THE MANORS
The
Manors of Charleston are as well known as Charleston itself. Orchard
Manor, Washington Manor, and Littlepage Terrace have had their ups and
downs, good days and bad. The stigma attached to these places are
much more-so today than when they were built. The first two,
Littlepage in 1940 and about 9 months later Washington,
were an answer to the very poor people of the day. Most
people under 50 have never witnessed the kind of squalor that was
common in the Charleston area back then. From Slip Hill on
Sissonville Road to North Charleston, to Blackhawk Hollow on the East
end, people lived sometimes like animals. Most paid rent,
but it wasnt much and the conditions were deplorable. These
people needed help so that they and their families could have a clean
safe place to live while they got their feet under them and economic
conditions changed.
Those people were very grateful for the
opportunity to move into one of these fine facilities. (unlike
many today who feel the government owes them). And many kids who
lived in the Manors went-on to become successful, some even
becoming millionaires. As time went on and society changed, the
Manors became a haven for criminals and thugs. The REAL stigma
started then. In the meantime, the Manors have been, or are being
revamped again. I cant help but wonder how many people actually
manage to get out today, and become successful like once upon a
time..... |
Orchard Manor
 The most famous of the Manors was Orchard, even though it was the last one built in 1955
 
The
rules and regulations made sure that people could live together.
Remember, some people who moved into the Manors had never seen
indoor plumbing or even electricity. Hard to believe but true. 
Orchard Manor today after millions of dollars invested.
LITTLEPAGE TERRACE 
Littlepage was the first low income developement built. It opened in 1940
Washington Manor 
Washington Manor opened about 9 months later. 
My grandparents lived in Washington Manor for a while. Here I'm being held by my grandmother while my mom looks on. | Not everyone who lived in the Manors were destitute. Fact is most had jobs and many both parents. They
simply didnt make enough money to pay full-blown rent or buy a house.
They needed time to get their ducks in a row and move on. Most
did, but as time went on, many decided to stay generation
after generation. This is the common occurrence today I believe. |
Back
|