City Directories and History: PALMETTO FIRE COMPANY HALL
Constructed circa 1850; converted to apartments circa 1940; rehabilitated in 1986 residence – Edward C. Jones, architect
This masonry, Italianate structure was completed about 1850 and designed by one of Charleston’s leading architects for a volunteer company of firemen. The property had been acquired by the new city fire department by the 1880s and remained in this use until the end of the decade. The building retains its pediment supported by console brackets and its arched side doorways, but its open central bay was filled in the 1940s during the conversion of the building to apartments. It has since become a single family residence.
Information from: The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
Other sources of interest: Charleston Tax Payers of Charleston, SC in 1860-61 and the Dwelling Houses of Charleston by Alice R.H. Smith – 1917 The HCF may also have additional data at: Past Perfect and further research can be uncovered at: Charleston 1861 Census Schedule or The Charleston City Guide of 1872
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“The Palmetto Fire Company Hall, built in 1850 for a volunteer firefighting unit, was designed by architect Edward C. Jones. The two story stuccoed brick building is in the Italianate style. The building was converted into apartments in the 1940s, at which time the large entrance for the fire engine, in the center of the facade, was changed to paired windows.” (Stockton, N&C, May 16, 1973; Ravenel, Architects, 208, 213.) – CCPL
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