LAST MINUTE FIELD TRIPS
LAST MINUTE FIELD TRIPS
CHARLESTON MUSEUM
Elegance has been a Charleston tradition since the 18th century. Visiting contemporaries wrote to their northern friends, in astonishment at the size, grace, and sophistication of the city.
Wrought iron treasures, rescued and preserved.
A beautiful brass bell from a private home.
Confederate dress uniform coats.
Brown dress, appropriate for the second year of mourning.
Prior to our visit to the Charleston Museum, we stopped at the Ft. Sumter museum, located next to the aquarium. Although it is not located on the island itself, this museum is free of charge and filled with information we had not known regarding the development of the south and the foundation of the secessionist movement. Definitely worth the visit!
We thought we'd include some fun utensils that were considered essential to the well-set table of the 19th century - all of them are sterling, of course, and many made in the northern states or England. Many of these pieces, especially platters, bowls, and tea sets, were buried by their owners, to save them from Yankee looting.
Marrow scoops.
Melon forks.
A pap bowl, for infants or invalids.
Sterling salt cellars and spoons.
Fish servers.
As is often the case, not all visitors to Charleston are sophisticated, wealthy, or for that matter, even sightly!!
A grizzled confederate soldier, probably a reproduction.
Top hat model.
This gracious lifestyle was supported at a tremendous cost - the lives and freedom of African slaves, whose population at the time of the Civil War exceeded 500,000.
Mule boots.
Figural vessel made by Jim Lee, a slave whose work has been considerably documented and sought after,
HOLY CITY HIGH POINTS
These churches are just a few of the many in downtown Charleston - the skyline points heavenward almost every other block, and occasionally twice or three times in one block!
Of course, we were so busy taking pictures, we didn't actually attend any services.............
Second Presbyterian Church
St. Philips Anglican Church (this was the tallest feature in the city skyline during the civil war and was used by Union ships and cannons on Fort Sumpter as a target. Not once did a cannon ball hit the spire, but there are pock marks in the houses for blocks around.)
Circular Congregational Church
St. Matthews Lutheran Church
Does anyone know which church this is? I cannot identify it.
French Huguenot Church
Unitarian Church
St. Johns Lutheran Church