Nathaniel Russell House (51 Meeting Street)

Nathaniel Russell House (2009): Origformat: Digital Image
Nathaniel Russell House (2009)

Origformat: Digital Image

Name/Title

Nathaniel Russell House (51 Meeting Street)

Entry/Object ID

MEETING.051.001

Scope and Content

Constructed 1803-08; altered 1857, 1908, 1915; restored 1955, 1990s. Completed in 1808 on an original lot of Charleston's Grand Modell, the Nathaniel Russell House is recognized as one of America's finest examples of Neoclassical domestic architecture. Its builder, Nathaniel Russell (1738-1820), was a prominent merchant from New England who came to Charleston as a young man of 27 and quickly amassed a huge fortune as one of Charleston's last tycoons of the transatlantic trade, engaged in commerce with China, Africa, France, and England. In landscape setting Russell's house differs from most of Charleston's early urban dwellings; it sits back from the street approximately 30 feet, creating a front garden entrance through which the house is entered at ground level. Wrought-iron balconies on the 2nd exterior wrap around the house and overlook the garden. The main house was originally part of a large townhouse complex that included the 2-story brick kitchen and laundry connected to a larger 2-story, T-shaped brick carriage house with stables, storerooms, privies, and quarters for the Russell's approximately 18 slaves on the 2nd floor. Running along the south side of the property is Price's Alley, a thoroughfare since the 18th century that housed Irish immigrants and African American tradesmen in the antebellum period. This house points to a reliance on architectural pattern books for detail, although the architect for the Russell House remains unknown. The 3-story house contains only 3 rooms on each floor. Each floor utilizes the geometric patterns of a square room, an oval room, and a rectangular room. A free-flying, or cantilever, staircase connects the 3 floors and is perhaps the most stunning interior architectural feature in the city. In 1809 one of Russell's daughters, Alicia, married Arthur Middleton, and the house served as their residence for the next 10 years. Sarah Russell, another daughter, married the Reverend Theodore Dehon, whose death 4 years later of yellow fever sent Mrs. Dehon and her 3 children back to live at the Russell House. After Nathaniel Russell's death in 1820 and his wife's death in 1832, the house was inherited by Sarah Russell Dehon, who continued to live there with her daughter, her son-in-law, and their 12 children. In 1857 the house was purchased by Gov. R.F.W. Allston. He, his family, and their slaves were forced to evacuate the house during Charleston's 500-day bombardment by Federal troops. The house survived intact, although after Gov. Allston's death one year later, Mrs. Allston had to open it as a boardinghouse and a female academy. In 1870 the Allston executors sold the property to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy who owned the house for the next 38 years, after which it was returned to single family residential use. Purchased by HCF in 1955 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974, the Russell House is today open to the public as a house museum. (Poston, Buildings of Charleston.) Collection consists of: Series: History, Architecture, Archaeology. Historical, architectural, and archaeological information about the Russell House, Russell family history, and information pertaining to the operation of the house as a museum. (Two boxes.) Series: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation. Correspondence and other documentation related to restoration, renovation, and conservation efforts, the bulk relating to the mid-1990s restoration and the 2013 renovation. (Two boxes.) See Frances Edmunds Papers, Box 10, for documentation of the 1955 renovation; "Service Building" specifications on Media tab. Series: Garden/Landscape. Documentation related to the garden and landscape. (One box.) Series: Furnishings. Documentation related to house furnishings and decoration. (One box.) Series: Russell Family Members. Biographical information and other documentation related to various Russell family members and business associates of Nathaniel Russell. Includes photocopies of correspondence, excerpts from publications, research notes, wills and other legal documents, etc. Much of correspondence to/from non-family members pertains to shipments of cargo and slaves and other financial transactions. (Note: Manuscript materials came from a variety of repositories and were presumably acquired by or provided to HCF researchers over the years. Many files also include the correspondence from repositories. (Six boxes.) Series: Photographs. B&W and color prints, negatives, and other transparencies of the exterior and exterior features, interior and interior features, and people (both family members and photos of various at the NRH). (Three boxes.) See Container List for more detailed descriptions of box contents.

Collection

Historic Charleston Foundation Property Records

Acquisition

Accession

MEETING.051.

Source or Donor

51 Meeting Street (Nathaniel Russell House)

Acquisition Method

Collected by Staff

Lexicon

LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials

Brochures, Business enterprises, Color in architecture, Family trees, Fund raising, Furnishings, Plats, Wallpaper

Search Terms

Meeting Street, National Register of Historic Places, Loutrel Briggs garden, Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.), Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Designs and plans, Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Family, Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Finance, Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Interpretive programs, Russell, Nathaniel, 1738-1820, Historic buildings--South Carolina--Charleston, Historic house museums--South Carolina--Charleston, Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Administration, Historic house museums--Educational aspects, Historic house museums--Interpretive programs, Art collections, Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.), Deeds, Genealogy, Guest books, Land titles, Museums and collections--Inventories, Tour guides (Persons), Trompe l'oeil

Legacy Lexicon

Object Name

Collection

Archive Details

Archive Size/Extent

~5 lin. ft.

Archive Notes

Associated Material: Allston Family Papers and Elizabeth Allston Pringle papers at Special Collections at College of Charleston and SC Historical Society. Some are digitized on the Lowcountry Digital Library. NY Historical Society's Manuscript Collections Related to Slavery: (1) two-page letter from Nathaniel Russell to Stephen Dublois, merchant in Newport, RI, continuing discussion of late payments to Dublois. Russell cites delayed profit from Captain [Nathaniel?] Shearman's "cargo of negros." (2) letter from Nathaniel Russell in Charleston to William and Samuel Vernon of Newport, RI. (See Multimedia tab.) Level of Description: Collection

Archive Items Details

Title

Nathaniel Russell/Russell Family

Description

Notes and other documentation regarding Nathaniel Russell and family members. Includes "Some Notes on Nathaniel Russell, the Original Owner and Builder of the Nathaniel Russell House" compiled and edited by Henry P. Staats; transcript of NR's will; biographical information on Alicia Hopton Middleton; and transparency (B&W) of portrait of Nathaniel Russell. See Staats biographical notes on Media tab.

Container

Folder 10

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Clippings (20th Century)

Description

Various clippings from newspapers and other publications (1934-present). Includes illustrated sales brochure (Previews, Inc., ca. 1955); reprint of Antiques magazine article, "History in Houses," by Frances R. Edmunds, Feb. 1966); reprint of Architectural Digest article, "Historic Houses: An Old Southern Mansion: the Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston, photographs by Charles S. White, 1979); newspaper articles (1985-1995); report from HCF's Docent Dialogue on the progress of the restoration (2001).

Container

Folder 03

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House: Title to Real Estate

Description

Photocopy of Title to Real Estate dated March 29, 1955, conveying the Russell House to HCF from Virginia R.P. Rue, Mary R.P. Maybank, Frances J.P. Huger, Jane H.P. King, and Francis J. Pelzer, Jr. Original is in HCF's fireproof safe.

Date(s) of Creation

1955

Container

Folder 01

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House: Plats

Description

As-built survey (plat) of the Nathaniel Russell House (Keith K. Ruddy, March 23, 1990). (Copy of MEETING.051.006.) "Existing Topo Plan" for First Scots Presbyterian Church showing the shared brick wall (Cumming & McCrady, 2009). (See MEETING.057.1 Media link for pdf.)

Container

Folder 04

Subjects

Plats

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)

Notes

Date: 1990, 2009 Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House: Measured Drawings

Description

Measured drawings of the Nathaniel Russell House: 1st Floor Plan, 2nd Floor Plan, 3rd Floor Plan, Attic Plan, Roof Plan, West Elevation, South Elevation, East Elevation, North Elevation, Building Sections. (Reduced-size copy of MEETING.051.013.

Creator

Keyes, Glenn H.

Date(s) of Creation

1996

Container

Folder 05

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Oval Dining Room Wallpaper Color Sample

Description

Letter from Adlephi Paper Hangings, LLC, dated 4/17/2002, and sample of the wallpaper for the Oval Dining Room, verditer color, Munsell no. 7.5 BG 7/4.

Date(s) of Creation

2002

Container

Folder 23

Subjects

Wallpaper

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Tromp L'Oiel (Painted Sample)

Description

Painted sample of the tromp l'oile painted cornice, third-floor bedroom.

Date(s) of Creation

2002

Container

Folder 24

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.), Trompe l'oeil

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Historic Newspaper Notices

Description

Notices and advertisements from the late-18th century pertaining to the various business and other enterprises of Nathaniel Russell. (From America's Historical Newspapers database.)

Container

Folder 13

Subjects

Business enterprises

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.), Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)

Notes

Date: Late-18th century Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Russell Family Genealogy/Family Charts

Description

Family charts for the family of Nathaniel and Sarah Russell Hopton, William and Sarah Clapp Hopton; family tree of the Middleton family. Both are unattributed as to creator and undated. See Russell Family Chart on Media tab.

Container

Folder 11

Subjects

Family trees

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Family, Genealogy

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Brochures

Description

Two early brochures for the Nathaniel Russell House. Both refer to the "Open House Series" (Festival of Homes), and the later of the two refers to the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project.

Container

Folder 15

Subjects

Brochures

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)

Notes

Date: ca. 1957, ca. 1960s Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House: Fundraising

Description

Fundraising brochure. Includes brief history of the house, summary of restoration efforts from 1998-2002, and future efforts needed.

Date(s) of Creation

circa 2003

Container

Folder 22

Subjects

Fund raising, Brochures

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Finance

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Guest Book

Description

Nathaniel Russell House guest book from Oct. 8, 1964 through March 21, 1965. Guests are from all over the U.S. and some from overseas (e.g., London, Paris). Lady Bird Johnson is the first signature. (See also, photo of her with Frances Edmunds.)

Date(s) of Creation

1965 - 1965

Container

Folder 21

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.), Guest books

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Docent Resource Materials

Description

Documents for Nathaniel Russell House docents (a/k/a "hostesses") containing information about the Nathaniel Russell House, the Russell Family, and procedures for conducting tours of the house. Also includes room-by-room descriptions, including furnishings and art work.

Creator

Historic Charleston Foundation

Date(s) of Creation

1956 - 2002

Container

Folder 16

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Educational aspects, Tour guides (Persons)

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Interpretive Scripts

Description

Interpretive scripts (1960s, 1970s, 1980s) for docents to use when conducting tours of the Nathaniel Russell House. Provides information about Nathaniel Russell and room-by-room descriptions, including furnishings and art work.

Creator

Historic Charleston Foundation

Container

Folder 18

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Educational aspects, Tour guides (Persons)

Notes

Date: ca. 1960s-1980s Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Information for Hostesses Notebook

Description

Information about a variety of topics and subjects pertaining to the interpretation of the NRH. Includes excerpts from and transcripts of manuscripts, newspaper clippings, and research notes. Compiled and edited by Mrs. R.S. Meadowcroft, Russell House Administrator and Curator of Education from 1955-1984. See Media Link for searchable index. (Originally assembled as 3 volumes in three-ring binders.)

Container

Folder 17

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Interpretive programs, Historic house museums--Educational aspects

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

HCF Correspondence

Description

Internal correspondence related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 01

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

NRH Oversight Committee Minutes

Description

NRH Oversight Committee minutes related to the 1996 restoration.

Date(s) of Creation

1989 - 1995

Container

Folder 02

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Restoration Team

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 03

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Orlando Ridout

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 04

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Willie Graham

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 05

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

HSR Correspondence, Notes, Reports

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 06

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Phillips & Oppermann Correspondence

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 07

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Phillips & Oppermann Field Reports

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 08

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Glenn Keyes

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 09

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Meadors Construction

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 10

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Project Description-Roof

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration. Contains "Roof Inspection and Recommendations" submitted by Phillips & Oppermann, November 8-10, 1989; NRH Roof Restoration Project Description report submitted to the SCDAH Grants Coordinator, 6/24/1993.

Container

Folder 11

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Frontispiece Restoration

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 12

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Emergency Repairs

Description

Documentation related to the 1996 restoration.

Container

Folder 13

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

HCF Correspondence re: Russell Family History and Documents

Description

Letters of inquiry to and from a variety of historical societies about the existence of Russell documents in their possession, and from individuals regarding Russell family history.

Date(s) of Creation

1960 - 1991

Container

Folder 12

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Administrative/Operations

Description

Correspondence related to the administration and operation of the Nathaniel Russell House, 1977-78, 1983-84. Scant contents. Includes documentation of the armed robbery of the ticket office in 1984.

Date(s) of Creation

1977 - 1984

Container

Folder 19

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Chronology

Description

Chronological list of status/changes to the Russell House garden (1779-1937); timeline for the Russell House garden (1956-2010).

Date(s) of Creation

1779 - 1937

Container

Folder 01

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Garden Research/Administrative Notes

Description

Includes "Archaeologial Recommendations for the Nathaniel Russell House Garden (Oct. 2010); list of NRH trees and shrubs (2007); Nathaniel Russell House Garden Guiding Principles (HCF, 2011); garden tour script (2011); "Russell House Garden Assessment (Cox, 2011); excerpts from "Memorable Days in America: Being a Journal of a Tour to the United States..." by W. Faux; history of indigo (research notes); list of Monticello garden seeds.

Container

Folder 02

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Landscape Plans and Maps

Description

Includes Favretti plans (February and July 1981); "Landscape Specifications" (Favretty, July 1981); irrigation system maps (1972, 1981).

Container

Folder 03

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Miscellaneous

Description

Bulb catalog; list of authentic plants for restoring and reproducing period landscapes (Favretti); Planting Revisions-Plan I of II (Loutrel Briggs, 1981)

Container

Folder 04

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Miscellaneous

Description

Bills and payments (1971); CVs for landscape architects; correspondence; contract between HCF and Favretti; BAR application (1982); plant materials ordered (1982); list of plants (1820); plant descriptions; USDA report (1966); etc.

Container

Folder 05

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Miscellaneous

Description

Article on garden at Monticello; plant list; correspondence between FRE and Favretti, et al.; tulip and flower catalogs; bills

Container

Folder 06

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Historic Landscape Treatment & Site Recommendations

Description

By Tunnell & Tunnell, 2007. (See Media link for pdf.)

Date(s) of Creation

2007

Container

Folder 07

Notes

Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Inventories

Description

Includes furnishings lists and inventories from ca. 1955, 1967, 1977, 1982, late 1980s; miscellaneous related lists and notes; list of donors and lenders to RH collection (1970).

Container

Folder 01

Notes

Date: 1955-1980s Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1955

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH. Includes sketches of draperies, third floor plan (Simons & Lapham and Henry P. Staats); paint brochures; captioned newspaper article "Architectural Photographer to Portray Historic Interiors"; and reference photograph of room from a house in Baltimore (Metropolitan Museum of Art photo).

Date(s) of Creation

1955

Container

Folder 02

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1956

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1958

Container

Folder 03

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1957

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1957

Container

Folder 04

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1958

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1958

Container

Folder 05

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1959

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1959

Container

Folder 06

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1960

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1960

Container

Folder 07

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1961

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1961

Container

Folder 08

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1962

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH.

Date(s) of Creation

1962

Container

Folder 09

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

Furnishings and Decorating - 1970-1986

Description

Documentation and correspondence regarding the planning for furnishing and decorating the NRH. Includes sample of hand-tied fringe.

Date(s) of Creation

1970 - 1986

Container

Folder 10

Notes

Container: Furnishings/Decoration - Box 1

Title

House History

Description

Various house histories over the years (1950s-1990s), some similar in content. File also contains "Finishes Analysis for Selected Chips" by Noble Preservation, Feb. 1999.

Container

Folder 02

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Elevations and Floor Plans - Development/Changes

Description

Elevations and floor plans spanning five periods of ownership: Russell, ca. 1808-1832; Dehon, ca. 1840; Allston, ca. 1864; Our Lady of Mercy, ca. 1870; and Mullaly, ca. 1913.

Container

Folder 06

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Floor Plans - Our Lady of Mercy

Description

First, second, and third floor plans possibly by Barbot, ca. 1870, prepared for Mrs. R.F.W. Alston or the Sisters of Mercy. (Reduced-size photocopy of MEETING.051.015.)

Container

Folder 07

Notes

Date: ca. 1870? Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Simons & Lapham Architectural Drawings

Description

"Restoration of the Nathaniel Russell House" drawings by Simons & Lapham, 1955. (Reduced-size photocopy of portions of MEETING.051.014.)

Date(s) of Creation

1955

Container

Folder 08

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Garden Plans/Drawings

Description

Two garden plan sketches (unattributed, undated) and site plan showing archaeological excavations (1995). See also Garden and Landscaping box.

Container

Folder 09

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Bibliography

Description

Bibliography from the Getty Grant application. Includes names of repositories with Nathaniel Russell papers and other resources.

Container

Folder 14

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House Booklets

Description

Draft of the Nathaniel House booklet, published in 1985. Published copy not available in HCF's library. (Written and published at the same time as booklet for Edmonston-Alston House by Tom Savage.) Two copies of Nathaniel Russell House by Tom Savage, 1997.

Container

Folder 20

Notes

Date: 1985, 1997 Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 1

Title

Bowen, Susanna

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Susanna Brown.

Date(s) of Creation

1789 - 1790

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Brown, Nicholas & Co.

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Brown, Nicholas & Co.

Date(s) of Creation

1769 - 1779

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Bull, William

Description

Five files, correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to William Bull.

Date(s) of Creation

1779 - 1787

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Champlin, Christopher

Description

Three files, correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin.

Date(s) of Creation

1771 - 1797

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Cheves-Middleton Family Papers

Description

Two files: will of Landon Cheves and correspondence, including letters from Anne Middleton Izard to her grandmother Alice D. Izard, and letters from Alicia Hopton Russell Middleton to her sister-in-law Eurette Barrewall Middleton.

Notes

Date: 1825-1826, 1832 Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Clapp, Gilson

Description

Papers: genealogical and biographical information, wills of Elizabeth Clapp and Gilson Clapp.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Clark, John Innes

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell John Innes Clark.

Date(s) of Creation

1793

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Davis, Caleb

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Caleb Davis.

Date(s) of Creation

1784

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Deblois, Stephen

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Stephen Deblois.

Date(s) of Creation

1786

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Dehon Family

Description

Eight files: correspondence, miscellaneous papers, geographical and biographical information, etc., including will of Helen M. Dehon, thesis of Theodore Dehon, inventory of Theodore Dehon, etc. (PDF of Theodore Dehon inventory also available.)

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Dehon, Theodore (Bishop)

Description

Three files: correspondence, miscellaneous papers, biographical information, estate inventory, etc. (PDF of estate inventory also available.)

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Dehon, William

Description

Miscellaneous correspondence.

Notes

Date: 1840s Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Derby, Elias Hasket

Description

Miscellaneous correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Elias Hasket Derby.

Date(s) of Creation

1785 - 1786

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Dewolf Family

Description

Genealogical information and miscellaneous documentation.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Gilchrist, Adam

Description

NR's appointment of Gilchrist to act on his behalf..

Date(s) of Creation

1802

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Grafton, Joseph and Joshua

Description

Letter from Nathaniel Russell regarding the sale of slaves to the Graftons; excerpt from "Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade to America by Elizabeth Donnan (1935).

Date(s) of Creation

1785

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Greene, Nathaniel

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Nathaniel Greene.

Date(s) of Creation

1781 - 1786

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Gregorie, James

Description

Two files: genealogical and biographical information, will.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Gregorie, Mary C. Hopton

Description

Miscellaneous papers including will, property plats and garden plans.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Gibbs & Channing

Description

Correspondence to Nathaniel Russell from Gibbs & Channing, partners in the ownership of Nathaniel Russell's ship, The Russell, the only documented 18th-century vessel known to have engaged in the China trade directly from Charleston. Captained by William Wood.

Date(s) of Creation

1797

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Hopton Family

Description

Five files: correspondence, miscellaneous papers, biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Hopton, John

Description

Three files: correspondence, biographical and genealogical information, miscellaneous papers including property plat, legal document (Hopton vs. Jones), etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Hopton, Sarah

Description

Miscellaneous papers including will of Sarah Hopton, biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Hopton, William

Description

Nine files: correspondence, miscellaneous papers including will of William Hopton and property inventory, genealogical and biographical information, related property information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Laurens, Henry

Description

Correspondence to Nathaniel Russell from Henry Laurens.

Date(s) of Creation

1778

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Lopez, Aaron

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Aaron Lopez. Also contains excerpt from "Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade to America" by Elizabeth Donnan (1935).

Date(s) of Creation

1772 - 1773

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Mathews, S.

Description

Correspondence to Nathaniel Russell to S. Matthews.

Date(s) of Creation

1819

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Middleton Family

Description

Three files: correspondence, miscellaneous family papers including estate inventory of Julia Porcher Middleton, will of Henry I. Middleton, etc. Estate inventory of Julia Porcher Middleton and wills of Henry I. Middleton also available as PDFs.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Alicia Hopton

Description

Miscellaneous papers, newspaper articles, correspondence, probate document, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Alicia Russell

Description

Nine files: miscellaneous papers, biographical information, etc. Includes Grand Tour letters.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Arthur

Description

Two files: biographical information, will, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Annie DeWolf

Description

Letter to Russell Middleton.

Date(s) of Creation

1842

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, James Smith

Description

Two files: family reminiscenses.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Nathaniel Russell

Description

Ten files: inventory of Nathaniel Russell Middleton papers at UNC Southern Historical Collection (1990), miscellaneous correspondence to Nathaniel Russell Middleton.

Date(s) of Creation

1827 - 1842

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Ralph Izard

Description

Two files: miscellaneous papers, Robert Leath research notes, biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Middleton, Walter Izard

Description

Letters from NRM to his father, sister, brother, and "Tottie," written in Florence and Paris.

Date(s) of Creation

1853

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Paine Family

Description

Three files: miscellaneous papers, genealogical and biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

Pinckney, Charles

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell.

Date(s) of Creation

1790

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 3

Title

King, Isaac

Description

Two files, correspondence to Nathaniel Ruseell from Isaac King.

Date(s) of Creation

1783 - 1784

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 2

Title

Powell Family

Description

Two files: miscellaneous papers, biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Read Papers

Description

Two files, correspondence from (?) to Mrs. Charles (Betsy) Ludlow and Mrs. Ann Edgar(?).

Date(s) of Creation

1812 - 1814

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Alicia

Description

Correspondence to Caroline Munro.

Date(s) of Creation

1803 - 1804

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Anna

Description

Estate inventory

Date(s) of Creation

1823

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Joseph

Description

Two files: miscellaneous papers, geographical and biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Nathaniel

Description

Eight files of correspondence, miscellaneous papers, geographical and biographical information, etc., including "Some Notes on Nathaniel Russell" by Henry P. Staats and Bristol County, RI, information. Six files related to the Estate of Nathaniel Russell including Will of Nathaniel Russell, equity decrees and bills (1822) See Staats biographical notes and excerpt from "Biographical Directory of the SC House of Representatives" on Media tab.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Sarah Hopton

Description

Two files: correspondence, miscellaneous papers, geographical and biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Sarah

Description

Correspondence from Sarah Russell to her son, Nathaniel Russell Middleton. Also includes "Petition for the Protestant Episcopal Domestic Missionary Society" signed by SR (1829).

Date(s) of Creation

1827

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell, Tom

Description

Documentation related to the trial of Tom Russell and his role in the Denmark Vesey conspiracy. File also includes research notes and supporting documentation indicating that Tom Russell belonged to a different Sarah Russell.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 4

Title

Russell Family

Description

Nine files: miscellaneous papers, geographical and biographical information, etc., regarding various Russell family members.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Russell Equity Bills

Description

Nine files.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Russell Slaves

Description

Four files: miscellaneous documentation related to Russell's slaves including bill of sale records; excerpts from "Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade to America"; research notes; information about David Payne and a copy of "Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne's Protestation of American Slavery"; summary of information regarding the enslaved and other African American individuals at the NRH (Jamie Mansbridge, HCF Intern, 2017); excerpts from the NRH HSR with references to enslaved individuals.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Smith, William Loughton

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell, biographical information. including bill of sale records, excerpts from "Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade to America," research notes, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Stiles, Ezra (Rev.)

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Rev. Ezra Stiles of Newport, RI.

Date(s) of Creation

1766 - 1768

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Talbot, Silas

Description

Two files: correspondence to Talbot from Russell regarding cargo and a slave, and a synopsis of Talbot's mercantile enterprises.

Date(s) of Creation

1786 - 1801

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 5

Title

Trapier, Sarah Dehon

Description

Correspondence from Sarah Russell Dehon Trapier (2 letters), "An Account of the Experiences of the Family of the Rev. and Mrs. Paul Trapier During and After the War Between the States (by Sarah Dehon Trapier).

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

Trapier, Paul

Description

Four files: correspondence and biographical information, etc.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

Vernon, Samuel and William

Description

Correspondence from Nathaniel Russell to Samuel and William Vernon regarding cargo and slaves.

Date(s) of Creation

1769 - 1770

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

Ward, Alicia

Description

Will of Alicia Ward, excerpts from SC Gazette relating to her son-in-law, William Linthwaite.

Notes

Date: 1732, 1739-1770 Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

zAds

Description

Three files: advertisements and other announcements from various newspapers relating to Nathaniel Russell, some pertaining to slave sales.

Date(s) of Creation

1765 - 1820

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

zNathaniel Russell's Legacy: Ancestry and Legacy Continued

Description

Script (possibly for a slide presentation to Russell descendants) by Robert A. Leath. Also includes draft and some source material. Date not indicated.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

zIndex: The Nathaniel Russell Papers, 1765-1837

Description

Two files: index to the papers of and other materials related to Nathaniel Russell from a variety of sources and repositories. Edited and compiled by Robert A. Leath in 1995 as part of the Nathaniel Russell House Research Series, in conjunction with the Getty Architectural Conservation Grant. (One file contains disk file directories that are obsolete.)

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

zLegal Documents

Description

Two files: Last Will and Testament of Nathaniel Russell (1802); Marriage Settlement of John Chichester and Mary Beatrix Powell (1794); Marriage Settlement of James Gregorie and Mary Christiana Hopton (1789); Marriage Settlement of Nathaniel Russell and Sarah Hopton (1789); Arthur Middleton vs. Sarah Dehon, Alicia H. Middleton, et al., Bill for Partition (1835) and Master's Report.

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

zResearch Correspondence

Description

Correspondence to Robert Leath from the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Essex Institute relating to research requests. Includes card catalog(?) entries for various items related to NR.

Date(s) of Creation

1992

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

Barrell, Joseph

Description

Two files, correspondence to Nathaniel Russell from Joseph Barrell.

Date(s) of Creation

1795 - 1796

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

Interior Finishes Report

Description

Paint analysis of the two-story hyphen, conducted during the 2012-2013 renovation/restoration. (See catalog record MEETING.051.031.) PDF available on NRH Renovation DVD, filename: "Nathaniel Russell House Report Paint Analysis."

Creator

Ford, Frances

Date(s) of Creation

2012

Container

Folder 18

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Archaeology Reports

Description

Reports on archaeological projects at the Nathaniel Russell House. Includes: Report on spoil from trenches (Jeff Parker, Bill Hunt, and Linda Sloan, 1982); "A Report on the Excavations at the Nathaniel Russell House" for the project to monitor the excavations under and around the NRH (Charles Andrus, 1991) Three reports by Martha Zierden that preceded her full report, Big House/Back Lot: "Plan of Work: Archaeological Excavations at Nathaniel Russell" (1994); "Plan of Work, 1995 Season: Archaeological Excavations at Nathaniel Russell" (1995); and "Preliminary Report: Architectural Evidence Derived from archaeological Investigations, 1994-1995" (1996). NRH Kitchen House Project archaeology report "Field Report: Excavations in the Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen" (May-June 2021). Zierden reports also available as PDFs (in file); Parker, et al., report also available as PDF (see Media tab).

Creator

Charles Andres; Martha Zierden; Jeff Parker

Container

Folder 25

Notes

Date: 1982, 1991-1995. 2021 Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Historic Paint Finishes Study

Description

Report on samples from the wall surface of the stair hall (Mathew John Mosca). Conducted at the request of Glenn Keyes, Feb. 12, 1999.

Creator

Mosca, Matthew J.

Date(s) of Creation

1999

Container

Folder 26

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.) -- Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Preliminary Planning

Description

Documentation related to the 2012-2013 restoration and renovations. Includes: Project timeline; memorandum to NRH Committee re: justification for NRH renovation; A.I.A. Standard Form of Agreement between Historic Charleston Foundation and the contractor, Rhode Construction Co., Glen Keyes Architects; Change Order; Specifications for the Rehabilitation of the Nathaniel Russell House* (Glen Keyes Architects, Sept. 5, 2012). *Speciifications available on PDF, NRH Renovation DVD, filename: "NRH-SPECS 9-6-12."

Date(s) of Creation

2012

Container

Folder 14

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Budget

Description

Documentation of the budget for the 2012-2013 renovation.

Date(s) of Creation

2012

Container

Folder 15

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

HVAC System

Description

Documentation related to the 2012-2013 restoration and renovations. Includes description of the old system; Ad Hoc Committee for Addition and HVAC Upgrades minutes; and correspondence from Whole Business Systems proposal and project overview. (*PDF of WBS proposal available on NRH Renovation DVD, filename: "Nathaniel Russell House HVAC Replacement WBS fee proposal 2012 07 19." Also contains the following reports: "Archaeological Mitigation for the New HVAC System and Renovation at Nathaniel Russell House: Mitigation Draft Report" by Archaeological Research Collective (Nov. 2013). PDF available on NRH Renovation DVD, filename: "NRH Archaeology Rpt. 12.13." "Energy Audit and Case Study for a Commercial Historic Structure Located in Warm and Humid Climates" by M. Dennis Knight (5/6/2012).

Creator

Archaeological Research Collective, Inc.

Date(s) of Creation

2013

Container

Folder 16

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Progress Reports

Description

Progress reports from Glenn Keyes Architects, Whole Building Systems (WBS), and S&ME, related to the 2012-2013 restoration/renovation.

Date(s) of Creation

2012 - 2013

Container

Folder 17

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Art Gallery (re: 2012-2013 Restoration)

Description

Documentation related to the creation of a new art (exhibit) galleries during the 2012-2013 renovation/restoration. Includes proposal and preliminary shop drawings (paint, lighting plans) (TTS Studios). PDFs of the lighting plans available on NRH Renovation DVD, filenames: "NRH-Gallery109-LightPlan" and "NRH-Gallery207-LightPlan."

Date(s) of Creation

2012 - 2013

Container

Folder 19

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Photographs: 2012-2013 Restoration

Description

Digital color photographs documenting the renovation, including the trenching for the HVAC system (for archaeological purposes). "Contact sheet" of photographs (2.75"x2") in file, with DVD containing all images. PDF of contact sheets available on NRH Renovation DVD, filenames: "NRH2012-13Renov.Photos" and "NRH2012-13Renov.TrenchingPhotos."

Date(s) of Creation

2012 - 2013

Container

Folder 20

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Nathaniel Russell House Photographs

Description

B&W and color photographs of the Nathaniel Russell House exterior and interior, and photographs of people, both family members and various people at the NRH.

Notes

Location: AV Materials Container: NRH Photos-1

Title

Nathaniel Russell House Photographs

Description

B&W and color photographs, negatives, and transparencies of the Nathaniel Russell House exterior and interior. Includes photographs of the 1955 restoration and the Getty Grant documentation negatives.

Notes

Location: AV Materials Container: NRH Photos-2

Title

Nathaniel Russell House Photographs

Description

Room-by-room photographic documentation of the Nathaniel Russell House. Also includes photo documentation of the balustrade before restoration (1992), documentation of water damage (1994), photographs of the exterior, interior, and garden by John Blais (1997); documentation of brick courtyards and walkways (Carroll Anne Bowers, 2007).

Notes

Location: AV Materials Container: NRH Photos-3

Title

zBill of Lading

Description

Bill of lading from March 29, 1771, for the sloop Charlestown, bound for Newport, Rhode Island, with a cargo of "two hogsheads & four barrels Pimento & Ten logs Mahogany" (Object ID# 2014.026.1). Moved to Museums Collections.

Date(s) of Creation

1771

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 6

Title

Interior Entry Room Doors Report

Description

"Nathaniel Russell House Interior Entry Room Doors," prepared by Meadors, Inc., December 12., 2016.

Date(s) of Creation

2016

Container

Folder 22

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Title

Dehon, Sarah (Russell)

Description

Transcript of the will of Sarah Dehon. (PDF also available.)

Notes

Container: Family Correspondence/Documents - Box 1

Title

HCF Trustee Minutes

Description

Excerpts from HCF Trustee Minutes related to the Russell House Garden. Includes planning, budget information, updates (including the work done by Favretti), etc.

Container

Folder 08

Notes

Date: 1955-1967, 1981-1982 Container: Garden/Landscape - Box 1

Title

H.A. DeCosta Company Invoices

Description

Invoices from the H.A. DeCosta Company for repair and other work done from 1976-1980.

Date(s) of Creation

1976 - 1980

Container

Folder 27

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.) -- Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Historical/Architectural Information - Box 2

Title

Mortar Analysis

Description

"Nathaniel Russell House Mortar Analysis Report," prepared by Meadors, Inc., September 19, 2016.

Date(s) of Creation

2016

Container

Folder 21

Search Terms

Nathaniel Russell House (Charleston, S.C.)--Conservation and restoration

Notes

Container: Restoration/Renovation/Conservation

Location

Location

Container

Document Box

Shelf

NRH Shelves

Room

Margaretta P. Childs Archives

Building

Missroon House

Category

Permanent

Date

February 7, 2023

Location

Shelf

Prop File Shelves, Property File Shelves

Room

Margaretta P. Childs Archives

Building

Missroon House

Category

Permanent

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Russell, Nathaniel

Person or Organization

Russell, Sarah Hopton

Person or Organization

Allston, Adele Petigru

Person or Organization

Allston, Robert Francis Withers

Person or Organization

Dehon, Reverend Theodore

Person or Organization

Middleton Family

Related Entries

Notes

2005.004.029, 2006.002.0106, 2007.008.52, 2007.008.53, 2008.002.0108, 2008.002.0116, 2008.002.0117a, 2008.002.0118a, 2008.002.0118b, 2008.002.0118c, 2008.002.0118d, 2008.003.10a-b, 2008.003.9a-b, 2009.002.064, 2009.010.1.24, 2009.010.1.25, 2012.002.037, 2012.002.038, 2012.002.039, 2012.002.040, 2012.002.041, 2013.002.127, 2014.014.05, 2014.015.25, 2017.005.9a-b, 2021.013.11a-c, MEETING.051.002, MEETING.051.003, MEETING.051.004, MEETING.051.005, MEETING.051.006, MEETING.051.007, MEETING.051.008, MEETING.051.009, MEETING.051.010, MEETING.051.011, MEETING.051.012, MEETING.051.013, MEETING.051.014, MEETING.051.015, MEETING.051.016, MEETING.051.017, MEETING.051.018, MEETING.051.019, MEETING.051.020, MEETING.051.021, MEETING.051.022, MEETING.051.023, MEETING.051.024, MEETING.051.025, MEETING.051.026, MEETING.051.027, MEETING.051.028, MEETING.051.029, MEETING.051.030, MEETING.051.031a, MEETING.051.031b, MEETING.051.032, MEETING.051.033a-c, MEETING.051.034, MEETING.051.035, MEETING.051.036, MEETING.051.037, MEETING.051.038, MEETING.051.039, MEETING.051.040, MEETING.051.041, MEETING.051.041a-u, MEETING.051.042, MEETING.051.043, MEETING.051.044, MEETING.051.044a-b, MEETING.051.045a-b, MEETING.051.046a-d, MEETING.051.047a-b, MEETING.051.048, MEETING.051.049, MEETING.051.050, MEETING.051.051, MEETING.051.052 See Objects catalog for records that describe the furnishings, art, and other artifacts on display in, or otherwise pertaining to, the Nathaniel Russell House. Related Units of Description: Architectural drawings, photographs, publications, and manuscript materials are also available. Research files at the Russell House (copied manuscript materials), primarily gathered by Robert Leath during his tenure as assistant curator, including probate material, genealogical information, and some family correspondence (which may have been duplicated in archives files).

Related Publications

Notes

Buildings of Charleston (see Abstract), pg. 261-262. Historic structure survey as well as publications linked to this record. FOH Tour booklets on Lowcountry Digital Library.

General Notes

Note

Notes: Image in this record from 2008.003.17. NRH square footage is 7,576 sq. ft. 1886 Earthquake Damage Assessment on Media link. Field 01: https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2%B047%2729.2%22N+79%C2%B056%2705.3%2

Created By

admin@catalogit.app

Create Date

June 5, 2006

Updated By

admin@catalogit.app

Update Date

February 17, 2023