The Burke’s “HideAway”

The Burkes family once owned all of the land between Bradley Circle and Burkes Beach Road. Daniel and Geneva Burke had a small home that once sat where Marriott Surfwatch (Building 1) is today. Across the dirt road (then ‘Second Street’ – now ‘Sandy Beach Trail’) where the Surfwatch swimming pool/pavilion is today, was a local Gullah meeting place called “The HideAway” (or “Hid-A-Way”). Every evening, many of the local Gullah population from around Chaplin and beyond, would gather after work to enjoy reminiscing with one another. They could have a drink together and enjoy tasty local Gullah cuisine prepared by the family. There was entertainment too – whether music from the jukebox or even a live band on occasion.

Visiting the HideAway was a great way to get to know the locals. A white boy from Virginia was welcomed, and treated well. I took my retired folks and other friends there on occasion, to get to know Mr. Daniel, Ms. Geneva, Mr. Tai and other locals. Sometimes there were oyster roasts out front, on a large fire pit with a large flat metal top for cooking. I would often see Ms. Geneva gathering conch shells when walking the beach (though we see few of these any longer); and she would make an incredible ‘Conch soup’. Getting to know the locals is how I began to understand the local Gullah dialect. I became friends with the Burke’s grandson (local real estate professional, Taiwan Scott), who was also originally from Virginia, but who had also relocated around the same time. He helped his grandfolks operate the HideAway, and assisted them with many other things, like helping to raise his nephew.

At the time, this club was one of only two remaining local social clubs on the oceanside of Chaplin. However, the other was burned down… just before the exclusive Singleton Beach community was developed. Folks often wonder about the circumstances surrounding that fire. Nevertheless, it was that much sadder when a few short years later (@ 2001), the Burke family decided to sell their last remaining large oceanfront parcel to the Marriott (the final 25+ Acres of high ground). Both Taiwan and myself had encouraged the family to sell lots for residences instead, but we were unable to compete with a local attorney who was hired by the Marriott to convince them otherwise. The corporation built the Burkes a new home, and soon thereafter, the HideAway was no more.

Progress cannot be stopped, and the Surfwatch is enjoyed by so many people every year that there can only be one regret. That is that the local Gullah population no longer have a laid-back, family owned retreat within walking/biking distance to greet and enjoy one another and mix with the newcomers. This club was a true historical landmark on the island. I only wish that more folks (the “Comyahs” – or ‘those newcomers who arrive here from other places’ – as they are referred to by the Gullahs); knew about and appreciated the local history in what are the last lands to be developed on the oceanside of Hilton Head Island.

From dirt roads and the Burke’s HideAway ==>to the Marriott Surfwatch, and multi-million dollar vacation homes – I still see this area (Burkes and Bradley Beaches) as some of the most beautiful places on the island (“non-gated” neighborhoods on public roads with public beaches/ and two large public beach parks) – with a beautiful history of racial tolerance and social integration. Folks who accept one another – not for what we have – but how we treat each another. Long-live the local Gullah population of Chaplin and greater HHI (the “Binyahs”)! Peace and love!!