Concern about the future of the state's birthplace, Charles Towne Landing, has been renewed, first by the loss of the Landing's enthusiastic manager, Ron Fischer, and more recently by the sinking of a prime attraction, the Adventure, the reproduction of a 17th century sailing ketch. But state officials insist there's also reason for optimism. According to communications director Marion Edmonds, a new manager should be named within the week and, happily, the Adventure is afloat once again.
There's no question the state's belt-tightening is very visible at Charles Towne Landing. The staff has shrunk from 30 to seven, and some of the scheduled upgrades are yet to surface. At least the ship's sinking Monday has put its planned restoration on the fast track.
Mr. Edmonds tells us that divers found the leaks and wrapped the hull in plastic. Water was pumped out, and the ship was afloat again Thursday.
What's more, he said, part-time personnel will be employed to keep a watch on the ship 24 hours a day until it can be brought ashore. Mr. Edmonds pointed out that the wooden ship, built for the Landing as part of the state's Tricentennial celebration, now is 34 years old. Its restoration has long been on the Landing's agenda and is expected to take two years. The plan is to put it in dry dock on the grounds and make the restoration work a major Landing attraction.
Officials were going through the bid process to bring in a crane and other equipment to lift the ship and prepare the restoration area when it sank. That process has been accelerated as a result of the sinking, and there's now reason to believe that the ship will be out of the water and ready for restoration within the month. H. Edward Tiencken, chairman of the Charles Towne Landing Foundation, said it may take a little longer to find the right people to do the work.
Meanwhile, Mr. Edmonds said archeological work on the site of the state's first permanent settlement continues, and construction should begin soon on a more accurate reconstruction of the early palisade wall. A new bear habitat also is being completed in the animal forest. And Mr. Tiencken said he has been advised that key lawmakers have signed off on plans for a new interpretative center and bids are being prepared.
The next 90 days, he tells us, "should be very exciting." While he noted that it's taken a long time to get the Landing back on track, he believes that's finally the case.
There's no question that the Landing has suffered from man-made and natural forces. Hurricane Hugo took its toll and state officials took too much time trying to determine the Landing's proper direction once its days as the focal point of the state's Tricentennial celebration ended. There now seems to be consensus that its proper goal, in Mr. Edmonds' words, is "a living history interpretation that will bring the first settlement alive." Even though the Landing remains a work in process from an interpretive standpoint, its beautiful grounds and vistas are an attraction in themselves. The ship's sinking has brought a new sense of urgency to work at the Landing. It should be maintained.
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