St. John Hotel (115 Meeting Street)

Description

Eleven B&W photographs of the St. John Hotel (115 Meeting Street) before it was demolished.

a: Facade of St. John Hotel (east elevation). Neon sign projects from the center. Awning over the entry: "Charleston's Only Ante Bellum Hotel." Written on back: "Difficult from photograph to appreciate the intricate work on the window pediments and their beauty. Iron work of the Dock Street Theatre period. Note that window pediments on each floor are different. Rare example of this period architecture in America."

b: North facade (Queen Street). Sign for Chinese-American Coffee Shop projects over the doorway. Written on back: "Oldest 'Ante Bellum' hotel in America (we think). Photo does not convey the real beauty of these pediments over the windows - (has to be seen.)"

c: Courtyard. Written on back: "Proposed dining outdoor patio (like Villa Margherita).

d: Hotel lobby. Written on back: "Beautiful double marble staircase, Corinthian hand carved columns and ceiling molding."

e: Written on back: "Parlor on right of main hall. Hand carving now covered by yellow shellac!"

f: Second floor hall. Gate to the service elevator at right.

g-h: Dining room.

i: Ballroom. Written at bottom of photo: "Do you remember Miss Sadie Brown's dancing school??"

j: Ballroom window detail. Written on back: "All hand-carved Corinthian columns and ceiling cornices, which do not show up because of lighting in photo."

k: Hotel bedroom. Written on back: "Many have original old marble mantles like this."