by Magnolia, age 8 from Charleston, South Carolina, asks Santa if he existed in 1970, the city’s history, and its preserved architecture.
Dear Santa, my name is Magnolia, and I am eight years old. I live in Charleston, South Carolina, where my grandma says our old houses and cobblestone streets have looked almost the same for hundreds of years.
Dear Magnolia, streets that well preserved deserve a very careful, very admiring flyover, your grandma picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Was there a Santa Claus in 1970? My grandma says she still has an old photo of herself with you from back then.
There certainly was, Magnolia, I have been making my rounds for a very, very long time, long before your grandma was even a little girl herself. That old photo is a treasure worth keeping safe.
My grandma says Charleston is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, right on the coast. Is that true?
It is true, Magnolia, Charleston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the whole state, sitting right along the Atlantic coast. I always enjoy that graceful old architecture on my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says people work really hard to keep Charleston’s old buildings looking just the way they always have. Is that true?
It is true, Magnolia, Charleston takes great pride in preserving its historic architecture, careful restoration keeping the past alive for new generations to enjoy. That kind of dedication to remembering where you came from is worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Magnolia Pinckney
Charleston, South Carolina
P.S. Do you remember that old photo with my grandma?
I remember every single one, Magnolia, even the ones from long, long ago.
