House and Garden Tour
By Morgan Robertson
As we learned two days ago through our conference programs, tourism plays a huge role in Charleston’s economy, and SLC does a great job of incorporating tours into the sessions offered through the conference. With my love for architecture, and Ingrid’s considerable interest in flora, there seemed no better activity for us than the Houses and Gardens Tour!
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hgt_morgan_ingrid_5_web.jpg?w=300)
Our guide, Mimi, was an expert on the homes on the tour as well as local history.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hgt_02_tour_guide_web.jpg?w=400)
Interesting tidbits of Charleston:
Charleston has a history of destructive fires. Following the first fire of 1730, a city ordinance was passed stating that all kitchens must be separate from the main house. Luckily for 21st century Charlestonians, this is no longer the case. Of these fires, arguably the worst was in the Ansonborough fire of 1838, which laid waste to many houses and buildings. Consequently, many of the existing homes in Charleston were built in 1840 or after.
These homes largely come in two styles: single house or double house. A single house design is a structure that is only as wide as one room and extends towards the back of the property.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1_murphys_single_house_example_web.jpg?w=384)
A double house design is the same idea, but it is two-rooms wide.
Despite the fires, the structures built following the last major fire have largely been preserved. The major reason for this is that Charleston was the first city in America to pass a historic zoning ordinance to preserve the historic downtown that we saw today.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_08_morgan_photo_web.jpg?w=400)
One thing we soon noticed in the homes–and on a notable fountain in the city–is the prevalence of pineapples. These items were considered exotic, coming from the Caribbean and even more distant lands, so when captains would return from their journeys, they would often place pineapples outside of their home, to symbolize a safe return. These also could represent a message of “I’m back,” a sort-of invitation to visit. And grocers, of course, would put out pineapples as a message of having received a new shipment of items–again, suggesting that people “come on in.” Thus, they stand for hospitality and are often associated with wealth.
We visited many houses, in some cases having the opportunity to meet the owners. In all cases, we learned more about the houses, the architecture, and the history. One of our favorite was on Anson Street, where we saw a beautiful home and landscaping (by Sheila Wertimer), along with a personal tour by the owners, Barrie and Noah.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hgt_01_owners_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_ic_07_motley_lane_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_03_barrie_web.jpg)
A good example of the Charleston Single was in “Goldsmith Row,” where we had a chance to see a home that was only twelve-feet wide and still beautiful!
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_12_goldsmith_row_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_07_robin_andrews_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_08_robin_andrews_web.jpg)
In all our stops, the owners were extraordinarily generous. It takes a lot of civic spirit to welcome strangers into your home!
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hg_16_hasell_couple_web.jpg?w=400)
One highlight was to see a house that was featured in an Edward Hopper painting! In 1929, Hopper painted the entrance to a home on Society Street, titling the painting, “Charleston Doorway.”
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-16.png?w=400)
This excursion was fantastic, and we were able to immerse ourselves in the lavish gardens and history of some of Charleston’s aesthetically pleasing historic homes.
Here are a few more shots of the lush gardens!
Giddy Up! A Historic Carriage Tour Through Charleston
By Ingrid Cuero
Later on in the day, Morgan and I took a step into the century’s past to ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Old South Carriage Company conducts a pleasant tour through historic Charleston, priding themselves on providing a tour with “southern hospitality”. While waiting for our horse, we spotted a fellow bearkat: Professor Weikle, who teaches in SHSU’s Communications department. It was so nice to see her by way of this wonderful coincidence!
Ashley, our tour guide, introduced us to our steed, Elwood. Supposedly, he has a character of his own; traveling his own route as he sees fit.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/morgan_ingrid_02_guide_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ct_01_horse_web.jpg)
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/morgan_ingrid_03_horse_web.jpg)
Giddying up, we were off to begin our day!
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ct_03_elwood_web.jpg?w=840)
The tour guide shared many fun facts about Charleston; (1) Charleston is the second largest historical district in the world, second only to Rome. (2) because of a big earthquake that took place in 1886, earthquake bolts are built into almost all of the buildings in Charleston;
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-17.png?w=266)
…and (3) A shopping street called King St. is considered one of the top ten shopping streets in the country. However, it wasn’t always this way. The Civil War devastated the Charleston economy, and it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the area was revitalized and put Charleston back on the map. Our tour guide humorously noted that this is the only street she had seen in which a Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and a Target are all on the same street!
We also drove past St. John’s Lutheran Church, adding to our continued understanding of why Charleston is known as “The Holy City”. St. John’s is over 250 years old, making it one of the oldest congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-18.png?w=182)
One of my favorite sights, along with its fascinating background, was Henry’s on the Market.
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ct_11_henrys_web.jpg?w=400)
Both a seafood restaurant and a music hall, this eatery is known to be the oldest restaurant in Charleston, opening in 1932. Though Elwood may have been a little tired, attempting to take us back home early on his own accord, Morgan and I thoroughly enjoyed our time strolling through Charleston!
![](https://leapatshsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ct_10_city_market_web.jpg?w=400)