© 2003, Rotary Club of Charleston

P.O. Box 21029
Charleston, SC 29413-1029

Club secretary:
Carroll Schweers
chasrot@comcast.net

Rosen sums up Charleston's recent past
Author spoke of role of historians in determining history

OCT. 28, 2003 - Charleston attorney and published author, Robert Rosen, spoke to the Club about his latest writing endeavor - completing an update chapter for Charleston, a Crossroads in History, coauthored with Isabella Leland.

Tasked with summing up the past quarter century of Charleston's history for the book, Rosen noted that historians play a significant role in making history because, by choosing what to write about, they influence what becomes of importance to future generations. "They choose the facts," said Rosen. In filling that role for the book, Rosen had to decide what was most noteworthy about Charleston's history over the last 25 years.

Rosen said that the best way to summarize the last 25 years was by referring to it as "The Age of Riley" because of the great influence Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley has had on Charleston during his seven consecutive terms as mayor. Even with a focus on Riley, Rosen said that it was very difficult to choose which accomplishments to select for inclusion in the book .

According to Rosen, some of the varied events of historical importance to Charleston during this last quarter century include the redistricting of the city and integration of city council, the inception and increased success of Spoleto in Charleston, the founding and continued growth of the Cooper River Bridge Run, and annexation of parts of West Ashley, resulting in change to the racial population of the area. Rosen also mentioned a "literary renaissance" that resulted in many published books by local authors. The area was also the site for the filming of a number of movies. The last quarter century also saw an environmental movement, the likes of which had not been seen before and which was exemplified by the heated debate over the location of the port and land use plans. Charlestonians have also witnessed increased tourism, suburban sprawl, increased property values and taxes, the Shannon Faulkner versus the Citadel events, the raising of the Hunley, Hurricane Hugo, the base closure, and the founding of the Aquarium among other events.

In other business:

Rob Dewey led members in a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance this week. Bruce Murdy welcomed our many guests and visiting Rotarians. Ellen Jackson offered Health and Happiness. Anita Zucker gave us a "Rotary Moment." Sue Sommer-Kresse made an announcement about, and introduced, our Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar for 2004, Stephanie Wheeler. She is a 2003 College of Charleston graduate who will spend her scholarship year in Cape Town, South Africa fighting mother to child HIV transmission. David Spell discussed the Fall Social. Finally, Ellen Dressler-Moryl introduced the speaker, Robert Rosen.

-- Amy Jenkins

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