Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: fire

  • I’m Angry Now


    UPDATE — CORRECTION – Perhaps I allowed my emotions to kick in when this was originally published. The correct date of the Charleston Sofa Superstore fire was June 18, 2007 – not June 18, 2013. My apologies. The damages and vandalism was Thursday, June 25, 2020.

    Dearest Readers:

    About an hour ago, I arrived home ready to tidy up the house a bit, and to unpack more of the boxes that seem to grow, instead of decrease after our move.

    Now, I’m angry! Anger is something I do my best to control, but I suppose today I’ve reached my limit! Yesterday while listening to the news, I heard a black guy say something to this effect – “If we don’t get our demands, then we’re going to attack and burn cities down!”

    This guy should be arrested for threatening all of us. His words have echoed in my brain since yesterday. Yes. I believe “Black Lives Matter;” nevertheless, I say – ALL LIVES MATTER! Who is this guy to go on national TV and threaten America???

    Today, I check Facebook while I have a bit of lunch, only to discover the Charleston Nine Memorial was damaged early today. To those of you not informed about the Charleston Nine, you might remember the story where the Sofa Super Store in Charleston burned to the ground on June 18, 2007, killing nine firefighters. Our city mourned.

    We’ve had protests that should be called riots after the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota. Monuments damaged,  painted, profanity written on them, and to add insult to injury, our Mayor announced the John C. Calhoun monument would be coming down. Well, it’s down now!

    I suppose these rioters would say I’m a racist now. I say not. I believe in speaking your mind, standing up, not turning away when things go wrong. No. I will not protest by walking along with these angry rioters, throwing things at people, cursing, and damaging our city or other cities. However, these riots are getting out of hand!

    While I understand the blacks are angry. Who can blame them? Well. I’m just a bit perplexed. I keep asking Why? Why? Why? My heritage says I’m white, so I suppose I should just keep my mouth shut because these scenarios do not affect me. I laugh. Oh, yes, indeed. These riots are changing America for the worst. We appear to be a weakened society now where domestic terrorists are doing all they can to destroy America.

    What can be done?

    I feel helpless. If I go somewhere and say something, then I’m part of the problem.

    I’m beginning to think we are in a civil war now. Suddenly I’m thankful I moved from the suburbs to the country. I keep asking to myself – just WHAT are these rioters teaching the children with them? Will the future of America be filled with people who believe the only way to change things is to destroy things?

    Yes. I’m. Angry. So angry my hands are shaking. Think I’ll sit on the porch and listen to nature, just so I can calm down.

  • Fire in Georgetown, SC


    http://www.gtowntimes.com/local/Fire-in-Georgetown–History-up-in-flames

    I awoke to the morning news — breaking news about a fire in Downtown Georgetown, SC, along Front Street. Reportedly, several buildings are completely destroyed. Many of these buildings were historical, some dating back to the early Twentieth Century. There is a historical clock standing, The Clock Tower, and reportedly, it is still standing. Every time I have toured Georgetown, I always look for this tower. It is a great landmark, making for interesting photography and a few good memories.

    Details of the fire are a bit sketchy now but I thought my readers might like to know my thoughts about Georgetown, SC.

    I toured Georgetown for the first time after marrying my husband. Walking along the sidewalks of downtown, I inhaled a strange odor – a combination of odors so strong I could not describe. When I asked about the odor, my husband laughed. “Oh, that’s the Georgetown Steel Mill and the Paper Mill. Smells great, doesn’t it.”

    “Hardly. It stinks!”

    Continuing our walk, I found Georgetown to be unique with wide sidewalks, but not much business, at that time. Holding hands and laughing, my husband shared a few memories of his childhood in Georgetown. As a writer, I’ve written about Georgetown numerous times and I have toured the area, falling in love with the waterfront, the quaint, quirky downtown area, especially the many local shops offering unique items. One particular area I love is the Strand Theater on Front Street and there are many restaurants around. Georgetown is a nice little place to make a day trip to, especially if you are within Myrtle Beach or Charleston; however, after hearing about the fire, it might not be a good idea to visit downtown Georgetown at the moment [September 25, 2013].

    I will keep you posted about the fire in Georgetown. My thoughts and prayers are with the many merchants, and the locals within Georgetown. My husband has family that live nearby, so I am hoping they are fine. For now, let us pray for safety for the firefighters, merchants, residents, and all within the sweet little town that some people describe as a smelly town. Years ago, it did have a significant odor, due to pollution from the factories, but now, the smell isn’t as pungent.

    I suppose I will have to make a day trip — to Georgetown real soon — just to take photographs and reminisce about this quaint little sea-side town with smells, foods, and residents that love Georgetown. Today, history is being made – along with much of the history that is destroyed from the fires. It is such a shame that during an important time of revitalization, a fire is quickly destroying the history of this sweet little fishing community known as Georgetown, SC.

    Let us hope the fire will not destroy the revitalization and charm of Georgetown, a city reminiscent and charming, filled with Southern hospitality and most of the time, a pleasant scent.