The sun breaks as usual over Bloody Point and the warming rays brings the native birds alive. Egrets with toes delicately pointed leave their rookeries, eagles take flight looking for a morning breakfast and chickadees chirp with infinite delight. They are joined by awakened wrens and mockingbirds and soon we have a symphony sure to delight even the best composer.
But this January morning proves to be a little different. A beep ... beep...beep that sounds similar to the famous desert road runner begins to permeate the air. The melody blends in with nature's sensual song and soon dominates all that is present. A quick check of this unusual serenade seems obligatory and dressed in pajamas I make my way to the old Bloody Point Lighthouse's gratious front porch. There before me I spot the spirited intruders looking like an old film strip showing Rommel's tanks rumbling over the desert. Its a bunch of dozers and graders seeming beeping with delight as they back up over and over again on Bloody Point's sixth green. They are working feverishly to bring a once dead golf course alive....They are Davis Love's "Love Birds".
I make my way into the Lighthouse's cozy confines for a "Cup of Joe" and return to watch the spectacle from my perch on the porch's welcoming steps. Word was out that Davis Love Golf Management had been contracted to bring the course back to life but after all "us locals" have been through the last few years "seeing is truly believing. And believing I was and grinning from ear to ear as Love's Michelangelos sculpt and manicure their earthly masterpiece. I am awed by their precision and delicate touch as dozer blades meticulously define their work of art.
In a way, I must admit I feel a bit saddened by machines taking back what had been claimed by Mother Nature. After all, for a few years Bloody Point did resemble and look like a segment form television's "Life After People". Shoulder high brush had given wildlife sanctuary but for some odd reason Bloody Point seemed lonely. It just seemed that it wasn't the way it should be. So I am comforted to know that humans and wildlife alike will once again live in rich harmony. Golfers from around the world will come to enjoy Love's new masterpiece and share in the "spiritual energy" that is Bloody Point. Davis Love's Lovebirds will soon depart but their spirited song will be replaced by other perky birds singin' their little hearts out. Love songs at Bloody Point will always be in the air.
Happy New Year from Daufuskie Island and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Another year has passed quickly. It seems that just yesterday Mary and I went to Bloody Point’s beach to join with friends, toast smores and bring in the New Year. Distant Tybee Island fireworks lit up the old tall-standing Lighthouse and the smell of bonfire smoke mingled with the salty air.
Yes, New Years Eve somehow brings folks together….by the masses in Times Square and in small intimate social groups on Daufuskie Island. But as one might expect, this is not a new phenomenon. Way back on December 31, 1883 a fine Gentleman by the name of John Michael Doyle wrote in his diary vivid and colorful mental images of a New Years Eve past on Daufuskie and his desire to have "true meaning" social interludes. Mr. Doyle has won a special place in my heart even though he is long passed. You see, he lived with his wonderful Family in what is now my home, the Bloody Point Lighthouse. He originally was commissioned to build the back tower that once stood proud over what is now the Silver Dew Winery but shortly thereafter moved his wife Phoebe and children “Down South” and became Bloody Point’s first Keeper. His writings reflected below show a lonely man…he truly missed his family back in Ohio but had to be “away” for the important task of finishing the light.
So without further ado, I present to you pages from the diary of John Michael Doyle. May the new year bring you health and happiness and may your presence be surrounded by white light.
See Ya on the high tide....
LowCountry Joe, Bloody Point Lighthouse
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Sunday December 31, 1883
This date I write for the last time.....
I resolve to compensate myself some what for the lonely week I had passed, made my bed with more care than usual this morning, saddled up the old mule and struck out for Hagues Point Lighthouse. The day was very fine and I enjoyed the ride very much. Was very kindly received by Mr and Mrs. Comer and after we sat and talked for some little time, I was most pleasantly surprised by the entrance of a young Lady, Miss Maggie, the daughter of the old folks. On my visits to the Point before I had not met the young Lady and heard of Comer's daughters in only a vague sort of way and the pleasure of meeting her was rather increased by the surprise. Well the day sped away only too soon and I was late getting to my quarters and feeling much better and happier for my visit by the sight of that young girls bright face. They asked me to come down and spend the New Year with them and though I wanted to awful bad I had to excuse myself for the flat was coming in with her cargo of shells and I thought it best to be on hand when she was unloaded. The men came up from the flat and spent the evening with me and we sat up till after midnight and as soon as the New Year was born we went out with tin pans and horns and gave some of the natives a serenade. After which the boys returned to their flat and I retired.
Monday Jan. 1, 1884
The day was beautiful and bright and clear with just a nice breeze blowing and the sun so warm that I went all day without a coat. The men discharged the flat of her load of shell and I was putting in the time as best when we had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard. The Lady was very gratious to me and I had her to chat to all by myself for a little while too. She very kindly invited me to visit them at Melrose and asked me in my surprise why I had not called on them before.....and I told her that I had only been waiting for an invitation well said she had given a general invitation for all us Gentlemen on this work to call which was meant for me as well as Mr. Lacoste and Mr. Comers. Well I promised to visit Melrose soon and meant to keep my promise. Auntie said it was a good omen that I should have such a pleasant caller on the first day of the year and I was disposed to regard the matter in that light myself.