The Lost Architecture: October Edition

Posted: November 6, 2018

The answer is 54 Wentworth Street (Elks Club, also known as the Elks House). Constructed ca. 1885 as a residence for Morris Israel, a Charleston banker, the building was about 75% complete when the earthquake of 1886 occurred; however, there was little damage to the building and it was completed thereafter. Charleston Lodge No. 242, B.P.O.E., purchased and altered the house in 1912. The principal alteration was done by the Simons-Mayrant company under the supervision of David B. Hyer, and consisted of raising the mansard roof and converting a cedar-lined attic into a lodge room. (Source: HCF Archives Property File.)