PHOTOS FROM 1911
The following photos have been reproduced from the publication "Illustrated Charleston"
This book was issued by the Charleston Chamber Of Commerce in 1911 to promote the area.
While I have seen a couple of similar books, this one is extremely rare and the photos are
outstanding for their time. These photos will be arranged by topic, such as businesses, schools
etc. The book is courtesy of Susan Kelly, who did a wonderful job of scanning all of these
photos so that I could then work with them. It was a lot of work on her part. Thanks so much! |
Charleston General Hospital 
This is a great photo. More photos similar to this, along with the hospital's history appears HERE
See a large image HERE
Without
a doubt one of the most beautiful and substantial buildings in the
area, I could never discover exactly why the city would allow
this mini masterpiece to fall into disrepair. The city was
donated the property to be used for a hospital and/or city park.
The hospital was built and leased to a doctor. Not too many years
later, a new Charleston General Hospital was built on Elmwood
Ave. This building was then used for several things, none of
which paid the bills. The city even allowed families to live in
the building for a time. Then, hobo's used it. By now the
building was in need of serious repair. Children played in it's spooky
halls and talked of ghosts from the cemetery right behind the building.
Finally, it was torn down and the property made into a city park. So
what happened? I suspect that the building was too far away from
the downtown section, and too hard to get to up that muddy hill,
especially in winter and Spring. When this hospital was built, there
was no electricity, no city water, and very little fire protection. So,
the building like all of our more beautiful buildings was destroyed,
and all we have are the photos.
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GOVERNMENT Good photo of the State Capitol on Capitol St. You can see the Annex on the right. State Capitol Annex. Used when the first Capitol burned and later used as the Public Library. Kanawha County Courthouse facing what is now the Blvd. An addition to the building would later cover this view.  Chemical Engine made by the Kanawha Chemical Fire Engine Company.
The photo was taken at old Central Station on Court Street.  Post Office on Capitol Street. It's replacement still stands here today, and is now the library.
 ....... SCHOOLS
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