Jenkins Orphan Asylum, Charleston SC, Early 1900s

This vintage photograph captures the Jenkins Orphan Asylum located in Charleston, South Carolina. The image showcases the architectural features of the building, highlighting its brickwork, balconies, and ornamental ironwork. The asylum, an important institution in the early 20th century, provided care for children in need, reflecting the social responsibilities of the time.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant buildings and structures in the region. Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent photographer known for her work on southern architecture, this image contributes to our understanding of orphanages and their design during that era.

Documented in the Library of Congress, this piece not only serves as a visual record of the Jenkins Orphan Asylum but also offers insights into the architectural styles and societal values of Charleston in the early 1900s.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.