Harleston Village in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Jenkins Orphanage

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2011

1. Jenkins Orphanage Marker

Inscription. In 1891 the Reverend Daniel J. Jenkins established a home and school for poor, black orphans and for children of poor, distressed and disabled parents. It was his desire "to train the minds and hands of young, black boys and girls so that they could better equip themselves to be productive." Originally located at 660 King Street, in 1885 it was removed here to the Marine Hospital to make space for an enrollment that soon reached 536.
During its history the orphange operated a 100 acre farm, a print shop and a shoe repair shop. It became most famous for the display of musical talent in the orphanage bands that travelled throughout the country.
Today Jenkins Orphange is located on Azalea Drive in North Charleston.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 32° 46.679′ N, 79° 56.25′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Harleston Village. Marker is on Franklin Street near Poulnot Lane, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Franklin Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Marine Hospital (here, next to this marker); United States Marine Hospital (a few steps from this marker);

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First Medical College of South Carolina Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Charleston Work House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fielding Home for Funerals (about 600 feet away); Moore-Trapman-Wragg House (about 800 feet away); Pollitzer House (about 800 feet away); Philip Porcher House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding Jenkins Orphanage. Since 1937 North Charleston has the campus of the Jenkins Orphanage, established in Charleston in 1891 by Rev. Daniel Joseph Jenkins (1862-1937). Jenkins, a Baptist minister, founded this orphanage for African American children with aid from the city. Housed in the old Marine Hospital on Franklin Street downtown 1891-1937, it also included an institute to teach and train children between the ages of 3 and 20. More than 500 lived there by 1896.
The Jenkins Orphanage Band played concerts across the U.S. and Europe for more than 30 years to help fund the orphanage. The band, taught by Hatsie Logan and Eugene Mikell, is prominent in the early history of jazz; alumni

Jenkins Orphanage Marker, lower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2011

2. Jenkins Orphanage Marker, lower

Shares location with Historic Marine Hospital marker

Cat Anderson, Freddie Green, and Jabbo Smith played for Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and others. The orphanage moved to Azalea Drive, North Charleston, in 1937, and its offices and dorms were built by the City of Charleston. Those historic buildings burned in the 1980s. (The Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children, a program of the Orphan Aid Society, Inc.)

Also see . . . The Jenkins Orphanage, Wikipedia entry. The Jenkins Orphanage Band, wearing discarded Citadel uniforms, performed throughout the United States and even toured England raising money for the support of the orphanage. It played in inaugural parades of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. ... (Submitted on October 25, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Jenkins Orphanage , Old Marine Hospital, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2011

3. Jenkins Orphanage , Old Marine Hospital, as mentioned

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 829 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.