About the Lithograph:
Located south of Charleston on a barrier island, Folly Beach grew in the 40's and 50's in preeminence as one of the fun beaches of the South. Having large white sand beaches, the island was equipped with wooden ramps which allowed visitors to drive their vehicles down onto the expanse of the beach and park or ride along, observing the sights. The sound and scene of the rolling surf was interrupted by the bathers frolicking in the gentle breakers. The chatter of sunbathers along the sloping beaches could also be heard. In the middle of the island stood the Folly Pavilion and the Folly Pier with an amusement park clustered near it. Here in this part of Folly Island one could experience dining, dancing, bowling, food, games, sunbathing, and just the plain company of fun-loving people enjoying the sights and sounds of Folly Beach. The air was permeated by the smell of hotdogs and was filled with the sound of pinball machines, the excitement of people, and the hum of the rides in the amusement area behind Folly Pier. The amusement park was filled with rides, such as the swings, a Ferris Wheel, and a Tilt-A-Whirl, to name just a few. On a summer evening, the Folly Pier and Pavilion took on a festive look much like the midway at the Coastal Carolina Fair. There was the sound of rides going and voices of riders screaming with delight and fear as the lighted amusements livened up under the summer night shy. And then there was the distinct sound of the bands playing their memorable songs on the pier and the shuffle and chatter of people dancing and talking on the Pavilion that was so accustomed to this weekend ritual during the summer season. This was Folly Beach in its heyday, and this was the old Folly Pier and amusement area that created so many of the memories which now give us only that mental picture of the Folly that once was.