Credit: visitfolly.com
The City of Folly Beach, Folly Beach Historical Society and Folly Beach Tourism and Visitor Promotion Committee will unveil a new historical marker at the Porgy House, recognizing the home's place in the literary and cultural history of the Lowcountry.
The unveiling will take place Friday, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the home at 712 W. Ashley Ave.
Speakers will include Folly Beach Mayor Chris Bizzell; James Ward of the College of Building Arts; Mae Holmes of the Exchange Club; Nancy Moore of the Folly Beach TVPC; Anne Hughes of the Folly Beach Historical Society; Cubby Wilder, representing the community; and a member of the Smalls family. Samuel Smalls was the man who inspired the character of Porgy.
Built in 1933, the Porgy House was the summer retreat of author DuBose Heyward and his wife, Dorothy. During the summer of 1934, George Gershwin collaborated with Heyward on the opera "Porgy and Bess," based on Heyward's novel "Porgy." During his time on Folly Beach, Gershwin drew inspiration from the Gullah culture and sounds of the Lowcountry.
The two-story home features its original wood interiors, three bedrooms and a writer's booth, which was added later and used by the Heywards and Gershwin as a place to work. The home has been preserved and is recognized as a cultural landmark.
The Folly Beach Historical Society's exhibit, "The Porgy House: A Cottage on an Island in a Culture," can also be viewed at the Folly Beach Community Center and Library.