Life on Early Kiawah Island | Oral Histories with Original ResidentsIn this episode, Robert Vingi sits down with three original Kiawah Island residents—Sylvia, Kay, and April Bates Brumfield—to share their vivid memories of growing up on Kiawah long before it became the world-renowned community we know today.From wild hogs and party lines to family “safaris” and run-ins with the Royals, this conversation captures the history, charm, and character of Kiawah in its earliest days. These stories provide a rare glimpse into the island’s past, told through the eyes of those who lived it.⏱️ Episode Timestamps 1:30 – Robert’s introduction to early Kiawah Island and setting the stage for these oral histories.2:15 – Sylvia recalls childhood days exploring the island and shell hunting along untouched beaches.3:25 – The story of Dr. Walker Bates purchasing a home from the Royal family in 1957.5:00 – Kay shares how her parents first rented a simple duplex on the island—only to fall in love and become part of Kiawah’s earliest community.7:15 – Kay’s earliest memories: beach days, shells, and the magic of a quiet, unknown barrier island.8:30 – Reflections on Eugenia Royal and her place in Kiawah’s story.10:50 – Memories of long drives from Charleston to Kiawah before development made it more accessible.12:30 – Early life on Eugenia Avenue: a close-knit neighborhood where women gathered for bridge, and kids roamed freely.13:30 – Wildlife encounters: from birds and deer to the untamed natural world that defined the island.14:50 – Kay remembers a time when “no one had ever heard of Kiawah.”16:30 – The families’ adventures, or “safaris,” exploring the island’s wild terrain.18:30 – Wild horses, wild hogs, and the other animals that roamed the island.21:30 – Party-line telephones and the challenges of staying connected.22:30 – Legendary gatherings at Captain Sam’s Spit, where neighbors created community through parties at the north point.26:30 – Helping each other when vehicles got stuck in Kiawah’s sandy roads.28:30 – Remembering Shirley Gibson and Betsy Kerrison, important figures in early Kiawah history.29:30 – “There was nobody here and no rules”—life on the island in its free-spirited early years.31:30 – More reflections on Betsy Kerrison’s influence and role in the community.32:30 – A word-association game: “What’s the first word you think of when you hear Kiawah?”34:30 – April’s memories of exploring the historic Vanderhorst Mansion.37:30 – Hopes for the future of Kiawah—preservation, community, and balance with growth.40:30 – A remarkable story: April’s father navigating his boat from Kiawah to Roper Hospital in downtown Charleston.41:30 – The day a “convoy of limousines full of turbaned sheiks” arrived when the Kuwaiti royal family visited.44:30 – Reflections on how much has changed—and admiration for how well the island has been preserved.47:30 – Kay’s memories of the Royal family and their influence on the island.49:30 – Stories of Kay’s parents’ relationship with C.C. Royal, a major businessman and figure in Kiawah’s history.53:30 – Sylvia and Kay share memories of hurricanes—most vividly Hurricane David.56:30 – April’s powerful memory of Hurricane Hugo and its impact on the island.58:00 – Wildlife memories revisited: neighbors share their most unforgettable encounters with Kiawah’s natural world, from wild animals to the untouched landscape.1:04:00 – Robert’s closing thoughts and reflections on preserving these oral histories for future generations.🌿 Why this matters:Kiawah Island is known today for its beauty, wildlife, and world-class community—but these stories remind us of its roots. Life here was once raw, untamed, and deeply personal. This oral history honors the people who experienced that chapter firsthand.👉 If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help preserve Kiawah’s legacy.
