Bull St. townhouses

Bull St., Charleston, SC 

This stretch of tall town homes on Bull St. always look more like Savannah than Charleston to me. They are lovely. This rental ad might not stay current for long but at the moment gives a glimpse inside one of the units at 109 Bull St.

I had been biding my time until it had cooled off enough to go for my evening walk. It's 9:30 now and I just got back. I didn't quite make my 10,000 steps. 9,480 will have to do this evening.  

Sunny pictures for a rainy day

Avery Center, Bull St., Charleston, SC    

How about a few sunny pictures on a dreary rainy day? My plants are getting a good soaking and my caladium bulbs are saying,"thank you, thank you."

Today's pictures are from a recent walk by the the Avery Research Center on Bull St.

The mission of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is to collect, preserve, and promote the unique history and culture of the African diaspora, with emphasis on Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Avery’s archival collections, museum exhibitions, and public programming reflect these diverse populations as well as the wider African Diaspora. The Avery Research Center is located at 125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424 in the historic Harleston Village.  Phone: 843.953.7609.

Bull St. gate

Bull St. gate, Charleston, SC   

I was determined to reduce my cable bill this year since it has been gradually increasing to a point that doesn't make sense for one person living alone. TV shouldn't be one of my highest monthly expenses. I called to cancel tv cable and was talked into stepping back to basic cable to reduce the bill. Now I have no idea what will be working when I turn my tv on. Sheeesh. I can't record anything or view any of my previously recorded shows but most cable channels still seem to show up for awhile. Then I get no signal. Then I do. I reckon I am in the punishment stage. Thanks Wow!

Today's feature is one of my favorite gates on Bull St. I squirm around trying to make the statue the centerpiece of the image.

Bedtime! Off you go. Turn the lights out. No more stories, no more water. Get to sleep kids. 

Hanging plant

Bull St., Charleston, SC   

Great plant! It's past my bed time or I would try to pin down what it is for you. Where is my extra hour?

I hosted thirty teenagers interested in learning about Obstetrics/Neonatology this evening at the Mount Pleasant Hospital. What a great group of young people many who had driven a long way. There is nothing, I tell ya, nothing, more fun that teaching people who are excited to learn. It makes all the difference especially to the staff who had stayed late to participate. It does my heart good to know there are still smart, fun, caring people going into healthcare. 

Doors of Charleston - Bull St.

12 Bull St., Charleston, SC 

This appears to be a door upon a door that is being used as a message chalkboard for the College of Charleston's Department of Art and Architectural History Albert Simons, Jr. Center for Historic Preservation. This building at 12 Bull St. is called the Cameron House after builder Hugh P. Cameron built it in 1851. Here is a slideshow of the property showing the interior.

12 Bull St c.1851

Built in 1851 by Hugh P. Cameron, a crockery merchant, this house has an unusual plan, with two parlors in front, a small room and stairhall at the rear and the entrance in a pavillion on the east side. The interior was remodeled in the 1890s in the Colonial Revival style. The initials of one owner, David Bentschner, a clothing merchant, appear in the cast iron gate.

Lazing on a lowcountry afternoon

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. I might need to get myself one of these hammocks. Instant vacation!

Now that the magical season between Valentine's Day and Easter is over I guess I need to get back on my usual low sugar routine. Sad. I love oranges but it is hard to pretend they are Cadbury's chocolate Easter eggs.

Bull St. sweetie

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Oh, it is just too darned cute. I've featured this one before but it looked so dreamy with the lush foliage and blossoms I had to grab it again. This is one of a pair of little cottages on either side of 74 Bull St.

Yay, it is nice to have a computer working again. It's raining so I can't really go for my evening hike. Time to flit around and visit all the other lowcountry bloggers and see what they've been up to.

Bell Tower

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

This is the view from Bull St. The bell tower looks like a vintage part of old Charleston but it was built in 2004 and presented to the College of Charleston by a Fraternity. Fooled ya.

Teeny, Tiny Houses of Charleston

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

This little cottage at 74 Bull is one of a matching pair on either side of a much grander residence. It is a little cutie. It seems to be rented as a two bedroom unit. I couldn't get a good shot of the one on the other side without.....ahem, trespassing.

Bottle Tree

Bottle Tree, Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

The fellow at this site really is into the history of Bottle Trees: History of Bottle Trees. This particular bottle tree is in front of the Avery Research Center on Bull St.

The mission of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is to collect, preserve, and promote the unique history and culture of the African diaspora, with emphasis on Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Avery’s archival collections, museum exhibitions, and public programming reflect these diverse populations as well as the wider African Diaspora. The Avery Research Center is located at 125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424 in the historic Harleston Village.  Phone: 843.953.760

Through Charleston's gates

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

I do a lot of peeking through Charleston gates into private gardens. Sometimes someone peeks back at me.

If you like wrought iron work as much as I do, pay a visit to VanessaK's amazing photos.

Teeny, tiny houses of Charleston

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Here a couple more shots to add to the series of teeny, tiny houses of Charleston taken on a Bull St. walk this weekend. They might not really be so small in square footage but they are in respect to the large neighboring homes. Cute little things indeed.

My Canadian niece Elizabeth is studying this year at the University of Essex in the UK. Peak in on her travels and say hello on her blog: Keep Calm and Travel On.

Take a moment and vote for Bernie Ditter on the Salute to Senior Service link. Bernie is an extraordinary volunteer not only for the Juvenile Justice Dept. but for Roper Hospital. This is an easy vote and you can repeat daily if you are inclined: http://www.salutetoseniorservice.com/volunteer-contest/entries/bernie-d/

Corner Stores & Groceries

Bull St. Gourmet, Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

You listen to me talk about eating at the Bull St. Gourmet on King St. but this is the original Bull St. Gourmet location. It is still a popular spot actually on Bull St.  Food writer and cookbook author Holly Herrick wrote about both locations on her blog: Holly Herrick.

It is getting harder and harder for me to go for a walk knowing the tasty treats inside all of these locations.

I've heard so many people say they liked the Notebook. Now I know why!

Poet Marcus Amaker has a new website.

I need to go see these paintings of the image in a reflection ball at the Robert Lange Studio. Gorgeous!

G'night kids! My couch is whispering my name.

For Julia

104 Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

It was already dusk by the time I walked to Bull St. to take this picture of 104 Bull St. A young man walking his dog watched me maneuvering to find an angle without too many cars in front of the house and said, "It's a great house isn't it? Did someone important live there?" I answered, "Yes. She lives in the Czech Republic now and asked me to take this picture." 

104 Bull St. c.1802 Built before 1802 by Thomas Bennett, builder architect and lumberman, or by his son Gov. Thomas Bennett (see 69 Barre St.), this two story wooden structure on a high brick basement is a notable Adamesque house, with fine detailing including the Palladian window. The Bennett family built similar houses at 96, 112 and 128 Bull St. The marble steps were added by Charles C. Schirmer after he acquired the property in 1916.

Julia is a lowcountry blogger now living in Prague with her family and used to live in this grand house. It looks a bit empty and unloved to me now and in need of an active family. I couldn't tell if anyone actually lives in it or not although there was a light on in the entryway.

I took another picture with Julia in mind a few years ago. You can see that one here.

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Townhouses on Bull St.

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

This stretch of tall masonry town homes always reminds me of Savannah. But they aren't, ha! They are right here in Charleston. Since one had a Sale sign on it I was able to google around and find a bit of information from the real estate web site:

103 Bull St.: Built in 1853 by Sara Smith, Historic Bee's Row was taken over during the Civil War by William C. Bee, owner of a blockade-running firm. Located on what was then known as "Bee's Block," the properties located at 101-109 Bull Street were partially used as warehouses and stores during the war. This fabulous masonry home and carriage house can easily accommodate a large family. The property consists of 6 bedrooms (currently used as a four bedroom house with a media and exercise room), 5 full baths and 2 half baths. The carriage house, approx. 1,545 square feet, is large enough for guests or it could serve as a rental with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, an updated kitchen and parking. Situated in a wonderful, quiet location in Harleston Village, you are within walking distance to local schools and hospitals.

If you are interested, the link has a photo gallery showing the inside of the main house. Wowza! Let me know if you buy it. I'm coming over for dinner and I might not leave.

 

Gothic Outbuildings on Bull St.

Every once and awhile people kindly leave gates open for me and my snoopy little camera. I love this tiny outbuilding with the gothic windows on Montagu St. I think this scene is easier to get a picture of in the winter when the trees aren't as full.

Edit: This post was corrected after a commenter noted I had mistakenly listed the location. She is correct. It is Montagu St. not Bull as originally posted. My mistake!

So, the primary is over in S.C. What a relief. My phone has been ringing off the hook. The last call this afternoon was from Mitt Romney but he called me Alice (?) when he asked for my vote. Why on earth would a recording use a name when anyone can pick up a phone. Alice?

Rain! Welcome sound. 

No news is good news

Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Looks more like Savannah doesn't it?

Wow. Reading the newspaper is not a positive way to begin a day lately. Everything in the news sucks. Y'all take care out there. Things are tough.

Downsized Gothic

Blacklock House, Bull St., Charleston, S.C.

Hoping to downsize to something more compact, I roam the peninsula with an eye out for my future dream cottage. I think I found it.

The Blacklock House web site barely mentions the "Gothic Revival Outbuildings". Do you think they'd notice if I just moved in?