Our 2023 Oyster Roast was a rousing success! Thank you to everyone who made it out to support EIOLT, to Calvert Huffines and all our amazing sponsors who helped make it a reality, to Jamie Westendorff and local restaurants for providing the delicious food and oysters, and of course a big thank you to Mark & Tucker Crawford for hosting us at Sand Creek Farm once again!
Check out the below photo gallery from the Oyster Roast:
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Enjoy an oyster roast at historic Point of Pines, hosted by owner, Burnie Maybank. Burnie is an expert at southern hospitality and Point of Pines has hosted its share of oyster roasts over the years, considering this is the site of the first land grant on Edisto in 1683!
Grab 29 friends and watch the views of the North Edisto River while dining on oysters from our local waterways. Burnie will be manning the bar as well so prepare for a fun filled night! Schedule this evening any time from November 2023 through April 2024. (Based on your host’s availability)
Donated By Burnie Maybank
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Weller Wheated Bourbon, aged 12 year, French release, 700ml, in sleeve.
For the discerning bourbon collector in your life. As part of the wheated bourbon family, this twelve year old W.L. Weller is aged far longer than most wheated bourbons, making it a sought after choice for bourbon lovers. This offering is a smooth, easy-going and balanced bourbon with a beautiful deep bronze color. Said to be a close cousin to the famed and elusive Pappy.
Tasting notes: Aromas of lanolin, almond, creamed corn and toasty vanilla. The mid-palate flavor is heavily wheated, layered and moderately sweet. Long, oaky, and intensely smooth finish.
Winning bidders are responsible for all applicable shipping costs. Items may alternatively be picked up at the EIOLT office starting Tuesday, October 31st from 10am – 4pm, Monday thru Friday. All items must be picked up within 30 days.
Donated By Anonymous
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Experience breathtaking vistas from the quiet Point Pleasant Resort on St. Thomas.
All the amenities you would expect at a major resort are available, including three pools, two restaurants, and gym. Enjoy the peaceful nature trail and the rocking chairs on the gazebo as you relax while taking in the breathtaking views of the Virgin Islands. The resort is on the northeast end of the island and is surrounded by dining opportunities at many fun restaurants. It is close to the Red Hook ferry terminal if you decide to hop on and go to the island of St. Johns. The several nearby beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Your visit includes everything you will need: free Wi Fi, plenty of towels, beach chairs, and cooler. Snorkel gear is available at the front office.
Up to a 7 day stay for 2 adults; from July 1; 2024 – October 14; 2024. Availability based on existing reservations, so please make your reservation early to guarantee the dates. The resort terrain is very hilly.
https://www.pointpleasantresort.com/st-thomas-villas/f5
Donated By Alison Smith
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
During the Young Naturalist program this spring, inspired by their natural surroundings and the many lessons learned during their adventures in the EIOLT Young Naturalist Club, each of the 12 participating children took a day to paint one gourd into an artpiece which together created this collective masterpiece of an avian apartment! All proceeds from the sale of this showpiece will go towards running the Young Naturalist Club program, insuring another group of local kids can get outside and explore their natural world and all the amazing things Edisto has to offer!
15ft pole, 12 gourds hand painted by our Young Naturalists.
Thank you to King’s Farm Market and Rosebank Farms for donating the bottle gourds!
Item is too large and fragile to ship. Winning bidder must pick up at the EIOLT office starting Tuesday; October 31st from 10am – 4pm; Monday thru Friday. All items must be picked up within 30 days.
Donated By The Young Naturalist Club
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Feathers, feathers everywhere! Exclusive visit for 4 to a magical and private Lowcountry rookery. It’s a photographer’s paradise. Long lenses and tripods are recommended.
Indescribable spectacle on an easement protected property. The rookery is home to 452 nesting pairs of threatened Wood Storks in 2022, and has been the second largest wood stork rookery in SC a number of times. It is estimated that close to 8,000 Wood Storks have fledged here. All the Wood Storks banded in SC in recent years have been from this rookery. Did we mention the Wood Storks?!
Oh, there is more; Great Egrets, Anhingas, Cattle Egrets, Black-crowned Night-herons and Little Blue Herons use this former mill pond to raise their chicks. White ibis roost here each spring by the thousands before moving to the ibis rookeries. It’s a sight to behold!!
Your hosts Rosemary and Ted Ford will coordinate with you to make sure your group witnesses the ibis’ end of day display from the best seat in the house – a three story viewing tower. The trip will be during the last 2 weeks of March in 2023. The birds set the dates. No extension into 2024 can be accommodated. Delicious snacks and refreshments will be provided.
The stork photos are courtesy of Dr. William Wingfield
The egret and gallinule photos are by Dr. W.B. Ellison.
Donated By Ted & Rosemary Ford
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Captain Lou Rassmussen has been sailing the waterways of the ACE Basin for over 50 years. Join him in a 39 mile round trip adventure around Edisto Island to Bohicket Creek for 6 people. You will see Prospect Hill Plantation from the water, Dawhoo Cut, Alligator Alley, and even pick up a picnic basket from a troll under the McKinley Washington Bridge full of snacks and beverages. Also, see the quaint village of Rockville as you pass through Bohicket Creek where you will stop for a late lunch at the Marina. On the return trip you will pass by the Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary, go by Botany Bay’s famous Boneyard Beach, and then home along front beach. A priceless trip fit for royalty!
6 people; BYOB; ice and water provided. The water can be choppy at times; so young children are not encouraged. The date is flexible but tide dependent. It will be on a 21 Foot Sea Hunt boat with Cpt. Lou is a Coast Guard Certified Captain.
Donated By Lou Rasmussen
This item will be auctioned live only for attendees of the Oyster Roast on the evening of Sunday 10/29.
Private Fossil Hunting Adventure with Author and Paleontologist Ashby Gale (Trip for 4)
Enjoy a once in a lifetime look at PREhistoric Charleston. Leaving from Johns Island, travel by boat to secluded river locations in the heart of the Lowcountry, where fossils dating back 30 million years wash out of the river bank.
Discover bones and teeth from extinct dolphins and sea turtles, billfish, barracuda, mammoths, giant sloths, horses, bison, and of course, numerous shark species including megalodon, as well as teeth belonging to megalodon’s ancestors! This private experience concludes with a fossil identification session, where Ashby sorts each of your fossils into their specific categories.
https://chsfossiladventures.com
Watch trip reports on their YouTube channel!
Donated By Ashby Gale
The world’s first single barrel bourbon was created in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee. Named after former distillery president Colonel Albert B. Blanton. Elmer recalled how Colonel Blanton would sometimes handpick a ‘honey barrel’ from the center of Warehouse H to enjoy with others. Many years later, the Blanton’s brand was created. Today, Blanton’s Single Barrel has become one of the most revered and award-winning bourbons on the market. The Gold Edition was the second version created, after the Original 93 proof. This 103 proof Blanton’s Gold is very limited, but a favorite among discerning bourbon aficionados. This full set of 8 contains all 8 unique stoppers.
Hints of spicy rye and tobacco on the nose, followed by caramel and honey, dark fruit and citrus notes. The palate emulates the same complex aroma with rye, tobacco, and honey. Oak and vanilla contribute to an extremely long and harmonious finish.
https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/blanton-s-single-barrel/blantons-gold.html
Case of eight sealed bottles of Blanton’s Gold Edition, bottled in March 2022 from barrels 438 (x1), 439 (x4), and 440 (x3).
Item is too fragile to ship. Winning bidder must pick up at the EIOLT office starting Tuesday; October 31st from 10am – 4pm; Monday thru Friday. All items must be picked up within 30 days.
Donated By Anonymous
The moment you all have been waiting for…
Our Online Auction Items are now available for preview only! The Online Auction will open for bidding next Friday, October 27th at 10 AM sharp, and will close on Saturday, October 28th at 8 PM sharp. We will be adding more preview items over the next week so check back for updates as the week progresses.
You do not need an Oyster Roast Ticket to participate in the Online Auction. Simply head to the following link to view the items. From there, you will be able to see the item previews and bid once the Auction opens next Friday. Please spread the excitement by sharing with your family and friends!
Here is the preview link: EIOLT Auction Item Preview Page
That’s not all! Raffle tickets are now open for sale and you may also make donations at this time. We also have a $10,000 fundraising goal for our Young Naturalists Club, with your help, we know we’ll reach this goal!
Proceeds from this annual fundraiser enable the Edisto Island Open Land Trust to continue our efforts to preserve and protect this place we love. Thank you for your support.
Let’s get ready to bid bid bid!!
We are as excited about this year’s Auction as you are! Details with the links and previews of the items will be out shortly, we are buttoning up a few details so that you have the best experience while you’re bidding on your favorite items.
The Online Auction is going to include two days of online bidding for a variety of amazing auction items, culminating our annual fun filled sold out Oyster Roast celebration at Sand Creek Farm on Sunday October 29. The Online Auction will open online on Friday, October 27th at 10 AM sharp, and will close on Saturday, October 28th at 8 PM sharp. Many of the “Instant” items will sell out quickly, so get online early!
The weekend event finale Oyster Roast sold out in record time this year, so we hope you were lucky enough to grab a ticket. The Live Auction will take place in person only during the sold out Oyster Roast on Sunday October 29th. Those items will also be available for preview at the end of the week.
Proceeds from this annual fundraiser enable the Edisto Island Open Land Trust to continue our efforts to preserve and protect this place we love. Thank you all for your continued support!
As the Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) prepares for the final phase of restoration of the historic Hutchinson House on Edisto Island in October, we are excited to announce the new interpretive team funded by the Mellon Foundation (insert link to Mellon announcement). The capacity building grant supports the interpretation of the house and grounds, funds the director position for three years and allows the project to hire a number of interpretive consultants.
EIOLT is thrilled to share the news that Sarah Stroud Clarke has been hired as the first Director of the Hutchinson House historic site. Sarah Stroud Clarke comes to the project from a 16-year tenure at Drayton Hall Preservation Trust (DHPT) where she was most recently Director of Museum Affairs and oversaw all curatorial, education, and museum programing work. She was also the Curator of Collections at Drayton Hall, in charge of caring for and interpreting the extensive decorative arts collection, and was the Drayton Hall archaeologist until August of 2021, overseeing all archaeological excavations and laboratory analyses.
In 2018 she led the Drayton Hall curatorial team in developing the interpretive spaces of the Sally Reahard Visitors Center and the creation of the inaugural exhibit, An Agreeable Prospect: The Creation of a South Carolina Palace and Garden in the Stephen F. and Laura D. Gates Gallery. For the past two years, Drayton Hall has partnered with the Antiques Council in the presentation of the Charleston Antiques Show in which she has envisioned and designed the entrance exhibits, From the Vault: 18th Century Silver (2022) and A Century of Ceramics (2022). Stroud Clarke also guided the changing interpretation at Drayton Hall in recent years to bring the previously untold stories of enslaved individuals to life and incorporate their stories into each aspect of interpretation. This work won the 2021 group/organization award from The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission under the theme “Preserving Our Places in History: Lest We Forget.” Stroud Clarke brings her museum expertise to the Hutchinson House historic site to guide the development of a new museum experience and to bring the vastly important stories of the Hutchinson House and surrounding community to life.
In tandem with the hiring of the Sarah as the new Director, EIOLT is also thrilled to announce that Joshua Parks is joining the team to lead an oral history and multi-media project. Parks will create digital profiles of core Hutchinson House community members whose memories are essential to telling the story of the Hutchinson House. As a filmmaker and photographer, Joshua has most recently worked with the International African American Museum (IAAM) and has been involved in the production of several core digital exhibitions including Carolina Gold, Gullah Geechee Overview film, Memories of the Enslaved, Praise House, Flashpoint Interviews, and more.
The third member of the new Hutchinson House team is Denzel Wright, who will serve as the Hutchinson House project photographer, documenting the ongoing restoration work of the circa 1885 house, and the creation of the new museum. Wright is a native of Edisto Island and recently discovered his direct connection to the Clark Community that Jim Hutchinson founded in 1875 and of which the Hutchinson House is the only remaining home.
“This is an incredible time for the Hutchinson House project, and the generous funding from the Mellon Foundation has made it possible for us to attract such a high level of expertise, local knowledge, and passion for this important history.” John Girault, EIOLT Executive Director.
The Hutchinson House, listed on the National Register in 1987, represents one of the oldest houses on Edisto identified with the African American community after the Civil War. Henry Hutchinson built the home circa 1885 as a wedding gift for his bride, Rosa Swinton Hutchinson and they lived there until their deaths in 1940 and 1949, respectively. The home stood as a shining example of what could be achieved when a community comes together to persevere and flourish.
Since purchasing the property in 2016, the Edisto Island Open Land Trust’s primary focus has been on saving this endangered historic house from collapse and restoring it to its original appearance in order to share the house and site with the public. Fundraising for this important project will be ongoing and contributions can be made by mailing a check to the Hutchinson House c/o EIOLT, P.O. Box 1, Edisto Island, SC 29438, or online at www.edisto.org.
The mission of The Edisto Island Open Land Trust is to preserve the rural quality of life on Edisto by protecting lands, waterways, scenic vistas, and heritage through conservation and education. Over 50% of Edisto Island has been protected through partnerships with landowners and local and national organizations and agencies.
This has been another sellout year for our annual Auction & Oyster Roast! We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support to the Edisto Island Open Land Trust. We cannot serve our community without you!
Let’s prepare to have a wonderful evening on the creek with some delicious oysters, great tunes by Edisto Gumbo, and lively energy among the crowd!
