The African American Settlement Historic Commission, Inc., was formed in light of the unprecedented growth pressure of African American Settlement Communities in this area, by a group of concerned citizens from Snowden, Scanlonville (Remley’s Point), Phillip, and Huger. With the possible demise of the special character of the African American Settlement Communities, an important part of the social
history of the area would be gone. Our purpose is to address and find solutions to counter the demise of the AA Communities in the Tri-county (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester) area. Protect and preserve the existing characteristics of African American Settlement Communities and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of residents of the African American Settlement Communities.
2.Nurture and support a strong sense of community, identity, history, and economic development both within the African American Settlement Communities and the larger region, including the Gullah Geechee Corridor.
3. Support the traditions of land ownership, which have connected families with their land for many generations, and provide the various resources that will allow harmonious growth, including land use regulations that are consistent and compatible with the existing characteristics of the individual African American Settlement Communities. Currently the AASC Historic Commission, Inc., is collaborating with the Coastal Conservation League, Mt. Pleasant Historic Commission, Historic Charleston Foundation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Coastal Community Foundation, and College of Charleston Historic Preservation Department. The goal is to partner with other organizations and AA communities in the near future. Prior to meeting at the current location, 440 Venning St, in Mount Pleasant, the commission met in the home of Ms. Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, retired town council member. However, as the commission began to grow the need for a different location soon became apparent. The goal was to find a meeting location in which residents from various communities could come and find a common connection. John Wright, President of the AASC Historic Commission, approached Mr. Sam Halls who is the current owner/funeral director of Johnson- Hall Funeral Home to solicit his help. As a result of their collaboration, and Mr. Halls belief in the vision, the AASC Historic Commission found a home! Not only was the location ideal, but the location held a lot of history for the various AA communities. The original business owners were Peter S. and Margurite Johnson. Long-time residents of Mount Pleasant, they purchased the business in 1929 during the Great Depression. The Johnson family ran the business until January 07, 1997 and during those years they were a stable presence in the African American community and supported many community initiatives. Marqurite and her husband Peter (married around 1918) never had any children, but Ms. Margurite felt it was just as well because they were always busy running the funeral home. Peter was founder of the NAACP in Mount Pleasant and ran unsuccessfully for the Mount Pleasant School Board in 1940. Margurite did many things which included doing laundry for the soldiers on Sullivan’s Island along with other women she hired to wash and iron. She went on to become the only lady mortician in Mount Pleasant after her husband’s death in 1953. Marguite died in the early 1990s. In honor of their service to the community the commission felt that it was fitting to honor them by dedicating their new headquarters in their honor.
