The problem with the archaeological chronological approach to history is that many different years/artifacts demand our attention at once. One often has to sort out what era two things laying side by side in the dirt are from. So, as mentioned, I am doing the two Canterbury buildings more or less together. The building we now call “West” was the first one, the high rise. I will continue with Dr. (Sally) Lorbach’s article on the building of the second Canterbury House in chronological order. That building became known as “East” and was better documented because it was more political.

Believe it or not, it took me two years to figure out why the buildings were designated East and West…according to the maps of Charleston, that just didn’t seem right to me. One day, not that long ago, I went outside with a compass to figure it out once and for all…and walked to the corner and figured it out without the compass…I was unbelievably happy about that.

But East will be nearly 25 years into the future and there are things to learn about my block that led up to it.

This photo was taken in 1977 after Canterbury House was opened but it shows the “handwriting on the wall” for the future of the area…and a battle to be won before the second Canterbury can be built…parking. “Put(ting) up a parking lot” will be a big part of the decision on where to build East…

On the north side of Market Street is an open field and on the south side…where East will be built 20 some years later is an actual city parking lot with meters. If you are a Charlestonian you probably remember!

Much more about parking lots ahead…and believe it or not…a cemetery…

Articles and photos then and now

I did find a few newspaper articles on life at Canterbury and the neighborhood…

In a News & Courier—The Evening Post article for Sunday, December 28, 1980, about Canterbury House residents…

“…other (resident)s have part-time work and still others partake in Charleston night life. Many are also fond of taking walks, but not after dark. Never after dark. Mrs. Brown says there have been several incidents in the area surrounding Canterbury and ‘if you come in after dark, you don’t feel safe.’”

The article then goes on to explain Canterbury’s security … “Security is excellent and a desk clerk who screens visitors is on duty around the clock.”

And it is true today. Both buildings have a person on duty behind glass, or the doors are locked, and you let yourself in with a passcode.

And then, on a brighter note…

The News & Courier/The Evening Post for Sunday December 4, 1983 said…

“A garden has been dedicated at Canterbury House in memory of a former resident, the late Alma F. Ristine.

 “Mrs. Ristine maintained half a dozen flower beds on Canterbury House property and daily picked up trash in the vicinity. Fellow residents so appreciated her voluntary work that that they collected money for a memorial to Mrs. Ristine. Canterbury House matched the sum, and a new memorial garden was born.

Dedicated Tuesday, the garden includes a fountain, wind chimes and a plaque to the memory of one of the early residents of Canterbury House.”

Things seem to quiet down at Canterbury House. There are a few more articles about residents and cookie recipes and the wonderful and reliable Grace Church Teas…and then another garden article in 1992…

Penninsular Charleston…THIS WEEK, By Dorothy Givens of The Post and Courier Staff… Thursday, June 18, 1992

(Shortened a bit by me. CMF)

“I’m not a ‘horiculture’ or whatever you call it,” said Harry Jennings as he modestly looked over his handiwork on the front gardens of the Canterbury House…I just plant and put it up to the good Lord.”
The 81-year-old retiree and his wife Rita moved to Canterbury “four years ago” …and was asked if he would like to do the front garden. Jennings jumped at the offer and planted impatiens the first year “because they love the shade and water…” He also planted daisies…and he also tried roses “but gave up because they were too much trouble.” He also planted hydrangeas.

Jennings’ wife helps out occasionally. Jim Clark tends the back garden and Paul Carter keeps a flower and vegetable garden on the side of the building.

House staff pays for the seeds…but…the gardeners don’t get paid for what they do. “We do it because we like it,” he said.

Canterbury House keeps up the grounds very nicely…and there are still many residents who still tend the various gardens. They are keeping up the traditions…Mrs. Risten and Mr. Jennings would be proud and the residents including me, are grateful!

All photos taken by me today, Sunday June 25, 2023