J. Palmer Gaillard

J. Palmer Gaillard, Charleston's 4-term mayor from 1959 to 1975, was enterned today at St. Philip's Episcopal Church laid to rest in the St. Philip's graveyard after the funeral. A modern day Horatio Alger Jr. who flew fighter planes during WW2, started a lucrative lumber business and then (reluctantly) ran for mayor after serving 2-years on City Council.

Gaillard was the right man during the right time. A stubborn Southern-Democrat of French-Hugenot heritage, Gaillard was the epitome of South Carolina's long line of citizen-soldiers and business-minded Democrats. Gaillard planted the seeds of development which his successor Joe Riley has watered and cared for the past 30 years. As Mayor, he would annex West of the Ashley and James Island-expanding the city for the first time since 1849. Mayor Gaillard helped bring Spoleto USA to Charleston by lobbying for a large venue for musical performances. After he passed the torch, Charlestonians showed their appreciation by stamping his name on the side of the building. For those Charlestonians (and visitors) who cherish the safety and cleanliness of the City Market, they have Mayor Gaillard to thank for revitalizing the Market and getting rid of the seedy, sailor's playground which plagued the three blocks we now use as a hallmark attraction for visitors around the world.

Winds of Change
But it would be his concern for the disenfranchised members of the community that will be his legacy in history. Before he took office, the NAACP filed a suit against the then segregated Charleston Municipal Golf course. Gaillard put Morris Rosen (then City attorney) and other members of his staff on the job to resolve the situation, thus creating the first integrated municipal (public) facility in South Carolina. As mayor, he kept a tight leash on the CCP during the tumultous Civil Rights Era. Gaillard believed as Americans, people had the right to (non-violent) protests...sit-ins were not stopped at the Kresse lunch-counters, no German Shepards were released nor were firehoses used on students and staff during the Med U Protests. There were arrests for misconduct, but the violence was prevented. The Holy City maintained its' charm and dignity due to the moderation of Gaillard and the city leaders who led us through such a dangerous time in this country.

Tragic Kingdom
Gaillard died at the age of 86 in a car accident on Friday. His Buick Le Sabre was t-boned by a Ford F-350 as he was pulling out of the parking lot after getting a fresh haircut. He was of full mental and physical capacity- one year ago he was pulling loops in a WW2 fighter plane on his birthday. Perhaps he left us the way he wanted, a full life, a happy life, in the city he loved. Perhaps his tragic death will in the end shine a light on one of the most dangerous intersections in the City of Charleston. That the City or state's traffic division should install a light or redirect traffic down a frontage lane instead of allowing people to pull out into 4 lanes of on-coming traffic. If not then his tragic death is for naught and we would not be fulfilling to his memory.

(Photo Staff/File photo from the Post & Courier)