City Directories and History: JOHN ROBINSON HOUSES Constructed 1835-38
“Robinson, the Wraggborough real estate developer, built these Greek Revival, sidehall, double-parlor houses as investments for his children. He obviously employed the same builder or craftsman used by Augustus Taft in the construction of the house at 57 Laurens Street. All three frame houses retain the same pattern-book door surrounds approached by marble staircases with iron balustrades and identical fenestration. The Laurens Street example, like 17 Judith Street, possesses a flat roof with masking parapet, while 15 Judith Street rises to a closed gable roof with a tripartite window and projecting dormers. Extensive enclosures added by modern owners mar the piazzas of both Judith Street houses.”
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston – Author, for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
“These are the surviving two of three houses built c. 1835-36 by John Robinson. Both have three wooden stories on a high brick basement. Robinson purchased the large lot in 1835 and built the houses which he conveyed in 1838 to three of his children The house formerly at 13 Judith was conveyed to his son, Stephen T. Robinson; 15 Judith to his daughter in-law, Mary T. Robinson, wife of his son James Kirk Robinson; and 17 Judith to his daughter Ann F. Caldwell, wife of James M. Caldwell. The houses have a town house plan and Greek Revival and Regency woodwork.” (Stockton, unpub. notes.) – CCPL
Other sources: Charleston Tax Payers of Charleston, SC in 1860-61, Dwelling Houses of Charleston by Alice R.H. Smith – 1917, Charleston 1861 Census Schedule, and a 1872 Bird’s Eye View of Charleston, S.C. The Hist. Charleston Foundation may also have additional data at: Past Perfect
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