Gullah Tour

Another highlight of our Charleston trip was the Gullah tour. Here I am with Alphonso Brown, the owner of Gullah Tours. Alphonso is a former teacher who delights dozens of tourists every day with his entertaining and tremendously interesting tales focusing on the African American historical side of Charleston.

Alphonso told us about master ironworker Philip Simmons, who made most of the iron gates for which Charleston is noted. This is an example of Mr. Simmons' handiwork.


And here, relaxing at home, is Mr. Simmons himself! He is in his early 90s now (as of April 2006) and no longer does iron work himself, but he teaches it to several apprentices. Mr. Simmons enjoys the many visitors that Alphonso brings by with his tour to greet him.