CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Work is underway to preserve the traditions and memories of the beach that served as an oasis for African Americans during the “Jim Crow” era in the early and mid-20th century.
Bill Cubby Wilder has dedicated his life to Mosquito Beach, making sure that people know its importance for years to come.
“It was a place that needed to be, an African American historical place, that needed to be saved and remembered,” Wilder said.
The Wilder family has been involved since the area’s beginnings.
It all started with an oyster factory. Wilder’s parents were among those who worked there.
“The oyster factory was really in that little marsh area there. It was across the water,” he said. “And they would bring the oyster boat in like a barge. They would bring the oyster loaded with the oyster. And then the factory was right there and they would, they would chuck the oyster out and put them in jars and cans. Whatever they’re going to put it in and then they would ship it out.”
The word got out about the area after the addition of an over-the-water pavilion in 1953.
“The beach took off. People was coming from everywhere,” Wilder said.
During the Jim Crow era of racial segregation, Black citizens weren’t allowed to attend many of the hubs for entertainment and leisure in Charleston, including beaches like Folly, located right across the marsh. So, Mosquito Beach became a haven for the Black community.
“It was a place that you could come down and enjoy yourself and be yourself,” Wilder said.
From the cool breeze to the shag dancing and memorable cuisine, the shoreline of Mosquito Beach became a landmark known far beyond Charleston County.
“I was in Germany, Spain, Thailand, all them places, I said, ‘I’m from Charleston’. They said, ‘You ever been to a place called Mosquito Beach?’ They cut me off. I said, ‘Yeah, I’m from Charleston and matter of fact, I grew up on Mosquito Beach.’ They said, ‘Yeah, man. We go out there and we party all night long on Mosquito Beach.’”
Wilder wants to bring Mosquito Beach into a new era.
“We want to re-restore this area. Bring back some of the memories that we shared back in the good old days. There was a lot of dancing, good eating, and entertainment for everybody,” Wilder said.
Among the projects are the revitalization of the Historic Pine Tree Hotel and the Skeeta Beach Lounge, thanks to support from the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Melon Foundation.
“We’re looking for a wide, diverse entertainment area for the people to come down and enjoy themselves. Walk up and down the beach like they used to do in the old days,” Wilder said. “There were so many people involved with saving this place. What I feel good about it is, we didn’t lose this place. Riverside Beach is gone. Frizz Beach is gone. Mosquito Beach is still standing.”