Serving Greater Bluffton Since 1987

The Bluffton Eccentric was the first and only newspaper the town of Bluffton has had in fifty years. We felt such a kinship with them that we asked Graham Bullock, publisher of The Bluffton Eccentric, if we could resurrect articles from previous issues and republish them. Graham graciously gave his permission and loaned us volumes of old papers. It has been a treat for me to read them and it is with great honor that I get to share them with everyone again. So, kick back, relax and get ready for a blast from the past.

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE A BLUFFTONIAN-
BUT ARE YOU, REALLY?

ne mans opinion is just that-one mans opinion. And a while ago one mans opinion became the topic of conversation at the Bluffton High School reunion.

Three weeks ago Terry Bunton’s column, “Fine Print,” premiered on the opinion page of the Island Packet. His subject-Bluffton, his conclusion-“one rare state of mind.” In his heart warming summation of the town, he made a statement that shocked some and ruffled the feathers of other members of the “Bluffton Old Guard.”

Terry said, “I’ve lived in Bluffton for almost three years now, but it doesn’t take anywhere that long to become a Blufftonian.” Those words could be misconstrued as mutinous to some, pompous to others, audacious to many and just plain incorrect to the remainder of the Bluffton establishment. Terry further explained, “An afternoon on or near the May River is enough to do it for some.”

Other than setting the town on its proverbial ear, the opinion was well-received. But it did provoke comment and stirred up a few ‘blue bloods’ and so naturally the question The Bluffton Eccentric asked was, “How long does it take to become a Blufftonian?”

After consulting with those who should “be in the know,” two definite schools of thought emerged. One; you must be born one; you do not become a Blufftonian, end of discussion. Two; through good works you can become a Blufftonian, but it takes longer than three years. Initially the question was met with a round of hearty laughter. Either those polled had an immediate response or they said, “I don’t know,” and explained.

Hasell Heyward, born in Bluffton said, “Day your born here, If not you’ll never become a native Blufftonian. I don’t know any other way. Who can put a time limit on it? And I mean the town limits, All Joy isn’t Bluffton, Rose Hill isn’t Bluffton. That’s my opinion.” When asked what his wife Margaret thought of his answer he said, “she has to listen, she’s only lived here 45 years.”

Lucille Heyward said, “You don’t, you are born a Blufftonian. You may become a long time resident of Bluffton, but you do not become one.”
Naomi McCracken said, “It takes a long time, my husband joked about it. After living here for 50 years he still didn’t know whether he was or not. He wondered how long it would take.”

Immogene Lowden said, “Almost the safest and surest way is to be born here, about 5 years, otherwise. It depends on the individual, if they get involved in the community.”

Maybe we all still have a chance…

Bud Martin said, “I don’t know how long it takes, long enough for people to realize what a special place we’ve inherited. Some take a while. Some catch on. Number of years doesn’t qualify anybody. I don’t think generations or years matter much. Just happens to you by becoming part of it.”

Hugh O’Quinn said, “I’ll be dogged if I know. I imagine you have to be here a pretty good while. You just can’t move here and become one.”
Mary Merrick said, “I don’t think you can become a Blufftonian unless you’re born or reared here.”

Whew, I was reared here, that means I still have a chance.
John Cantrell added, “When the 30 mph speed limit becomes a blessing instead of a burden.”

Harry Cram said, “A day, if you love it.”

Paul Pinckney said, “At least 10 years. If you stay a year, you’ll never leave. After a year you could say you’ve become a Blufftonian. If you do leave, you’ll come back.”

Tom Niver said, “When they get the sand and saltwater in their blood.”
Roberts Vaux said, “If you weren’t born here, then the day you die here.”
Joe Pitts said, “I was born here so it was easy for me to become one. Different people take different lengths of time. It depends on personality. It’s a matter of how soon you become accustomed to Bluffton customs. Not everyone is cut out for the river and quiet life we have in Bluffton.”

I grew up with the mind set that newcomers couldn’t become a part of the establishment. That was Matriarchal and Patriarchal doctrine; they had determined that. But they never did tell us, the up and coming generation, when or how just how long it does take. Should it be determined by how many Christmas parades you attend, or if you have an account at Palmetto State Bank? How many village festivals you participate in? By being a member of the Bluffton Historical Society, buying groceries at Scott’s, or being a subscriber to The Bluffton Eccentric, or read the Bluffton Breeze every month? None of that would hurt. How long do we make them wait before claiming the title? With Bluffton about to “matamophosize,” maybe we’d better get together and set some ground rules.

Being a Blufftonian is a rite of passage. It is an initiation to a select fraternity. Membership requires a unique appreciation for life and community and devotion to kinship, where blood ties are as strong as the currents of the May River and friendship loyalties are as predictable as her tides. Perhaps it is when this deep seeded affection and loyalty is earned-cultivated, then one is accepted. Changing things could be the quickest way to lose your stripes.

Convinced that you earn it, becoming a Blufftonian is enforcement of her customs, appreciation for her mentality, acceptance of her casual individuality, tenacious dedication to preserve her historical and natural integrity, the sincere ability to reflect the pride in her name and to consistently contribute and nurture her lifestyle. When this is achieved, then you have become an honorary Blufftonian. And Bluffton will embrace you.

There are those who would say that being a Blufftonian is like being powerful, if you have to tell people you are, then you aren’t. For those who pass through here with preconceived notions of what it means to be a Blufftonian, no explanation is good enough. For those who live here and know what it means to be a Blufftonian, no explanation is necessary.