South of Broad in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

36 Meeting Street

c. 1740

Photographed By Mike Stroud

1. 36 Meeting Street Marker

Inscription. This Georgian Style residence is an early example of the "Charleston Single House." The original woodwork is notable; the drawing room mantle is attributed to Charleston cabinet maker, Thomas Elfe. Unique in the kitchen building is the original cooking fireplace, intact.

Many eminent South Carolina family names are associated with this property; DeSaussure, Vanderhorst, Brunch, Rivers, Kershaw and Pelzer.

Erected by Preservation Society of Charleston.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Preservation Society of Charleston series list.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 46.389′ N, 79° 55.831′ W. Marker was in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It was in South of Broad. Marker was on Meeting Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 36 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named 36 Meeting Street (a few steps from this marker); Old St. Michael’s Rectory (a few steps from this marker); 37 Meeting Street

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(a few steps from this marker); William Bull's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Daniel Huger House (within shouting distance of this marker); Black and White Worlds: (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Joseph Yates House (about 300 feet away); The Landscape of the Enslaved (about 300 feet away); Nathaniel Russell House (about 300 feet away); George Eveleigh House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding 36 Meeting Street. From the Abstract of Title for 36 Meeting it is known that in May of 1741 the land was surveyed and that is was owned by Arnouldus Vanderhorst, a planter from Berkeley County. The land was sold in 1743 to a carpenter, Easie Brunch, and it was probably he who was responsible for building the house, which still stands today. The building is an excellent example of the Georgian style Charleston "single house'. It is quite similar to other houses built around the same time in both masonry and wood. The Thomas Elfe house on Queen Street should be viewed comparatively.

36 Meeting Street Georgian Style residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud

2. 36 Meeting Street Georgian Style residence

It has been suggested that piazzas did not come into usage until late in the eighteenth century. Therefore, it can be assumed from their simple style that the piazzas were added thirty or forty years after the house was built. Had the piazzas been added any later they would have probably reflected more Adamesque sensitivity. The piazza was definitely in place by 1816 as it is shown on a plat of that date. The piazzas can not be confused with Greek Revival style Piazza's because the proportions of the door surround reveal Georgian rather than Greek scale. The property originally contained four distinct buildings: the main house, the kitchen house, the stable, and a privy. These building excluding the privy were apparently connected around 1850. Part if this connection involved the addition of what now is the library. What was once the kitchen house and stable now serves as rooms for the Bed and Breakfast. The interior of this house has some of the finest Georgian detailing in the City. The mantel in the drawing room is attributed to Thomas Elfe because of its distinctive Mahogany framework. The "music clef" carving on the stairs is
quite unique and may reveal one of the original owner's interests.

Also see . . .
1. Arnoldus Vanderhorst. After his service in the state Senate, Vanderhorst was elected mayor of Charleston

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011

3. 36 Meeting Street Marker

for two terms. (Submitted on October 1, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

2. Henry William de Saussure, from Wikipedia. At the age of 16, together with his father Daniel de Saussure (1736-1798), he participated in the defense of the city during the 1780 Siege of Charleston. (Submitted on October 1, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

3. Charleston Single House. The Charleston Single House is the architectural style most associated with Charleston, South Carolina. (Submitted on June 23, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

4. Georgian Architecture. Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. (Submitted on June 23, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

36 Meeting Street (c. 1740) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011

4. 36 Meeting Street (c. 1740)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 28, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on October 1, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.