KEOWEE KEY HISTORY

A Community Passes the Test of Time

Long Reach

Judy Griffiths, 50th Anniversary Chair, Past Board Treasurer

Keowee Key History Pre-Revolutionary War

The word “Keowee” is Cherokee for “place of the mulberries,” and the history of the area we now call Keowee Key begins well before the Revolutionary war.

Before that time, this area was known as the Cherokee Nation. There were about 11,000 Cherokee Indians in numerous villages along the Keowee River. In addition to planting corn, they hunted deer, buffalo, bear, turkey, and wild boar. In 1730, the English and the Cherokees signed a treaty for a peaceful relationship. In 1751, the English constructed Fort Prince George on the banks of the Keowee river. After about 25 years, tensions between the Cherokees and colonists increased and soon led to outright hostilities. Tragically, most of the villages were destroyed and many of the Cherokee fled.

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The site of Fort Prince George, located about midway between the Keowee Town Landing and Mile Creek Campground, was later inundated for the creation of Lake Keowee.

After the Revolutionary War, many settlers began to make this area their home. General Andrew Pickens, Ephriam Mitchell and John Nean Craig were early landowners. Another early settler was William Hunnicutt. The family purchased a plantation in the area of New Hope Church and owned land from High Falls to Moody Springs.

There are legacy remains of the Hunnicutt family in Keowee Key today, including a cemetery, on Leeward Court (still maintained) and three chimneys (Skipper, Mizzen and Long Reach).

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65 Long Reach was the former home of James and Ellen Hunnicutt. Also, six of Hunnicutt children attended Warsaw School, a oneroom log structure located at the time near the tennis courts once known as the Kourthouse, now the FRC.

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Lake and Hills Garden Club has preserved and beautified the Hunnicutt Cemetery for decades, with some assistance from Keowee Key Grounds Crew.

In 1849, German settlers bought almost 6,000 acres from the High Falls area towards the area now known as Walhalla and almost 12,000 acres near West Union. The Germans prospered in the area. Walhalla became seat for the New Oconee County and the Keowee Courier moved there, where it was published until 2019.

*Much of this history was documented in the book, “Keowee Key: The Origins of a Community,” by Alice Badenock.

Judy Griffiths, 50th Anniversary Chair, Past Board Treasurer

Duke’s Impact to the Area

Duke Power (now Duke Energy) purchased a large amount of UpCountry land in 1916 after recognizing the tremendous potential for hydroelectric power. Not much changed for 50 years after that as the local families, including the Hunnicutts and Craigs, continued to farm corn, oats, wheat and cotton, as well as pastured cows and hogs.

In 1955, the Hunnicutt land was sold to a businessman and tree farmer Oscar Wigington. His highly successful forestry operation attracted the attention of agricultural experts from Clemson University who studied his methods for harvesting seeds and growing seedlings. Wiginton’s headquarters was in what is now Keowee Key. The fire tower to safeguard his forest holdings was located on the site of the overlook on North Flagship Drive.

In 1963, Duke Power began the purchase of the balance of the land needed for Lake Keowee. This included both the Wigington and Craig properties. Duke received its federal license in 1965 to begin construction of the Keowee-Toxaway Project.

By the fall of 1969, the land had been cleared creating the basins of Lakes Keowee and Jocasssee. This effort was supervised by the Crescent Land and Timber Company, a subsidiary of Duke. During the land clearing there were several archeological digs on the site of the Cherokee villages and Fort Prince George. Many of the artifacts excavated from the area, are on exhibit at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

Did you know? When Duke obtained its Federal Power Commission License, they gifted a $30,000 grant to the University of South Carolina Department of Archeology for the study and preservation of artifacts.

The damming of the Keowee and Little Rivers created Lake Keowee with an area of nearly 18,500 acres. On March 25, 1971, Duke Power flipped the switch and began generating hydroelectric power derived from the lake.

Recognizing the recreational potential, Duke in conjunction with state and local officials, ensured the lakes were stocked with fish and paved access was provided to both lakes. In addition, Duke sought to ensure high quality (as opposed to random) development of the lakeside. Crescent Land Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duke, set aside 1,600 acres of land for a planned community.

In 1971, a Florida-based real estate company, Realtec (a subsidiary of Certainteed Corp), was chosen to develop this “Lake Keowee Community.” Realtec had already opened two Western Carolina projects, Sapphire Valley and Connestee Falls, so this project gave them a resort development triangle. Duke Power gave Realtec a list of over 8,000 names of people who had expressed an interest in buying lake property.

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Lake Keowee was originally stocked with 3 million Largemouth Bass, and the same number of Wallaye, by the South Carolina Wildlife Resource Department.

Engineers Mapping Out the K-T Basin Photo courtesy of Duke Energy

Judy Griffiths, 50th Anniversary Chair, Past Board Treasurer

Early Keowee Key Development

In January 1972, Realtec announced its plan for a resort community then known as “Lake Keowee Community.” The preliminary master plan included a golf course, clubhouse, equestrian center, commercial area and sewer treatment facilities for over 1,000 residences. The initial development phase called for both condominium units as well as single-family homes.

By early fall of 1972, Realtec had set up sales office trailers on the property. Clearing had begun for the 18-hole golf course, designed by George W. Cobb. Construction was also started on the wastewater treatment plant as well as clearing for four miles of roads. These ran from what is now the North Gate area up to Unit 1 (Mainsail and its arteries) and Unit 2 (Commodore, Skipper and its arteries).

In September 1972, Unit 1 and 2 were opened to sales, with the first lot sold to Dr. William Gilmore, of Greenville, whose lot was later resold. Seven families bought lots in 1972 and construction began on these properties. In 1973, Unit 3 (Port Tack, Channel, Anchorage, Long Reach and its arteries) were open for sale. By December, there were 340 property owners.

In January 1974, the name was officially changed to Keowee Key. Unit 5 (Long Reach Circle and its arteries) opened for sales. Also, in 1974 was a groundbreaking ceremony for the first south-side pool and marina located near Marina Villas. The original restaurant/marina complex was constructed by 1976, with only a few boats in the marina. The marina building was the first club at Keowee Key and was called the Keowee Cove Marina Restaurant. The marina rented cabanas and two original tennis courts were built which still exist at Marina Villas today.

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In 1973, the Blue Heron was stylized as the Keowee Key bird logo, which all residents have come to recognize in our brand today.

All of this was proceeding well, or so it seemed. However, the real estate development industry was in for some major challenges. First, the recession of 1973-74 and the gas crisis caused by OPEC,

impacted pocketbooks and the ability to travel to vacation homes. Second, were new accounting guidelines for the development industry. This required Realtec, which was concurrently developing communities in North Carolina as well as Keowee Key, to borrow additional funds to first complete the infrastructure prior to households moving in. These combined to push the development industry to the brink.

However, times like this present opportunity, for someone with the vision to buy a distressed vacation community, target it for the over-50 age group and turn the project around. This person was Dick Ford, a trained accountant and experienced land developer. Long story short, Realtec’s parent company Certain-teed hired Ford in 1974. He halted golf course and clubhouse construction and closed the sales office in Keowee Key and focused his attention on the two North Carolina developments.

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In 1975, a classified ad in The Seneca Journal described a package deal for a beautiful, wooded lot and 1600 square foot contemporary 4-bedroom home for $54,950.

In late 1975, the first vacation home was completed on Gulfstream, and five other property owners committed to build on their lots. Things began to look brighter in 1976. Between 1976 and 1979, construction began in Units 1, 2, 3 & 5. By 1977, there were 12 residents including Dick Ford himself. At that time, the only marketing tools available were giveaways including a weed-eater, digital watch and a portable grill.

Nine holes of golf were opened, unofficially, in 1976. Finally, in the summer of 1979, the Club had its grand opening and over 200 residents attended the gala event. In 1979 the nine-hole golf course was official, and the Pro Shop was moved from a trailer to the upper level of the Club in the corner of the Vista Room overlooking Hole One. Under the Pro Shop was the golf cart storage area where the current meeting room is located.

Judy Griffiths, 50th Anniversary Chair, Past Board Treasurer

Keowee Key Development 1980 through early 2000’s

In 1980, the marketing of Keowee Key was ramped up, with ads being placed in the Wall Street Journal. That first ad brought 500 responses. Like our current “Discovery Package,” prospective buyers were invited to visit the property. Numerous tours were given and lots were selling. Units 4, 6 and 7 became available for construction and Captain’s Walk Condos were being sold.

By 1983, Units 8-15 were available and construction on Harbor Lights and Marina Villas units and the Captains Walk pool commenced. By 1986, Units 16-21, 25, 26, and 28 were opened. In addition, Safe Harbor and Tall Ships condos were constructed as well as the leisure trail. By then, population of Keowee Key had risen to 870. With the increase of lot sales and home construction, Keowee Key was now described as a “mature development.”

The social fabric of Keowee Key was in full development as well. Golf became the first social activity. The KKMGA & KKLGA were created in 1981. Exercise classes, water exercise classes, synchronized swimming, Bible study groups, bridge groups, sewing and art groups, bowling leagues, tennis groups and club dining groups all added to the diversity of activities in the community.

Gardening became popular with the development of the community gardens. The Scuttlebutt began publication in 1981. And there was the Dixie Key’s band, Key Koraliers chorus, shuffleboard groups, dance club, garden club, single’s club, fishing club, investor’s clubs and the list goes on.

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The first Member Guest golf tournament was held in 1980 with 7 teams, and in 1981 that expanded to 48 teams.

In 1987, the Lake Keowee Association (LKA) which had been formed in 1973, was reorganized to purchase, own and operate the Club and golf course. All property owners were assessed $850 to execute the purchase from Certain-teed. And the first Board of Directors was elected.

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By 1989 the population of Keowee Key was estimated to be about 1,200 and included residents from 31 different states.

1993 saw the creation of the Keowee Key Fire Department, which was later turned over to a special fire tax district in 2003. Members acquired the water and sewer plant renaming it Keowee Key Utility System (KKUS) and created a separate corporation to oversee its operation. In 1996, the Kourthouse, which is now the Keowee Key Fitness and Racquet Center, was purchased from a third party.

The first community general manager was hired in 1997 to oversee operation of the Lake Keowee Property Owners Association, the Lake Keowee Association and KKUS. Then, the Keowee Key Property Owners’ Association (KKPOA) was created by merging the LKA and LKPOA in 1998.

It’s worth noting at this time, Keowee Key used what might be called an a la carte model for its amenities. Members could choose whether to take advantage of the Club, golf course, or not. There were separate charges for each amenity. If a member did not use an amenity, they did not pay for it. A bylaw change effective in 2000 made all property owners members of all amenities, although they still paid separate usage charges for each amenity.

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The Club was renovated between 1999 and 2000 and the Activity Center (now the Event Center) was constructed in 2001. Before that, the north marina building was the first Club at Keowee Key and was called Keowee Cove Marina Restaurant.

Keowee Key became a completely property owner-controlled community, with the purchase of the last land owned by the developer in 2000. The build-out of Keowee Key continued into the early 2000’s with the completion of the Sunrise Pointe Condos. These were built on the site of a conference center that had been created by the developer. The Club Cottages property was sold for development in 2003.

Judy Griffiths, 50th Anniversary Chair, Past Board Treasurer

Keowee Key in the 21st Century

Up to this point, our story about Keowee Key focused on the creation of the Community, its growth and development. Keowee Key was about to face some very serious challenges but would emerge in a renaissance.

The beginning of the 21st century was not the best for Keowee Key. In 2001, our financial condition was not good. Cost overruns on the Club and Event Center projects resulted in a $600,000 special assessment. The passing of the controller coupled with the resignation of his replacement within six weeks and the departure of the community general manager left a serious void in management and financial control.

But the spirit of volunteerism that marks our community today was also in evidence back then. Thanks to an Ad Hoc Property Owners Committee, by-laws were rewritten to lay the groundwork to improve financial controls as well as to provide better planning, direction and communication going forward.

However, problems remained. Usage of the amenities were declining, particularly for Golf and the Club. Each amenity was structured as a profit center and expected to cover its operating costs. But there simply was not enough revenue being generated by Club sales and golf access fees. The options facing the members at that time were stark: closure of the amenities, raise prices to cover deficits — which would likely further reduce demand, open them to the public or find another way forward.

A team of members crafted the solution. Recognizing the a la carte model was not sustainable, this team recommended the creation of the Single Amenity Support Subsidy (SASS) in 2003. Under SASS, it is “all for one and one for all.” All property owners share responsibility for supporting all amenities. This concept was approved in a community vote. It cannot be overstated enough this move saved Keowee Key. This idea has continued, with some modifications, and to this day, differentiates Keowee Key from most communities.

There were other improvements in 2003-09 to the community as well. These include: a dining minimum was approved by members to stabilize Club revenue, renovations to the Fitness Center and Golf course greens, replacing Community storm drains, relocation of the Club security gate and renovation of the Leisure Trail.

Later in the decade, the original administration building and real estate office were torn down and replaced with the new administration building, and the New Owner Capital Assessment (“NOCA”) was approved to increase our capital reserves.

South Pool Ribbon Cutting 2018

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Our current community general manager, Kevin McCracken, joined Keowee Key on September 19, 2005. next decade. Beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2021, there were many improvements to our community’s infrastructure and amenities. These include: 2011: The construction of the North Marina (including a meeting room, outdoor pool and Skipper store) and the demolition of the deteriorating Marina Villa pool area, 2012: The construction of four Pickleball courts, 2014 to 2016: KKUS’s replacement of 25.5 miles of southside water lines, 2014: An upgrade to the Event Center which suffered severe water damage during a “freeze,” 2015: The demolition and construction of the new Northside and Southside guard houses, 2017 to 2019: A $14 million community renovation including the Golf course, Club and Bistro, Fitness Center, South Flagship Drive beautification, Southside Pool and Southside walking trail, which entailed no additional assessment, 2019 to 2020: Complete renovation of

North and South Marina docks, 2020: An increase to the Club parking lot to meet higher demand from the renovated Club 2021: Construction of eight new Shuffleboard courts and three Bocce courts at Chestnut Point Park, the addition of the Northside walking trail and four additional Pickleball courts.

While most of what has been discussed here focuses on the physical aspects of the community there were also changes and improvements behind the scenes that helped ensure the success of these many projects. A couple of highlights: enhancement of our capital reserves to ensure that funds are available to replace aging assets, a mechanism to help fund new major capital items without the need for assessment increases, a process to help ensure that the cost estimates for projects are professionally developed, a comprehensive Strategic Planning Process and a renewed emphasis on communication with our membership. As noted earlier the “secret sauce” for this has been our members who volunteer their time and skills and collaborate with a strong management team.

Ribbon Cutting Northside Trail During COVID 2021

DID YOU KNOW?

The public website was completely revamped in 2018 using Jonas software, and the internal website was revamped in 2021.

In March 2020, COVID-19 struck the world and Keowee Key. Our management and board installed procedures to keep members and employees safe, and to minimize amenity loses, particularly in the Club and Golf amenities. We took steps to secure a government grant through the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) this allowed us the weather the pandemic, while retaining our staff and minimizing financial impact. What is in store for the future of Keowee Key? You, our members, are the key to answering that question. Our success has been built on the hard work, and the input of many talented people over the past 50 years. As a member-owned community, our members have shaped the direction of the community and will continue to do so. We strive to keep up with emerging trends for communities like ours (think pickleball, bocce and casual dining at the Bistro). We do this by tapping into the insight of our community general manager, marketing director, amenity mnagers and staff, the committees, as well as ideas from our members. All of this contributes to making Keowee Key “more of what you love” as we look forward to the next 50 years.