16 Archdale Street
A Property History of a Ward 4 Charleston Single House
This research documents the findings on the property of 16 Archdale Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The research presented is on behalf of Katherine Pemberton’s Research Methods in Historic Preservation class in the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Clemson University per the Clemson Design Center, Charleston (CDC.C).
© Charleston County Public Library, SBFIM 1888, sheet 7
Historic Context
Charleston’s Archdale Street was named for John Archdale (b.1642-d.1717), a Quaker, who was governor of the Province of Carolina in 1693. Born in England in 1642, Archdale was a son of Thomas Archdale and Mary Neville. Archdale was brought into the Quaker movement in the 1670s, after which he married Ann Cary in 1673 and fathered four children. Archdale sought and purchased a proprietorship share in the Carolinas in trust for his son Thomas in 1681. In 1694, Archdale was then chosen by other Lords Proprietors to be governor of the Carolinas. When his term ended, Archdale returned to England in 1696.
Archdale Street changed its name from1920-27 to Charles Street, then back to Archdale Street. The ratification of the street name back to Archdale was approved by the City of Charleston on November 8, 1927. While no concrete evidence is in tact, it has been highly suggested that names such as Archdale and Beresford Streets had abandoned their given name to avoid the astigmatism attached to being associated with the red light district that invaded Ward 4.
Birds Eye View, 1872
Charleston’s map of Bird's Eye View, 1872, depicts a one story dwelling standing on the lot. The present day dwelling on the property of 16 Archdale Street was built circa 1882 by Henry Viohl (b.1838, d.1899). Viohl, from Hanover, Germany and a grocer built this two story frame single house to be used as a rental unit. Viohl came to the Carolinas in the 1860s when he entered the grocer business. Due to the surplus in funds, Viohl was able to invest in rental properties, to which he both purchased and built. Viohl did not live on the property but moved around in Charleston frequently. The property was transferred to his daughter, Anna upon his death.
© Library of Congress
Elevations of 16 Archdale Street © Winter Hein
Architectural Features
- 0.06 acres
- Family residence
- Two story dwelling
- Wood construction
- Continuous stuccoed brick foundation
- Gable roof
- Flat roof over a 2 story piazza
- Yellow clapboard on exterior walls
- Decorative brackets & balustrades
- Herringbone piazza brick flooring
© Library of Congress
Significance
Two residents in particular during the 20th century stand out as part of the dwelling’s significance. Madame Emma St. Claire, had been described as the boarding house keeper in 1900, maintaining residence for only a year. As found popularly in Ward 4, most buildings would be documented as F.B. or female boarding for houses of working women in the red light district. When Madame St. Claire was in residence, it is a safe assumption that due to the Madame title and the boarding house description, that St. Claire operated a brothel out of 16 Archdale Street. These women are seldom documented.
The second resident, Samuel Fleming operated a successful shoe repair business for fifty years out of 16 Archdale Street from 1919-69. Fleming, a black resident, lived upstairs with his family while his shop operated below.
The lot on which 16 Archdale stands has had a long history of ownership as well as lived in by a number of tenants. The period of significance for the property is within the 20th century, where most streets and houses within Ward 4 of Charleston provided affordable housing and storefronts that have led to the quiet, sought after residential neighborhood that it is today. The trend of adaptive reuse to these homes with histories such as 16 Archdale Street is one that reflects the ever changing fabric of Ward 4 within the City of Charleston.
Left: © Charleston County Public Library, City Directory, 1900
Right: © Charleston County Public Library, 1900s
Chain of Tile
1830
Part of a marriage agreement between Albert Elfe & Elizabeth Sutcliffe. Sutcliffe's dowry consists of this property with a listed negro woman named 'Lizzy'.
1852
A wooden 2 story shed is on the property.
1880-83
Henry Viohl is the owner. Viohl builds the present day dwelling that stands on the lot.
07/09/1903
Arthur P. Aimar & M.H. Collins. Sale price of $2,951.
04/04/1914
Nonie Collins, the daughter of M.H. Collins. Given to her as part of a family agreement for the sale price of $5.
06/05/1919
Samuel Fleming owns & operates his shoe factory out of the dwelling for 50 years. Fleming is listed as a negro business owner. Sale price of $2,000.
01/27/1973
John D. Mueller Jr. is sold the property by Evelyn L. Peaden, Fleming's daughter after his death in 1969. Sale price of $6,500.
02/26/1979
William E. Cook. Sale price of $17,279.22.
04/30/1980
Donald F. McConville & Joseph E. Bryne. Sale price of $113,500.
10/31/1985
Nancy G. Scranton. Sale price of $152,500.
07/09/1987
Daniel J. Sullivan. Sale price of $190,000.
02/14/1995
Patrick J. Cavanaugh. Sale price of $235,000.
02/02/1996
Dennis M. Stevens. Sale price of $235,000.
11/16/1998
George R. Walls. Sale price of $412,000.
12/15/2020
Present day owner
The property of 16 Archdale Street tells an evolutionary history in housing from rentals to a multi-million dollar residence. The evolution of Ward 4 has affected the fabric of the City over time with its storefronts and potential brothel use. As Charleston grows, documentation becomes more vital. The stories of the individuals who kept residence at 16 Archdale Street, no matter how big or small are yet all the same in a matter of importance to keep the long lived historic of the City of Charleston alive.
