I was amused to read a recent letter to the editor complaining that Charleston is “gaining a reputation as a party town.”
Look to our history; Charleston has always been a party town.
The late newspaperman William Watts Ball characterized Charleston as “a Madeira city.” Historically, it was true.
During the Colonial period, Charleston was the primary port in British America for Madeira, sherry and other Portuguese and Spanish wines. Some were reexported, and a lot was consumed locally. The well-to-do built Madeira closets in their attics.
Large amounts of rum were imported from Barbados and other West Indian islands.
Visitors like Josiah Quincy of Boston attested to Charlestonians’ copious consumption, and their lavish entertainments.
During the antebellum period, Charleston was the birthplace of Planter’s Punch. During Reconstruction, the governor complained at a reception given by the Yankee commander that “there was a long time between drinks.”
During the late 19th century, Charleston actively resisted Gov. “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman’s attempt to enforce state liquor laws. Vincent Chicco, dubbed the “King of the Blind Tigers,” was a local hero and was elected to City Council.
Charleston was well-known during Prohibition as a place where one could buy a drink, even if it was served in a teacup. A prominent society lady ran liquor to Charleston from points south in her chauffeured limousine.
Meetings of the preservation movement, and other civic organizations, were fueled by sherry. The Spoleto Festival became as renowned for its parties as for its arts.
Charlestonians probably invented the “dressing drink,” imbibed while preparing to go out, and perhaps as well the “toter,” a drink carried to and from parties.
German immigrants brought good beer to Charleston. That tradition has been robustly revived.
Today, Charleston has thousands of college students, as well as other young adults, in its population. What do we expect them to do with their free time — stay at home and knit socks?
ROBERT P. STOCKTON
Charleston