Remembering one man’s passion for model trains reminds us of West Ashley’s rich railroad history
by Donna Jacobs | Contributing Writer
Dupont Crossing is part of the vernacular for a time in West Ashley’s history, when it was still called St. Andrew’s Parish, and trains were a prominent feature. Dupont Crossing was the name for the physical location where the tracks of the Croghan’s Spur of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad and the Seaboard Airline Railroad crossed.
One can see remnants of this location if taking a scenic, peaceful walk along the West Ashley Greenway. It was also the name for the larger area around this physical crossing, including the intersection of Wappoo Road and Savannah Highway and adjacent properties.
Trains played an essential role in transporting truck-farmed goods to market and in boosting the area’s economy. It was the hub of the Parish. The hustle and bustle of train activity has given way to a slower pace as the tracks have been converted to the West Ashley Greenway and West Ashley Bikeway where residents can amble to schools, the library, visit neighbors or head for a cup of coffee.
However, the romance of trains is infectious, and like many train enthusiasts, Constantine “Gus/Costa” Nicholas Palassis caught the bug at a very early age. During one Christmas season, he asked for a model engine that was $40. When his mother explained that it was quite expensive, Gus quickly remarked, “That’s only two twenties, Mama.”
He was quick with the wit even as a young lad. So how does train history and Gus Palassis’ love of trains connect in our local narrative? One must step back a couple of generations, go across the Ashley River to Rivers Avenue and check out the hospitality.
Palassis’ maternal grandfather, Emanuel Banis, envisioned the future of hotels and motels. He purchased 5 lots along Rivers Avenue near Helms Avenue on time, paying $11/month. Unfortunately, he had overextended himself and had to reduce his investment to 2 lots. Undaunted, Banis built a series of cabins on the property in the late 1940s.
It was popular during this time for tourists to rent cabins as they traveled. This quickly morphed into the development of the Hotel Colonial, a two-story 12-room hotel complete with a bingo parlor. The Hotel Colonial would be the first such establishment in the North area. Keeping his finger on the pulse of hospitality trends, Banis learned of the up-and-coming motel trend from his friend Nick Gianaris, owner of the Evergreen Motel on Savannah Highway.
The Evergreen Motel opened in 1955 and was quite successful. Banis decided to convert his enterprise at 4026 Rivers Ave. to the Siesta Motel in 1958, initially opening with 15 units. Over the years, the Siesta Motel grew to 42 rooms. Banis passed away in 1969 and the hospitality business transferred to his children, Paul Banis and Georgia Banis Palassis. Enter Jim Palassis, son of Georgia Banis Palassis and brother to Gus. History tracks are starting to connect.
How Jim Palassis came to develop the Town & Country Inn and Suites and Trotter’s Restaurant is a fun story for another Flashback, but for now, we will jump ahead to honor Gus’ story and Dupont Crossing.
Palassis’ hospitality establishments sit in the greater Dupont Crossing area of West Ashley. Gus became a welcoming fixture at the Trotter’s Restaurant located in the Town and Country Inn and Suites. A true Southern gentleman. He was known for greeting people by name, eating lunch daily with his brother, Jim, telling corny jokes to customers, and of course, his passion for trains.
What better way to make both young and old smile at Christmas than to decorate the lobby of the Town & Country Inn and Suites with one of his many train systems? Gus loved sharing his passion for trains with the children. Thus, he took on the challenge for many years, as the enjoyment of children was important to him.
Gus passed away in 2002 and the trains became idle at the station. Last Christmas, Jim decided it was time to turn tears to smiles and bring back the trains to honor his brother’s lifelong passion. Maybe if we listen carefully, we can hear the whistle, feel the rumble, and remember when the trains passed through Dupont Crossing.
Train stories? Contact Donna Jacobs at westashleybook@gmail.com.
