lifetime achievement award'' from the South Carolina Legislature. He 
received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for 
the Arts. His work has been displayed in the Natural Museum of American 
History, here in Washington.
  I hope members of this Chamber join me in recognizing and celebrating 
the birthday of a great man. No question, his role in the Charleston 
community, and beyond, is a standard for artistic excellence and public 
service that can be an example for us all.

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