For Blufftonians of a certain age, the name “The Bluffton Eccentric” elicits a wave of nostalgia. This quirky newspaper, once a mainstay in the Lowcountry town, chronicled Bluffton’s unique character with a blend of humor, heart, and a healthy dose of eccentricity.
The Eccentric’s exact origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, as befits a publication that defied convention. Local lore suggests it emerged in the late 1970s or early 1980s, the brainchild of a group of local characters with a penchant for storytelling and a critical eye.
A Platform for the Peculiar
Unlike the more polished regional papers, The Eccentric reveled in the offbeat. Its pages were filled with articles celebrating Bluffton’s eccentricities – from profiles of the town’s colorful residents to outlandish local legends. It was a platform for budding artists and writers, a place where residents could share their unique perspectives on Bluffton life.
Beyond the Quirky
The Eccentric wasn’t all fun and games. It also served as a watchdog, holding local authorities accountable and giving voice to the concerns of ordinary citizens. It championed environmental causes and advocated for the preservation of Bluffton’s historic character.
The End of an Era
The exact reason for The Eccentric’s demise remains unclear. Some say it succumbed to the pressures of the changing media landscape, while others whisper tales of disagreements among the paper’s founders. Whatever the cause, by the early 2000s, the printing press had fallen silent, leaving a void in the town’s cultural landscape.
A Legacy of Local Spirit
Though The Bluffton Eccentric may be gone, its spirit lives on in the town’s quirky charm. Local businesses still carry a touch of the unexpected, and residents hold dear the town’s independent streak.
The Eccentric serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable voices are often the loudest, the most colorful, and the most delightfully eccentric. And while Bluffton may boast beautiful scenery and Southern hospitality, it’s the town’s unique brand of “weird” that truly sets it apart.