City Directories and History: 1908 – Court Inn, 1925 – Court Inn, 1940 – Court Inn
In 1830 this house was built by John C. McRae and completed by J.D. DeSaussure who called the house “Lausanne” after his family home in Switzerland. However, in 1889 Mrs. Caroline J. Perkins opened her home to the public for the first time after acquiring it in 1884. She originally called the house, Uphton Court. In 1900 the property was purchased by the Ticknor family (Caleb Ticknor), and renamed the Court Inn with 200 rooms and extensive gardens, a band stand and became one of Camden’s large hotel complexes, running until the late 1940’s. In 1964 the contents of the Inn were auctioned and the wings removed from the historic house. Failing to raise funds to preserve the house, it was razed in 1964.
“A Charming Colonial Inn In the Heart of the Historic South” read the Court Inn’s brochure.
Click on the More Information > link found below the picture column for additional data or pictures.
“DeSaussure, Maj. John McPherson of nonresident plantations in Sumter and Kershaw Districts and “Laussane” in Camden. Born Feb. 23, 1807 (S.C.); married Nov. 29, 1832, Eliza Hester Champion (Feb. 3, 1812-Mar. 11, 1864); died Mar. 23, 1883. Education: College of S.C., A.B., 1825; read law (admitted to S.C. Bar, 1828). Church: Episcopalian (Vestryman, Grace Church, Camden) . Public Service: Justice of the Peace; Justice of the Quorum; Warden, Camden; Intendant of Camden; Major, S.C. Militia; State Representative. Other: President of Trustees, Camden Female Academy; Trustee, Camden Orphan Society Academy. Slaves: 301 (Sumter District) and 25 (Kershaw District) .”
The Last Foray, C. Gaston Davidson, SC Press – 1971
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Sandra Pipkin McNay says
I have a pool table in storage that was from Court Inn Lane.
I would love to donate it in the memory of my father, he told me that Gen. Mcgrather played pool on the table. If intreseted please contact me sdmcnay@gmail.com