Waker CD, LLC

day that African-American domestics used their day off to come to Atlantic Beach to rest. As the little resort gained in popularity, black people flocked to Atlantic Beach from all across the country during the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s until desegregation arrived. Entertainers, politicians, college presidents and professionals came to visit Atlantic Beach and some built summer homes there. A few whites came too. Nationally known black entertainers like the Tams, the Drifters, the coasters, Martha and the Vandellas, Ray Charles and James Brown found a home in Atlantic Beach during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Although they could perform at racially segregated Grand Strand hotspots, they were not allowed to eat or sleep there. But like the other resorts, Atlantic Beach suffered when “Hugo’s Mother” (Hurricane Hazel) roared through in 1954. The Gordon Hotel sat right on the beach at the end and to the left of what is now Thirtieth Avenue South (Atlantic Avenue). The storm swept it out to sea. Some say they remember seeing the hotel rolling away with the waves, never to be seen again. But then there was the little wooden house that sat near Tyson Avenue (Twenty-Ninth Street) and the beach. No matter the strength of the storm, the little house stayed put. When the “Son of Hazel” Hurricane Hugo, slammed into South Carolina on September 21, 1989, the high waters swept away tons of sand, and now visitors can see the cement blocks where the old Gordon Hotel once stood. Originally, Waker Community Development believed we had chosen the Atlantic Beach project, but upon knowledge of this beach's, history, it's rich past and the importance of it's historic future, we realized that this project had chosen us and you to preserve it. Donations, whether large or small or greatly appreciated. You can find more information about donating at wakercd.com. Click on the link donors.